Air Defense Artillery School welcomes new command sergeant major

By Leah Lauterberg, Fort Sill CannoneerDecember 12, 2014

Command Sgt. Maj. Lincoln
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SILL, Okla. (Dec. 12, 2014) -- The Air Defense Artillery School honored Command Sgt. Maj. Jerome Wiggins and Command Sgt. Maj. Harold Lincoln during a change of responsiblity ceremony Dec. 2, at Snow Hall here.

Reviewing officer, Brig. Gen. Christopher Spillman, ADA School commandant and chief of ADA conducted the traditional passing of the non-commissioned officer's sword as Wiggins relinquished his responsibility to Lincoln.

Command sergeant majors play an important role as standard bearers in the Army, said Spillman. Their stature across the Army and in Fort Sill formations, and the huge impact they have on Soldiers, family, and the mission distinguish them above others.

"As I reflect on Sergeant Major Wiggin's service at Fort Sill, I cannot think of a better standard bearer than him," said Spillman. "To be a good leader in the Army, you have to be a good Soldier. To be a good Soldier, you have to be a good citizen. And to be a good citizen, you have to be a good person. I can't think of a better description of Command Sergeant Major Wiggins than that. He's the whole package."

Wiggins' growth as a Soldier defines impeccable standards, knowledge, and wisdom of every facet of the ADA branch.

Filled with emotion, Wiggins gave a heartfelt word of thanks to all those who supported him, guided him, helped him, and loved him at Fort Sill.

"Today is not about anything owed to me," he said. "It is about a debt of gratitude I owe you (Fort Sill). I have the privilege of serving with the finest Soldiers in the world, at the greatest institution in the world, the Air Defense Artillery School. I am humbled to have served as this branch and school's CSM."

As he transitions from Fort Sill, Wiggins' leadership skills will continue to impact the Army. His next assignment has not been announced.

"I have no doubt that he will continue to be a huge impact player to the (ADA) branch and no doubt that some GO (general officer) will be thanking their lucky stars to have you on your team," said Spillman. "We will miss your unbounded enthusiasm, your booming voice, firm handshake, and your freely given bear hug. It has been an absolute honor to know you, serve with you, and to call you my friend."

Lincoln's exemplary service, demanding assignments, and challenging commands made him the singular choice to replace Wiggins as the ADA CSM, the general said.

"You've all read his bio, you've looked at his credentials," Spillman said. "It's clear, he's the right CSM for the Air Defense Artillery. But one thing his bio doesn't really tell you about, it doesn't tell you what his impact is on the units as a leader."

Spillman, who has served with Lincoln twice before in different capacities knows first hand the type of leadership and determination that Lincoln brings to the ADA schoolhouse.

"What I know about Harold Lincoln is that units thrive under his leadership," said Spillman. "I have no doubt that will continue to be the case here, at Fort Sill as a regimental command sergeant major."

Lincoln has faced many challenging commands including deploying with the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division to Iraq where his unit suffered many causalities, including Staff Sgt. Juan Garcia, killed in action 2005.

On Fort Sill we honor Garcia by dedicating a dining facility in his name. Lincoln, honors him in a different way by carrying with him a laminated, blood-stained Soldiers Creed card. The card was Garcia's and Lincoln carries it to remind himself what an NCO is, what it means to be an outstanding leader, and that all Soldiers deserve to have great leadership.