Command Sgt. Maj. Evan Lewandowski assumed responsibility as the new brigade senior enlisted adviser.
Col. Jason J. Jones, commander of the Spartan Brigade said goodbye to Sgt. Maj. Robert Duanes, thanking him for his years of selfless service to the brigade.
"Sergeant major proved himself an invaluable asset," said Jones, who spent the brigade's recent deployment to Afghanistan with Duanes. "Providing sound guidance and leadership on a day-in day-out basis."
For Duanes the ceremony was an emotional experience and he took some time to say his farewell to the Spartan brigade.
"The completion of my tour as Brigade Combat Team sergeant major could not have been possible without the Soldiers and leaders you see in the formation today," said Duanes, commenting on his three years with the Spartans as their CSM. "I want to thank our Air Force counterparts and our local community, taking care of Soldiers and their families is what you have done and in a professional manner."
Duanes' next assignment takes him across the street from Pershing field to USARAK allowing him to stay close to the Spartans with whom he worked.
Lewandowski is no stranger to the Spartan Brigade, having finished his tour as the CSM of 1st Squadron (Airborne), 40th Cavalry Regiment.
"Sgt. Maj. Duanes, you have been a great mentor and example for me in these last years. Thank you for what you have done for the paratroopers and their families," said Lewandowski, a native of Daytona Beach, Florida. "Paratroopers of the 4/25, as the only arctic airborne brigade in the U.S. Army, you're a big deal and I'm honored to be able to call myself a Spartan."
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