FORT CAMPBELL, KY -- April 16, 2009 -- Soldiers of U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Campbell, gathered in front of the newly remodeled Garrison Headquarters building Wednesday to say good bye to Command Sgt. Maj. Larry L. Chapman and to welcome incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Mark F. Herndon.
Even the weather that has been so temperamental in the last few weeks was calm and sunny to observe the Change of Responsibility Ceremony and Retirement Ceremony.
Herndon joined the Army in 1983 in Murray, Ky. Since that time, he's served some 14 years stationed at Fort Campbell, with his most recent assignment as the command sergeant major of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade.
For Herndon, the job is going to take some getting used to.
"It will be a different world, but I'm looking forward to the challenges of it," Herndon said. "I'm used to staying all the time with Soldiers. Now I'll deal with families, Soldiers, facilities and everything that Fort Campbell provides to support the Soldiers that do the war fighting business. I was mainly war fighting business, now I'm doing the support for it."
After the official Change of Responsibility, Herndon promised to always hold the health and welfare of Soldiers, families and retirees first and foremost.
"Fort Campbell is our home. I will strive to make it the best home and community in the Army and the Department of Defense," Herndon said.
In his 30 years of service, Chapman served with the 101st Airborne Division five times before becoming garrison command sergeant major in September of 2005.
"Although today is a closing of a good chapter in the book of one's life, today also opens the start of yet another chapter in the book," Chapman said. "Having served and lived the Army life for 30 years is a milestone full of accomplishments, full of rewards, bonds, friendships, laughter and memories. I am proud and humbled to have served my country. In having done so, and done it honorably - that is something nothing and no one can ever take away from me."
In his farewell speech, Chapman left his replacement with simple instructions.
"Soldiers always, families first, give it your best and love every moment of it."
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