Ceremony welcomes Burnley as Fort Sill CSM

FORT SILL, Okla., July 9, 2020 -- Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Burnley succeeded CSM John Foley during a change of responsibility ceremony July 1, on the Old Post Quadrangle.

The majority of the event lauded Foley for his leadership and the outstanding support he provided as the senior enlisted adviser to two commanding generals.

However, praise for Foley waited as Maj. Gen. Kenneth Kamper, FCoE and Fort Sill commanding general, first expounded on Dr. Ella Foley, during the awards ceremony.

“Ella clearly cares about our people and demonstrates love and care in a way that has touched countless others,” said Kamper. “Her impact will be remembered and missed.”

Multiple awards flowed to Ella as a mass of socially distanced well-wishers cheered and clapped for her under the welcome shade of the hardwood trees that surround the parade field. In addition to the four awards Kamper presented to her, Jennifer Kirby, senior director of USO Oklahoma, gave Ella the USO President’s Volunteer Service Award at the gold level for the 713 hours Ella volunteered on USO projects.

“We are driven by the power of our volunteers; when Ella walked in she said, ‘I’m all in, I want to serve Soldiers, families, and our community through the USO,’” said Kirby. “She served abundantly with us and often brought many others to help too.”

Kamper then addressed Foley as a “phenomenal command sergeant major” who is physically fit and regularly shares the message of fitness with the many people he connects with.

“I’m still a little in shock because I thought he would be here for about six more months. I was very much looking forward to working with him a little longer than 112 days,” said the general.

Pinning the Legion of Merit on Foley’s chest, Kamper then stepped aside to allow him to address all assembled. With a smile, Foley unfastened the medal, the fourth he has received in his 31-year career. Foley then called up Staff Sgts. Cahner Harris and Eduardo Lopez II, secretary of the general staff noncommissioned officers, to receive the medal on his behalf.

“These two individuals took care of me for two years. They represent the very best we have on Fort Sill and in the Army,” said Foley.

Shortly thereafter, the awards ceremony concluded to make way for the more important matters to follow.

Kamper opened his remarks by saying he would leave out a few pages of his speech out of respect to the Soldiers and leaders assembled on the hot field behind him. The general then drew upon the recently published Fires 50, citing No. 16, “There is no such thing as a coincidence;” No. 25, “The Army is a people business;” and No. 46, “Optimism is a force multiplier.”

“All three of those describe the way Command Sgt. Maj. Foley approached his duties day in and day out,” said the general.

Kamper remarked about the significance of the Foleys’ community involvement during their brief two-year tour.

“What’s clear to me is to Team Foley, service isn’t simply a noun; it’s a call to action. It’s no coincidence the Army selected Command Sgt. Maj. Foley, a people person, to serve at Fort Knox as the CSM for Army Recruiting Command,” said Kamper. “Command Sgt. Maj. Foley, we hate to see you, Ella, and the boys leave, but our loss is Fort Knox and Army Recruiting Command’s gain.”

Introducing his new right-hand man, Kamper said the ceremony changed June 29 when Foley’s successor was found on post.

“Twenty-six hours ago we were planning a relinquishment ceremony and Command Sgt. Maj. Burnley was preparing to narrate Command Sgt. Maj. Foley’s farewell dinner then return to the Air Defense Artillery commandant’s office,” said the general. “To Team Burnley, I just want to say thanks for staying here.”

Foley then gave his speech thanking his family as well as retired Maj. Gen. Wilson Shoffner, the previous Fort Sill CG.

“He took a chance on me a couple years ago. Thank you, sir, for selecting me to be your battle buddy,” said Foley.

He then thanked Kamper calling their brief time a fun ride.

“You really brought some energy here, and I love serving alongside you,” said Foley.

The command sergeant major also extended his thanks to Lawton Mayor Stan Booker calling the town the best he’s been a part of throughout his career.

“This is a great community to serve in, and we love this place,” said Foley.

Moving on to address the man who will replace him, Foley shared that he and Burnley met 18 years ago  when they were young sergeants first class in the Advanced NCO Course in the early 2000s.

“There’s not too many times you’re going to see two post CSMs back-to-back from the same ANOC class,” said Foley. “He was the Distinguished Honor Graduate, so you’re getting a very intelligent, articulate, and compassionate person, but I did win the Iron Soldier.”

Regarding his move to the Bluegrass State, Foley said, “I’m humbled and privileged to have this opportunity to transform and recruit our talented Americans into the Army. It’s going to be a great assignment and we’re excited to go there and provide you the future strength of the Army to Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training.”

Burnley addressed those assembled thanking first his parents tuned in online. “You raised your children in a military family to understand by your example the importance of balance, selfless service, and faith. I hope I’ve made you proud.”

The new FCoE command sergeant major thanked the 77th Army Band; the color guard; the Salute Battery – B Battery, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Field Artillery; the units aligned on the field and the Artillery Half Section for the touch of class each lent to the ceremony.

“Your presence here reinforces and preserves our Army traditions,” he said.

Looking to his new boss, Burnley said, “General Kamper, thank you for your trust and confidence in selecting me to serve the Fires Center of Excellence, the Fort Sill team, and their families. My family and I look forward to joining your squad.”