completely and always level-headed," said Garrison Commander Col. James W. Ellerson Jr. , left, during the e... VIEW ORIGINAL
Command Sgt. Maj. John P. Drawbond became Fort Jackson's 10th Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Garrison during a July 29 change of responsibility ceremony at the post theater.
Drawbond takes responsibility from Sgt. Maj. Rod D. Celestaine, who had served in that position since 2014.
"I'm proud to be serving along side each of you, such great Americans, in the mightiest Army on earth," Drawbond said during the ceremony.
Most recently, Drawbond was the command sergeant major of the U.S. Army Accessions Mission Support Battalion at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He has been married for 23 years to his wife, Sandy, and has two children, Mason and Afton.
Garrison Commander Col. James Ellerson Jr. said he looks forward to Drawbond providing a unique perspective to the installation, and helping to improve customer service on post.
After hearing that Drawbond was coming to Fort Jackson, Celestaine reached out to him and said the two of them have been joined at the hip ever since.
"When you pass off an organization ... it's like you were raising it and now you're going to pass it over," said Celestaine.
"I have no worries. The only advice I have is to be the best garrison command sergeant major on Fort Jackson."
During his speech, Drawbond said he was thankful for Celestine's help.
"I can't repay you for all you have done. I thank you," he said.
Ellerson said serving with Celestaine was a true honor that he hopes to get again.
"He embodies the creed of the non-commissioned officer," said Ellerson. "The first two lines of the creed says 'No one is more professional than I. I am a noncommissioned officer, a leader of Soldiers.' "And, when you interact with Command Sgt. Maj. Celestine, it's clear you are talking to a professional Soldier," he said.
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