Kaiserslautern, Germany (Rhine Ordnance Barracks) -- The 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Gary E. Plotnick and bid farewell to the outgoing command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen A. Burnley during a Change of Responsibility ceremony May 31.
Soldiers, leaders, families and civilians from the 10th AAMDC gathered at the Rhine Ordnance Barracks Defender Field to welcome the unit's fourth command sergeant major.
The ceremony began with the arrival of the official party and Burnley and Plotnick took their positions in front of the formation on the ready line. Col. Janell E. Eickhoff, the 10th AAMDC commander, presided over the ceremony. The distinguished guests included the United States Army Europe Deputy Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Timothy McGuire.
The passing of the NCO sword signifies passing of the history, traditions and accomplishments of the unit from the outgoing command sergeant major to the incoming. During the ceremony's symbolic act, Burnley passed the unit's legacy along to Plotnick, who is entrusted to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the unit's most senior enlisted member.
After the passing of the NCO sword, the 10th AAMDC commander shared some words with the audience about the outgoing command sergeant major.
"Today we say farewell to one of the finest sergeant majors I've ever had the honor and privilege to work with," Eickhoff said. Words will never truly be able to capture the tremendous positive impact that command sergeant major Burnley has had on the unit, USAREUR, U.S. European Command or the Army, nor fully measure the content of his character."
Eickhoff also thanked Burnley's wife and daughters for their sacrifices, understanding and support during the past 24 months, which included the execution of more than 30 exercises, shocks and training events in 27 nations across four continents, sometimes simultaneously. She said it was because of their support Burnley was so successful.
"Command Sgt. Maj. Steve Burnley is everything I could have asked for in a command sergeant major, and then some," Eickhoff said. "He will be truly missed by the soldiers and families of the 10th AAMDC."
After Eickhoff thanked Burnley for his time in the 10th AAMDC, she welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Plotnick to Team 10.
"When one great leader leaves, the Army replaces them with another. And as we say goodbye to one great leader and family, we have the privilege of welcoming another," Eickhoff said.
"Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Plotnick is coming to us from Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he served as the command sergeant major for 3-2 ADA," Eickhoff said. "He comes with all the requisite knowledge and experience required to serve as the senior enlisted leader of this incredible organization and I know he's going to do a fantastic job."
After Eickhoff made her final remarks, it was Burnley's chance to address the crowd.
"I am humbled and honored to serve with you all here, tell your story and advocate for our soldiers and their families. I want to recognize and thank the families who steadfastly support their service member and unconditionally love them," Burnley said. I know I would not be where I am today without the sacrifices that mine have made, the support they have given me and the strength they have to overcome the many obstacles the Army may throw our way."
Burnley then thanked the many soldiers he served with during his time with the 10th AAMDC and welcomed Plotnick as the new command sergeant major.
"I would like to extend a heartfelt welcome to Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Plotnick, his wife Kenya and their family. You are in for an awesome ride and my family and I wish you the best," Burnley said. "The location, the soldiers, families and community will create opportunities that will last a lifetime."
Finally, Plotnick address the soldiers, friends and guests with his first remarks as the new 10th AAMDC command sergeant major.
"I am humbled at this opportunity to serve as the command sergeant major of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command," Plotnick said. "Col. Eickhoff, I look forward to serving with you and the officers, noncommissioned officers and the soldiers of this command."
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