FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Fort Rucker welcomed a new garrison command sergeant major during a change of responsibility ceremony at the U.S Army Aviation Museum June 15.
Command Sgt. Maj. Jasper C. Johnson assumed responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher D. Spivey as the garrison colors changed hands from Spivey to Col. Brian E. Walsh, Fort Rucker garrison commander, to Johnson.
Walsh presided over the ceremony and expressed full confidence in the new command sergeant major while bidding farewell to Spivey.
"I couldn't have had a better battle buddy than Command Sergeant Major Spivey. He's a difference maker, he's a dedicated professional, and his commitment to this garrison and the Aviation Center of Excellence mission is truly second to none," said the garrison commander during the ceremony. "Today, we welcome another great leader. He's coming to us from The Old Guard where exceptionalism is the minimum standard. (Johnson) already has that accomplish-the-mission attitude to find a way to make one rise to the challenge and get after it."
Johnson enlisted in the Army in 1990 and since his time in basic training has served in every leadership position from team leader to command sergeant major.
He's served in multiple assignments across the globe, including battery first sergeant for the 4-319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team in Bamberg, Germany; interim command sergeant major operations sergeant major for the 1-37th Armored Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armor Division in Fort Bliss, Texas; and his most recent assignment as the command sergeant major for 1st Battalion, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, "The Old Guard," in Fort Myer, Virginia.
Johnson has also served on multiple deployments, including Kosovo in support of Operation Joint Guardian, two tours in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
During his transition, the incoming command sergeant major said he was impressed by the installation's welcome and the workforce's work ethic.
"Coming here, the reception has been exceptional," Johnson said. "As I moved about the installation day after day, I could see everybody hard at work, and it was very obvious that they were very proud and excited about the things that they were doing.
"I can see how this installation has achieved so much, and I want to say thank you for that reception," he continued. "I really look forward to working with the garrison team, working with tenant units about the installation. This is definitely team Rucker and I'm happy to be a part of this team."
Spivey expressed full confidence in Johnson and offered up a bit of advice as he took the reins.
"Jasper, I know when you first found out that you were coming to Fort Rucker as the garrison CSM, you had a million thoughts going through your mind," said the outgoing command sergeant major. "Fort Rucker is a great place to work. I have never been associated with a finer group of people. Your new battle buddy is an amazing leader and you will learn so much from him. If you take care of everybody, I promise you, they will take care of you."
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