Warrior Brigade welcomes new senior enlisted adviser

By Staff Sgt. Grant Matthes, 1st Brigade Combat Team PAO NCOICJuly 2, 2015

1st BCT Change of Responsibility
Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy L. Rose, 1st Brigade Combat team senior enlisted adviser, receives the Noncommissioned Officer Sword from Col. Scott M. Naumann, 1st BCT commander, during a change of responsibility ceremony held June 26 at Magrath Field. Ro... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT DRUM, N.Y. (July 2, 2015) -- Command Sgt. Maj. Mark D. Belda relinquished his position as the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI) senior enlisted adviser to Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy L. Rose during a change of responsibility ceremony June 26 at Fort Drum.

"Command Sgt. Maj. Belda is not one for fanfare; in fact, he really didn't even want to have a change of responsibility ceremony, and the fact that the most memorable experiences he's had in the brigade revolve around Soldiers striving to achieve personal and professional growth says much about this great leader," said Col. Scott M. Naumann, 1st BCT commander.

During the ceremony, leaders conducted a traditional sword passing ceremony to signify the relinquishment and acceptance of responsibility of the brigade.

"I once read that success follows those leaders who can make other Soldiers feel toughened as well as inspired; Command Sgt. Maj. Belda has done both, and while he's never sought the limelight, or never taken credit for the great successes of this brigade, his commitment to Soldier readiness and individual Soldier growth stand as a true testament to his exceptional leadership," Naumann said.

During Belda's time as command sergeant major of the brigade, he oversaw more than 240 live-fire exercises the brigade conducted from team to company level.

"Command Sgt. Maj. Belda loves to win and hates to lose, and his healthy competitive nature is revealed in this physical fitness competition (Iron Warrior Fitness Challenge) designed to recognize excellence in fitness and physical toughness," Naumann said. "As a result of his leadership, this program continues to run today with more and more Warriors seeking to test their mettle along with veteran competitors seeking to best their last performance."

As Belda gave his remarks, he pointed out many of the accomplishments he has seen within the brigade during his time as senior enlisted adviser.

"I really want to thank the outstanding group of Soldiers out here today who are representing this awesome brigade," Belda said. "I have been on five divisional posts and never in my 26 years have I seen a group of Soldiers as dominant as the ones before you today.

"Simply put, these Soldiers, NCOs and officers are the best the Army can produce," he said. "They are 10th Mountain Soldiers."

Belda has been selected to work as a member of the 10th Mountain Division staff following his time as 1st BCT command sergeant major.

"While we are comforted in knowing you aren't moving far, your entire Family will be greatly missed," Naumann said. "Your combined efforts have had a lasting impact of the Soldiers and the Family Members of the Warrior Brigade and we wish you the best of luck in your new position, and we want you to know that there's always room for you here in the Warrior Brigade."

Before the closing of the ceremony, Rose had a chance to introduce himself to the Soldiers, friends and Family Members of his newly appointed unit.

"It is an honor for me to be selected for this assignment," Rose said. "I am humbled by the position which I hold, and it is my privilege to serve you and be a voice to the brigade commander.

"Let's continue to work together to remain disciplined and ready, take care of each other, and keep our Family and friends involved in our professions," he added.

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