Command Sgt. Maj. Jerome Wiggins, command sergeant major, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, accepts the Noncommissioned Officer's sword from Lt. Gen. David Mann, USASMDC/ARSTRAT commanding general, during a Ch...
REDSTONE ARSENAL, Alabama -- Members of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command witnessed Command Sgt. Maj. Jerome Wiggins assume the top-level noncommissioned officer responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. James N. Ross to become the command's 11th command sergeant major.
During the Change of Responsibility May 8, Lt. Gen. David L. Mann, USASMDC/ARSTRAT commanding general, passed the ceremonial sword to Wiggins, entrusting him as the command's senior enlisted Soldier.
"Thank you for joining us today for this special ceremony," Mann said. "Not only to witness the SMDC/ARSTRAT command sergeant major Change of Responsibility, but also to celebrate Command Sgt. Maj. James Ross' 30-year career and the contributions he and (his wife) Ashley have made to our Army and our nation.
"And a special good morning to our Soldiers and civilians and everyone joining us via (video teleconference). Thank you all for attending," he continued. "In a command like this that is global and executes extremely sensitive and strategic missions, the role of the command sergeant major is critically important. He ensures our Soldiers are properly trained and cared for, especially in austere regions like Fort Greely, Alaska, and others around the world.
"Command Sgt. Maj. Ross has been our command sergeant major for the last couple of years," Mann added. "Just like NCOs are the backbone of the Army, he has been the backbone of our command. He is extremely intelligent, competent and most importantly, genuinely concerned about the professional development and welfare of our Soldiers and civilians. I am honored that he asked me to speak here today."
Mann then took time to recognize Ross' home team who were supporting him as he was supporting Army Soldiers, civilians and their family members around the world.
"I would like to recognize Command Sgt. Maj. Ross' family," Mann said. "Achieving so much, and over such a long and successful career, is difficult and demanding and none of us could succeed without the love and support of our families.
"Ashley is truly an impressive individual," he added. "She is president of the Redstone Community Club and has completed numerous marathons in her spare time. But I believe one of her most important achievements is that of being a mother and providing stability while he was away. The bottom line is, Command Sgt. Maj. Ross is where he is today because of Ashley."
Mann thanked Ross for his 30 years of service in the Army and for his partnership in the command team for SMDC.
"Command Sgt. Maj. Ross says that besides marrying Ashley, joining the Army was the best decision he ever made," Mann said. "And I can think of few individuals whose careers so exemplify their given profession. He knew not only was he going to make the Army a career, but he was going to be a sergeant major.
"He says he owes this meteoric rise to at least two things: Emulating good leaders, while still being true to who you are, and focusing on the success of those beneath him," he continued. "During his tenure, he has advocated for the command, across the Army and the Department of Defense. He has improved our community by working with organizations such as Survivor Outreach Services.
"Sergeant Major, your contribution has been invaluable and I want to personally thank you for what you've done for me and this command," Mann added. "In conclusion, let me say that Command Sgt. Maj. Ross' work over the last 30 years has significantly enhanced the security of our great nation. You will be hard to replace. You've served this command, our Army, and our nation with honor and distinction and because of your efforts, you leave this command and the Army better off than when you joined us. On behalf of the Army and our nation, thank you for your 30 years of outstanding service. Job well done."
Mann then welcomed Wiggins onto the team and said he looks forward to the future of SMDC.
"As one command sergeant major leaves, another comes to take his place," Mann said. "Command Sgt. Maj. Jerome Wiggins comes to us via the Air Defense Artillery branch where he served as the regimental branch command sergeant major. I first met Command Sgt. Maj. Wiggins at Fort Bliss, Texas, when I was assigned as the brigade commander of the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade and he served as the S-2 sergeant major. With battalions located at Fort Bliss; Fort Campbell, Kentucky; and Fort Bragg, North Carolina, we were a little busy.
"I have no doubt Command Sgt. Maj. Wiggins will continue to provide the best leadership, training and care for the great Soldiers, civilians, contractors and families of SMDC/ARSTRAT," Mann added.
Ross became SMDC's senior enlisted adviser in April 2013. During his retirement, he thanked everyone in the command for supporting him and talked about the uniqueness of the command.
"You do not get the privilege of serving as the command sergeant major of SMDC/ARSTRAT without being surrounded, supported and mentored by great command sergeants major. Your confidence in me is what has propelled me," Ross said. "During my time in SMDC/ARSTRAT I have been blessed with great teammates. I would like to thank all sergeants major from across the command who have supported me. They have done a lot of the heavy lifting that I have shamefully took a lot of credit for.
"Being a command sergeant major is the greatest privilege bestowed on an enlisted Soldier," he added. "The majority of your success depends on your commander. So to all of my former commanders, please accept my grateful respect and gratitude for all you have done for Ashley and me."
Ross talked about the noncommissioned officers he had a chance to work with and lead while also speaking of the great continuity and support SMDC's civilian employees give to the Warfighters defending the nation.
"NCOs are the standard bearers of our profession, whether training our formations, leading in combat, maintaining discipline throughout the force or caring for Soldiers and their families," Ross said. "Nothing happens in this great Army of ours without the tireless efforts of our NCOs. They set the very foundation on which we build our Army.
"To the professional Army civilians and contractors of SMDC/ARSTRAT, thanks for your friendship, support and great continuity you bring to the command," he added. "My final thanks goes to the Soldiers I have served with past and present. It has been my humble privilege to serve shoulder-to-shoulder with the next greatest generation of Soldiers our nation has produced. There is no greater team in the United States and no greater honor than to serve as a United States Soldier. Secure the high ground. Soldier for life. Army Strong."
Ross welcomed Wiggins to the command and reminded him that as long as he takes care of the Soldiers and civilians, they will take care of the rest.
"Command Sgt. Maj. Wiggins, congratulations on your assumption today as the 11th command sergeant major of SMDC/ARSTRAT," Ross said. "You are a phenomenal leader and I am confident that you will excel and maintain the momentum of this great command. Thank you for your years of friendship and loyalty to the Air Defense Artillery branch."
He then took time to thank those who have supported him during his time in the Army and what the Army and his family have meant to him.
"Any success that I have enjoyed was made possible by my family," Ross said. "Ashley is the foundation of our family and she is my heart. Although I have the honor of providing the world's most unromantic proposal in the history of marriages, she still said 'Yes' and has been making me look good ever since.
"Ashley has been a tireless crusader on behalf of Army families and has been an incredible role model for military spouses," he added. "She is a phenomenal mother and wife and has supported me with love, strength and resilience as I have deployed numerous times and spent countless days TDY and away from home. We are blessed with three wonderful children who fill me with pride. I love you Ashley, Lillian, Jack and Amelia. Thanks for always being there for me."
Also at the ceremony was Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Z. Alston, United States Strategic Command senior enlisted leader, who took time to thank Ross for all he has done and wish him luck in his future endeavors.
"I want to acknowledge all the great things that Command Sgt. Maj. Ross has done in supporting Soldiers and families of SMDC," Alston said. "I know that if Command Sgt. Maj. Wiggins can come in and build upon what Command Sgt. Maj. Ross has accomplished, add his knowledge and increase upon that, it will be better for the command.
"Today's event was great," he added. "Any time we can say 'thank you' and honor someone who gave 30 years of his life to the Army and the country, it really means a lot. We really wanted to recognize what Command Sgt. Maj. Ross has done for our nation and helped allow freedom to ring for his entire adult life. We cannot give him enough gratitude and today's ceremony was a great sendoff for a great Soldier."
Alston then welcomed Wiggins to the USSTRATCOM team, which SMDC supports as the Army component responsible for planning, integrating and coordinating global missile defense operations and support.
"I would like to welcome Command Sgt. Maj. Wiggins to the USSTRATCOM family," Alston said. "Know that if there is anything you will ever need, we are there to support you 100 percent. We look forward to you being on the team."
Wiggins, a native of Pineville, Louisiana, enlisted in the Army in October 1984 and has served in various locations such as Germany; Japan; Korea; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; and Fort Bliss, Texas; among others.
He thanked Mann for the opportunity for him to serve in the command and thanked Ross for his assistance as he prepared to come aboard the command.
"I would like to congratulate Command Sgt. Maj. Ross and his wife Ashley for the past 30 years of selfless service, leading our Soldiers and taking care of their families," Wiggins said. "I am grateful for the detailed and thorough assistance you've provided during this transition. I wish you the absolute best that life has to offer as you begin your next chapter.
"Lt. Gen. Mann, I am truly humbled and grateful for this opportunity to serve as the 11th command sergeant major of SMDC/ARSTRAT," he added. "Thank you for your faith and confidence in my abilities. I promise to do my absolute best to compliment the command team."
Wiggins said he was proud to be a part of the SMDC team and looks forward to what the future holds for him and his fiancé LaChelle Haley.
"LaChelle and I are extremely excited about this incredible opportunity and look forward to integrating into the command, Redstone Arsenal and also the great city of Huntsville and the surrounding communities," Wiggins said. "I am committed to enhancing the great reputation of this command through a continued emphasis on educating the Army and joint senior enlisted leaders on the unique and substantial role our command has.
"I look forward to working closely with our Soldiers, civilians and government contractors," he added. "Thanks to all the leaders who have invested in me and have allowed me to grow as a noncommissioned officer, and I can only hope that I can show you a return on your investment."
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