3rd Chemical Bde welcomes new top NCO

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. -- Command Sgt. Maj. Sheridon Richardson relinquished responsibility of the 3rd Chemical Brigade to Command Sgt. Maj. John Hawley during a ceremony at Shea Gym Friday.

During the ceremony, Richardson recounted his steps that brought him into the Army 30 years ago and said he truly enjoyed every minute of his military career.

"The Army has been great to me over the years," Richardson said. "Even the bad days -- and there were plenty of bad days -- but even the bad days were good days, because you lived to see another day and fix whatever problem it was, so in that regard, it was always a good day."

Richardson said that for many Soldiers and Families, transitions are hard, and retirement is a sad occasion, but he is moving forward and looking ahead at the great and wonderful things yet to come.

"I remember thinking it would be hard to say goodbye, and I was right. It is hard to say goodbye, especially to something you love doing," Richardson said. "I will miss the Army and the many friends I've made throughout the years and all the great people I've worked with. Whatever I do next, I'll serve Soldiers in one capacity or another."

Following the passing of the sword, Col. Jim Bonner, 3rd Chem. Bde. commander, talked about Richardson's dedication to the military.

"Duty and commitment has always been about the American Soldiers, their Families and those things he might be able to do to improve their quality of life," Bonner said. "The Soldiers and their Families are what have kept him motivated to continue to serve."

Bonner said Richardson's experiences in the Army are what shaped him to be such a dedicated and successful Soldier.

"To this day, 30 years removed from his enlistment, a young man from the Virgin Islands reported for his basic training during the winter at Fort McClellen. As he continued on his journey … he accepted one of his biggest challenges by serving in the 2nd Ranger Battalion. This experience molded him as an outstanding leader when he led the way to Panama as part of Task Force Red. This combat experience was followed by assignments as a drill sergeant, a ranger school cadre, first sergeant duty, another combat deployment, four years as a battalion command sergeant major and over three years as a brigade sergeant major," Bonner said. "Along the way, the one point that anyone can say about Command Sgt. Maj. Richardson is, he treated others as he wanted to be treated."

After Bonner thanked Richardson for the honor of serving with him and wished him the best on future endeavors, he welcomed Hawley to 3rd Chem. Bde.

"Having already served in 3rd Chemical Brigade, Command Sgt. Maj. Hawley is immanently qualified for the privilege and challenge as a brigade command sergeant major," Bonner said. "I have total confidence in your judgment and character and we together will continue to build on this proud unit."

Hawley thanked everyone for attending the ceremony and said that he looked forward to serving the Chemical Corps Regiment.

"Col. Bonner, thank you for the opportunity to serve as part of this great team. I look forward to serving with you and the challenges that lie ahead," Hawley said. "Sgt. Maj. Richardson, thanks for your leadership, guidance and friendship over the last three years. You have been the example of what right looks like and you have left big shoes to fill."

Hawley joined the Army in 1984 as an infantryman and has served in the 1st Ranger Battalion, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.; 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment in Mainz, Germany; 1st Battalion, 50th Infantry Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.; 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment and 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Ca.; 2nd Battalion, 290th Regiment (Training Support), Oklahoma City, Okla.; and 2nd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, Fort Leonard Wood.

Hawley and his wife, Claudia, have three children; Arden, Tyler and Max.