FORT LEE, Va. - Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy J. Sellers became the 12th Regimental CSM of the Army Quartermaster Corps during an April 30 assumption of responsibility ceremony here in the Lee Club main ballroom.
Hailing from Columbus, Ga., Sellers is a 25-year Army veteran who has served as a drill sergeant, a company first sergeant, a brigade S-4 sergeant major, and an NCO academy commandant during his illustrious career. He also has held a variety of CSM positions to include the top enlisted spot for White Sands Missile Range, N.M. He has deployed four times for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
"CSM Sellers comes to us with an impeccable reputation and a resume that speaks for itself," said Brig. Gen. Ronald Kirklin, Quartermaster General and commandant of the Quartermaster School, who presided over the ceremony and presented the noncommissioned officer sword and regimental charter to Sellers.
"As I considered what I was looking for in a CSM who would serve as my senior enlisted advisor for the regiment, I asked myself the following questions," Kirklin continued. "Is he or she the right fit for the QM Corps given the environment we are operating in? The answer (for Sellers) is yes. Does he or she understand the complexity of moving the (corps) forward to meet the emerging requirements of our Army? The answer is yes, again. Can he or she turn complexity into simplicity so all quartermasters understand what we are asking them to do? The answer is yes. Will he or she be loyal to the Army and this command, including our Soldiers, civilians and families? The answer is yes."
Having "checked all the blocks," Kirklin said he will now count on Sellers to stay in touch with the ground-level truth while serving as a spokesperson for the 95,000 quartermaster Soldiers who serve in active, Army Reserve and National Guard units around the world.
"Without a shadow of doubt, you are the perfect fit to lead Soldiers and (NCOs) of the Quartermaster Corps and serve as my battle buddy," Kirklin said to Sellers. "You have my absolute trust and confidence ... and I will turn to you often for sound counsel and solutions that will shape the future of our enlisted corps."
Earlier in his remarks, the Quartermaster General also offered his thanks to Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Kelly who served as the interim regimental CSM for the past six months. "I can tell you he is extremely dedicated and very loyal to this command and the Army," Kirklin said. "Sergeant major, it was a pleasure working with you."
After acknowledging the many senior leaders and guest dignitaries in attendance - and the contributions of his wife, Shaunette, who has been "his greatest supporter" for the 23 years they have been together - Sellers said he is looking forward to a Fort Lee tour that promises, in his words, excitement and high adventure.
"As our Army continues to transition from a force at war to one of preparation, I am reminded that it's an absolute honor and privilege to be afforded the opportunity to lead in such a prominent and influential institution," the CSM noted. "I can assure you the enormous responsibilities and duties of this office will not be taken lightly."
Speaking directly to the officers, NCOs and civilians who make up the Quartermaster Corps, Sellers said, "This is a decisive point in the lives and careers of our Army's current and future quartermasters. It is a time in which leader development and doctrine are paramount and should always remain uppermost in our minds. I consider it a great honor to join your team. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and work with you in developing relevant, innovative and game-changing solutions for our customers. We owe them our very best efforts each and every day."
Sellers' complete bio is available at www.quartermaster.army.mil/regimental_command_sergeant_major_bio.html.
Social Sharing