Morris replaces Hall as top enlisted Ordnance Soldier

FORT LEE, Va. (Nov. 6, 2014) -- Command Sgt. Maj. Clinton G. Hall passed the Ordnance Corps mantle of responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Edward C. Morris during a Regimental Command Sergeant Major Change of Responsibility ceremony Monday on Whittington Parade Field here.

Brig. Gen. John "Jack" Haley handed the NCO Sword and Ordnance Corps Charter to Morris during the event to welcome him as his new battle buddy.

Hall -- who is set to retire next year -- was recognized by Haley for his service and commitment.

"You have been a trusted advisor and leader to the Ordnance Corps and the U.S. Army, and I want to thank you for your committed service," Haley said.

Speaking of Hall's accomplishments, he continue, "His vision, contributions and initiatives have had a tremendously positive impact on the Ordnance Corps, Sustainment community and the U.S. Army.

"His dedication for over 32 years is clearly evident from the results he achieved as we navigated these last 13 years of combat operations," Haley said. "I am personally grateful to you for being an outstanding battle buddy, wing man and true friend over the last year-and-a-half. You embody in spirit and in action, in word and in deed, every sentence and every word of the Noncommissioned Officer Creed."

After thanking everyone for attending the event, Hall -- who also celebrated his retirement at the end of the ceremony -- said he was grateful for his tenure as the top enlisted Ordnance Soldier.

"It's truly an honor and privilege to have been the Ordnance Corps sergeant major and to be the sphere of influence for so much that goes on in our Army," he said.

During earlier remarks, Haley also spoke kindly of Morris -- who recently served as the CSM for the 59th Ordnance Brigade. The commander said he was honored to add Morris to the team.

"He is a combat-seasoned veteran with multiple deployments," he said. "He is well respected and comes with the highest recommendations from all with who he has served, (including) me."

Morris' stint as the brigade CSM showed that he was an unrelenting mentor to the NCOs at the Ordnance School and brigade, said Haley.

"Without a doubt, there is no better role model and standard bearer in this regiment for character, commitment and competence, and I can assure you there is no question … Sergeant Major Morris is a shining example of the Noncommissioned Officer Creed and all that it stands for," said Haley. "He is one of the best noncommissioned officers that I know and that is why I hand-picked him to serve as the next Ordnance regimental CSM.

"I can't think of a finer NCO in this great Army of ours to take the Soldiers of this command to a great level of readiness and preparedness than CSM Morris," continued Haley.

During his speech, Morris thanked Col. Thomas Rivard, the previous 59th Ordnance Brigade commander, for their time together and said he was grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the corps.

"I am truly honored and humbled to serve as the 12th regimental command sergeant major for the Ordnance Corps," said Morris. "I believe the essence of my existence today is due to the many leaders who I have had the privilege to serve with throughout my career. I cannot thank them enough for making this day a reality."

Morris thanked Haley for the opportunity to serve with him to support the Ordnance Corps.

"It's a privilege and honor to serve with you as your battle buddy," said Morris to Haley. "The greatest thing I can do today is make sure that you see me out here in front and support you, no matter what we do."

Turning his attention to the troops on the field, Morris said it's not really about himself, Hall or the other leaders of the Ordnance community.

"It's about the Soldiers on the field," said Morris. "That's who I give my heart and all of my spirit to. Trust me, you make the Army run. You are the top 1 percent of our nation and for that, I salute you."