Two Alohas, One Ceremony

By Staff Sgt. Timothy GrayAugust 18, 2022

Two Alohas, One Ceremony
Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Lynn, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, “Wolfhounds”, relinquishes his responsibility, giving the battalion colors back to the battalion commander, Lt. Col. Pete Leszczynski. A change of responsibility ceremony for the Wolfhounds was held at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, August 17, 2022. (U.S. Army photograph by Spc. Joshua Oller/28th Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Spc. Joshua Oller) VIEW ORIGINAL

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HAWAII – Command Sgt. Maj. Gary D. Lynn relinquished responsibility of 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division to Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel S. Roney during a change of responsibility ceremony at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, August 17, 2022.

Ceremonies like this are long held Army traditions that allow a unit the opportunity to both celebrate the success of outgoing personnel, and formally recognize incoming personnel’s new roles. Lt. Col. Pete Leszczynski, 2-27 IN Battalion Commander, outlined the importance of the command sergeant major’s role.

“The command sergeant major is the bridge between what the commander wants and the Soldiers’ need,” Leszczynski said. “The influence, detail, context, reason and muscle come from the sergeant major.”

Two Alohas, One Ceremony
Thipmalay Lynn, the wife of outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Lynn, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, “Wolfhounds”, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division stands with her family as she receives a public service commendation medal from Maj. Gen. Joseph Ryan, Commanding General, 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, August 17, 2022. Mrs. Lynn was commended for her years of service to the Wolfhound Soldiers. (U.S. Army photograph by Spc. Joshua Oller/28th Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Spc. Joshua Oller) VIEW ORIGINAL

Lynn served as the battalion senior enlisted advisor for almost three years. During his time, the battalion participated in multiple Pacific Pathways deployments, Combat Training Center rotations, and small unit training evolutions. He also gave the unit stability through personnel changes.

“I’ve had the privilege of having three battalion commanders as a command sergeant major over the past 33 months,” Lynn said. “Thank you for always exceeding all my expectations and taking pride in what you do every day.”

Roney accepted responsibility for the Wolfhounds, and acknowledged the leaders that enabled him to succeed to this point in his career. Speaking to the formation, Roney made promises to enable tomorrow’s leaders.

Two Alohas, One Ceremony
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Lt. Col. Pete Leszczynski, battalion commander, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment gives the battalion colors to incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel S. Roney, signifying the change of leadership for the Wolfhounds command team. A change of responsibility ceremony for the Wolfhounds was held at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, August 17, 2022. (U.S. Army photograph by Spc. Joshua Oller/28th Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Spc. Joshua Oller) VIEW ORIGINAL
Two Alohas, One Ceremony
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Roney, right, receives congratulations after a change of responsibility ceremony at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, August 17th, 2022. Roney is now the senior enlisted advisor for 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Joshua Oller/ 28th Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Spc. Joshua Oller) VIEW ORIGINAL

“It is a true honor to be given the opportunity to serve as your CSM, and I look forward to working for each and every one of you,” Roney said. “I assure you that I am going to take the same chances on you that amazing leaders have taken on me to set you up for success.”

The unit’s Soldiers demonstrated their shared affections for Lynn as privates through first sergeants lined up to wish Lynn farewell. Before his final good-byes, Lynn sung the Wolfhounds’ praises to Roney.

Two Alohas, One Ceremony
Soldiers assigned to 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division line up to offer congratulations and farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Lynn following a change of responsibility ceremony at Schofield Barrack, Hawaii, August 17, 2022. Lynn served for almost three years as the senior enlisted advisor for 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Joshua Oller/ 28th Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Spc. Joshua Oller) VIEW ORIGINAL

“Command Sergeant Major Roney, you are getting a great battalion with Soldiers and leaders that will never stop surprising you with what they accomplish,” Lynn said.

Lynn’s next assignment is Command Sergeant Major for 2nd Brigade, 101st Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky.