Command Sgt. Maj. Tony Broadnax relinquished his responsibility as the senior enlisted advisor to the Garrison Commander June 20 during a ceremony on Torii Beach.
Broadnax held the position for 17 months and is slated to be the next Command Sergeant Major at U.S. Army Environmental Command. He said his time at the Army's Home on Okinawa has been rewarding and challenging.
"This Garrison has risen to the occasion by accepting the ever- changing needs of our Army Families," said Broadnax. "We have invested in reciprocal relationships with mission units, sister services and of course with our Okinawan partners across the island."
Broadnax, who has served 28 years in the Army, said that his experience on Okinawa was one of the best of his career and that he took the assignment as an opportunity to learn the often nuanced and complex nature of base operations.
"I learned to become a better active listener while dealing with the complexities of perceptions of support, fiscal restraints, and understanding the range of customer service," said Broadnax. "There is no formal military education for the positions of Garrision Commander or Command Sergeant Major, and at first I thought this would be an easy job ... boy was I wrong."
Broadnax spent an ample amount of time doing what he loves most -- interacting with Soldiers and Families.
"I joke about being a member of every Army unit on the island ... and I feel that way," said Broadnax. I am blessed with the opportunity to talk to, eat with, and workout with different Soldiers everyday. These opportunities allowed me to bring concerns back to the [Garrison Commander] and the Garrision staff."
Broadnax's passion for the Army and for taking care of people highlighted his tenure at Torii Station.
"There is no greater cause for me than to take care of Soldiers, civilians and Family members ... please know that you all have my deepest respect and admiration."
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