LEAD honors Command Sgt. Maj. during retirement ceremony

Photo By Pam Goodhart | 201119-A-BS696-0216 CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. Command Sgt. Maj. Richard A. Huff, Command Sgt. Maj., Letterkenny Army Depot, delivers remarks during a retirement ceremony in honor of Huff's 32 years of military service on November 19, 2020. “I have grown and become more successful as a leader because of Letterkenny. My time at the Depot has been a success because of the great people that come to work and execute the Army’s mission every day.” Huff said. Huff also shared advice gathered over his military career. “The most important things I have learned during my time in uniform are lead by example, listen, demonstrate empathy and maintain standards.” (U.S. Army photo by Pam Goodhart)  

CHAMBERSBURG, PA, UNITED STATES

12.01.2020

Story by Dorie Heyer 

Letterkenny Army Depot

Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD) hosted a retirement ceremony for Command Sgt. Maj. Richard A. Huff on November 19, 2020, celebrating his 32 years of military service. Col. Gregory K. Gibbons, commander, LEAD, presided over the ceremony.

"Command Sgt. Maj. Huff you should be very proud; 32 years of service is an absolute achievement,” Gibbons stated. “The support you have provided to the workforce at Letterkenny Army Depot has been tremendous, the relationship you have created with U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) headquarters is monumental and your wisdom will continue to impact LEAD well into the future."

Huff was presented with multiple awards, including the Legion of Merit, Certificate of Retirement and the Knowlton Award – presented by retired Brig. Gen. Wilbur E. Wolf III and retired Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Browning on behalf of the Military Intelligence Corps Association. The Knowlton Award recognizes those individuals who have made significant contributions to the Military Intelligence Corps. Recipients must have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and moral character and displayed an outstanding degree of professional competence. Wolf highlighted Huff’s history of dependability stating, “It’s quite appropriate that you started as the commander’s eyes and ears when you were assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division at Camp Hovey, Korea, and you end as the commander’s eyes and ears here at Letterkenny Army Depot.”

Multiple directors shared remarks, highlighting Huff’s accomplishments and contributions to the installation over his four year tenure. “He is someone who believes that a leader’s role is a privilege, that service to others is a gift, that honor and integrity is a given and that attitude is a choice,” Kate Williams, director, Operations, Planning and Support directorate, LEAD, said. As the senior enlisted Soldier in the unit, Huff served as the principle advisor to the commander and focused on ensuring that all levels of command were responsive to Soldier and Department of the Army Civilian needs, concerns and welfare. “Command Sgt. Maj. Huff is an inspiration and a friend. Above all, he always cares for the Soldiers,” Timothy Wolfe, director of Emergency Services, LEAD, said.

Huff took time to remark on how his time at LEAD contributed to his own professional development. “I have grown and become more successful as a leader because of Letterkenny. My time at the Depot has been a success because of the great people that come to work and execute the Army’s mission every day.” Huff said. Huff also shared advice gathered over his military career. “The most important things I have learned during my time in uniform are lead by example, listen, demonstrate empathy and maintain standards.”

Huff assumed duties as the depot and installation Sergeant Major on December 1, 2016, where he served as an advisor to the depot, commander and directors. Huff’s previous assignments include Senior Ground Surveillance Sergeant with the 28th Division, Pennsylvania National Guard, First Sergeant of Delta Company with the 628th Military Intelligence Battalion, First Sergeant of Alpha Company, 55th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Battalion Command Sergeant Major with the 55th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Command Sergeant Major with the 3-103rd Armor Battalion and Command Sergeant Major with the 55th Armored Brigade Combat Team. Huff summed up his career by stating, “As I prepare to take the uniform off for the last time, I will admit it is a scary proposition, but I feel I have been prepared by my mentors and leaders to execute this mission. An old boss told me this repeatedly, ‘The Army prepares you for this your entire career.’ As I step away from the podium, another leader is ready and able to step into my vacated position.”

Letterkenny Army Depot is the Army’s premier professional organic maintenance facility that provides overhaul, repair and modifications for tactical missile air defense and space systems, electric power generation equipment and various military vehicles, support systems and protection programs. Letterkenny Army Depot was established in 1942 and is a government-owned and operated industrial installation located in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

For more information about LEAD, visit https:/ /www.letterkenny.army.mil/.

• Date Taken: 12.01.2020
• Date Posted: 12.01.2020 12:30
• Story ID: 384001
• Location: CHAMBERSBURG, PA, US