Incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Richard R. Clark accepts the I Corps flag from Maj. Gen. James F. Pasquarette, commander of USARJ and I Corps (Forward) — an Army tradition to symbolize the change of responsibility— during a ceremony March 24 ...
Outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Eric C. Dostie gives his farewell speech after relinquishing his responsibility as USARJ's top enlisted advisor to incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Richard R. Clark for the change of responsibility ceremony March 24 at Camp Zama...
CAMP ZAMA, Japan (March 25, 2016) -- The U.S. Army Japan & I Corps (Forward) held a change of responsibility ceremony for the command sergeant major of USARJ March 24 at Camp Zama's Yano Gym.
Outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Eric C. Dostie relinquished his responsibility as USARJ's top enlisted advisor to incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Richard R. Clark during the passing and accepting of the command and unit flags -- an Army tradition to symbolize the change of responsibility.
"An Army's noncommissioned officer corps is the truest gauge of an Army's competence," said Maj. Gen. James F. Pasquarette, commanding general of USARJ. "Command Sgt. Maj. Dostie has had the honor of leading the NCO corps here in Japan, and he's done so superbly."
Pasquarette told the audience how Dostie was vital in strengthening the relationship with Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force, improving Camp Zama's Cooperative Work Program, and serving as his advisor.
Dostie served as command sergeant major of USARJ since August 2014, according to his biography, and will move on to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. to serve as command sergeant major for U.S. Army Central Command.
"I've seen USARJ accomplish so many amazing things in the short amount of time that I've been here," said Dostie, "and none of which were directly attributed to me or my abilities."
"It was just a testament to the professionalism of our team here and the hard work and high caliber of our Soldiers," said Dostie.
Pasquarette said the Sergeant Major of the Army's Office provided him with several great choices for USARJ's next command sergeant major, but Clark "stood above the rest."
"He has the operational experience, the education, the temperament and the multinational experience to thrive here in Japan," said Pasquarette.
Clark -- who most recently served as command sergeant major for U.S. Army Europe's 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team at U.S. Army Garrison Italy -- said some areas he will focus on include: increasing readiness, team building, physical fitness and making USARJ organizations better.
"I look forward to serving alongside of each of you as we work to make our organizations, in which we serve, better than we found them," said Clark.
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