FORT SILL, Oklahoma (July 19, 2018) -- The Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill welcomed a new command sergeant major (CSM) July 12, during an assumption of responsibility ceremony at Old Post Quadrangle.

Command Sgt. Maj. John Foley, most recently the CSM for 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, filled the position which had been vacant since May 31.

Maj. Gen. Wilson A. Shoffner, Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill commanding general, welcomed the Foleys, and described the CSM as battle tested, who leads from the front.

As the Fires CSM, Foley's span of influence will be expansive, Shoffner said.

"His actions, his decisions will affect not just the Lawton-Fort Sill community, but the current and next generation of air defense artillery and field artillery Soldiers," Shoffner said.

Sergeants major go about their duties in their own unique manner; however, there is a constant about them, the general said.

"Sergeants major are mentors, trainers, coaches, advisers, evaluators, and ambassadors -- all at once," Shoffner said. "But above all that they are leaders 24/7.

"They take the time to ensure standards are always enforced," he said. "And, they will correct officers, NCOs and Soldiers, alike, when they are not met.

"Their objective and focus is simple and crucial for our Army because it addresses the very heart and soul of our Army, and that is the individual Soldier," Shoffner said.

Foley has a legendary reputation in the ADA community, and has served around the world, Shoffner said.

His list of overseas assignments and deployments on his Enlisted Record Brief is so long that it doesn't even fit on the one-page form, Shoffner said. "Very few leaders have that rich of a background and diversity of experience.

"I am confident that he will bring an energy and insight to our efforts here that will only improve the outlook and the professional career of every single Soldier he touches," he said. "Sergeant major, I look forward to serving alongside you. I think it's going to be quite a ride."

The general noted the unique formation of Soldiers on the field who were NCOs only.

"It is unusual that we do that, but appropriate in this case because it is a public recognition of not just the role of Command Sgt. Maj. Foley, but the role of each one of our command sergeants majors, NCOICs (noncommissioned officers in charge) and NCO leaders throughout Fort Sill," Shoffner said.

Program narrator Mike Simmons announced each leader on the field:

Staff Sgt. Samuel Carroll, 395th Army Reserve Band; 1st Sgt. Daniel King, Headquarters Detachment, Fires Center of Excellence; Command Sgt. Maj. John Condliffe, Fort Sill NCO Academy; Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Lutgens, Fort Sill Garrison; Command Sgt. Maj. Randy Gray, 30th Air Defense Artillery Brigade; Sgt. Maj. Michael McGlaughlin, 31st ADA Brigade Rear Detachment; Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Masters, 75th Field Artillery Brigade; Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Harding, 434th FA Brigade; Command Sgt. Maj. Gerry German, 428th FA Brigade; Master Sgt. Matthew Sims, Fort Sill Medical Activity; NCOIC Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Kleimola, Fort Sill Dental Activity; color sergeant Sgt. 1st Class Chad Enslin, Installation Color Guard; and Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Coleman Jr., G-3/5/7 CSM, and honor guard commander.

In attendance were many former FCoE and Fort Sill command sergeants major, sergeants major and commanders, as well as current leaders.

Foley thanked the general for selecting him to be his CSM during this critical time as the Army increases force structure and unit readiness, and as it modernizes. He vowed to help Shoffner lead the FCoE and Fort Sill in its efforts and fill the gaps when required.

"It's an absolute honor to have the opportunity to join the FCoE and Fort Sill team, as well as the Lawton community," the CSM said. "I look forward to serving with all the units, directorates, commanders, leaders, command sergeants major, and civilians across this installation."

Foley thanked his family and said they were excited to be here. He noted it was their fourth move within the last five years: Korea to Fort Bragg, N.C., to Fort Stewart, Ga., to Hawaii to here. The command sergeant major said his wife, Dr. Ella Foley, is a retired first sergeant with 22 years of service.

"She is ready to continue to serve our community."