FORT LEE, Va. – A former Marine has started his tenure as the 15th Regimental Command Sergeant Major of the Army Transportation Corps.
The assumption of responsibility ceremony was held Thursday morning in Wylie Hall’s “Doc” Washburn Auditorium. Command Sgt. Maj. Randy T. Brown – who served as a Devil Dog in the early ‘90s and started his Army career in 1998 – took possession of the TC colors presented to him by Col. Jeffery C. Mozingo, the interim Chief of Transportation who presided over the formalities.
A sizable crowd was in attendance at the ceremony. Quite a few retired command sergeants major made an appearance, as did leaders from various Sustainment Center of Excellence organizations. Members of the incoming CSM’s family also were at the event that was livestreamed on the official Trans. School Facebook page.
Mozingo focused much of his remarks on the value of counsel, and how Brown will be called on to provide it to Soldiers and civilians throughout the Army and the Transportation Corps.
“Without (good) counsel, the people will fail,” the colonel said. “Without counsel, our purposes are not likely to be accomplished. That’s the purpose of leaders and the expectation of people they lead. With counsel, we find there is safety – of the people, the command and our mission. Our end state will be achieved and our purposes can be, and will be, accomplished with good counsel. It needs to be wise, well thought out and timely.”
Recalling Brown’s arrival at Fort Lee, Mozingo said he saw him jump into the role of advising and mentoring Soldiers without hesitation and while not yet appointed as their CSM. This action, the colonel said, reaffirmed how prone to counsel the senior NCO is.
“I know that CSM Brown is up to this job.” Mozingo confidently stated, “One of the most valuable and important qualities that he will bring is his ability to counsel. It will be more than just a responsibility; he will be looked to and depended upon for that. I’m confident people will look to CSM Brown as a subject matter expert in matters relating to transportation and leadership in general.”
Throughout his time at the lectern, Brown made it clear that he is thankful for this opportunity. He began his remarks with thanks to God, Soldiers and guests for their support. Brown then gave special recognition to the previous Regimental Command Sergeant Majors who served before him.
“I’m truly standing on the shoulders of giants,” he said looking at a few of those former CSMs sitting in the audience. “I can only see vastness of the pastures of those in the logistics field because of the efforts and hard work that you put in. Thank you so much for all you’ve done.”
The new CSM also acknowledged Brig. Gen. James M. Smith and Command Sgt. Maj. Terrence T. Scarborough, who recently ended their tenures as Chief of Transportation and RCSM, respectively. Smith now serves as the commanding general of 21st Theater Sustainment Command. Scarborough is the 593rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command CSM.
As he concluded his remarks, Brown expressed appreciation to the mentors who influenced his career and the family members who supported him throughout his 23 years in the Army. He acknowledged how humbled he was by the occasion and confirmed that he is ready to serve as 15th RCSM of the Transportation Corps.
“To serve (in this position) is a professional dream and an absolute honor.” Brown said. “I can’t find the words to express my gratitude for this opportunity.”
Brown, who last served as the CSM of the 70th Brigade Support Battalion in South Korea, holds an associate’s degree from Central Texas College, a bachelor’s degree from Columbia Southern University, and a master’s degree from the University of Texas at El Paso.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, 1st oak leaf cluster; the Meritorious Service Medal, 2nd oak leaf cluster; the Army Commendation Medal, 7th oak leaf cluster; and many others from previous deployments and assignments. Additionally, Brown has earned several foreign accolades to include the German Marksmanship Award Schuetzenschnur (Gold); and Colombian, Italian, Latvijas and German Jump Wings. Brown is a member of the prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, Sergeant Morales Club and a recipient of the Order of the Saint Christopher.
Social Sharing