CAMP ZAMA, Japan (July 12, 2018) U.S. Army Garrison Japan Command Sgt. Maj. Will Holland bid farewell to the community he's served for two years during a relinquishment of responsibility ceremony July 11 at Camp Zama's Community Club.
Col. Phillip Gage, garrison commander, accepted the guidon from Holland to symbolize the relinquishment of the responsibility in front of a crowded ballroom filled with Soldiers, Civilians, distinguished Japanese guests, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force partners, Family Members, and friends.
The ceremony also offered the unique perspective of a Japanese tradition. When he assumed responsibility in September 2016, Holland painted one eye of a Japanese "Daruma" doll while establishing his goals.
During the ceremony, he painted the other eye, symbolizing the achievement of those goals.
Gage thanked Holland's wife, Wendy, for her dedication and volunteerism in the community. He also spoke highly of Holland's professionalism in his remarks, saying he was the most fortunate commander in the Army for having Holland as his command team partner.
"Command sergeant major's no-nonsense approach to leadership, and his tenacity with the complicated nature of a garrison was like bottled energy to me," Gage said.
Gage highlighted some of the many accomplishments Holland contributed during his tour.
One of the examples was Holland's initiative to read every Interactive Customer Evaluation comment submitted during his tenure.
"He listened. He solved problems," said Gage. "He made things happen based on those comments."
Holland thanked Gage for treating him truly like a partner, and also thanked numerous individuals for their support.
"This has easily been my best assignment since I came in the Army 32 years ago," Holland said. "I am humbled having had the opportunity to interact with such wonderful people."
Holland's next assignment will be serving as an education liaison between the Army and the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C.
USAG Japan is scheduled to welcome its incoming command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Billy Norman, from Fort Drum, N.Y., later in the summer.
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