CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Sergeant Maj. William T. Sowers relinquished his post as sergeant major of Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, to Sgt. Maj. Douglas E. Berry Jr. during a Relief and Appointment Ceremony aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 1, 2013.
Sowers, a former anti-tank assault man who began his Marine Corps career 24 years ago, assumed the duties of regimental sergeant major during November 2010. While serving as CLR-15’s senior enlisted Marine, Sowers deployed to Helmand province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
During the ceremony, Col. Tracy W. King, commanding officer, CLR-15, thanked Sowers for his leadership.
“I can’t imagine doing this job without the wise counsel of what is the epitome of the finest Marine in the regiment,” King said. “You’re one of the finest Marines I’ve ever known.”
Sowers, a Martinsville, Va., native, is scheduled to assume the sergeant major billet for Training and Education Command at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., but prior to leaving CLR-15, he thanked the Marines and sailors of the unit.
“I would like to recognize the Marines. They represent the finest individuals this organization and country has to offer,” Sowers said. “They are outstanding individuals.”
Berry, a former rifleman and 25-year Marine Corps veteran, looks forward to his new duty as the regimental sergeant major.
“It’s a privilege and honor to be standing in front of you today as the newly appointed sergeant major of Combat Logistics Regiment 15,” Berry said. “I look forward to being the sergeant major and maintaining that standard of excellence during the next few years.”