Canton resident named first command sergeant major for Ohio Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion

Courtesy Photo | Canton native Scott Hutt was promoted to command sergeant major of the Ohio Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion, May 1; Hutt is the first soldier to earn this rank in the battalion’s history. Flanked by Assistant Adjutant General for the Ohio Army National Guard Col. John Harris and Recruiting and Retention Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Dan Shank, Hutt holds a Certificate of Appointment  

CAMP LAZARUS, DE, UNITED STATES

05.01.2011

Courtesy Story

Ohio National Guard Public Affairs

CAMP LAZARUS, Del. -- As expected, young soldiers were the stars of the day at this year’s Warrior Challenge, the Recruiting and Retention Battalion’s annual military skills competition for teams of high-speed new recruits in Ohio Army National Guard.

But a far more experienced soldier shared the spotlight, at least for a short time, May 1, during the event’s closing ceremony at Camp Lazarus, Delaware.

Sgt. Maj. Scott E. Hutt was promoted to command sergeant major, making history as the first soldier to reach this rank in Ohio’s R&R Battalion.

“I am humbled, honored, and excited to become the first-ever CSM in the Recruiting and Retention Battalion,” Hutt said. “Our R&R Battalion is already the best in the nation, and I’m now looking forward to the challenge of continuing to keep it as the standard bearer for the entire Army National Guard.”

Considering his commitment and passion for the Recruit Sustainment Program and the young Warriors who participate in it, Hutt could not have asked for a more appropriate location for his promotion to the battalion’s top enlisted soldier.

“My highest priority is to ensure that the Ohio Army National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion continues to recruit, enlist, support, mentor, train and retain the noble and patriotic Americans that choose to join our team,” he said. “Our mission will continue to focus on providing the best and brightest trained American warriors to the company commanders and first sergeants who are fighting our nation’s wars and defending the freedom of the citizens of the United States of America.”

With wife Jennifer by his side and hundreds of new recruits in formation behind him, Hutt stood tall while teenage son Scott secured the Velcro chest rank with a playful punch, and daughter Katie carefully aligned the new insignia “just right” on her dad’s patrol cap.

“I couldn't have gotten to this point in my career had it not been for the support of my wife Jennifer, my son Scott, my daughter Kaitlyn and my parents Wade and Fran, and Carl and Darlene. My strong Family has made me strong.”

And strength of character was a key factor in Hutt being selected for this position.

“During my 19 months in this battalion, I have always been able to count on Sgt. Maj. Hutt to give me good counsel when tough decisions needed to be made,” said Lt. Col. Dan Shank, Recruiting and Retention Battalion commander. “I am very pleased with his selection and look forward to his positive impact on this organization.”

State Command Sgt. Maj. Al Whatmough said he could not agree more.

“The primary responsibility for a command sergeant major is to ensure professional development of his troops and to advise the command on all actions regarding enlisted members and their Families,” Whatmough said. “Scott is exceptionally prepared to handle this assignment with more than 24 years in the National Guard, and a well-rounded breadth of experience, including his service as first sergeant, readiness NCO, as well as his time in the cavalry regiment and armored brigade, and many years in production recruiting.”

Added Hutt: “One of the things that I always try not to lose sight of is how my decisions affect the NCOs, junior enlisted and the new Warriors in the organization. I work for them, and I don't want to let them down. I am prepared for this new responsibility and mission.”

Hutt has an associate degree of applied science from Stark State College of Technology and will complete his Bachelor of Science in multidisciplinary studies in June. He resides in Canton with his family, and is a 1987 graduate of Canton McKinley High School.

• Date Taken: 05.01.2011
• Date Posted: 05.09.2011 11:03
• Story ID: 70103
• Location: CAMP LAZARUS, DE, US