Fort Huachuca, Arizona -The Joint Interoperability Test Command change of responsibility ceremony marked the end of a chapter for one and the beginning of another for Sgt. Maj. Lewis Brown and Sgt. Maj. Monekia Denkins, at the Greely Hall auditorium May 21.
As family, friends and colleagues gathered in attendance, Brown passed responsibilities as JITC's senior enlisted leader to incoming senior enlisted leader Denkins.
Using the noncommissioned officers' sword to symbolize the change of responsibility, Brown passed the sword to U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Antonio Vizcarrondo, the Defense Information Systems Agency's senior enlisted advisor. Vizcarrondo then passed the sword to Denkins, who accepted his charge to provide advice to guide JITC and for the well-being of JITC Service members, civilians and their families.
Following the formal passing of the sword, Vizcarrondo provided remarks welcoming Denkins to JITC.
"Sergeant Major Denkins, you have a great reputation," Vizcarrondo said. "We are excited that you are here and we know that you are going to do great things within JITC and within DISA. I look forward to working with you and the best of luck to you and your family during your tour here at Fort Huachuca."
In response, Denkins said, "I am truly honored and humbled to be joining this most distinguished team of Service members and civilians. I pledge to give this organization my absolute best by ensuring that every member of this team is able to continue to provide joint warfighting IT capabilities."
Immediately following the change of responsibility, Brown retired, having serving 30 years in the U.S. Army with the last three at JITC.
Col. Douglas Orsi, commander of JITC and host of the retirement ceremony, addressed the audience and the Brown family.
"Sergeant Major Brown is the epitome of a noncommissioned officer. He makes things happen," Orsi said. "In the Army we say the noncommissioned officer is the backbone of the Army. They run the Army, and Sergeant Major Brown runs JITC. He's a man of integrity. He provides sage wisdom and council to everybody. He is just a wealth of knowledge."
After his remarks, Orsi introduced retired Army Brig. Gen. Frederick Henry, the former DISA chief of staff, presiding officer of the retirement ceremony, and a mentor to Brown.
Henry pointed out the many qualities that made Brown such a memorable leader.
"It is a bit sad that after 30 years it has to come to an end," Henry said. "But I know you are prepared for your transition and I wish you the best. You epitomize greatness and you epitomize what I would consider to be someone notable."
Henry then presented Brown with the Defense Superior Service Medal, signed by the secretary of defense, for exceptional service in a position of significant responsibility.
After the narrator read Brown's retirement orders, Brown addressed the audience last, battling with his emotions as he began his farewell.
Brown thanked his family for their sacrifice and support, his colleagues who played a part throughout his Army career, and the JITC community.
"To the JITC family, I describe you as professionalism at its best and the best-kept secret on Fort Huachuca," he said. "I have been honored since the day I joined the team. You will be missed. And to Sergeant Major Denkins, I wish you much success as the senior enlisted leader of this great organization and I know you will enjoy your time here."
Prior to the ceremony, Anastasia Virden, a member of the B Troop, 4th Regiment, U. S. Cavalry (Memorial) Ladies Auxiliary, presented a bouquet of red roses to Brown's wife, Shanda.
Brown and his family plan to retire in Florida.
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