ADA School welcomes new chief warrant

By Cindy McIntyreMarch 24, 2016

Legion of Merit
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Brig. Gen. Christopher Spillman, Air Defense Artillery School commandant and chief of ADA, presents the Legion of Merit to Chief Warrant Officer 5 Nathaniel Jones, Jr. at a change of responsibility ceremony, at Snow Hall on Fort Sill, Okla., March 18... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Welcome new chief warrant
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Brig. Gen. Christopher Spillman accepts the ceremonial officer's saber from Chief Warrant Officer 5 Nathaniel Jones, Jr. and hands it to CW5 Christopher Wehmeier, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility for the Air Defense Artillery Branch and Sch... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SILL, Okla., March 24, 2016 -- A change of responsibility and retreat ceremony for the Chief Warrant Officer (CW) of the Air Defense Artillery Branch and School was at Snow Hall, March 18.

Retiring CW5 Nathaniel Jones, Jr. received the Legion of Merit from Brig. Gen. Christopher Spillman, Air Defense Artillery (ADA) School commandant and chief of ADA. Responsibility transferred to CW5 Christopher Wehmeier.

The award's narrative read, "CW5 Jones's exemplary performance and superior leadership has significantly advanced air and missile capability and postured the warrant officer cohort to support and lead the transformation of the air defense artillery in the years ahead."

The symbolic passing of the officer's saber from Jones to Wehmeier began with CW5 Wesley Klees presenting the saber to ADA's interim Command Sgt. Major Carl Torkelson, who inspected it before handing it to Jones.

Jones passed it to Spillman, symbolizing the relinquishment of his responsibility. The general then passed the saber to Wehmeier, completing the transfer.

Spillman praised Jones, saying, "His impact on the Soldiers he led, trained and mentored has been deep, broad and enduring. Nate, you are a legend of the branch because you have impacted so many. You have had a remarkable career."

Spillman presented him with the Legion of Merit award and his retirement certificate.

Jones, whose Army career spanned 26 years, told the assembled Soldiers and guests that as a private first class he had aspired to be command sergeant major someday. But his chief told him that he'd be a warrant officer. "I said, Chief, you are out of your mind." But his boss put him on the career track that prepared him to be a warrant officer.

"God gives every one of us a gift," said Jones. "Pray and ask God what is your 'why' (in life)? My 'why' is helping people be the very best versions of themselves. I hope I have made your lives just a little bit better by being in it."

Wehmeier, who took basic training at Fort Sill in 1991, addressed the assembly.

"Our air defense artillery warrant officers operate, integrate and maintain one of the most complex systems in the Army," he said. "With the evolution of air defense, they will soon operate, integrate and maintain the Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System. The transition will be the largest transformation in ADA history, and our air defense artillery warrant officers will be prepared for this transformation."

The ceremony concluded with the "Air Defense Artillery March" and the singing of the "Army Song."