Flatiron welcomes new detachment sergeant

By Nathan Pfau, Army Flier Staff WriterFebruary 10, 2017

Flatiron welcomes new detachment sergeant
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala -- The U.S. Army Air Ambulance Detachment welcomed a new detachment sergeant during a ceremony at Cairns Army Airfield Feb. 6.

Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Burrows, incoming detachment sergeant, assumed responsibility from Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Orange as the NCO sword changed hands from Orange to Maj. David Behrmann, Flatiron commander, to Burrows, who welcomed the new responsibility with open arms.

"Major Behrmann, NCOs and Soldiers of Flatiron, I vow to give you 100 percent of my spirit and wellbeing to tackle challenges that may arise in the future," said Burrows during the ceremony. "It is my goal to strengthen and shape (these Soldiers) into strong leaders, and to make our unit better than the way we came to it."

Burrows rose to his position from within the ranks of Flatiron, previously holding the position of platoon sergeant. He thanked his command team for the opportunity to continue to lead, as well as his wife, Kelly, for her continued support throughout the years.

Behrmann said that he has full confidence in the new detachment sergeant and that the significance of the ceremony shouldn't be understated.

"Sergeant First Class Burrows, you're no stranger to this great organization," said the commander. "You came to Flatiron highly recommended, and had the chance to see the unit and the way that it runs.

"I'm confident that you will continue to carry on its long history and tradition of excellence now and in the future," he continued. "I look forward to working with you and maintaining Flatiron as the finest MedEvac detachment that our military has to offer."

Behrmann said the day was one that was bittersweet as they welcomed the new detachment sergeant, but bid farewell to Orange, who is retiring.

"This is the day we say our farewells to Sergeant First Class Orange as he embarks on the event horizon of retirement and prepares to enter the civilian sector," he said. "This position couldn't have been filled by anyone better than Sergeant First Class Orange. I will never be able to thank you enough for making my life as a Soldier and commander as easy as it has been -- you've done your fair share and then some."

That amount of dedication is what Behrmann said is required of not only a detachment sergeant, but all of those within Flatiron's ranks -- something he didn't fully appreciate until a few months into his own time as commander.

He recalled being given an old book as he took command that was filled with newspaper articles and pictures that chronicled the various missions that Flatiron Soldiers had accomplished throughout the years.

"Missions to save individuals involved in horrific car wrecks, fellow Soldiers in aircraft crashes, and even a childbirth in the back of a Huey -- all done by the professional Soldiers of Flatiron, so I tell you all, this change of responsibility is anything but run of the mill," said the Flatiron commander. "(This responsibility) is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a sergeant first class, in my own humble opinion."

Orange echoed Behrmann's sentiments and said he has full confidence that the Flatiron team is in good hands, adding that he's glad to be ending his career on a high note.

"Thanks to the outstanding Spartan command team for this opportunity -- I couldn't think of a better way to end my career," said the outgoing detachment sergeant. "I'm leaving this experience with a wealth of knowledge I will always treasure."

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