The 83rd United States Army Reserve Readiness Training Center conducted a change of responsibility for its senior enlisted leaders during a formal indoor ceremony at Fort Knox's Waybur Theater Nov. 9.
Col. Nelson Irizarry, commander of 83rd USARRTC, presided over the ceremony that transferred responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Swift to Command Sgt. Maj. Edward Roderiques Jr.
The ceremonial transfer of unit colors symbolizes the responsibility the commander places on the command sergeant major. After the colors were transferred, Irizarry addressed the special guests, senior enlisted leaders and their Families and members of the 83rd USARRTC.
"Today is a great day for the Thunderbolt Family," said Irizarry. "A great (noncommissioned officer) leaves and another great one comes to replace him. Command Sgt. Maj. Swift was my battle buddy for over a year and he was there for each and every one of the challenges we faced. Loyalty, character and competence were his trademarks from day one."
From December 2014 to November 2016, Swift served as the command sergeant major for the 83rd USARRTC. Under Swift's leadership, achievements during his tenure included 16,500 students trained at a 96 percent graduation rate, numerous courses were transitioned into compliance with the One Army School System and the command took on the rigorous Master Leader Course for all the Army Reserve.
Irizarry reflected on when a good leader moves on another one comes in. He bid farewell to Swift and welcomed Roderiques and his Family from Fort Jackson, South Carolina, to the 83rd USARRTC Thunderbolt Family and feels extremely comfortable with his new battle buddy.
After Irizarry completed his remarks, he introduced Swift, who said, "It is hard to believe that I have been the command sergeant major for the 83rd USARRTC for nearly two years already. I guess being (on temporary duty) for (about) 10 days a month made the days just blend together."
When Swift took over his position, he realized the inherent responsibility to look past excuses and be the enforcer of standards, build teams, trust and empower subordinates of the command.
"I believe we have done all of that during the two years and a lot more," he said.
Roderiques spoke about how truly honored and humbled he was by everyone's presence. He was thankful for all the patience and support of his wife over the years, and was gratified his mother-in-law from Massachusetts could be present.
"As a former NCO Academy first sergeant during an era when we changed out unit patches every first of October, it is a tremendous arrangement of structure that the 83rd provides the mission command for our great NCOAs as well as the education and training that takes place right here at Fort Knox," said Roderiques. "I look forward with tremendous anticipation to working with the terrific NCOs, officers and the Department of the Army civilians and the whole Fort Knox team.
"It is a huge privilege to me to be part of carrying on the legacy and tradition of the mighty 83rd Infantry Division. A proud and courageous formation known as the Thunderbolt Division, its warriors of World War I and World War II richly deserve to be honored and remembered for their struggles, sacrifices... victories all those years ago."
Before arriving at Fort Knox, Roderiques served as the deputy commandant, U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy at Fort Jackson.
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