Senior NCOs change responsibility in 3rd ESC

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Michael Behlin | Capt. Brian W. Pilch, the commander of the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Headquarters and Headquarters Company, presents 1st Sgt. Jeffery Burnsworth, a Fairmont, and W.Va., native, with the 3rd ESC HHC flag as a parting gift to the outgoing first sergeant.  

FORT KNOX, UNITED STATES

10.13.2009

Story by Sgt. Amanda Tucker 

3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command

FORT KNOX, Ky. — First Sgt. Jeffery Burnsworth, relinquished command of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), to 1st Sgt. Jonathan Napier during a change of responsibility ceremony here Oct. 13.

Command Sgt. Maj. Willie C. Tennant Sr., the senior noncommissioned officer of the 3rd ESC, officiated the ceremony.

"First Sergeant Burnsworth, you have been a very important valued member to the 3rd
ESC and your support and leadership will certainly be missed," Tennant said.
"I wish you the very best in your new assignment."

Burnsworth, a Fairmont, W.Va., native, served with the 3rd ESC for four years as it transformed from a Corps Support Command to an Expeditionary Sustainment Command. While stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany, he was assigned as the G3 plans noncommissioned officer for the HHC 3rd COSCOM from August 2005 to March 2007.

"It was my privilege to watch the unit grow from 23 Soldiers to 234 to up to over 500 downrange," Burnsworth said. "To the Soldiers of the 3rd ESC, I watched you grow as individuals and as a team. I wish you all the best in life and I appreciate all the support you have given me and this command over the last two and a half years and I know you will continue to support First Sergeant Napier."

Burnsworth served as the HHC's first sergeant during their transition from
Germany to Fort Knox, Ky., and also was responsible for the HHC's movement to and from Iraq.

"What a tough act to follow," Napier said. "First Sergeant Burnsworth [has] set the standards and been the leader of the Soldier. We're going to miss you."

Napier, a Yatesville, Ga., native, is stepping into the first sergeant position from his position as communications chief within the 3rd ESC. He also served as the unit's master fitness trainer while in Iraq and headed the Joint Base Balad combatives program. He also coordinated two combatives tournaments on Joint Base Balad with Soldiers traveling from all parts of Iraq to compete.

"When first sergeants are exceptional, their units are exceptional," said Tennant. "I don't expect you to know everything but I do expect you to always lead from the front because all Soldiers thirst for quality leadership."

Napier's previous assignments include: first sergeant for the HHC 3rd Battalion, 338th Regiment, Camp Atterbury, Ind., from February 2005 to February 2008, drill sergeant for Charlie Company 2/46 Infantry Battalion at Fort Knox and post combatives instructor at Camp Atterbury.

"I am committed to the Soldiers, the mission and look forward to the mission," Napier said. "Now it's time to go to work."

Napier's military schools include: Combatives Level 4, Drill Sergeant School, Master Fitness Course and Senior Leader Equal Opportunity Course.

• Date Taken: 10.13.2009
• Date Posted: 10.22.2009 14:26
• Story ID: 40520
• Location: FORT KNOX, US