Photo By Sgt. Joe Padula | Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Schroeder, former command sergeant major, 2nd Brigade Combat...... read more read more
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FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — For the last six years, Command Sgt. Maj. Scott C. Schroeder served within the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
During the initial invasion into Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom I, Schroeder took over responsibility of the 3rd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, in November 2003 and conducted combat operations in Mosul, Iraq.
The unit would later re-flag and become the 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment, and Schroeder would remain the unit's senior non-commissioned officer. Schroeder would again deploy with the brigade to Iraq in an area known as the "Triangle of Death."
Shortly after redeploying from a tough tour in Iraq, Schroeder took responsibility of the Strike Brigade in November 2006. He would then deploy for the third time to Iraq with the brigade as Multi-National Division - Baghdad's main effort in northwest Baghdad.
Schroeder relinquished his responsibility of the brigade to Command Sgt. Maj. Alonzo Smith during a change of responsibility ceremony Jan. 29.
"This is a day I knew would come," said Col. Arthur A. Kandarian, commander, 2nd BCT. "What an incredible non-commissioned officer, leader, trainer and mentor."
Prior to Kandarian taking command of the Strike Brigade March 13, 2009, he had watched the brigade and followed reports from afar, and was simply amazed, especially with Schroeder's leadership.
"When I first arrived here last year and linked up with Col. [William] Hickman, the first question I asked him was, 'Is CSM Schroeder staying?'" Kandarian said.
"You will be lucky if he does ... he needs to be a division CSM," Hickman told Kandarian.
Hickman was right. Schroeder was ready for the job. He was simply the right man to lead the 101st Airborne Division.
Schroeder has touched the lives and careers of many officers, NCOs and Soldiers.
"The mark of a true leader is in his credentials; the people whom you train, mentor, counsel and lead," said Kandarian. "To see them become leaders and perform. Your credentials are too many to even begin to count. Your impact has been truly incredible, and your example kept Strike moving in the right direction."
It may seem hard to describe such a man with such great impact on the Soldiers within Strike.
"[Command] Sergeant Major Schroeder is a consummate professional, very intense, directive leader that is the standard bearer that all NCOs should follow," said Sgt. Maj. Jaime Guarino, operations sergeant major, 2nd BCT.
He was indeed, and shall forever remain, a great role model in the eyes of Soldiers throughout Strike. Many will never forget his no quit attitude, watching him push his body, both mentally and physically, past its breaking point to better improve himself as a Soldier and a leader.
"He just doesn't quit," said Staff Sgt. Kate Cassel, with 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion. "He will never quit in front of Soldiers, in life, just in general."
Now Schroeder heads to the division headquarters to lead, mentor and train all Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division.
Taking his place will be Smith, a very seasoned non-commissioned officer with combat experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
His experience will be key as the brigade prepares for their deployment to Afghanistan this summer.
"You are exactly the right NCO, leader, trainer and man to be Strike seven," Kandarian said to Smith, the brigade's new senior non-commissioned officer. "Your care for Soldiers, training standards and leadership set you apart and I know you and I will be a great team."
As Schroeder moves on and continues with his illustrious career, Smith will continue his great service and undoubtedly lead the Strike Brigade on yet another successful combat deployment.
| Date Taken: | 01.29.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 02.03.2010 05:56 |
| Story ID: | 44843 |
| Location: | FORT CAMPBELL, KY, US |
| Web Views: | 734 |
| Downloads: | 342 |
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