VICENZA, Italy - Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Gilpin assumed the position of U.S. Army Africa's senior noncommissioned officer during a change of responsibility ceremony Jan. 8 Caserma Ederle's Hoekstra Field. Despite frigid temperatures, the ceremony was an opportunity for Soldiers, family and friends to welcome Gilpin and his family into the Vicenza Military Community.
Maj. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, USARAF commanding general, presided over the ceremony. Williams welcomed ceremony attendees and gave kudos to out-going Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffery Stitzel.
"During his time here, Stitzel has been a great coach, mentor and leader, as well as a close and valued adviser to me. He traveled with me to many countries on the African continent where we helped partners understand the USARAF mission and cement relationships for future training opportunities." Williams said.
"Perhaps the most challenging trip we made together was to Liberia to support the great people of that nation in their valiant battle against Ebola," said Williams.
Williams said the challenges of working in Africa are complex and never-ending and success at USARAF is only possible with a team of flexible, quick thinking professionals. He added, this command demands a command sergeant major who can see challenges as opportunities.
"Stitzel has been that man." Williams said.
"Today isn't about saying goodbye," said Williams. "We are welcoming Command Sgt. Maj. Gilpin and his family to the Vicenza Military Community."
Gilpin's most recent assignment was as command sergeant major of the 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart. He has also recently returned from a 12-month deployment in Afghanistan.
"I look forward to working with Sgt. Major Gilpin," said Williams.
"In my opinion, one of the greatest strengths in our military is the vast capability we gain by working in different units, countries and cultures. Each time we move, we gain unique experiences - and we take these with us." Williams said.
Gilpin emigrated from Jamaica after high school and has more than 29 years in the Army.
Gilpin enlisted in the Army in 1986 and attended One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. Since then he served as an Infantryman in every leadership position from team leader to command sergeant major.
His duty assignments and deployments include Fort Hood, Fort Stewart, Vermont, Korea, Fort Bragg, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Fort Riley, Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Operation Joint Guardian, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Freedom's Sentinel.
Gilpin has attended numerous military schools and training courses including Air Assault School, Ranger School, Recruiter School, Airborne School, First Sergeant Course, and is a graduate of the United States Sergeants Major Academy Class 54. Command Sergeant Major Gilpin holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management and Administration from Excelsior College and a Masters of Art in Teaching from Webster University.
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