Ward takes responsibility as Fort Leonard Wood CSM

By Mrs. Melissa Buckley (Leonard Wood)April 9, 2015

Ward takes responsibility as Fort Leonard Wood CSM
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Brig. Gen. Kent Savre, left, and Command Sgt. Maj. Roy Ward pose for a photo in front of all the brigade, battalion and detachment commanders on Fort Leonard Wood during change-of-command ceremony practice April 6, while executing a movement known as... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Ward takes responsibility as Fort Leonard Wood CSM
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Command Sgt. Maj. Roy Ward took possession of the noncommissioned officer's sword from Command Sgt. Maj. Terrence Murphy April 7 on Gammon Field — signifying Ward as the new U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Ward takes responsibility as Fort Leonard Wood CSM
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Command Sgt. Maj. Roy Ward took possession of the noncommissioned officer's sword from Command Sgt. Maj. Terrence Murphy Tuesday on Gammon Field -- signifying Ward as the new U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood command sergeant major.

Murphy assumed responsibility as the MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood senior enlisted adviser in March of 2013, but his history on post dates back to 1983.

"Some 31 years ago, an 18-year-old guy showed up at Fort Leonard Wood, less than a mile from here, to start his training. Little did anyone know that I would be standing here today as the installation sergeant major," Murphy said.

"This is the best installation in the U.S. Army," he added.

Murphy is retiring after 30 years of service.

"It's been a great ride. Thank you to everyone for your support," Murphy said.

Ward, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, thanked Murphy for a smooth transition into the command- sergeant-major role.

"You have served this team well, and your legacy will remain. Thank you for your counsel and insights into this complex organization and its mission," Ward said.

Ward said he and his Family are excited to be at Fort Leonard Wood.

"I am very happy to return here after such a long absence," Ward said. "I am deeply humbled and honored for this opportunity to serve the service members, civilians and Families of this magnificent post. This is not a responsibility that I take lightly."

"I commit to you that I will remain steadfast and committed in ensuring that you're trained, developed, cared for and prepared to meet a wide range of missions across the globe," he added.

Ward is coming to Fort Leonard Wood from the Transatlantic Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Winchester, Virginia.

He joined the U.S. Army and completed One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Ward's assignments include gunner in the Combat Support Company 1/9 Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Korea; first sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Company and Company C in the 326th Engineer Bn., 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky; and command sergeant major of the 130th Engineer Brigade.

Ward has attended numerous schools, training programs and civilian institutions.

Those include Warrior Leader Course, Advanced Leaders Course, Senior Leaders Course, First Sergeant Course, Drill Sergeant School, Battle Staff Course, Master Fitness Trainers Course, Sapper Leader School, Airborne School, Air Assault School, Rappel Master Course; Chemical, Biological Radiological, and Nuclear Course and Equal Opportunity Course.

He holds an associate's degree from Central Texas College and Bachelor of Science degree from Excelsior University.

Related Links:

Fort Leonard Wood GUIDON newspaper

Fort Leonard Wood website