FORT BELVOIR, Va. - On Aug. 29, DTRA/SCC-WMD Director Kenneth Myers presided over the change of responsibility ceremony, at which Sgt. Maj. Scott L. Mykoo, U.S. Marine Corps, relinquished his position as command senior enlisted leader (CSEL) of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and U.S. Strategic Command Center for Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction (DTRA/SCC-WMD) to Sgt. Maj. Howard K. Long, U.S. Marine Corps.
Mykoo has served as DTRA/SCC-WMD’s CSEL at Fort Belvoir, Va. since September 2011. In this position, he’s acted as the primary link between the director and the enlisted service members, offering an enlisted perspective on operational issues/missions and providing recommendations to the director and staff on matters pertaining to enlisted development and capabilities issues.
“Today is a milestone day for our team,” said Myers. “The command senior enlisted leader is the only triple hatted individual within this agency. He is the link that brings our organization together, the common denominator … and we can’t do our jobs without his advice and counsel.”
Of Mykoo’s contributions as CSEL, Myers said, “Sgt. Maj. Mykoo, with honor, courage and commitment – core values of the U.S. Marine Corps –has worked tirelessly to serve our organization and enhance our performance. He has been a key driver of the ‘One Team’ concept and made a tremendous impact on our Military, civilians and their families. He has never failed to provide leadership and this team is the better for it.”
During the ceremony, Myers presented Mykoo with the Defense Superior Service Medal. Mykoo subsequently relinquished his responsibility as DTRA/SCC-WMD CSEL by passing the agency flag to Myers, who passed the flag to Long, signifying his assumption of the CSEL responsibility.
“Sgt. Maj. Long has an impressive background, spanning nearly 30 years,” said Myers. “His professional expertise, demonstrated leadership and operational experience are extraordinary and he should fit well within our team. We are lucky to have him.”
Of his new position, Long said, “I’m excited about the opportunity to work here, alongside all of these dedicated civilian and military warriors. I thank Director Myers and Sgt. Maj. Mykoo for a first-class turnover and look forward to serving with the DTRA/SCC-WMD/SJFHQ-E team to accomplish our missions together.”
Myers also presented Mykoo with the Certificate of Retirement for completing 30 years of Military service, as well as a DTRA/SCC-WMD coin and plaque of appreciation and a shadow box. A certificate of appreciation was also presented to Mykoo’s wife Mayra Mykoo and flowers were presented to both the spouses and families of Mykoo and Long.
“Throughout my career, I’ve encouraged myself and others to lead from the front and project a positive mental attitude,” said Mykoo. “Every time, I put on this uniform, I stand ready to support my country and our warfighters, something that all of you do every day. I would like to thank Director Myers for this opportunity and I thank all of you for your service to our nation.”
Of the way ahead, Mykoo said, “I’ve always believed that the past does not define the future. Along those lines, “We must continue to reach outside the organization, expand our global reach, and conduct our business in a more efficient way. I am confident that Sgt. Maj. Long is prepared to assume this important mission and I wish him and his family the very best.”
Mykoo has served in the U.S. Marine Corps since Jan. 15, 1982, deploying in support of various combat operations including: Operation Urgent Fury on the island of Grenada, Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His vast array of military awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two stars, and the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three stars.
Long enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1983. He has participated in operations, exercises and deployments throughout the United States, the Far East, the South Pacific, and the Middle East, serving in various capacities. He also has three combat tours in the Middle East working jointly with coalition forces. His Military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one gold star in lieu of second award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon and numerous unit and service awards.
| Date Taken: |
08.29.2013 |
| Date Posted: |
08.29.2013 17:26 |
| Story ID: |
112864 |
| Location: |
FORT BELVOIR, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: |
858 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
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This work, DTRA/SCC-WMD command senior enlisted leader Sgt. Maj. Scott Mykoo relinquishes CSEL position to incoming Sgt. Maj. Howard Long, by Anne Marek, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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