FORT LEE, Va. (March 6, 2014) -- The Transportation Corps became the first of the Combined Arms Support Command's major elements to name a female to the position of regimental command sergeant major.
CSM Cynthia B. Howard accepted her new title as regimental CSM Tuesday in a change of responsibility ceremony presided by Chief of Transportation Col. (P) John P. Sullivan at the Transportation School auditorium.
"Today, I take over what will be the most rewarding and challenging job of my career," she said during her remarks. "God has blessed me once again, and I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as the 12th regimental command sergeant major of the Transportation Corps."
Howard replaced CSM Allen B. Offord Jr. who is retiring after 26 years of service.
Among the filled-to-capacity crowd to witness the historic event were Maj. Gen. Larry Wyche, CASCOM and Fort Lee commanding general; William F. Moore, deputy to the CG, CASCOM; CSM Terry Parham, CASCOM CSM: Brig. Gen. John Haley, commander, Ordnance School; Brig. Gen. John E. O'Neil IV, commander, Quartermaster School, and numerous active duty and retired senior noncommissioned officers, local dignitaries and family members.
Sullivan, who has been at the helm of the corps since last summer, said during his remarks that Howard stood above her peers in the selection process.
"In choosing our next regimental command sergeant major, I was provided a slate of fairly talented and dedicated command sergeants major in which to choose," he said, "but truth be told, it was not very difficult to arrive at the decision of choosing Command Sergeant Major Howard. It is readily apparent to me that she has the vision and drive to lead our regiment forward and to build on the tremendous legacy of the command sergeants major who have preceded her."
Howard, who has worn the uniform 27 years, thanked God; Sullivan for the opportunity to serve; her numerous mentors for providing guidance and leadership throughout her career; those who have supported her during the transition; and her relatives -- sisters, brothers, her future in-laws, and son, Alexander Goodman Jr. -- for their presence after Monday's inclement weather forced a postponement.
Not present were her fiancé Sgt. Maj. Ronrico Hayes, and her parents, Kenneth and Katherine Taylor. Referring to the latter, she thanked them for providing "discipline, morals and values that have helped me throughout my military career."
Prior to Howard's remarks, Offord stood at the podium and thanked all who supported him, including his three children. Using a signature move, he slowly built toward a moving, passion-filled expression about duty, achievements and challenges of the profession. He concluded his remarks with a recitation of the Soldier's Creed, resulting in a standing ovation and expressions of "hooah!" from audience members. Offord then knelt and kissed the Transportation Corps emblem emblazoned on the stage floor. In retrospect, he said one goal became the focus of his entire career:
"At the end of the day, all I wanted to do is be the best Soldier I could be," he said after the ceremony, "and through innovative leadership and the mentors I've had, I was put on the right path as I've always tried to do the right thing.
"Soldiering is a very dangerous business, and the only way we can get after things is to do them the right way. That's what I've tried to do."
Offord is scheduled to retire in the coming months. He has plans to run the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps for the state of Mississippi after retirement.
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