8TH TSC holds Change of Responsibility Ceremony

By SFC Wynnfred HokeSeptember 11, 2018

The New Command Sergeant Major of 8th Theater Sustainment Command
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- The 8th Theater Sustainment Command welcomed a new command sergeant major during a change of responsibility ceremony Sept. 10 at Hamilton Field on Schofield Barracks.

The change of responsibility ceremony is a military tradition, held when senior noncommissioned officers leave a position of leadership and are replaced by a new senior NCO. One of the key moments from the ceremony was the passing of the 8th TSC colors, which not only represents the unit's lineage and honors, but also the loyalty and unity of the command's Soldiers.

During the ceremony, outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Jacinto Garza officially handed over the reins of responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Maurice V. Chaplin.

Officiating the ceremony was Maj. Gen. Charles R. Hamilton, the commanding general for the 8th TSC, who thanked Garza for his hard work and leadership, while welcoming Chaplin to the team.

"The 8th TSC's incredible Soldiers are the best measure of Command Sergeant Major Garza, who proudly served as the command sergeant major over the last year," said Hamilton. He embodied the calm, competent noncommissioned officer as he provided sound guidance and solutions all while developing leaders and professionals across the sustainment community."

"As we say farewell to Command Sergeant Major Garza, we have the pleasure of re-welcoming Command Sergeant Major Chaplin. We are fortunate that the Army sent a command sergeant major with unique credentials and vast experience. Command Sergeant Major Chaplin has lead Soldiers in all levels - company, battalion, and brigade at times of peace and in war. Command Sergeant Major Chaplin served as the TSC's G3 Operations Sergeant Major in 2016, and we are happy to have him back."

Garza is headed to the Pentagon to serve as the senior enlisted advisor to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology.

"It is our inherent responsibility to make sure our Soldiers are the best-educated, the best-trained and the best-equipped that the world has ever seen," said Garza. "Readiness, to me, is making sure that you can survive the worst day of your life, support, sustain and even fight in the crucible of ground combat and win."

Chaplin, now officially the seventh command sergeant major for the 8th TSC, comes to the command after a successful tour as the command sergeant major for the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command located in Daegu, South Korea.

Chaplin is a native of Jacksonville, Florida and enlisted in the Army in October 1989 as a Supply Specialist. His career spans from unit armorer to leading Soldiers at company, battalion and brigade levels during peace time and war.

"Leading Soldiers is a privilege, an opportunity some may never get. So I'm blessed to be afforded this opportunity. I look forward to working with my new battle buddy and continuing the great strides this organization is known for. As the NCO Creed states, 'All Soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership. I will provide that leadership.' "