359th TTSB welcomes new command sergeant major

Photo By Sgt. Anthony Hooker | Army Reserve Command Sgt. Major Derek Hamm speaks to Soldiers assigned to the 359th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade during a change of responsibility ceremony held May 2 at the Army Reserve Training Center at Fort Gordon, Ga. Hamm, an Atlanta native, is the incoming command sergeant major for the 359th TTSB. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Anthony Hooker/Released)  

FORT GORDON, GA, UNITED STATES

05.02.2014

Story by Maj. Perry Jarmon 

359th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade

FORT GORDON, Ga. – The 359th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade welcomed a new command sergeant major in a change of responsibility ceremony at the brigade’s headquarters May 2.

Command Sgt. Maj. Derek R. Hamm assumed the senior enlisted position of the 359th TTSB from Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas D. Wilkerson, who served in that capacity since January 2010.

Col. William T. Peterson, commander 359th TTSB, praised Wilkerson for his innumerable contributions and accomplishments during his tenure and welcomed Hamm.

“Thank you for your dedication to service, your untiring effort to develop and mentor Soldiers and for your invaluable contribution to setting the 359th TTSB up for success well into the future,” Peterson said, addressing Wilkerson.

Peterson then expressed his absolute confidence in his new command sergeant major.

“Based upon his knowledge and proven track record of success, I am extremely confident in Command Sgt. Maj. Hamm’s ability to be a value-added force multiplier in his new role here at the 359th,” said Peterson. “I look forward to establishing a strong battle buddy relationship with you.”

Hamm comes to the 359th TTSB after serving as the command sergeant major for the 1113th Mobilization Support Battalion in Decatur, Ga. Other assignments include the 335th Theater Signal Command, where he helped establish the 335th forward operations in Kuwait, and the 324th Signal Battalion.

“Today I take on the responsibility of what will be the most rewarding and challenging job in my career,” Hamm said.

Hamm offered the Soldiers advice to ensure success in their individual careers.

“To beat eighty percent of your competition, simply show up. To beat eighty-five percent, show up on time,” Hamm said. “To beat ninety percent, show up with a plan. To beat ninety-five percent, show up with a plan committed to excellence. To beat one hundred percent, show up with a plan committed to excellence then execute.”

“Today I look out at this formation, and with sincerity and pride I can say, these are my credentials,” Hamm said.

In his final address, Wilkerson thanked the Soldiers for all the positive brigade accomplishments during his time as command sergeant major.

“Command Sgt. Maj. Hamm has the skills, knowledge, experience and proven ability to build the 359th TTSB into a great signal brigade that other signal brigades can emulate,” said Wilkerson.

• Date Taken: 05.02.2014
• Date Posted: 05.06.2014 13:54
• Story ID: 128905
• Location: FORT GORDON, GA, US