FORT NOVOSEL, Ala. -- The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center welcomed its new command sergeant major during an assumption of responsibility ceremony Oct. 17 in the U.S. Army Aviation Museum.
Command Sgt. Maj. Jean Pierre Alcedo became the CRC’s new command sergeant major when he accepted the unit colors from Brig. Gen. Jonathan C. Byrom, commanding general of the CRC and director of Army Safety.
Alcedo comes to the CRC after serving at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, as the Fires Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officers Academy commandant.
At the ceremony, Byrom expressed his excitement to welcome Team Alcedo to the CRC family.
“I must tell you that we are all in the presence of a rock star known as Alcedo,” he said. “If I had a dollar for every time someone has stopped me to tell me that my incoming command sergeant major is an awesome leader, I would be able to fund the coffee fund for the post for this next year.”
Byrom recounted a recent engagement he had with a good friend and senior Army leader who told him just how awesome Alcedo is, and then, “kind of jokingly chastised me for taking him from his current job, which he was crushing. I understood his torn response, as I have had the privilege of getting to know Command Sergeant Major Alcedo’s character in the past few weeks.
“As soon as he stepped foot in the CRC building, which was great because he kind of surprised us by showing up a week early to beat any sort of government shutdown – he’s very wise, as well as competent – and it did not take him any time to assume his new role,” the general said, adding that Alcedo accompanied him to a recent trip to Washington, D.C.
“It was apparent that Command Sergeant Major Alcedo is very well known for his tremendous efforts and accomplishments throughout his career,” Byrom said. “He was recognized by countless battle buddies and fellow command sergeants major as they reminisced, took selfies, or simply enjoyed a quick chat.
“I can see a recurring theme emerging, which is the Seven Degrees of Command Sergeant Major Alcedo,” he added. “In which I will challenge someone, especially in the operational force, to find someone who doesn’t have some tie to him, which is very valuable for our organization.”
Byrom said he is excited to see Alcedo already making plans to effectively communicate the CRC mission of saving lives to the Army and helping the force mitigate risk.
“I have no doubt that he will take the excellent initiatives started by his predecessors and move them to the next level of effectiveness,” the CRC commanding general said. “As we continue to understand and educate the Army on its recent accidents, Command Sergeant Major Alcedo is the right leader to help the Army also prevent future mishaps with the many accident prevention programs provided by the CRC.”
For his part, Alcedo said he is excited, as well.
“What a great day to be at Fort Novosel -- it is an honor and a humbling experience to be here and be the Combat Readiness Center command sergeant major,” he said. “The last two weeks have been amazing. I can tell the people here are the best – friendly and caring. I am thankful for having these great teammates, and that includes family members, as well. I am so thrilled to be here.”
The new command sergeant major added that one of the best things the Army ever established was the battle buddy system.
“Brigadier General Byrom, sir, thank you for allowing me to be your battle buddy at the CRC – together we will make innumerable contributions to CRC and our Army,” he said.
Alcedo also thanked his all of his former battle buddies through the years, including retired Brig. Gen. Gene D. Meredith and retired Command Sgt. Maj. William L. Gardner. “All I can say is, ‘thank you – I owe you big time.’”
He also thanked the “most important people in my life, my family,” including his wife, Master Sgt. Nina Alcedo (stationed in Italy), his mother and his children. “Thank you for supporting me through my career – I love you!”
Alcedo left the attendees with words from General of the Army Omar N. Bradley.
“The American Soldier demands professional competence in his leaders,” he quoted. “In battle, he wants to know that the job is going to be done right, with no unnecessary casualties. The noncommissioned officer wearing the chevron is supposed to be the best Soldier in the platoon and he is supposed to know how to perform all duties expected of him. The American Soldier expects his sergeant to be able to teach him how to do his job.
“Hopefully, I will do the same thing for the CRC and the Army,” Alcedo said.
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