FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- 1st Theater Sustainment Command observed the traditional passing of the noncommissioned officers' sword from one command sergeant major to another Feb. 28 in a ceremony at Dahl Physical Fitness Center here.
Maj. Gen. Darrell K. Williams, 1st TSC commanding general, symbolically passed the responsibility and sword to Command Sgt. Maj. Nathaniel J. Bartee Sr., who replaced Command Sgt. Maj. Charles M. Tobin, during the change of responsibility ceremony.
"As it goes for the Army, we bid farewell to one outstanding leader and welcome another," said Williams, a West Palm Beach, Fla. native, and the ceremony's presiding officer. "Command Sergeant Major Bartee has a reputation for being well-disciplined, has a great attitude, a host of leadership experiences and a wealth of knowledge … He has led troops at every level from squad to brigade, and I know he is ready for this new and exciting challenge."
The change of responsibility ceremony is a military tradition, held when a senior noncommissioned officer leaves a position of leadership and a new NCO takes over.
Tobin's next assignment takes him to Fort Shafter, Hawaii as the 8th Theater Sustainment Command senior enlisted advisor. He praised the command, its Soldiers and fellow leaders during his remarks.
"I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you. It has been a wonderful experience and a great ride and journey. This has been an awesome responsibility to lead our troops during this critical time. We are lucky to have Command Sergeant Major Bartee and his Family -Welcome to the First Team," said Tobin, a native of Samoa, and the command?'s senior enlisted advisor for the past 23 months.
Bartee comes to the First Team following an assignment at Army Materiel Command in Redstone Arsenal, Ala.
"It is a great day to be a Soldier. To stand here today, I am humbled and honored to be here as the 1st TSC CSM. I look forward to working with you and I thank you for what you do each and every day … Black Jack Seven is on the net," said Bartee, a native of Quitman, Ga.
Bartee first entered active duty in October 1985, attending basic and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. During the past 28 years, he has filled every leadership position from squad leader to command sergeant major. He was selected by the Army's first-ever nominative command sergeant major board for his new assignment at the 1st TSC.
Bartee's awards include the Legion of Merit: Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal (with three Oak Leaf Clusters); Army Commendation Medal (with three OLCs); Army Achievement Medal (with five OLCs); Good Conduct Medal (ninth award); Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (with numeral four); Overseas Service Ribbon (third tour); National Defense Service Medal; South West Asia Service Medal; Kuwait Liberation Medal; Saudi and Kuwait Liberation Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Army Superior Unit Award; Army Service Ribbon; Driver's-Mechanic Badge with bar; Central Texas-Fort Hood Chapter (Association of the United States Army) award for 2009; Military Order of Saint Christopher Medal (Honorable) and the Military Order of Saint Martin Medal (Honorable).
Bartee is married to Sgt. 1st Class (Ret.) Pamela D. and they have two children.
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