The Army first sergeant is a specially-selected noncommissioned officer that is unparalleled in responsibilities and importance.
A change of responsibility ceremony welcomed a new company first sergeant to "B" Company, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, in the WBAMC Chapel, Dec. 10.
First Sgt. Gersom I. Jimenez was welcomed to the company during the ceremony which included a passing of the company's guidon from the acting Company Commander, Capt. Christen Barnhill, to Jimenez signifying the passing of responsibility to the new first sergeant.
"I hope the way I carry myself and uphold standards passes into the company and becomes infectious to everybody," said Jimenez, a native of Liberal, Kan. "[I want to] be approachable and be able to maintain a relationship with the troops."
During the ceremony, the significance of the first sergeant was emphasized, referencing the position as the "lifeblood of the Army" and "master trainer of the company," while affirming the unique relationship of confidence and respect that exists between a first sergeant and their company commander.
"He's the senior noncommissioned officer of the company," said Barnhill. "He brings the influence and the command voice and directive and is here to back up the company commander."
Jimenez previously served as the chief clinical noncommissioned officer at Primary Care and Soldier Readiness aboard Fort Bliss, Texas. With the new position, Jimenez's scope of responsibility has expanded from a platoon of a few soldiers to a company of over 500.
"It's significantly different, it's more encompassing," said Jimenez. "I don't expect anything less than the standard. If we start to waive around our standards we start to allow things that aren't supposed to be happening, happen."
To Jimenez, discipline is imperative for success and a paradigm for doing things the right way. According to Jimenez, once you get to the right way, it's easier to manage, to accept and to excel.
"I anticipate him being a good part of this company, he brings his experience and his position is respected," said Barnhill. "We've been missing that permanent position here; he's dedicated, and has a drive to fix it as fast as possible."
"We want to become a good virus in the hospital," said Jimenez.
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