Grafenwoehr, Germany - Troopers of Regimental Engineer Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment conducted their first Pioneer Change of Responsibility ceremony Dec. 4, 2015 at the Tower Barracks Physical Fitness Center, Grafenwoehr, Germany.
Command Sgt. Maj. Curtis Hopkins became the first senior enlisted advisor of the squadron July 2014. He helped form the new unit from scratch with minimal staff.
"The RES has grown so fast and is continuing to grow as we speak that it has become such a dependable squadron. It's easy to forget that we have only been around for about 17 months," Hopkins said. "As I stand here 23 months from the beginning of this wonderful journey, I say with strong passion that I have no doubt that the RES is the best squadron in the best regiment in the United States Army."
Not only did he and his small crew have to get more Soldiers and leaders; they had to acquire the buildings, equipment and supplies.
"I must say that this has been by far the best and the toughest assignment I've had in my 24 plus years in the service," he said. "My first day as the RES command sergeant major was scary. I had no clue of what I needed to do nor what to expect."
Hopkins ran the squadron for the first seven months without a squadron commander. From the beginning of his assignment, he drew strength and wisdom from the Regiment Commander Col. John V. Meyer III and Command Sgt. Maj. Shane Pospisil, the regiment senior enlisted advisor.
During his speech he thanked them both for their leadership development sessions and mentoring.
"You helped me grow as a leader and made it possible for me to lead this squadron," said Hopkins.
Eventually, Lt. Col. Deraney became the first RES commander adding his vision with Hopkins' and developing the squadron into what it is today.
"Sir (Deraney), we really built something special and hopefully the traditions that we have started will continue in the future," Hopkins said. "I believe that we have a unit that we would want our sons and daughters to serve in."
Deraney, who first met Hopkins in a pre-command course, said he quickly learned that the squadron was lucky to have him as the command sergeant major and his accomplishments were too many to mention in his speech.
"He fostered a climate of standards and discipline, but also built an environment based on respect that made this a unit Soldiers wanted to serve in," Derany said. "Suffice it to say, he founded this squadron on time honored traditions, institutionalized the development of its leaders and placed a premium on Soldier welfare."
Not only did the Troopers say goodbye to Hopkins, they also welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. John Brennan and his family to the squadron. Brennan just completed the Command Sergeants Major Course. His previous assignment was with the University of South Florida Reserve Officer Training Program, 6th Brigade ROTC, Tampa, Florida.
After thanking everyone for their welcome and the assistance given to him and his family during their transition to Germany and the squadron, Brennan said he was thankful for the opportunity to be part of this awesome organization.
"As the command sergeant major of the Pioneer Squadron, I will strive daily to improve the organization by earning your trust, showing you that I care, and demonstrating my commitment to you all," Brennan said.
Hopkins turned the reigns over to Brennan with confidence and wished all the best to him and his family as they start a new chapter in their lives.
"I believe I'm turning over the responsibility of this squadron to the right person, at the right time with the right talents, the right mindset and the leadership to lead this unit to new heights," Hopkins concluded.
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