FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- The Aviation Center Logistics Command welcomed a new senior NCO as Sgt. Maj. Jerry M. Cowart Jr. assumed responsibility from Sgt. Maj. Antonio R. Lopez during a ceremony at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum Jan. 11.
The organizational colors passed from Lopez to Col. Michael J. Best, ACLC commander, to Cowart during the ceremony, signifying the relinquishing of responsibility from the outgoing to the incoming sergeant major.
Best said he's fully confident that Lopez is the right leader to help lead the organization.
"As we bid farewell to the Lopezes, we welcome the Cowarts to the ACLC family," said the ACLC commander. "We couldn't ask for a better noncommissioned officer to lead our team. Sergeant Major Cowart will move our command to even newer heights as he takes command with us today. We welcome you and your family, and I look forward to working with you.
Cowart has been a staple on Fort Rucker, coming to ACLC from his most recent assignment on the installation as the senior NCO for the 1st Battalion, 14th Aviation Regiment.
Cowart has served in every leadership position from squad leader to command sergeant major, and his previous assignments span across the globe to include: Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Eustis, Virginia; Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia; Fort Knox, Kentucky; Fort Bliss, Texas; Camp Humphreys, Korea; Camp Page, Korea; and Camp Eagle, Korea.
He has also served in multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.
With his experience, Cowart said he was excited to join the ACLC team to take the organization to greater levels of excellence.
"I was completely stoked about the opportunity to (join the ACLC team). (I thought) I knew exactly what the ACLC mission was, but over the transition, I quickly learned that I only partially understood what the mission was," said the incoming sergeant major. "I'm more eager than before to get after it and join this great organization -- I look forward to working on your team."
As Best welcomed the new sergeant major, he expressed his appreciation to Lopez for his dedication and leadership to the organization.
"Lopez has carried and facilitated the commander's intent, and through the power of his personal interaction and communications skills, has found an effective way to move our organization forward and set the right foundation for our future," said the ACLC commander. "Our vision is simple here in the Aviation Center Logistics Command -- a quality, safe piece of equipment provided to every trainee, every single day. Making all of this happen in the past six months has been Sergeant Major Lopez. One of the things that (Lopez) has shown us so well is the ability and importance of building teams."
Lopez expressed his gratitude for his time at the organization, and said he has full confidence that Cowart will take the unit to a new level.
"I've really enjoyed my time here at ACLC because we had a great team of civilians and Soldier who come to work every single day to do the best they can," said the outgoing sergeant major. "Now it's time for me to go, but I know ACLC is in good hands. Jerry, I would tell you good luck, but you won't need it. ACLC is run by a great team of Soldiers, officers and civilians that will take care of you."
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