U.S. Army Engineer School Regimental Command Sgt. Maj. Zachary Plummer stands before a formation of Fort Leonard Wood’s Engineer Soldiers during the USAES change-of-responsibility ceremony this morning in Abrams Theater. During the ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. John Brennan, who is retiring after nearly 29 years of service, relinquished his role as the school’s top enlisted leader to Plummer. Plummer comes to Fort Leonard Wood from the 555th Engineer Brigade at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, where he was the command sergeant major.

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — The U.S. Army Engineer School held a change-of-responsibility ceremony this morning in Abrams Theater, where Command Sgt. Maj. John Brennan relinquished his role as the school’s top enlisted leader to Command Sgt. Maj. Zachary Plummer.

Col. Joseph Goetz, USAES commandant, said both Brennan and Plummer are “emblematic of what it is that we expect out of the sergeant major.”

“Anything you want done right better include a sergeant major,” he said.

To Brennan — who is retiring after nearly 29 years of service — Goetz said “you are someone that others aspire to be.”

“You spoke for those whose voices would otherwise not be heard, and you solved difficult problems for our regiment,” he said. “Your advice has been absolutely sage. You’re a good man — we were lucky to have you. Thank you for all you’ve done, and I wish the best for you and your family. You’ve made a fantastic impact.”

Goetz also welcomed Plummer, who most recently served as the command sergeant major for the 555th Engineer Brigade at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

“You’re going to help us deliver the regiment of 2030; you’re going to help us envision the regiment of 2040; and you’re going to lay the groundwork for that during your time here,” Goetz said. “You have my full confidence.”

Brennan, originally from Leominster, Massachusetts, called his time as the USAES Regimental Command Sergeant Major, “the honor of my career.”

“I have truly loved every day of it,” he said. “Each of you taught me something and made me a better and more effective leader. You’re such an incredible team, and I am proud and honored to have said that I served with you.”

Plummer thanked Goetz for “selecting me and trusting me with this monumental honor and responsibility.”

“Over two decades ago, I was sitting in this very theater, graduating from one station unit training,” said the Reno, Nevada native. “To be back here as the Engineer Regimental Command Sergeant Major is humbling and I won’t take it lightly.”