2nd BCT marks end of era as enlisted leader departs

By Sgt. Mark A. Moore IIJuly 26, 2012

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Col. Dennis S. Sullivan, left, 2nd Brigade Combat Team commander, and Maj. Gen. Mark A. Milley, right, Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division (LI) commander, congratulate Command Sgt. Maj. Benjamin Jones and his wife Leah during an awards ceremony July... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- A Soldier whose Army history began 25 years ago bid farewell to the unit that started his career. Command Sgt. Maj. Benjamin Jones, 2nd Brigade Combat Team senior enlisted adviser, relinquished responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Hector J. Font during a ceremony July 18 at Sexton Field.

Jones began his career with One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Ga., just two years after, what was then known as 2nd Brigade, officially activated. Second Bri-gade relocated to Fort Drum in 1989.

Seventeen years later, Jones found himself in familiar territory when he and his Family reported to Fort Drum, beginning their six-year mission of training, mentoring, deploying and growing alongside the Soldiers and Families of 2nd Bde.

During his service here, Jones held many positions to include operations command sergeant major for 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment; and as senior enlisted adviser for Task Force Vigilant; 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion; 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment; and 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

Jones relentlessly focused on developing Soldiers and leaders, combat and garrison readiness, standards enforcement and team work.

The outcome was a unit that has continually excelled at its home station, during off-post training events and during combat deployments.

Despite the difficulties that surround saying goodbye to a familiar face, Soldiers and Family Members from 2nd BCT reflected on and celebrated the leadership Jones and his Family provided to the unit.

"This is a tough one for me today, to say farewell to an outstanding noncommissioned officer who epitomizes all that our Army expects in an NCO," said Col. Dennis S. Sullivan, 2nd BCT commander. "He has held us to a higher standard and the brigade has grown stronger as a result."

Sullivan's speech came to a close and Jones took to the podium, charging the Soldiers and Family members of the brigade with one final tasking.

"I challenge you all to continue to contribute, to make a difference, to get involved, and to stand proud to serve and support the ranks of such a great brigade," he said. "The Army has selected the right man for the job. I hope I have provided you with all the information you need to take this brigade to the next level."

Font assured those in attendance that he would give 100 percent to ensure the unit's rep-

utation remained intact.

Before the change of responsibility, Maj. Gen. Mark A. Milley, Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division (LI) commander, presented Jones with the Legion of Merit and his wife, Leah, with the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal.

The Jones Family reported to Fort Hood, Texas, for Jones' next assignment.

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