Photo By Sgt. Quentin Johnson | Members of the 2nd "Spartan" Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd "Black Jack"...... read more read more
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PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Stepping down from your last position of responsibility before retiring is a proud moment for most, but for U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Philip Chepenik it’s more – monumental, nostalgic and bittersweet.
Chepenik relinquished responsibility as the senior enlisted advisor for the 2nd “Spartan” Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, at Bagram Air Field, Oct. 18, 2013, in preparation for his 30-year retirement next year.
U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Roderick Jones from Flint, Mich., replaces Chepenik as the Spartan’s command sergeant major. Roderick’s previous assignment was with the 249th Engineer Battalion, Fort Belvoir, Va.
Chepenik said he began his career almost 30 years ago, serving with 2nd BCT’s, 8th Brigade Engineer Battalion, and will now retire from the same brigade. A change in life from a career he labels as a “journey and unforgettable experience”.
“I acknowledge my time has come to an end. I began my journey in 1984 and the experiences I have had along the way will never leave me,” added Chepenik.
He said his experiences led him to be a better person and leader; one he hopes has left a positive impact on those he met throughout his career.
“I have had the privilege of meeting individuals from around the world,” added Chepenik. “I just hope I have impacted the lives of those Soldiers whom I have led throughout my tenure.”
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Archie Herndon, Spartan commander, said Chepenik’s impact on soldiers and friends throughout his career couldn’t be overstated.
“Few have had the impact on soldiers that [Chepenik] has had, for as long as he has had it,” said Herndon. “He did everything possible to care for our nation’s treasure, our sons and daughters.”
Herndon said Chepenik cared because he stayed true to the philosophy – the Army is our family and we train and care for it first.
Chepenik said he was proud to have served and finish his career with such an amazing group of soldiers, and let each know he will not forget them.
“[Spartan soldiers] are an amazing group of soldiers and leaders that will forever be my family,” said Chepenik. “Whether it’s an e-mail, phone call or ‘hello’ in passing, the Spartan team will always be in my heart.”
Herndon closed with a resolution of thanks and gratitude towards Chepenik, saying “Phil, thank you for everything you did for the Spartans, and your exceptional service. I look forward to our continued friendship, and a report on life after the Army; Godspeed brother.”
| Date Taken: | 10.21.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 10.21.2013 04:49 |
| Story ID: | 115459 |
| Location: | PARWAN PROVINCE, AF |
| Hometown: | FLINT, MI, US |
| Web Views: | 248 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, ‘Spartan’ CSM begins, ends career with same unit, by SGT Quentin Johnson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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