DUGWAY PROVING GROUND, Utah - On August 31st, Dugway Proving Ground welcomed the new Command Sergeant Major in a traditional Change of Responsibility Ceremony. The event took place at the Dugway School where CSM David C. Henderson assumed responsibility from CSM Mauvet M. Rawls. Colonel James P. Harwell, Installation Commander for Dugway Proving Ground, served as the presiding officer of the ceremony.
The Command Sergeant Major serves as the senior noncommissioned officer in a unit and advises the commander on all issues. Commanders employ their command sergeants major throughout the organization to extend command influence, assess morale of the force, and assist during critical events. The mutual example of leadership shared by the commander and the CSM influences the entire organization to operate cohesively and efficiently.
While saying farewell to CSM Rawls, COL Harwell spoke of the impact the Command Sergeant Major has had on Dugway in the 30 months since her time at Dugway began. When CSM Rawls first came to the installation, DPG was still dealing with uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Sergeant Major became not only the senior enlisted leader within the organization, but assumed the mantle of community leader as well, organizing events to bring neighbors together and help people reconnect at a time when everyone felt so far apart.”
COL Harwell expressed his confidence in CSM Henderson to build upon the legacy that CSM Rawls leaves behind, “Sergeant Major Henderson has already displayed a passion for this community and mission.” Before coming to Dugway, CSM Henderson served as Assistant Commandant of the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officer’s Academy at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. Henderson has two overseas deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and one stateside deployment in support of Operation Noble Eagle. The new CSM talked about overwhelming spirit of community you can find at Dugway, “anything you ask of anybody, you will see they will help you here at Dugway.”
CSM Rawls served as CSM of the Soldier Recovery Unit at Fort Cavazos, TX before taking her position at Dugway in March, 2021. Rawls will officially retire in February 2024 after 26 years of service.
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