Courtesy Photo | CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Command Sgt. Maj. Juan Jimenez (left), command sergeant major...... read more read more
By 1st Lt. Christopher Schwartz
B/1-62 ADA BTRY
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – Tradition and respect are deeply rooted within the foundation of military service. Both of these values are exhibited in several of the armed services time honored ceremonies to include the change of responsibility between the outgoing and incoming first sergeants.
For Bravo “Beasts” Battery, 1st Battalion, 62nd Air Defense Artillery, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas, the change of responsibility that occurred on Jan. 5 was both a somber and uplifting event.
The ceremony highlights the accomplishments of a unit’s respective first sergeant, the senior ranking non-commissioned officer within the organization, often viewed as the enforcer of standards. The individual who holds this position is bestowed with an enormous amount of responsibility.
It gave pause to the deployed Patriot Battery, a ballistic missile defense organization, to reflect on the accomplishments of outgoing 1st Sgt. Rebecca Adney as well as shine light on the future of the battery with 1st Sgt. Philip Hedgepeth taking responsibility for the 50 deployed Soldiers that now fall under his care.
During her tenure, Adney played a pivotal role in the Beasts’ preparation and training as well as the deployment of the Soldiers and equipment from Fort Hood, Texas, to the current deployed location in Southwest Asia.
“1st Sgt. Adney has been a monster,” said Capt. Caleb Johnson, commander of Bravo Battery. “She is, without a doubt, the most organized person I know. She kept me and the Battery squared away. Without her, there would have been no way we could have accomplished what we did. She has been a phenomenal battle buddy and I wish her the best in the rest of her career.”
As a former infantryman, Hedgepeth is bringing years of experience and an incredible level of intensity and drive to the role as first sergeant.
“Having had some time to work with him during their transition, I have to admit, I’m excited,” said Sgt. 1st Class Ramiro Silva, the senior platoon sergeant of Bravo Battery. “He is going to be great for the unit. His involvement with the Soldiers and NCOs is going to be unmatched across this battalion.”
Command Sgt. Maj. Juan Jimenez, command sergeant major of 1-62 ADA, served as the master of ceremony for the change of responsibility, which involves the passing of the NCO sword from the outgoing first sergeant to the command sergeant major, symbolizing the relinquishment of duties. The command sergeant major then passes the sword to the incoming first sergeant, placing the burden of responsibility upon them. The new first sergeant then passes the sword to the senior platoon sergeant of the Battery as his first act of delegation, as well as maintaining continuity within the organization.
Both the past and future are bright for Bravo Battery. Thanks to the selfless service of Adney, the Beasts have been successful in everything they have done.
Under the guidance of Hedgepeth, things are sure to remain that way.
| Date Taken: | 02.02.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 02.02.2018 01:15 |
| Story ID: | 264365 |
| Location: | CAMP ARIFJAN, KW |
| Web Views: | 408 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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