Sutton takes reins as Fort Polk garrison command sergeant major

By Chuck Cannon, Fort Polk Guardian staff writerAugust 9, 2010

Sutton takes reins as Fort Polk garrison command sergeant major
From left, Command Sgt. Maj. Theodore Sutton, incoming Fort Polk garrison command sergeant major, Col. Francis Burns, Fort Polk garrison commander, and Command Sgt. Kevin Sharkey, outgoing Fort Polk garrison command sergeant major, await the start of... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT POLK, LA. -- Command Sgt. Maj. Theodore R. Sutton donned the mantle of garrison command sergeant major during a change of responsibility ceremony Aug. 3 at Fort Polk's Bayou Theater.

Sutton took the helm from Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin Sharkey, who has headed to Fort Drum, N.Y. after a three-year stint as Fort Polk's garrison command sergeant major.

Col. Francis Burns, Fort Polk's garrison commander, began the ceremony by thanking Sharkey for his service.

"I believe the installation has improved from the time you took over as garrison command sergeant major three years ago," Burns said. "You have ensured that Soldiers, their Families and the civilian workforce were well taken care of."

Burns thanked Sharkey for being a mentor and teacher. "You will be sorely missed," he said.

Next, Burns thanked Sharkey's wife, Scarlett. "Her work in Army Community Service has been absolutely phenomenal in supporting Soldiers and their Families," he said.

In welcoming Sutton to his new position, Burns said that while the Army likes continuity, welcoming change is just as important. "Welcome to the garrison," Burns said to Sutton and his Family. "Your reputation precedes you. From your time fighting in Iraq during the surge to your teaching and mentoring in Operations Group, there is no one more qualified to take over the realm of garrison command sergeant major. I look forward to working together to bring the installation to the next level."

Burns closed by telling Sutton, "Your tasks are summed up in the following: Soldiers always, Families first, give it your best and love every moment of it."

Sharkey took the podium next and thanked those who made his tour a success, beginning with his wife and concluding with Soldiers and the civilian work force on Fort Polk.

"The garrison is the backbone of this installation and you are the marrow," he said. "It's been my great honor to serve alongside you. Until we meet again, thank you very much for your service."

Sutton closed by thanking those responsible for the opportunity to serve the Soldiers, Families and civilians of Team Polk.

"I look forward to the days ahead as we continue to make this the place Soldiers and Families ask to call home," Sutton said.

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