158th Infantry Brigade holds Change of Responsibility

By Staff Sgt. Kenny HattenJanuary 23, 2012

158th changes senior enlisted leader
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New senior enlisted soldier for the 158th
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CAMP SHELBY, Miss. -- 158th Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Christopher S. Forbes hosted a change of responsibility ceremony Jan. 20 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center where Sgt. Maj. Robert G. Todd relinquished responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. William L. Gardner II.

"Sgt. Major Todd is an absolutely phenomenal leader and NCO, everything you could want in a command sergeant major, but the Army is made to take losses and keep moving forward," said Forbes. "We're blessed with talent and that's what we have today with Gardner coming in, another great, perfect example of a leader."

Gardner is a native of Cocoa Beach, Fla., and previously served as the battalion command sergeant major of the 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery at Fort Campbell, Ky. He received his orders to report for duty with the 158th at Camp Shelby during his recent deployment to Afghanistan.

"My family and I are very excited. Everyone we've met has been wonderful and very accommodating," said Gardner. "The southern hospitality and charm is definitely in full effect here in Hattiesburg, and the transition with the brigade team here has been wonderful."

After two years of service with the 158th at Camp Shelby, Todd is now slated to report to Camp Casey, Korea, as the battalion command sergeant major for the 1st Battalion, 72nd Armor Regiment.

"As the Command Sgt. Major, it is my duty to build confidence between the Soldiers and myself, and my goal has always been to take care of my Soldiers," said Todd, as he addressed the guests during the ceremony. "To Colonel Forbes, thank you for allowing me to serve with you, to the sergeants major of the battalion, thank you for your support and mentorship, and to the Soldiers, I hope I served you well, for you are truly America's best."

The 158th Infantry Brigade -- a subordinate unit of First Army Division East -- mobilizes trains, validates, and deploys Reserve Component units in accordance with combatant commanders, Department of the Army, and U.S. Army Forces Command to prepare units for combat operations. When directed by First Army Division East, they provide training oversight and support to enhance National Guard and Reserve units' readiness for wartime requirements.

Related Links:

First Army Division East

158th Infantry Brigade