Indiana's senior enlisted soldier retires, transitions to Indiana Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs

Photo By Staff Sgt. Les Newport | The Indiana National Guard’s senior enlisted soldier said goodbye to his fellow troops in a retirement ceremony Sunday, yet he’ll probably see them again as he slides into his new, civilian role as director of Indiana Department of Veterans' Affairs.  

INDIANAPOLIS, IN, UNITED STATES

03.03.2013

Courtesy Story

Indiana National Guard Headquarters

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The Indiana National Guard’s senior enlisted soldier said goodbye to his fellow troops in a retirement ceremony Sunday, yet he’ll probably see them again as he slides into his new, civilian role as director of Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs.

Indiana National Guard State Command Sgt. Maj. James Brown reflected on a career spanning from the jungles of Vietnam to the sands and mountains of Iraq and Afghanistan. He shared a list of people he wanted to thank personally. Serving and retired, enlisted to generals, he provided each name with a purposeful story and genuine sense of humbled gratitude.

“People have provided me opportunities, all through my career,” said Brown. “Whatever part I have played, it has been because of the people who’ve given me those opportunities.”

At a time when the Indiana National Guard needed a people person, a soldier’s soldier, it had Brown, said Indiana’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger. Now the sun has set on that career, and civilian Jim Brown is answering the call yet again to serve as the state director of Veterans’ Affairs in Gov. Mike Pence’s administration.

As incoming director, Brown said among his first priorities would be the Veterans’ Home in Lafayette, Ind., employment and education initiatives, and addressing a backlog in Hoosier veterans’ health claims to the VA.

During the retirement sendoff, attended by friends, family members and fellow guardsmen, Brown and his wife, Cheryl, greeted each guest personally.

Speaking to the crowd, Umbarger shared his feelings on the retirement of his command sergeant major.

“I think of the number of times in your life when you get to see a member of your family recognized. I’ve got that feeling now. I know he’s a part of all of your lives. He is also a part of my life,” said Umbarger.

Just prior to presenting Brown the Distinguished Service Medal, Umbarger addressed him directly.

“Jim, I can’t thank you enough for your mentorship, your leadership, your friendship. I’m so glad we will continue to work together, as you take care of veterans the way you have taken care of soldiers,” said Umbarger.

During the reception, 1st Sgt. Josh Brown, Company C, 2-152d Reconnaissance and Surveillance Squadron, had one of the most poignant messages for his father.

“As the long range surveillance first sergeant, I want to give you this coin,” said the younger Brown. “As your son, I want to tell you thank you for the military leader you are, the dad you’ve been. You’re my hero.”

• Date Taken: 03.03.2013
• Date Posted: 03.05.2013 15:25
• Story ID: 102942
• Location: INDIANAPOLIS, IN, US
• Hometown: INDIANAPOLIS, IN, US