Photo By Sgt. Justin Stafford | U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Ferrusi, (right), the outgoing command sergeant...... read more read more
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Paratroopers, family members and Friends from the 82nd Airborne Division gathered for a change of responsibility ceremony to bid farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Ferrusi and to welcome Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur R. Burgoyne Jr. at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Jan. 24, 2019.
While making improvements to the 82nd Airborne Division’s readiness, marshalling and out load procedures, Ferussi taught and mentored paratroopers and leaders to maintain a high standard because it’s the difference between winning and losing, said Maj. Gen. James J. Mingus, the commanding general for the 82nd Abn. Div.
“Prior to taking Command last year, I pondered what qualities I look for in a division command sergeant major,” said Mingus. “I then realized, I’m overthinking this. I’m good; I’ve just described Sgt. Maj. Ferrusi.
Mingus said Ferrusi exceeded his expectations in every way and that he was leaving behind perfect blueprints for the incoming division command sergeant major.
During his farewell speech, Ferrusi held back tears.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to have served alongside each and every one of you in this storied division,” said Ferrusi. “Even though I take my beret off today … I am and always will be a paratrooper for life.”
The ceremony wasn’t just to highlight the career achievements of Ferrusi, but to welcome Burgoyne and his years of experience as an airborne ranger and in infantry operations.
Ferussi said he could not be happier that Burgoyne will be taking on the role as the next division command sergeant major. He offered one bit of advice to Burgoyne.
“Cherish every day, every second of this opportunity. It goes by way too fast,” said Ferrusi.
Burgoyne took to the podium to express his excitement and thankfulness for his new role.
He thanked his wife, Kate, for her guidance and expressed his pride in his children. He credited his parents with teaching him the U.S. Army values before the he entered the U.S. Army.
“We never imagined this day because we were having way too much fun running the bayous and marshes of Louisiana,” he told his brother, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jeff Burgoyne.
Command Sgt. Maj. Burgoyne then addressed the paratroopers of the 82nd Abn. Div.
“We will work diligently to ensure they remain ready to answer the nation’s call to defeat enemies of the country,” said Burgoyne. “We develop you to become not only the greatest paratroopers, but productive citizens of our country.”
| Date Taken: | 01.24.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 01.28.2019 12:31 |
| Story ID: | 308477 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 1,617 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 82nd Airborne Division Holds Change of Responsibility, by SGT Justin Stafford, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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