New Command Sgt. Maj. welcomed to JFHQNCR/MDW team

By Jim Dresbach, Pentagram Staff WriterAugust 2, 2012

Turnbull welcomed to MDW team
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall's Summerall Field was the venue for a change of responsibility ceremony for incoming Military of Washington and Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region Command Sgt. Maj. David O. Turnbull.

The July 24 event installed Turnbull as the new CSM as outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Michael W. Williams passed the colors to MDW-JFHQ-NCR Commander Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, who then ceremoniously and symbolically handed the district and region's head noncommissioned officer responsibilities to Turnbull.

"Major General Linnington, I cannot express how thankful I am for this awesome opportunity to serve in this great unit," Turnbull told the MDW-JFHQ-NCR commander and audience members toward the conclusion of the hour-long ceremony. "[My wife] Catherine, [son] Patrick and I are extremely excited to join the Linnington team and the MDW team and be a vital part of the community."

Linnington took the opportunity to welcome Turnbull back to the National Capital Region. After basic and advanced infantry training at Fort Benning, Ga., the Boston, Mass., native began his career as a private in The Old Guard in 1984.

"Twenty eight years later, he is back to assume responsibility for this great unit," Linnington remarked. "To our young Soldiers standing on the field, let that be a testament to what you can accomplish building on the foundation of serving with The Old Guard. Welcome home, Sergeant Major Turnbull."

The new top MDW-JFHQ-NCR NCO has had an extensive record of deployment service. During times of conflict, Turnbull has participated in Operation Restore Democracy in Haiti and Operation Restore Hope in Panama. The command sergeant major was deployed to Afghanistan from October 2003 to August 2004 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a member of Task Force 1/501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Richardson, AK. He also went overseas with the Spartan Brigade for over a year of service to Iraq from 2006 to 2007.

Turnbull has also been assigned to divisions at Fort Benning, Ga., Fort Lewis, Wa., Camp Casey, Korea, and Fort Drum, NY.

Related Links:

Joint Force Headquarters - National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington