Anyone entering the gates at Fort Rucker, Alabama, is greeted with a heartfelt “Welcome home!” from the security forces who serve as gatekeepers for the installation.
When Sgt. Maj. Devon Weber learned earlier this year that his next assignment was sergeant major for the Aviation Center Logistics Command, that sentiment was more than just a platitude because, although he was born and raised in Pennsylvania, he thinks of Fort Rucker as home.
“The family and the community on Fort Rucker – specifically the aviation family – there’s nothing else like it," said Weber.
Weber was officially welcomed into his new role Aug. 31 during an assumption of responsibility ceremony hosted by ACLC Commander Col. Matthew Parker at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum on Fort Rucker.
Weber said he appreciates the opportunity to come back to ACLC and is thankful to the Soldiers and civilians who work hard to support its mission on a daily basis.
“I want to thank them for the warm welcome home. It’s very emotional coming back and we can’t wait to get started,” said Weber. “We’re very happy to be back.”
Weber enlisted in the Army in September 1996 as a CH-47 Chinook helicopter repairer so he could explore and see the world. His family has a history of military service, and he specifically wanted to follow some of his father’s footsteps as a Soldier.
“I still love it. I loved it from the time I came in [the Army] and I started seeing the world and now, to this day,” said Weber. “That’s why I’m still doing it.”
Weber credits his family for their love and support as he continues his military career, specifically his wife, who also served on active duty.
“My wife is a [U.S. Marine Corps] veteran. She’s very familiar with the military but it’s difficult,” said Weber. “I have some of the most adaptable children you can possibly imagine. And my wife is exceptional, because the care and compassion that she puts toward our family, really holds us together.”
During the ceremony, Parker welcomed back Weber and his family to ACLC and expressed his appreciation to Sgt. 1st Class Cynthia Reyes, who had been acting as the senior enlisted Soldier since May.
“I did not have a sergeant major when I first got here. However, I did have an acting sergeant major, and a great one at that,” said Parker. “Sgt. 1st Class Cynthia Reyes stepped up after the first sergeant major left and guided us to this point expertly and with dedicated professionalism – so thank you very much Sgt. 1st Class Reyes.”
Parker said ACLC is an outstanding organization with a lot to give to this enterprise and [U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command] around the country, and he expressed confidence in Weber’s ability to help the command continue its tradition of excellence. “I have the extreme honor of welcoming our newest member and his wonderful family. Sgt. Maj. Weber comes to us with a wealth of experience in operations, training and support,” said Parker. “We look forward to seeing Sgt. Maj. Weber help the entire team reach even greater heights than it has already reached. Above the best. Tradition of excellence. Ever vigilant.”
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