Fort Carson welcomes new garrison CSM

By Andrea Sutherland (Fort Carson)July 19, 2012

Fort Carson welcomes new garrison CSM
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT CARSON, Colo. -- The garrison colors were passed once again, Tuesday, as Command Sgt. Maj. James A. Kilpatrick ceded authority and the garrison command team welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Steven O. Green as the new senior enlisted leader of U.S. Army Garrison Fort Carson.

"The greatest thing about being in the U.S. Army is it's not based on one individual or one person or one leader," said Col. David Grosso, garrison commander. "The strength of the U.S. Army, the backbone of the Army, is our noncommissioned officer corps."

Grosso expressed confidence that Green was the right man for the command sergeant major slot.

"The NCO corps has produced another long and faithful servant, a tireless worker and a tremendous leader that is going to take and fill the shoes of Command Sgt. Maj. Kilpatrick," he said. "Command Sgt. Maj. Steven Green comes to Fort Carson with a wealth of experience, making him uniquely qualified to serve as the garrison command sergeant major."

Green, who recently served as command sergeant major for the 3rd Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment, at Fort Campbell, Ky., said he was looking forward to being a part of the Fort Carson community.

"My Family and I are truly grateful and excited," he said. "To Col. Grosso, sir, I look forward to serving alongside you to continue to make Fort Carson the 'Best Hometown in the Army.'"

Green thanked Kilpatrick for mentoring him on the position.

"To Command Sgt. Maj. Kilpatrick, I can't thank you enough for all that you've done for me and my Family to make this transition as smooth as possible."

Green wished Kilpatrick luck as the former command sergeant major prepares to take a position at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center in Indiana.

During his final speech at Fort Carson, Kilpatrick thanked his many supporters.

"I am humbled to be among many fine members of this community, not only from Fort Carson, but the greater Colorado Springs area and the Front Range," he said.

Kilpatrick shared his experience as the senior enlisted leader for the garrison, a position he held for four years.

"I was filled with vigor and excitement," he said. "I tried to anticipate the many opportunities that were ahead of me -- opportunities to make a difference in the lives of Soldiers and their Families."

Kilpatrick said he knew he faced many challenges, but always put the mission to support the community first.

"It's been a long, but an unbelievable, rewarding journey for me," he said. "Thank you for allowing me to state the pleasure and honor of personally knowing you."

Kilpatrick concluded with advice for Green.

"I welcome you to this great community," he said. "Though your tour is just commencing, two years will fly by so savor every moment you can."