U.S. Army Garrison – Fort Jackson bid farewell to one senior enlisted advisor and welcomed another during a ceremony held Oct. 6 at Victory Field.
Command Sgt. Maj. Brie Kotula passed responsibility for Fort Jackson’s garrison to Command Sgt. Maj. Hector Rodriguezpabon during the ceremony.
The ceremony is an enactment of a 251-year-old Army tradition steeped in time-honored values and traditions.
The key part of the ceremony is the passing of the unit colors symbolizing the seamless transfer of responsibility and unwavering care for Soldiers, Department of the Army Civilians, and families of the garrison.
Col. David Gaugush, garrison commander, lauded Kotula for her efforts to help the Fort Jackson community.
“I could count on your candor,” he said. “You were always steadfast in your commitment to the mission, and your first thought was always concerning our garrison teammates. you stayed true to who you are as a person and a professional, always.
“As a Garrison CSM, you’ve been involved in a wide range of actions and events and accomplishments, but that all quickly fades with time. Your legacy and what is truly important is how you impacted the lives around you, and everything else just pales in comparison.”
He added she was a prime example of how to lead and to teach others – through coaching and validation.
“That’s how you develop people,” he said. “That’s what we expect of our (noncommissioned officer) corps. You don’t make them dependent on you. You teach them. You trust them, and then you give them the confidence to stand on their own. And Brie did that for people across this organization. Sometimes that leadership showed up in much more personal ways.”
Kotula, who is retiring and becoming a Richland County Sheriff’s Deputy, said she was humbled by her experiences.
“Standing here today,” she said, “I find myself filled with a mix of immense gratitude, a touch of nostalgia, profound pride as I look across the crowd and see the people who have made the last few years the highlight of my career …
“When people think of the Army, they often picture boots in the dirt, tactical gear, and field training, but as a garrison CSM, you quickly learn that an installation is like a city, and running a city requires a different kind of dedication. To the incredible directorates, the leaders, the Soldiers, and especially our DA civilians and workforce, thank you. You are truly the heartbeat of this installation.”
She added she felt confident that her successor will prosper in his new role.
“Hector, you are inheriting on of the best installations in the Army, backed by an unmatched team,” Kotula said. “Handing over the guidon today gives me complete peace of mind and knowing you are stepping into the role. Lean on the civilian directors, trust your instincts, and take care of the workforce. They will take care of you …”
Rodriguezpabon is no stranger to Fort Jackson as he completed Basic Combat Training here on his way to being a 92A – Automated Logistical Specialist. He has served in every leadership position an enlisted Soldier can during his more than 23 years in the Army. He comes to Fort Jackson from the 87th Division Sustainment Support Battalion at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
“Fort Jackson is where my story began,” he said. “It is where I was forged. To return here now, 23 years later, as your garrison command sergeant major is an honor of a lifetime.”
He told his new boss that he was looking forward to working with him.
“As your senior enlisted advisor,” he said to Gaugush, “I’m committed to working shoulder to shoulder with you every single day to ensure this installation remains a premier platform for power projection training and quality of life.”
He also thanked Kotula for the groundwork she paved with the unit.
“Thank you for your exceptional stewardship, your energy, and the standard of excellence you establish across the Fort Jackson footprint,” he said. “You have left large boots to fill, but because of the foundation you and your team build, we are positioned for continued success.”
Finally, he thanked the garrison for its work in helping make American Soldiers.
“To the men and women of U.S. Army Garrison - Fort Jackson, the Soldiers, Civilians, contractors, and volunteers, you are the engine behind everything that happens here,” he said. “I look forward to visiting your work areas and offices, getting to know each of you, and continuing to build this exceptional team.
Social Sharing