500th Military Intelligence Brigade-Theater farewells Everette and welcomes Parker

By Staff Sgt. Shameeka R. StanleyJuly 12, 2019

500th MI BDE-T welcomes new Command Sergeant Major
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Command Sgt. Maj. Tammy M. Everette, outgoing command sergeant major, Col. David P. Elsen, commander, 500th Military Intelligence Brigade-Theater and Command Sgt. Maj. John R. Parker, incoming command sergeant major, stands at parade rest during a Fl... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
500th MI BDE-T welcomes new Command Sergeant Major
2 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Right to left) Command Sgt. Maj. Tammy M. Everette, outgoing command sergeant major, 500th Military Intelligence Brigade-Theater (MIB-T) passes the Brigade colors to Col. David P. Elsen, commander, 500th MIB-T, during a Flying V ceremony on Schofiel... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
500th MI BDE-T welcomes new Command Sergeant Major
3 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Right to left) Col. David P. Elsen, commander, 500th Military Intelligence Brigade-Theater, passes the Brigade colors to Command Sgt. John R. Parker, incoming command sergeant major, 500th MIB-T during a Flying V ceremony on Schofield Barracks, Hawa... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
500th MI BDE-T welcomes new Command Sergeant Major
4 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The 500th Military Intelligence Brigade-Theater bid farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Tammy M. Everette, outgoing command sergeant major, and welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. John R. Parker, incoming command sergeant major, during a Flying V ceremony on Schofi... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
500th MI BDE-T welcomes new Command Sergeant Major
5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii-- The 500th Military Intelligence Brigade-Theater bid farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Tammy M. Everette, outgoing Command Sergeant Major (CSM), and welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. John R. Parker, incoming CSM, during a Flying V ceremony on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, June 26.

Saying goodbye to a great leader is always tough, but the Brigade has gained another great leader with Command Sgt. Maj. Parker. As an exceptional leader with high standards, Parker is ready to take on the reigns as the Brigade CSM and continue to lead the way.

Parker previously served as the CSM of 3rd MI Battalion, 501st MI Brigade in Korea. He comes with a reputation for excellence, high standards, and outstanding leadership ability.

Col. David P. Elsen, commander, 500th MIB-T was the reviewing officer for the ceremony and described Everette as "a true force multiplier".

'For me, I say it's a bittersweet day because as a commander, your CSM or your First Sergeant in the case of Company Command, is truly your battle buddy," said Col. David P. Elsen, commander, 500th MIB-T. "If the commander and CSM relationship is strong and unified, the CSM will truly be the commander's most trusted advisor, and the positive impacts across the BDE will be evident. That's the type of relationship CSM Everette and I shared, and I've also had the good fortune of it being true for me as a Company Commander and Battalion Commander."

Filled with emotions as she prepares to give her final remarks, Everette walks to the podium and gives a smile to her family as they sit in the audience with pride.

"I didn't write a wise speech about all of the great things I've accomplished," said Everette. "In fact, I have accomplished very little. My successes -- the Brigade's successes -- rest on the shoulders of everyone in this organization….. All 1600 of you, as well as those in the community that support us and our mission."

Everette humbly thanked her family, the "Pacific Vanguard" team from the past and present and Sergeants Major for their support and being great teammates.

In his remarks, Elsen welcomed Parker and his family to the Pacific Vanguard Ohana.

Parker took to the podium and expressed his gratitude to his family as he officially assume the role at the Brigade Command Sergeant Major.

"Thank you to my family, who have now supported me through so many Permanent Change of Station (PCS), deployments and Temporary Duties (TDY)," said Parker. "As special thank you to my family who traveled to help me celebrate this special day. I am honored to be chosen to help lead this tremendous intelligence brigade."

The Flying V ceremony traditionally welcomes or honors senior Army officials when they assume duties or depart from an Army command. The name, Flying V, refers to the way the colors are posted during the ceremony, which is V-shaped.