FORT GREELY, Alaska - The 49th Missile Defense Battalion (Ground-based Midcourse Defense) passed the sword twice to two new enlisted leaders during a Change of Responsibility ceremony here June 10.
Sgt. 1st Class Maureen Meehan was promoted to first sergeant before she was passed the sword signifying her new responsibility as the first sergeant of the 49th MD Bn.
Passing off to her the responsibility was 1st Sgt. John Drew who was then promoted to command sergeant major. He was passed the sword signifying his responsibility to look after the Soldiers of the 49th as their command sergeant major.
The outgoing command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Bradford Quigley, is leaving to become the CSM for the state’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion in Anchorage.
Drew kept his comments short while saying farewell as the first sergeant of the unit and was even briefer as he addressed the Soldiers as their new CSM.
"Becoming the CSM of the 49th Missile Defense Battalion is an honor and a privilege," said Drew. "The 49th has the best Soldiers, NCOs and Officers in the state and SMDC. The mission is extremely critical to the security of the nation and the American people, so it is my duty to ensure that this unit is well trained, disciplined and fully operational."
Drew also added, "My goals are to focus on the training, morale, welfare, discipline and cohesion of the 49th Soldiers," said Drew. "While also ensuring that the families of the 49th are well informed, prepared and involved during their time at Fort Greely ... happy families, make happy Soldiers!"
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