New “top” for space brigade   

By Aaron Rognstad (USASMDC)August 17, 2020

New "top" for space brigade
1st Sgt. Jessica English, incoming first sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Space Brigade, right, receives the company’s guidon from Capt. Peter Murphy, HHC commander, during a Change of Responsibility at Fort Carson, Colorado, July 13, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Dennis Deprisco/RELEASED) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Dennis DePrisco (USASMDC)) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT CARSON, Colo. — 1st Space Brigade’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company welcomed a new first sergeant during a Change of Responsibility July 13.

1st Sgt. Gregory L. McCord Jr., outgoing first sergeant, relinquished responsibility of the company to 1st Sgt. Jessica L. English.

English comes to the company from 1st Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery at Fort Hood, Texas, where she served as a first sergeant for Bravo Battery. She comes highly regarded by her new company commander, Capt. Peter D. Murphy.

“She has already proven herself to be the voice of reason in difficult situations,” Murphy said in his ceremony speech. “She has my full trust and my support.”

English, from Mulvane, Kansas, joined the Army in 2003 and deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and once in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

“I’m excited to serve as first sergeant of the company and look forward to the opportunity to lead these great Soldiers,” English said.

The rank of first sergeant was adopted from the Prussian Army in 1781 through Baron Von Steuben, George Washington’s chief of staff in the final years of the American Revolution. First sergeants have been referred to as the life blood of the Army; the provider, the disciplinarian and the wise counselor.