71st EOD welcomes new CSM

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Lance Pounds | Command Sgt. Maj. Johnny Strickland, incoming command sergeant major of 71st Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), and wife Sonja, pose for a photo following a change of responsibility ceremony, Feb. 9, 2018, at the William Reed Special Events Center, Fort Carson, Colo. The ceremony formally confirms Strickland as the new senior enlisted leader of 71st EOD; a position previously held by Command Sgt. Maj. Weston West. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Lance Pounds, 71st Ordnance Group (EOD), Public Affairs)  

FORT CARSON, CO, UNITED STATES

02.14.2018

Story by Staff Sgt. Lance Pounds 

20th CBRNE Command

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Col. Frank Davis II, commander, 71st Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), hosted a change of responsibility ceremony to signify the passing of the Group’s senior enlisted leadership from Command Sgt. Maj. Weston West to Command Sgt. Maj. Johnny Strickland, Feb. 9, at the William Reed Special Events Center on post.

In his opening remarks, Davis said the change of responsibility can be viewed in many ways.

“Regardless of what it means to you, individually, it does signify a change,” said Davis. “It is a time to pause and reflect, a time to say farewell and celebrate the accomplishments of our out-going command sergeant major, and to welcome our new command sergeant major.”

West served in the position for more than 14 months; first as acting command sergeant major during the Group’s deployment to Kuwait in support of Task Force Atlas until September 2017 when he officially assumed the position.

West’s next assignment as command sergeant major of 242nd EOD Battalion, is as close to home as it gets; seeing as how the Group and Battalion share the same parking lot.

“I am sure we will continue seeing you on a regular basis,” Davis said.

Strickland, joined by his wife Sonja, comes to The Mountain Post after having served as command sergeant major for the 303rd EOD Battalion, located at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

In his opening speech, Strickland said, “Col. Davis, I’ve known you for a long time and I will never forget that you were the first person to congratulate me for being a brigade (command sgt. maj.) select.”

Strickland added, had he not been selected, “I still would have done whatever possible to come and be a part of this unit,” because the Group’s reputation is “well known around the Army.”

“I ask that you continue to work hard and stay focused, while learning something new every day and training to defend our Nation,” Strickland said to Soldiers standing in formation.

“I am very proud and honored to be a part of this team,” he added.

The ceremony brought together more than 100 Soldiers, Family members and friends from across the installation; many of which joined West and Strickland for a reception held at the 71st OD GP (EOD) Headquarters.

• Date Taken: 02.14.2018
• Date Posted: 02.14.2018 15:55
• Story ID: 266063
• Location: FORT CARSON, CO, US