FORT LEE, VA (July 15, 2010) - The 530th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion hosted a change of responsibility ceremony Tuesday.
Command Sgt. Maj. James Sims, 49th Quartermaster Group command sergeant major, handed the noncommissioned officer ceremonial sword over to Command Sgt. Maj. Edward L. Johnson, the incoming 530th CSSB CSM, who goes by the call sign of Warrior 7.
The 530th was without a command sergeant major for seven months. First Sgt. Chad Walker served as the acting command sergeant major after the previous one retired.
"Sometimes in life, we don't get what we want all the time, but occasionally, we are fortunate to get what we need," said Sims. "When (the previous command sergeant major) retired over seven months ago, we were left to fill the gap. We didn't have the command sergeant major that we wanted to take his place but looked down the line and found that first sergeant with the qualities that we needed.
"First Sgt. Walker was, beyond a doubt, the best noncommissioned officer to fill that position," he continued.
Sims thanked Walker for standing in for the battalion, and went on to welcome Johnson to the group.
"Command Sgt. Maj. Johnson ... will do great things, no doubt about it," said Sims. "This man is not simply a Soldier, he's a gladiator. A gladiator is a man of fearless courage, overwhelming tenacity, unbounded endurance and a dedicated professional."
In his final remarks, Sims gave Johnson a few tips on being successful at his new post.
"Everything we do starts with the standards," Sims said. "When we need an assessment on how well we're doing, use the standards as a measuring tool.
"We owe it to one another to share our experiences and tell our stories about being the greatest leader we can be," he continued. "We must teach, coach, mentor and train future leaders. Soldiers need to know that you not only care about the mission, but that you also care about them and their Families."
Johnson thanked everyone for attending the ceremony, which was another milestone in his Family's life, he said, and he had a few words for his fellow leaders and Soldiers in the battalion.
"Leaders and Soldiers of the 530th," Johnson said, "you can depend on me to lead from the front, train hard, enforce standards, and to take care of you and your loved ones."
"Warrior 7, reporting for duty," Johnson exclaimed as he finished his speech.
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