Members of U.S. Army Medical Department Activity Fort Drum bade farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Stauffer and welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Akram Shaheed during a change of responsibility ceremony that took place Thursday at Magrath Sports Complex.
Shaheed began his military career when he enlisted out of Miami, Fla., in 1997, and attended basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Florida A&M University and a master's degree in emergency and disaster management from Trident University.
Over the course of his career, Shaheed has held leadership positions ranging from squad leader to clinical operations sergeant major, and has served at locations including U.S. Army Medical Material Center Europe in Pirmasens, Germany; Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Fort Gordon, Ga., and 62nd Medical Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
Col. John McMurray, MEDDAC commander, said he looks forward to seeing how Shaheed furthers the mission of Fort Drum MEDDAC.
"Command Sgt. Maj. Shaheed brings a proven record of high performance and distinguished service to the 10th Mountain Division," McMurray said. "We are truly pleased to have him and have complete confidence that he will continue to move this organization forward."
During the ceremony, Shaheed addressed audience members and thanked them for taking the time to attend the ceremony.
"I am grateful for the reception I've received so far at Fort Drum," Shaheed said. "I am honored and humbled for the chance to serve as the Fort Drum MEDDAC command sergeant major, and I am excited about joining the Fort Drum team."
McMurray also addressed Stauffer, thanking him for his 27 years of service to the United States Army.
"You are a great Soldier medic, a sound adviser, and a noble friend. You've made a difference in this organization and in the Fort Drum community," he said. "I wish you the very best on your Climb to Glory."
Before leaving, Stauffer took a moment to address the MEDDAC Soldiers and new command sergeant major, thanked everyone for their support during his period here and wished Shaheed "the very best."
"As with all who serve the Army, both Soldiers and Civilians, we are accustomed to change -- everything from our co-workers to the policies that govern our organization are constantly changing, and we have all mastered the art of adapting," Stauffer said. "I am looking forward to this change, and the adventures to come. Thank you all for your continued service to this organization, Fort Drum and the United States Army. One Team, One Fight -- Climb to Glory."
Stauffer is retiring after 27 years of honorable service and moving "back home" to Michigan to be near Family
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