FORT LEE, Va. – A Jackson, Miss., native and former enlisted unit supply specialist is now the 16th Chief Warrant Officer of the Quartermaster Corps.
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Milo N. Jones assumed the duties of his new position during a change of responsibility ceremony Wednesday morning in Mullins Auditorium at Fort Lee.
Jones succeeded Chief Warrant Officer 5 Maria G. Martinez who served in the position since November 2018. She was the first female to hold that leadership role.
Col. Michelle K. Donahue, 56th Quartermaster General, officiated the ceremony. She was assisted by Command Sgt. Maj. Eric J. Vidal, QM Corps CSM. Also in attendance was Chief Warrant Officer 5 Danny K. Taylor, CASCOM CWO; Command Sgt. Maj. Jorge C. Escobedo, CASCOM CSM; and many other distinguished guests.
During remarks, Donahue spoke in detail about Martinez’ accomplishments as both a QM Corps leader and member of the Fort Lee community.
“She modernized professional military education,” Donahue said. “She worked to ensure quartermaster warrant officers have the requisite knowledge of data analytics and the technical expertise to support sustainment and large-scale combat operations.”
Donahue further described how Martinez personally created dozens of protective masks for the local community when there was a severe shortage during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In reference to Jones, she said he was highly recommended as the right person for the job.
“I was able to sit down with Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jones and learn how much he cares about our mission,” Donahue said. “He embraces our quartermaster vision. He cares about people, and most importantly, he’s dreamed about making a difference serving in this position since the day he arrived at the Warrant Officer Basic Course almost 18 years ago.”
The colonel ended her remarks with assurances that Jones is absolutely the right person at the right time to assume the CWO duties, and she assured him that he has the full support of the Quartermaster Corps and School command team.
Next to speak, Martinez expressed appreciation for the confidence corps leaders had in her and acknowledged the continued support of her family.
“I especially want to thank every leader, Soldier, civilian, retiree and family member for the opportunity to serve our nation with you,” she said “Whether it was flying around the world or mentoring through (Microsoft) teams during the pandemic, the list of accomplishments is endless, but much more is still ahead.”
Jones spoke last at the ceremony and started by thanking a long list of both professional and personal mentors who helped him throughout his career.
“Col. Donahue, ma’am. I thank you so much for this opportunity to serve as the 16th Regimental Chief Warrant Officer,” Jones continued. “To whom much is given, much is required. I assure you Quartermaster Corps, I will give everything of myself to be the best leader and team member I can possibly be.”
Jones concluded his remarks with an inspirational message to fellow quartermasters.
“We must ensure that we leave the corps better than it was before,” he said. “I’m looking forward to serving and working with each of you. Supporting victory, support starts here, Army strong.”
The event was livestreamed on the Quartermaster School’s official Facebook page.
Jones’ military education includes all levels of the Warrant Officer Education System, as well as numerous Army and Joint Logistics courses. He holds an Associate’s Degree in General Studies from Excelsior College, New York. He is also a recipient of the Distinguished Order of Saint Martin.
His awards include the Bronze Star; Defense Meritorious Service Medal, with oak leaf cluster; Meritorious Service Medal, with six oak leaf clusters; Army Commendation Medal, with nine oak leaf clusters; Army Achievement Medal, with three oak leaf clusters; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Korea Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
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