Photo By Sgt. Michael Uribe | Command Sgt. Maj. (select) Callie E. Leaver receives and award during a change of...... read more read more
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CLAY NATIONAL GUARD CENTER, Ga. - Georgia National Guardsmen with the 170th Military Police Battalion, along with family and friends, attended a change of responsibility ceremony today at the state Capitol where outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Donald R. Madden relinquished responsibility to incoming Command Sgt. Maj. (select) Callie E. Leaver.
The 170th MP Battalion, headquartered in Decatur, is organized in four companies located throughout Georgia. The 170th has deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. Early this year, the 170th MP Battalion once again stepped up to provide support to the residents of Georgia during Operation Snowball in response to a crippling snow storms.
Today’s change of responsibility is a unique and time honored tradition featuring the passing of the non-commissioned officer sword.
“The war department in 1840 adopted the non-commissioned officer sword,” said Sgt. 1st Class Deborah Martin, the narrator for the ceremony. “It is a completely functional weapon not intended for display, but rather for hard and dedicated use.”
The sword is no longer part of the Army inventory, but was been worn by American sergeants for more than 70 years including the Mexican American, Civil, and Spanish American wars.
Both the outgoing and incoming leaders had an opportunity to address the attendees of the ceremony, expressing their appreciation and honor to have been selected to lead the 170th MP Battalion.
“I consider this an honor and a blessing,” said outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Donald R. Madden, when referring to his first command sergeant major post, leading the 170th MP Battalion. “I get choked up because I got to go and I got to try new things, but you have to embrace the change.”
Command Sgt. Maj. Madden’s daughter and son also attended the ceremony to witness the event.
“The ceremony was a memorable one because it was held at the State Capitol,” said Madden's daughter, Kanasta Madden. "My dad is moving on to different things, so it’s kind of emotional for him."
During the ceremony, Madden was decorated with state and Amy medals, and was given gifts from Soldiers and leaders from the 170th MP Battalion.
Command Sgt. Maj. (select) Callie E. Leaver, who assumed responsibility for the 170th MP Battalion, broke away from the traditional behind the podium stance to address the crowd saying she “has a hard time with podiums.”
“I am humbled and I am honored to have this opportunity to serve you at this level,” said Leaver. “Gentlemen, you guys have done nothing but support me throughout all this, and I thank you for that, you deserve outstanding leadership. I will provide that leadership.”
The Soldiers, leaders, family and friends then took a group shot on the steps in front of the Georgia State Capitol before departing.
| Date Taken: | 05.03.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 05.13.2014 23:50 |
| Story ID: | 129712 |
| Location: | ATLANTA, GA, US |
| Hometown: | ADAIRSVILLE, GA, US |
| Hometown: | AUBURN, AL, US |
| Web Views: | 151 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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