Fort Wainwright garrison changes top noncommissioned officers

By Connie Storch, Fort Wainwright PAOJuly 12, 2013

Passing of the Sword
Outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. (Harry) Wayne Jeffries (left) passes the command sergeants major sword, a symbol of the authority of the noncommissioned officer, to Col. Ronald M. Johnson, garrison commander, signifying the relinquishing of his duties. In... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - The garrison's exchange of the senior noncommissioned officer's leadership mantle from outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. (Harry) Wayne Jeffries to incoming Command Sgt. Maj. David Perkins was formally acknowledged during the change of responsibility ceremony Wednesday in the garrison theater.

During the ceremony, Jeffries spoke of the challenge of supporting Alaska's Soldiers, leading the garrison enlisted corps and supporting all Soldiers and Army Families throughout the vast state of Alaska. Facing divergent issues and challenges, it was sometimes like "working with the local insurgency," Jeffries joked. As the senior advisor to Col. Ronald M. Johnson, garrison commander, Jeffries acknowledged that he learned much from watching Johnson, too. Jeffries acknowledged the support of garrison, U.S. Army Alaska and the many community supporters in the Fairbanks and North Star Borough communities.

Through highs and lows the garrison's senior enlisted NCO's role since November 2011 was, "a pleasure and very easy," Jeffries said, "when we worked as a team."

"I have to thank my loving wife and children too," Jeffries said.

To Command Sgt. Maj. David Perkins and Family, Jeffries said, "I am sure that you will enjoy your Alaskan journey as my family and I have."