FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, July 23, 2015) - More than 120 Soldiers, civilians, families and friends of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command attended the command sergeant major change of responsibility ceremony held at the John F. Kennedy auditorium, July 22, 2015.
Command Sgt. Maj. George A. Bequer relinquished his responsibility as the USASOC command sergeant major to Command Sgt. Maj. Robert V. Abernethy.
"Today is a bittersweet moment for the USASOC family. On one hand, we bid farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Bequer who for the last 32 years has dedicated his life to improving the health, welfare, and wellbeing of our Army Special Operations Forces Soldiers, and NCOs (noncommissioned officers)." said Lt. Gen. Kenneth E. Tovo, commander of USASOC and presiding official of the ceremony. "On the other hand, I can think of no better man to assume the USASOC command sergeant major mantle of responsibility than Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Abernethy."
Bequer graduated from the Special Forces Qualification course in 1984 as a Special Forces weapons sergeant (18B), and has since been assigned to; 1st Special Warfare Training Group, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), 7th SFG (A) and Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan.
"Like the body's backbone, the NCO Corps provides strength and rigidness to the Army's organization and ensure that, as a force, we remain true and faithful to our legacy and to our core values," Tovo said. "Simultaneously, they also ensure flexibility. Enabling the force to move and adjust when necessary."
Tovo also spoke about the legacy Bequer leaves in his wake, as he departs active duty service saying; "Your contributions to the command and the people within it will continue to manifest itself for years to come."
As Bequer passed the "reins" to Abernethy, he gave a brief speech thanking those in attendance and those who have helped him along the way.
"I'd like to thank the civilians of the USASOC community. Without them, that building would not function. They are incredible people. Most are retirees, and many are GS (General Schedule) employees," Bequer said. "But what they do for us and what they do for the force is incredible."
Upon concluding his speech, Bequer remarked about the organization he leaves behind and Abernethy is preparing to lead.
"The bottom line is it's an incredible organization. It provides some of the finest SOF operators in the world and I honestly say this with no disrespect to any other organization, but I truly think there is no component that can match the U.S. Army Special Operations," Bequer said. "There isn't a mission we cannot do. I am honored and I thank you very much for letting me serve, thank you."
As Abernathy approached the podium, and thanked Bequer for his comments, he began his speech by thanking those in attendance and sharing a "fun-fact" about his career.
"It's funny, because it is exactly 28 years ago today that I started my military career by loading a bus at Columbia, S.C., and I rode that bus down to Fort Benning, Ga., at the reception station," Abernethy said. "With that memory in mind, I can also tell you that I never envisioned standing in front of you today as the next USASOC command sergeant major."
Abernathy entered the U.S. Army, July 22, 1987, as an infantryman. During the course of his career, he has been assigned to; 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), 1st SFG, 3rd SFG, 5th SFG, Special Warfare Center and School (SWCS) and Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT).
"This is truly a humbling experience, and I am honored to have been selected to serve the Soldiers of USASOC," Abernethy said. "I understand the great responsibility and will do my best to represent our formations each and every day."
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