FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Soldiers and Families from the 10th Mountain Division (LI) Sustainment Brigade gathered to bid farewell to departing Command Sgt. Maj. Ann Sydnor and welcome incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Octavia Greaves-Egyinam in her place, during a change of responsibility ceremony Friday at Magrath Sports Complex.
The ceremony took place despite a lake-effect snowstorm and an unplanned divisionwide day of no scheduled activities, as Soldiers congregated in formation and in the bleachers to support the outgoing and incoming command sergeants major.
"To serve with every one of you has been the greatest honor of my professional career," said Sydnor, who took responsibility of the brigade 28 months ago as the Muleskinners returned from deployment.
"As sustainers, the only thing that matters is that the supported force gets what they need when they need it and where they need it -- that no operation, no exercise or training event fails due to service of supply, that they can depend on us, that they can trust us and that when we are needed, we are there," she said. "Muleskinners, you have done that every single day, and I couldn't be prouder."
From Fort Drum, Sydnor will next be stationed at Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois, home of the U.S. Army Sustainment Command.
Greaves-Egyinam arrives at Fort Drum from Fort Lee, Va., where she served as battalion command sergeant major in the 244th Quartermaster Battalion.
Both Sydnor and Greaves-Egyinam entered the Army as unit supply specialists and have served for more than 20 years.
During the ceremony, Col. Shawn Schuldt, brigade commander, lauded the accomplishments of the past and present-day Muleskinners, attributing their success to leadership like Sydnor's.
"The Muleskinners before you could not do all this if they did not empower junior leaders and noncommissioned officers, empowering them to be ready and embodying mission command, and Command Sgt. Maj. Sydnor has done exactly that," he said. "The Soldiers, NCOs and leaders are a product of her leadership and her belief in developing leaders and enabling mission command."
Schuldt also addressed his new battle buddy, expressing confidence in her leadership and vision for the 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade.
"A few moments ago you assumed responsibility for the brigade and its colors," he said, "and it's a tremendous responsibility that I know you're ready for. I know you are ready to keep the lineage of this great unit strong."
Greaves-Egyinam gave the ceremony's final remarks, expressing gratitude for the support and encouragement she has received from Family, friends and the Fort Drum community and promising to serve the brigade well.
"Col. Schuldt, I'm excited about joining you as your new battle buddy and the great team that is the 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade Muleskinners," she said, "and with help, building on what Command Sgt. Maj. Sydnor has established and taking the brigade to the next level."
Social Sharing