WEST FORT HOOD, Texas -- A new senior enlisted adviser took over as standard bearer at the U.S. Army Operational Test Command during a ceremony here Friday.
Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Schmidt takes his first opportunity to serve at "The Great Place," arriving from Fort Riley, Kansas, where he was the garrison command sergeant major.
Schmidt takes the place of Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth M. Graham, who will move on to become the senior enlisted adviser at the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.
"The Operational Test Command is the only one of its kind, with an important mission," Graham said. "Our motto is 'Truth in Testing!' because that is what we do -- conduct independent operational testing to inform acquisition and fielding decisions for the Army, so that the United States Army Soldier, who is our ultimate customer, is provided with the best equipment available to enhance their effectiveness on the modern battlefield."
With OTC since April 24, 2014, Graham hasn't been a stranger to Fort Hood, serving 4 years, 8 months at previous assignments as CBRN Sergeant Major at the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary); Command Sergeant Major of the 48th Chemical Brigade; and Commandant of the III Corps and Fort Hood Noncommissioned Officers Academy.
"We're going to miss the Texas barbecues, the Expo Center rodeos, and especially the down-home Texas hospitality," said Graham.
Brig. Gen. Kenneth L. Kamper, commanding general of OTC, deferred honors to the Noncommissioned Officer Corps before officiating the ceremonial "passing of the colors," between Graham and Schmidt.
"It's only fitting that we pause this morning to just recognize the significance of a change of responsibility between two command sergeants major," he said.
"It's through these ceremonies that we cherish our past," continued Kamper. "We reflect on what it means to be a profession, called on by our nation to service.
"I can think of no greater compliment than to say that Command Sgt. Maj. Ken Graham embodies in spirit, in action, in thought and deed … every sentence, every word, of the Noncommissioned Officer Creed. We're a better organization for having served with you."
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