Fort Leavenworth Garrison welcomes new CSM, thanks retiring outgoing CSM

Outgoing Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Erika Rhine-Russell relinquished responsibility to incoming Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Vanessa Sun during a ceremony June 28, 2024, at the Frontier Conference Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. A retirement ceremony for Rhine-Russell followed the change of responsibility ceremony.

Garrison Commander Col. Duane Mosier said he and Rhine-Russell have made a good team and that she has been very good for the installation.

“It’s a tough farewell… This is probably one of the hardest farewells that I have had to do,” he said. “We say goodbye to an incredibly talented noncommissioned officer, one of the best in the United States Army, but as the United States Army does, we train so that all of us are replaceable and all of us can move on to the next assignment, the next vision, next dream, knowing that we have an incredible NCO or officer or whomever stepping into the breach, and we have that right now in Command Sergeant Major Sun, so welcome. We really look forward to working with you and not missing a step as we move forward.”

With the current summer surge of more than 1,000 new officers and their families arriving at Fort Leavenworth for the Command and General Staff Officer Course, Mosier said Sun would have to hit the ground running to maintain Rhine-Russell’s stride.

Mosier commended Rhine-Russell on her contributions during her time at Fort Leavenworth and throughout her Army career.

“You have woven so much in mentorship, advice — at every rank, at every location, at every place you have served,” Mosier said. “You have mentored me, you have mentored soldiers at the rank of PFC (and) mentored every officer and NCO in between, and I have to say that that level of investment in the future leaders and the current leaders of our Army cannot go, absolutely cannot go unrecognized, and the impact is going to be for decades, absolutely decades, and you, Sergeant Major, are the one fully and solely responsible for that. You are a gifted human being – warm, humble in nature — and everything that you have done for this community demonstrates your care and devotion for families and soldiers, our Army civilian professionals, and anyone who comes through those gates.”

Mosier said Rhine-Russell also showed her devotion to the off-post community, investing in relationships and helping whenever, wherever she could.

“I see you, I see that, and we as a community see that, and we thank you,” he said. “Thank you for being the incredible partner you have been, and for everything, even before my time here, that you have done for this community.”

Rhine-Russell asked the audience to allow her time to thank some great leaders who have supported and encouraged her.

“I will share my gratitude and appreciation for the many contributions of leadership, guidance and encouragement, which enlightened me with great knowledge and mentorship,” she said. “Thank you all for motivating me and giving me even more reason to not quit.”

She thanked Mosier for the knowledge and experiences gained under his leadership; former Garrison Commander retired Col. John Misenheimer Jr. for his caring nature and positive influence as a role model; Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Helton for his leadership and guidance; retired Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney Bottoms for his impact on her career; as well as her battle buddies, Garrison family, community partners, and additional soldiers, friends and family.

Rhine-Russell said she has faith in Sun to excel as the new Garrison command sergeant major and reminded her that she has an amazing team to support her.

“It saddens me to leave, but I know CSM Sun is over-qualified to take the Garrison Headquarters and Fort Leavenworth community to greater heights with even more outstanding results.”

Sun served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and U.S. Central Command Materiel Retrograde Element in Afghanistan. Her previous assignments include 47th Forward Support Battalion S1 NCOIC; 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment senior drill sergeant; U.S. Army Europe and Africa G1 platoon sergeant; Allied Forces Northern Europe first sergeant; 45th Sustainment Brigade S1 NCOIC; 259th Human Resources Company first sergeant; Equal Opportunity program manager; 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command G1 sergeant major; 4th Infantry Division G1 sergeant major; and 369th Adjutant General Battalion command sergeant major.

“I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me to uphold responsibilities that come with this position,” Sun said. “First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Sergeant Major Rhine-Russell. Your leadership, dedication and unwavering commitment to the soldiers, civilians and family members has set a high standard. As I am being told, I have big shoes to fill,” Sun said. “To the soldiers, civilians and family members of this amazing organization, I want you to know that I am committed to leading by example, and as I assume this role, I pledge to listen, to learn and to lead with integrity and humility. I am here to serve and support you.”

Following the change of responsibility, several co-workers and friends made remarks during Rhine-Russell’s retirement ceremony, thanking her and reiterating some of the positive contributions she has made to the community and their lives before Rhine-Russell addressed guests and reflected on her career.

“I never thought that when I signed up for four years of service in October 1996 to obtain money for a college degree that nearly 28 years later, I would retire as a command sergeant major after serving in numerous leadership positions across echelons and various diverse units across the world.”

Rhine-Russell served in Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 3rd Infantry Division and as first sergeant of Charlie Company, 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Infantry Division for Operation Inherent Resolve. Her previous assignments include human resources, drill sergeant and senior leader positions at Fort Stewart, Georgia; Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Fort Knox, Kentucky; Korea; and Fort Hood, Texas.

“Eventually you start to see the value in embracing wise counsel, learning from experiences of others, sharing knowledge and the benefits of investing time in self-improvement for yourself and others,” she said. “You see the face of someone who you inspire to do greatness. You see the life in people and watch them prosper and grow because you invest time and patience to mentor, lead and coach them. You develop relationships, strong bonds and build strong, cohesive teams.

“As I move into the next chapter of my life, I look forward to new challenges and opportunities. While I may be retiring from active duty, my commitment to service and making a positive impact remains steadfast. I am excited about the future and eager to continue contributing to our community and country in new ways,” Rhine-Russell said. “I thank you all again for your friendship and a lifetime of memories. I depart the service with a heart filled with a lifetime of pride. I wish you each much prosperity in your future adventures.”