New CSM assumes role for 'Monarchs'

By Staff Sgt. Rob Strain, 15th Sustainment Brigade Public AffairsDecember 29, 2008

Lt. Col. Mark Paget, the commander of the 180th Transportation Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), passes the traditional Noncommissioned Officer Saber to Command Sgt. Maj. Vickie Hopson, charging her with r...
Lt. Col. Mark Paget, the commander of the 180th Transportation Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), passes the traditional Noncommissioned Officer Saber to Command Sgt. Maj. Vickie Hopson, charging her with r... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT HOOD, Texas - Soldiers of the 180th Transportation Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), welcomed a new senior enlisted advisor during a short ceremony Dec. 24 at Fort Hood's Kieschnick Physical Fitness Center.

Command Sgt. Maj. Vickie Hopson, a 25-year Army veteran and native of Camden, Ark., took responsibility for the training and well being of the 180th Soldiers.

The previous senior noncommissioned officer, Command Sgt. Maj. Nathaniel Bartee Sr., took over as the brigade's top enlisted position in Oct, and the battalion's senior enlisted advisor position had been only filled temporarily since then.

During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Mark Paget, the battalion's commander, spoke of the role of sergeant major.

"He must pay the greatest attention to their NCOs conduct and behavior," Paget said, quoting from the Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States, better known as the 'Blue Book.'

He went on to say that while the position of the sergeant major has changed over the years, the basic duties and responsibilities have remained the same, and that Hopson is well qualified for the job.

"Command sergeant major Hopson has impeccable credentials and lots of experience," Paget said. "She might still be unpacking her household goods, but sergeant major Hopson is already making a difference in the lives of our Soldiers with genuine care, compassion and no nonsense pragmatism.

"There is no doubt in my mind that command sergeant major Hopson is absolutely the right NCO at the right time to carry our Monarchs forward with pride, professionalism, and a touch of class," Paget said.

During her speech, Hopson took a few minutes to thank her mentor, a retired command sergeant major who was always there when she needed to know something, as well as the command teams that gave her the opportunity to lead.

"I won't let you down," she said. "I know the battalion is at a high [operational tempo] at this time, I am ready to lead and mentor Soldiers, and give them 150 percent."