FORT BLISS, Texas - After 40 years, Fort Bliss' command sergeant major position has been the responsibility of an air defense artillery Soldier and as of Friday, the responsibility of the post is now held by a cavalry scout.
Command Sgt. Maj. Robert S. Rodgers passed the responsibilities of post command sergeant major, symbolized by the transfer of a noncommissioned officer sword through Maj. Gen. Howard Bromberg, post commander, to Command Sgt. Maj. David S. Davenport, a Nashville, Tenn., native. Even though Davenport is not new to the post, Bromberg welcomed him to his new position of responsibility as he hailed farewell and goodbye to Rodgers.
"'Buenos Dias' [good day]. Today is a bitter-sweet day for me and a bitter day because I'm losing a wonderful job," said Rodgers. "It's been an honor and a pleasure serving as post command sergeant major for the last three years and sweet because I'm retiring."
"Fort Bliss loses a great leader today, a top-notch NCO who's going to retire," said Bromberg.
Rodgers is heading off to a new and exciting time in his life. It shouldn't be a sad day, but an honorable one, said Bromberg. Davenport has the challenge to pick up where Rodgers left off with the transformation and growth of the installation and changes in modernization.
"Change is never easy," said Davenport. "Together we will work to ensure our Soldiers are well trained and disciplined to meet the challenges of combat."
Challenges include putting an effort toward making the post the best for Soldiers and their families while transforming with the growth, not only to be the largest post, but the very best post in the entire Army, he said.
Davenport's military awards and decorations include the Combat Action Badge, the Bronze Star Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Meritorious Service Medal with three OLC, Army Commendation Medal with 5 OLC, Humanitarian Service Medal with one OLC, two Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one OLC, the Korean Defense Service Medal, the Kosovo Medal, the NATO Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal, Drill Sergeant Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Valorous Unit Award, the Meritorious Unit Commendation. He is a member of the Excellence in Armor Program, Order of the Spur, Order of Saint George, Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and Order of Saint Barbara.
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