FORT HOOD, Texas -- The brigade change of responsibility ceremony is a time-honored military tradition. It honors units' most senior noncommissioned officers as they relinquish their leadership position.
Command Sgt. Maj. Cheryl N.M. Greene, outgoing senior enlisted advisor for the 120th Infantry Brigade, relinquished her command to Command Sgt. Maj. Carolyn Y. Donaldson in a ceremony at the 25th Street Chapel here Sept. 28, 2017. Greene left the 'Bayonet' brigade after 12 months of service.
"I want to bid the all of the Soldiers, department of the Army civilians, command teams, officers, noncommissioned officers, and their families farewell," said Green, a senior unit supply noncommissioned officer and a Cleveland, Ohio native. "Your support allowed me to perform my duties with an unwavered state of mind and stay focused."
After months of service, Greene has left a lasting impression on the Bayonet brigade and its Soldiers.
"I like a stern command sergeant major," said Sgt. 1st Class Demarcus McMillian, a petroleum supply specialist with 2-395th Field Artillery battalion, 120th Inf. Bde., Division West. "Her presence was always present, whether she was in the building or away mentoring the battalions."
Strong, stern leaders should care about the personal needs of the individuals under them, as well as the mission.
"The first time I met her [Greene] was at Fort Belvoir, Virginia and immediately she asked me about my family, history, and how long I've been at the 120th," said Staff Sgt. Raymond Escoto, a signal support systems specialist, with Headquarters Support Company, 120th Inf. Bde. "She always asked about the Soldiers and their families."
The 120th has the mission of validating forces for mobilization to support the Global War on Terrorism.
"I have been the gate keeper of the standard bearer for this organization. This unit has gotten it right when it comes to Army Pride," said Green. "I leave today knowing we have collectively taken this brigade to the next level of professionalism by providing top notch support to deploying National Guard and Reserves units."
Elevating the brigade was done internally through on the spot corrections and tact.
"She [Greene] stressed "know what right looks like" and expected Soldiers to police each other up in a tactful respectful way," said Escoto, a native of Round Rock, Texas.
Her influence on this brigade was different due to how our table of distribution, said McMillian
"Her leadership style was a culture shock to the organization, and I believe people didn't see her vision," said McMillian a ??? native. "The brigade moved forward and we fell in line and it made us a better brigade."
The organization ushers out one leader as they welcome another.
"I look forward to being a part of the team and I trust that you all will continue to do a great job training units for worldwide missions," said Donaldson, Florence, South Carolina native. "I know because of the high OP-tempo that it will get bumpy, but I want you to know that I am ready, willing, and able to serve as you brigade command sergeant major. Bayonet seven signing on the net."
Social Sharing