U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach welcomes Command Sgt. Maj. Bohannon

Photo By Amy Stork | U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach Garrison Commander, Col. Steven M. Pierce, officiates a modified change of responsibility ceremony March 26, where Command Sgt. Maj. Eric S. Bohannon assumed command sergeant major duties from Command Sgt. Maj. Philson Tavernier in the garrison headquarters on Barton Barracks. (U.S. Army photo by SueAnn Tavernier)  

ANSBACH, GERMANY

03.26.2020

Story by Sgt. Alleea Oliver 

12th Combat Aviation Brigade

ANSBACH, Germany — U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach welcomes Command Sgt. Maj. Eric S. Bohannon, incoming garrison command sergeant major, and bids farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Philson Tavernier, outgoing command sergeant major, during a modified change of responsibility ceremony at the garrison headquarters on Barton Barracks, March 26, 2020.

Col. Steven M. Pierce, USAG Ansbach commander, thanked Tavernier for his outstanding support to all service members and civilians in the community.

"Command Sgt. Maj. Tavernier has been a tremendous leader and supporter of the Ansbach community,” he said. “Anyone who has interacted with him knows of his positive energy and his passion for serving the Army and taking care of people.”

Pierce also thanked Tavernier’s wife, SueAnn, for the care and concern she has shown to the Ansbach community.

“The Taverniers are one of the reasons why we are able to call ourselves ‘The Best Hometown in Europe,’” he said. “[Although] we are sad to see them depart Ansbach, I am excited for what's next and to see them continue to serve the Soldiers, civilians and families of our Army."

Pierce then welcomed Bohannon and noted that he joined the garrison at a time when strong leadership is essential.

"Command Sgt. Maj. Bohannon comes to Ansbach with a superb reputation as a dynamic leader,” he said. “His strong leadership and involvement will be critical to our efforts now and into the future. I know he will do great things for this garrison and for our community. We welcome him, his wife Bridget and their daughter to our family and we look forward to our time together."

Traditionally, a unit’s colors are passed during a change of responsibility ceremony to represent the official transfer of leadership and responsibility from the outgoing command sergeant major to the incoming command sergeant major.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, USAG Ansbach leadership modified the change of responsibility ceremony to adhere to current protective measures.

Bohannon expressed his excitement to be a part of and to lead the Ansbach community.

“My family and I are honored to be given the opportunity to serve with the Soldiers, families and retirees of ‘The Best Hometown in Europe,’” said the Louisville, Kentucky, native. “We have waited 20 years to serve abroad and the fact that the Army is entrusting me to serve in this capacity is absolutely phenomenal. I look forward to collaborating with all leaders across Garrison and across the enterprise [as] we continue to provide world-class support and resources required to enable combat readiness for our mission units.”

Tavernier reminisced on the experience he’s had as a leader in the community.

“For the past 25 months, it’s been an honor and privilege [to serve] this lovely community,” he said. “I have been fortunate to be surrounded by some of the most professional Soldiers, civilians, retirees and their families. Today is a sad day because I will miss you all, but I know you will all continue to synchronize, integrate, and serve our mission partners with the same drive, enthusiasm, and professionalism for Command Sgt. Maj. Bohannon.”

Tavernier then ensured the Ansbach community they were in great hands as Bohannon accepted responsibility.

“USAG Ansbach, you are receiving a phenomenal leader that is ready to take this organization to the next phase of excellence,” he said.

Due to the Department of Defense travel restrictions in place for all DOD personnel, Tavernier’s departure from Ansbach will be guided by current DOD policy.

• Date Taken: 03.26.2020
• Date Posted: 03.26.2020 13:56
• Story ID: 365939
• Location: ANSBACH, DE
• Hometown: DOMINICA, DM
• Hometown: LOUISVILLE, KY, US
• Hometown: QUEENS, NY, US