WIESBADEN, Germany -- The Wiesbaden community welcomed incoming U.S. Army Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Chad L. Pinkston July 14 during the first ceremony to be held on the newly dedicated Allen Field in the Newman Village Housing Area.
Pinkston accepted the Garrison flag from Garrison Commander Col. Todd J. Fish as a symbol of his responsibility for the community's Soldiers and families. Pinkston and his family came to Wiesbaden from Fort Drum, NY, where he was assigned as the battalion command sergeant major for the 10th Headquarters and Special Troops Battalion, 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade.
While the ceremony signified the acceptance of a challenge for Pinkston, Fish said, it represented a crowning achievement for Command Sgt. Maj. Larry E. Addington. During the ceremony, the community also wished farewell to Addington and his family.
Fish recognized Addington's dedication to Wiesbaden's Soldiers, family members, civilians and German community members, adding that Addington's impact on the community was evident by those gathered for the Change of Responsibility Ceremony.
"As a career medical service provider, Sergeant Major Addington understands that taking care of people comes first," Fish said.
Throughout his two years as part of the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden command team, Fish said, Addington was a powerful leader who inspired and supported the entire community inside and outside of the installation's gates.
"He helped bring this whole dynamic that we call a community together," Fish said during an award presentation prior to the ceremony.
Relinquishing responsibility was more bitter than sweet, Addington said, of his final days in Germany, which he called the best assignment in his 28 years of Army service.
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