CSM Corner
Garrison Command Sergeant Major
Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem
“It is awesome how an installation can still produce such outstanding services while closing the facility with an abbreviated number of personnel. Truly remarkable.” Hersel Gunn, Atlanta Passport Agency Passport operations officer said these words about the support Fort McPherson provided to the opening of the Department of State, Consular Affairs Bureau, Passport Agency in Atlanta May 16.
These words always make me feel proud of all that we here at Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem are still accomplishing despite the frantic pace these final months before closure. Despite limited resources, we continue to drive on and accomplish so much with so little.
I think back to the beginning of this month, where our Garrison helped play a part in the color casings of First Army on Fort Gillem and the U.S. Army Reserve Command on Fort McPherson June 3. Likewise, our support helped make the Third Army/U.S. Army Central change of command ceremony June 3 on Hedekin Field possible and memorable for all those involved.
While the pessimist could say it is only natural to support our own, the generosity and support of our Soldiers and Civilian employees extends beyond our Army brethren. Our Funeral Honors Team continued to work until its final day, May 1, giving our departed Georgia veterans the honor and respect they deserved.
Today we continue to work with outside agencies like the Girl Scouts to help them deliver boxes of Girl Scout cookies to Soldiers deployed overseas. And just this week, we have helped Cub Scout troops from the East, West and South Atlanta districts mold their scouts into better young men by supporting and allowing them to hold their summer camp on Fort McPherson.
Just as we have opened our arms to the community in the past, we will continue to do so until our closure. The garrison is committed to ending the 126 year partnership with the community on a good note. It is my hope, and that of my co-workers in the command team, that when history looks back on the final days of Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem, they see them as being productive and rewarding for the surrounding communities. Of course, while it may be years until someone starts looking back at what we do today, our work should stir feelings of pride in a job well done right now.
I would like to take this time to thank all the Soldiers under my command who have allowed these feelings and accomplishments to be possible. While often times the credit goes to the Garrison when an event is supported, the real credit goes to the Soldiers who carry out the mission.
Though many may not realize the hard work you do behind the scenes, know your good deeds are not missed by this command team. Your professionalism and dedication make our garrison, and in turn the Army, look good and the most respected organization in America today. Never feel your work and efforts are unappreciated. And for all those who may benefit from these Soldiers’ actions, be sure to take the time to give them your thanks and praise. A few simple words, thank you or good job, can do wonders for morale and make all the hours of practice and drill worthwhile. And without a doubt there have been thousands of such hours put in to all our community outreach programs.
Since becoming Garrison command sergeant major in June 2009, our Soldiers have participated in numerous events. We have conducted numerous funeral services and provided color guards for professional sport teams like the Atlanta Braves baseball team and Atlanta Falcon football team. On base we have supported 17 major events such as general officer ceremonies, VIP visits and appreciation days, two Horse for Heroes polo matches, two welcome home ceremonies, 16 change of command/responsibility ceremonies, 19 retirements and five color casing ceremonies among others. That’s a lot for two short years.
We still have a lot to do these final months. Other units still have ceremonies to conduct, buildings to close and personnel who need assistance for a variety of things. The pace will continue through our last days.
Just today the Garrison cased its colors and held an Army 236th birthday party, none of which would have been possible without the support and hard work of our Soldiers. Be it setting up tents, chairs, performing color guard duties and keeping the area beautified after all the events, you have performed admirably and I am confident you will continue to do so for future events. I am proud to be your command sergeant major.
Leader 7!
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