434th Field Artillery Brigade welcomes new CSM at Fort Sill

FORT SILL, Oklahoma (Nov. 12, 2020) -- Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Slater, who was most recently the CSM of 1st Battalion, 19th Field Artillery here, took responsibility of the 434th Field Artillery Brigade during a ceremony Nov. 5, outside Vessey Hall.

Outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Harding relinquished his responsibility, and retired after 31 years of service.

“That was a hell of a career — 31 years,” said Slater to Harding in his succinct remarks. “You will be sorely missed, you are the best command sergeant major that I have seen in my 22 years, so I’ve got a lot of shoes to fill.”

One of the guests who sat in the front row during the ceremony attested to Slater’s drive to reach the top of the enlisted ranks. Slater’s mother, Susan Wise-Wirth, made the flight here from Savannah, Georgia. She recalled when Slater was a child he always exceeded the norm.

“He always went beyond, and he was always good in school,” said Wise-Wirth, a retired police officer. “He is what I had dreamed he would be; I’m so proud of him.”

Slater entered the Army in October 1998, he attended basic combat training and advanced individual training at Fort Sill. His Military Occupational Specialty is 13B Cannon Crew member.

Slater would go on to hold numerous leadership positions, attend voluminous military professional education courses, and earn many awards, medals, badges, and ribbons.

A former drill sergeant, Slater has served in three combat deployments. He is a member of the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club, has earned two master’s degrees, and is currently a doctoral candidate at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Change of responsibility

During the ceremony, Harding handed the “Destroyer Brigade” colors to Col. Daniel Blackmon, 434th FA Brigade commander, signifying the relinquishment of his duties, said narrator Master Sgt. Mica Snell, brigade operations NCO.

Blackmon then passed the colors to Slater charging him with the responsibility for the unit.

Award and retirement

Blackmon pinned a Legion of Merit award onto Harding for the culmination of a distinguished military career.

“His dedication, vision, and leadership greatly contributed to the enhancement of the field artillery branch, and the training of both present and future artillery leaders,” recited Snell.

The colonel then presented him with a retirement certificate, and a cased U.S. flag.

Harding’s wife Elda was given a Meritorious Public Service award for her selfless service and outstanding volunteer efforts; the Army Chief of Staff Certificate of Appreciation for her devoted service; and the Red Legacy award for the impact she has made on the Lawton Fort Sill community.

Testimonies

In his remarks, Blackmon noted that he had worked with Harding for only six months, so he had solicited comments from Soldiers who had served longer with the CSM.

Blackmon’s predecessor, Col. Michael Konczey, and Harding became the 434th FA Brigade command team together June 25, 2018. Konczey described Harding as “a great wingman, battle-buddy, and friend,” said Blackmon.

“He (Harding) is a natural coach and mentor, and invested countless hours counseling new drill sergeants,” wrote Konczey in his communique. “He always imparted his experiences as a drill sergeant, and his expectations of them.”

“Don’s mark can be seen on so many things across the brigade that I could go on and on,” continued Konczey. “He invested himself in doing fully all the things that we expect of our professional NCOs.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney Graves relayed that he will miss Harding’s mentorship, his extraordinary concern for Soldiers, and most importantly his friendship. “I’m going to miss his ‘Hey Guy’ every time he addresses Soldiers.”

Maj. Mason Heimer wrote that then-1st Sgt. Harding’s presence was felt everywhere he went at the unit. “Not a single NCOER (Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation Report) or award recommendation made it out of the battery without 1st Sgt. Harding proofreading it. He knew that taking care of Soldiers started with timely and tight personnel actions and medical readiness.

“I’ll never forget how he always carried around a 7.62mm round in his jacket pocket … telling me: ‘I’m saving this one for Bin Laden,’” noted Heimer.

Maj. Jeff Wade recalled Harding leading battery runs in Germany in 10-degree weather. Soldiers would ask him if they could wear winter physical training uniforms. His response was always: “Hey Guy, we’re paratroopers. We don’t need no stinkin’ winter PTs, Wade said.

Blackmon thanked Harding: “You’re loved, you’re respected, and we are all better having served in your presence.”

Welcome

The colonel then welcomed the Slaters.

“Command Sgt. Maj. Slater also comes with a sterling reputation, and a known love for Soldiers,” Blackmon said. “I anticipate the brigade will continue to thrive as we push forward in turning civilians into Soldiers. I look forward to our partnership.”

Harding’s remarks

Harding, too, began his career at Fort Sill as a basic combat trainee.

“Years ago, I crossed the arches of ‘Soldiering Starts here,’ and now I’m on the other side of the arch ‘Never Quit.’”

Next as part of the pageantry, four basic combat trainees each presented remarks on why they serve in the Army.

“Trainees will always remember their drill sergeants … they won’t remember me,” Harding said. “Mine were drill sergeants Jones, Sanders, and Young. They all took a vested interest in our well being.”

Harding thanked numerous individuals by name from every echelon of the brigade, as well as numerous units and agencies for their support of the 434th FA Brigade.

Harding spoke of his participation in the 65th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, and walking the hallowed grounds of the cemetery in Normandy, France.

“We must never forget those who came before us and their families that sacrificed everything for our freedom,” Harding said. “We can’t forget our Gold Star families and their sacrifices. They continue life in the memories of their loved ones.”

Harding spoke of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Jim Steinthal, a Korean War combat veteran, whom he met at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. “When he passed away, I was honored to present the (U.S.) flag to his wife, Fran,” Harding said. “He will be forever remembered in my heart.”

He acknowledged Soldiers from his first squad, to those he fought with in both Gulf Wars, and those he carried off the battlefield. “We continue in your honor and we salute you every day,” he said.

“I thank all who have impacted me, and thank you for allowing me to serve you,” Harding said. “This journey has been the ride of a lifetime.”

Harding thanked his wife. “You are my soul, my heartbeat, and you’re humble, and always looking out for others. Elda, you’re awesome.”

The crowd gave Harding a standing ovation as he returned to his seat.