Harris assumes responsibility for 165th

By Mr. Robert Timmons (IMCOM)December 15, 2016

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3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Command sergeants major from the 165th Infantry Brigade stand in formation during the brigade's change of responsibility ceremony Dec. 9 at the Officers Club on Fort Jackson. Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond Harris assumed responsibility for the 165th from ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Jackson Soldiers, civilians and Family members gathered at the Officers Club on post to "bid farewell to an inspirational leader" and welcome another when Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Barnes passed responsibility of the 165th Infantry Brigade to Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond Harris Dec. 9.

Col. Thomas Sheehan said during the change of responsibility ceremony that he "probably benefitted the most" from Barnes' passion.

He said Barnes was always looking to help "hungry and creative" leaders to flourish during his time with the brigade, while acknowledging the unit will be in Harris' capable hands.

Harris is a "warrior in his own right" with more than 20 years of infantry experience, Sheehan said.

Harris held leadership positions in the 1st Infantry Division, 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), and 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment from Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. He has deployed to Kosovo, Operations Enduring Freedom in Cuba and Afghanistan, as well as Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"It is good that the 165th is getting such a wonderful" leader, Barnes said to Harris. "I hope you enjoy it as much as I did."

Harris said he was thankful that he was "entrusted with the responsibility" of the 165th and that, "you can rest assured that I will uphold the traditions of the brigade and Fort Jackson."

Before he would say good-bye to the 165th, Barnes cited Sheehan's friendship for making the unit work well.

"Thank you for your leadership and your friendship," he said. "Sir, you have been good for my spirits … Our Soldiers would follow you anywhere because we know that you care about us."