Command Sgt. Maj. John Fritz assumed responsibility from outgoing Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Dylan Lemasters in a ceremony Friday, with Garrison Commander Col. Erin Eike describing Lemasters as “a transformative force” at Redstone during his tenure.
“A change in responsibility marks both an ending and new beginning,” Eike, the reviewing officer at the event at Bob Jones Auditorium, said. “It is a moment of reflection and of gratitude for what has been accomplished and an exciting opportunity to embrace the future.”
Redstone is one of the Army’s most complex installations, recognized as a Federal Center of Excellence, she said, and “we honor and celebrate the remarkable leadership and unwavering dedication” of Lemasters.
“His leadership has been nothing short of exemplary as he navigated the challenges posed by a post-COVID landscape, spearheading the return of full operational capacity while managing significant challenges and unprecedented growth across the installation,” Eike said.
Under Lemasters’ guidance, the Garrison successfully transitioned through the turnover of 70% of its senior leadership team, she said.
Eike said a hallmark of Lemasters’ leadership has been his commitment to mentor and develop others. “Never missing a chance to build others, he has invested countless hours into developing the team, launching innovative leader development forums and conducting site visits that emphasize his hands-on approach to problem solving.”
He's also been a “champion of collaboration” by building partnerships across the Arsenal and surrounding cities, she said.
“Your legacy will undoubtedly endure in the hearts and minds of many who you’ve influenced, and I’m excited to carry your ideals forward,” Eike said.
Lemasters’ wife, Gina, and their children, Adysen, Cameron and Breck, were also recognized during the ceremony.
Lemasters said his service at Redstone has been “a remarkable journey of personal growth.
Despite the challenges of being a member of Redstone’s “city manager team, I found the experience to be exceptional, transformational and fulfilling. The amount of personal and professional growth I have experienced is truly astonishing,” he said.
“Everything here is about relationships and community and getting after the most challenging problems together and building new connections that make us a stronger team. That is why I love it so much.”
Lemasters called Eike “the transformational leader the team needs to push RSA to the next level. The future is bright for Redstone Arsenal.” He addressed Garrison employees, saying: “It has been the greatest accomplishment to serve with you and to serve you and I’m proud to be a member of your team.”
Eike welcomed Fritz and his family – his wife Yvonne and sons Finnlay, Wilder and Steven -- to Team Redstone.
Fritz, who has served for 26 years in the Army, was previously command sergeant major at 1-10 Attack Battalion at Fort Drum, New York and also held that position at the 404th Aviation Support Battalion at Fort Carson, Colorado.
“He brings a wealth of knowledge and fresh perspectives and a steadfast commitment to our mission at Team Redstone,” Eike said. “I have no doubt that his leadership will inspire us to reach new heights and tackle the challenges that lie ahead.”
Eike said Fritz should embrace this new opportunity and know that he has the full support of Team Redstone. “Together we will continue to build on the successes of the past that create a future filled with potential and achievement.”
Lemasters said Fritz is “the right man to take this team to the next level and build on the legacy of Team Redstone. I’m super excited for you and your family. You are going to love it.”
Fritz described Redstone as a special and complex installation, “and the people who work here make all of that happen, and it’s really, truly amazing.”
A retirement ceremony for Lemasters followed the change of responsibility. The command sergeant major at Redstone since July 2022, Lemasters enlisted in the Army in August 2000.
Davis Tindoll, director of the Installation Management Command-Sustainment, said a garrison command is “a difficult challenge,” and Lemasters took on the job not just to conduct day-to-day duties but to learn the business of base operations. “He made a difference on this installation.”
Tindoll said Lemasters earned the Legion of Merit he was presented with before the ceremony.
“He went the distance, he took the time, he set forth the standard and he lived it every day.”
Guest speaker retired Col. Mike Mannion met Lemasters more than 22 years ago and served with him during almost every rank he’s held in the Army.
“First and foremost, Dylan’s a warfighter,” Mannion said, adding that the two served together on countless missions and numerous tours.
The 12 Air Medals that Lemasters received during his service probably represent “hundreds and hundreds of missions” on which Lemasters served, Mannion said. “He has earned every single one of them.”
Mannion also described Lemasters as an expert trainer and compassionate leader.
In his closing speech, Lemasters said that if he had to capture his years in the Army in a single word, “that word would be service, not service to yourself but intentionally volunteering to serve something greater than yourself. There is no greater honor (than) to serve on behalf of the United States of America in our Army.”
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