2nd Infantry Division gets new senior enlisted leader

By Master Sgt. Robert Timmons, 2nd Infantry Division Public AffairsFebruary 3, 2011

2nd Infantry Division gets new senior enlisted leader
Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Eyer, 2nd Infantry Division senior enlisted leader, hands his noncommissioned officer's sword to Sgt. Timothy D. Hughes, 2nd ID 2010 Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, during a change of responsibility ceremony held at Cam... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CAMP RED CLOUD, South Korea - With the ring and glint of hardened steel swords, Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Eyer assumed the role as the 2nd Infantry Division senior enlisted leader from Command Sgt. Maj. Peter D. Burrowes in a change of responsibility ceremony at the Camp Red Cloud gymnasium Jan. 21.

During the ceremony Eyer, whose most recent assignment was as Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Combat Readiness and Safety Center in Fort Rucker, Ala., assumed the role as the top enlisted advisor to the 2nd Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Michael Tucker.

"Just look at him, he looks mean as a Pit Bull," Tucker said during the ceremony. "Don't tell the Soldiers this but, he's actually a very caring leader. Don't get me wrong - when I was the (Assistant Division Commander, Support) for the 1st Armored Division in Baumholder, Germany, Command Sgt. Maj. Eyer was known for his direct leadership style. There's no question where he is coming from when enforcing the standards. He looks like a scruffy sergeant major - the kind straight out of a movie and then he blows you away with his brilliance."

During his remarks, Eyer said he is a Soldier through and through.

"I am a Soldier, and like all Soldiers I want to be where I can best influence the fight," Eyer said during the ceremony. "There is no other place I would rather be right now than here working to ensure our Soldiers are trained and ready to 'Fight Tonight.'"

Burrowes sheathed his sword as he relinquished his authority to Eyer who unsheathed his NCO sword and handed it to the 2nd ID's Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, Sgt. Timothy D. Hughes. Eyer's sword will remain unsheathed while he is with the Warrior Division to symbolize the colors will always be protected and that he is actively executing his duties as the division command sergeant major.

After unsheathing his sword Eyer, whose wife Regina and son Conner were not able to attend, thanked Tucker for the chance to be part of the Warrior Division.

"Sir, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve the great Soldiers, Families and civilians of the legendary 2nd Infantry 'Warrior' Division," Eyer said during the ceremony. "It is a true honor and I look forward to working alongside the men and women who truly make this division 'Second to None.'"

Once sheathing his sword for the final time as part of the 2nd ID, Burrowes spoke fondly of the Division.

"I've watched you train and seen you conquer," Burrowes said. "I've seen you with your feet kicked up at the end of the day, and yes, I saw you on the (Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers) trips and even downtown in the 'ville.' And I say, for all that I've seen of you...I wish 'to serve with you in combat,' because I know that you will annihilate any enemy, any force who would stand against you."