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After two years as the battalion's senior enlisted leader, the change or responsibility also marks a change of uniform for the South Carolinian native as Clark retires after a thirty year career.
“[Clark] came in with one goal in mind, it was to make [4th Bn., 27th FAR] look good and be good,” said Lt. Col. Brandon C. Anderson, commander, 4th Bn., 27th FAR.
According to Anderson the battalion became a standard bearer for enlisted Soldiers across the post and the Army. Soldiers of the battalion excelled as they won year-after-year the brigade's Noncommissioned Officer of the Year competition, while also winning the 1st AD NCO of the Year competition. Under Clark, the Army also recognized one of the battalion's batteries, Battery B, with the Henry A. Knox Award for best Field Artillery Battery in the Army.
Results attributed to a hard but fair leadership style.
“I would venture to bet, there is not one Officer, NCO or Soldier out there who has not been touched directly or indirectly by this man,” said Anderson. “As the torch bearer for standards and discipline within this unit, those touches could be firm and direct but it was always, always to make the Soldier better and the unit better.”
Clark didn't reach the top of the noncommissioned officer ranks on his own, mentors and leaders have pushed him ever since he was a brand new troop, but he gave his biggest thanks to his wife Veronica who stood by him in garrison and while overseas.
And as those mentors and leaders have pushed Clark, he gave one final nudge to the Soldiers of his final formation.
“Remember you are greater than you think, you are stronger than you seem, and you are smarter than you believe,” said Clark. “I ask you to continue to bring the thunder with the same tenacity and vigor you have demonstrated in the past. You are the nation's greatest treasure."
Smith hopes to follow Clark's lead and is excited to work not only with the 4th Bn., 27th FAR leadership, but with the battalion's soldiers.
"I look forward to serving alongside my commander, Lt. Col. Anderson," said Smith "Together we will strive to enhance this great unit and build upon its legacy.”
A legacy built upon the spine of its NCO corps.
“The environment we have fostered in this battalion is envied by many,” said Clark. “The trust in the noncommissioned officer corps made a world of difference in accomplishing our mission.”
As Clark walked off Wilson field for the last time, Anderson emphasized that his former right hand is the leader every enlisted soldier needs to become.
“[Clark's] professionalism and candor is exactly what the NCO corps needs to emulate,” said Anderson.
| Date Taken: | 04.06.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 04.07.2016 15:57 |
| Story ID: | 194635 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 81 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 4-27 Field Artillery Regiment Change of Responsibility, by Marcus Fichtl, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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