FORT BELVOIR, Va. – U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Belvoir bid farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Garth Newell and welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Hopkins during a Change of Responsibility Ceremony at Thurman Auditorium Sept. 12.
The ceremony, hosted by Fort Belvoir Garrison Commander Col. David Stewart, marked the last piece of a significant leadership transition within the organization. Stewart assumed command of the Fort Belvoir Garrison Aug. 8, and Mr. Sean Lehane became deputy to the garrison commander a few weeks later. Hopkins’ addition means that all three garrison leaders are new to the position.
During the ceremony, Stewart thanked Newell for his many accomplishments, including his re-institution of the Better Opportunities for Single Service members (BOSS) program and his tireless efforts to lower the number of displaced Families on the installation.
“Command Sgt. Maj. Newell was the right person for the job, and in the short 16 months he was here, did amazing things for Fort Belvoir,” he said. “On behalf of our military Families, thank you for all that you’ve done and congratulations on your upcoming retirement. I wish you and your family all the best as you begin the next chapter of your life.”
Stewart also recognized Newell’s spouse, Julie, by conveying his deep appreciation for her sacrifice over Newell’s 28-year career, and her service to the Families of the installation.
“Together, (the Newell’s) raised six sons,” Stewart said. “At times, Julie had to carry the burden when Garth was deployed, first to Iraq and then again in Afghanistan. And of course, as the spouse of the Command Sergeant Major, Julie was also out there at events, talking to Families and raising attention to their issues. Julie, thank you so much for being by Garth’s side all these years.”
Several community leaders were on hand to witness the ceremony and thank Newell for his contributions to the region including State Senator Scott Surovell, the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Virginia North, Ms. Nancy Jean-Louis, and Supervisor Rodney Lusk, Fairfax County Franconia District Supervisor.
During his remarks, Newell talked about the command’s goal of re-opening the installation to the community coming out of the pandemic to make life a little better for those who call Fort Belvoir home.
“I like to think that we continued improving the quality of life for the 2,100 Service members and their Families who live here,” he added. “Whether it was at a Community Town Hall or a monthly Mayors’ Meeting, we met problems head on and were not afraid of the questions.”
Stewart also welcomed Hopkins and his wife, Carrie, though both are no stranger to the installation. Hopkins served as interim Garrison Command Sergeant Major for nine months before relinquishing responsibility to Newell in May 2023. Hopkins most recently served as the command sergeant major for Headquarters Battalion, United States Army Garrison-Fort Belvoir. Carrie is also a human resources specialist with Fort Belvoir’s Directorate of Human Resources.
“Thank you for trusting me to step into this role,” Hopkins said. “I look forward to working alongside you as your command sergeant major and senior enlisted advisor.”
As Stewart welcomed the Hopkins family to the Garrison Command Team, he thanked both Hopkins and Carrie for their work on behalf of the Service members, Families, Civilians, and retirees of Fort Belvoir, but the work was only just beginning.
“(Hopkins) knows the job,” Stewart said. “He knows the people. He has the skills and the experience and is the perfect person to step into Command Sgt. Major Newell’s shoes and continue moving the ball forward. He has already hit the ground running.
“Let’s get to work.”
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