FORT LEE, Va. (March 21, 2012) -- The Transportation Corps has a new top enlisted Soldier.
Command Sgt. Maj. Dwayne B. Perry, outgoing Regimental CSM, handed the reins over to Command Sgt. Maj. Allen B. Offord Jr., incoming Regimental CSM, during a ceremony at the Transportation School auditorium Tuesday.
Col. Stephen E. Farmen, Chief of Transportation, said the day was momentous for the Trans Corps as the 10th and 11th regimental CSMs transitioned, in a year that also marks the 70th anniversary of the organization.
"This change of responsibility is significant on multiple levels. It not only marks a period of transition for our organization in the Transportation Corps, but for CSM Perry this triggers his transition into retirement, and for CSM Offord, it triggers new opportunities to continue serving and making a difference in the Army, Army Logistics and the Transportation Corps," said Farmen. "In all accounts, both command sergeants majors have worked very hard to be standing here."
Perry, who is set to retire April 6, served as the regimental CSM for three different chiefs of transportation.
"For CSM Perry, his career -- spanning more than 33 years -- brought him to the top of his profession and serving as the regimental CSM is the pinnacle," said Farmen. "Becoming your branch's regimental CSM is reserved for the best of the best in your trade -- the crème of the crop. CSM Perry, the 10th regimental CSM of our Trans Corps, has held this distinction for the last four years and has exceeded all expectations.
"Quite frankly, CSM Perry is an icon in our Transportation Corps. He bleeds brick red and gold, and he has been a steady, steadfast leader and adviser for our corps at every step of the way," continued Farmen. "Personally, having CSM Perry at my side from the moment I took the reins of the TC colors gave me an instant source of strength and courage."
Perry thanked his Family for attending and gave special recognition to his wife, Bonnie, who is a government civilian currently deployed overseas. He thanked his fellow Soldiers and talked about how the Army has guided him throughout his career. As his final note, Perry mentioned the speculation about autonomous vehicles and their future in the corps.
"I'm glad that today when the regimental and school flags were passed -- the regiment is filled with flesh and blood and steel -- steel in resolve and commitment in the face of extreme odds," he said. "That's what I'm proud of -- and that's the corps I'm passing on to CSM Offord -- a corps that's untouchable on the battlefield."
Farmen welcomed Offord as the new regimental CSM and said the fact he was a protégé of Perry's should come as no surprise to others.
"CSM Offord is every bit as talented and qualified as CSM Perry," he said. "Coupled with his esteemed credentials, impeccable reputation and outstanding performance built over a 24-year career that has brought CSM Offord to this moment.
"I am so excited to get the opportunity to serve with CSM Offord as my battle buddy during this important time in our Army and the Transportation Corps," continued Farmen.
Offord thanked his Family, friends and fellow Soldiers for attending and said he was looking forward to the changing times of the Army.
"Change is constant and embracing change starts here and now," he said. "The Army is transforming, and we must understand the Army's vision and operation concept for the next 5 to 15 years. We must ensure that we are prepared, and we must do this by educating our Soldiers, energizing our NCOs and enriching our officers and civilians."
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