FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Command Sgt. Maj. Zach Hurst assumed responsibility as senior enlisted leader of 10th Combat Aviation Brigade from Command Sgt. Maj. Chad Cuomo, outgoing command sergeant major, during a change of responsibility ceremony Aug. 13 at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield, Fort Drum.
Col. Michael C. McCurry, 10th CAB commander, spoke words of farewell and encouragement to the outgoing personnel, and a warm welcome to the incoming personnel.
"Today we bid farewell to a couple that I can call lifelong friends," McCurry said. "(Command) Sgt. Maj. Cuomo is everything a senior enlisted leader should be. He lives the Army values, and he is committed to our great institution and its members.
"There is no doubt that your leadership empowered the Soldiers in front of us to accomplish their diverse and challenging missions," he added.
The change of responsibility ceremony is an opportunity to honor the service and sacrifice of a great warrior and his Family and to welcome and equally impressive war-fighter who will take the unit into the next chapter.
"(Command) Sgt. Maj. Hurst, I know that you will continue to do great things for the Falcon Soldiers," McCurry said. "You're the right man for the job, and I have no doubt that you will prepare our Soldiers for our next endeavor, wherever and whenever that may be."
Cuomo is leaving the 10th CAB, but he will carry fond memories of his time at Fort Drum.
"Being your sergeant major has been the honor of a lifetime," he said. "I wish you the best of luck and would encourage all of you to keep in touch. I will always be there for you."
Hurst comes to Fort Drum from the 4th Battalion, 277th Air Regiment, 1st Air Combat Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, out of Fort Hood, Texas.
"It's important to maintain continuity, but also to welcome change," Hurst said. "The 10th CAB has a history of great leadership, and I will continue that history as the command sergeant major."
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