Photo By Sgt. Tim Andrews | The 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC), South Carolina National Guard,...... read more read more
The 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC), South Carolina National Guard, conducted a change of responsibility ceremony to recognize the outgoing command sergeant major, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Keith Phillips, and welcome the incoming, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Davin Powell, Nov. 6, 2021, in Anderson, South Carolina.
In attendance were U.S. Army Maj. Gen. R. Van McCarty, adjutant general of South Carolina, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Timothy Sheriff, 263rd AAMDC outgoing commander, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Jones, deputy adjutant general for South Carolina, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. (promotable) Frank Rice, 263rd AAMDC incoming commander, U.S. Army Col. (promotable) Richard A. Wholey Jr., 263rd AAMDC chief of staff, and many other active and retired South Carolina National Guard service members.
“When you look at the stage up here, there is about 150 years of experience, between myself, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Phillips and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Powell,” opened Sheriff. “Keith (Phillips) and I have served together for approximately 35 years. He started out in the Marine Corps, and we finally talked him into the National Guard.”
Sheriff continued discussing his relationship with Phillips and boasting on his dedication as a Non-commissioned Officer (NCO).
“Keith is the most dedicated NCO to the NCO profession that I have ever known and those that have heard me speak before know that I am real careful of my words because I have known a lot of people in my military career,” added Sheriff. “What he brings to the AAMDC and its subordinate units is tremendous.”
Phillips is a resident of Pickens County, South Carolina and spent over 41 years in uniform, previously serving in the Marine Corps before transferring to the South Carolina National Guard.
“It is truly an honor for you to be my sergeant major on my watch as both the deputy and the commander of the 263rd AAMDC,” stated Sheriff. “He is going to be missed and I know he still mentors young Soldiers and NCOs.”
Phillips addressed the crowd discussing some of the rich history of the 263rd AAMDC.
“I want to say a little something about history, it is important. It is important to the future and to the future of the 263rd AAMDC. Over 20 years ago, 1st Air Force out at Tyndall Air Force Base called the 263rd Air Defense Artillery Brigade, on Sept. 11, 2001. They did not call the active forces, they called the Guard. They called because they knew us, they worked with us, and they knew without any doubt, we would be there as soon as possible,” boasted Phillips. “What did 1st Air Force want from the National Guard Air Defenders? They wanted a ground based air defense for the continental United States, an air defense plan for the lower 48.”
Phillips reminisced that 20 years later, the 263rd AAMDC is still executing the same fundamental air defense plan that was built mere hours and days after Sept. 11, 2001.
“Now I want to talk to you about the Soldiers. I wish all of them could be here right now. Do you know what is so incredible about the Soldiers at the 263rd AAMDC? They know how to be at the right place, at the right time, with the right training, in the right uniform, and most importantly with the right attitude,” Phillips said. “These are things that I have personally witnessed time and time again at the unit and around the globe. These Soldiers, these Guards men and women answered the call, answered it without reservation. They just know that when the call comes, their community, their state and their nation need them and there is no reservation. I challenge you all to continue to write the history of the 263rd AAMDC and to make tomorrow better than today.”
As incoming 263rd AAMDC command sergeant major, Powell addressed the crowd, talking about when he was told he would be the next command sergeant major.
“When Maj. Gen. Sheriff told me I had been selected as the command sergeant major, I had time to reflect on what I had accomplished in my career and even back to where I grew up, a little town, about an hour north called Rosman, population 615.” reflected Powell. “What is more significant about that is, it is about a mile from where Command Sgt. Maj. Phillips grew up.”
Powell discussed what it takes to obtain and earn a position like this.
“No one can get a position like this without being given the right opportunities and being trained by some exceptional NCOs and officers,” discussed Powell. “I am certainly no exception to that having been incredibly blessed to have worked with and for some of the most talented leaders in both the U.S. Army and the South Carolina National Guard. While the list is too long to mention all by name, I would like to thank each of you for giving me the tools for being successful.”
Moving into a new position, there is always change. Powell discussed his intent in his new role as the 263rd AAMDC command sergeant major.
“As we move into the future, we have some challenging times ahead, working to modernize both our air defense and field artillery air defense systems. It is my intent as the new AAMDC command sergeant major, as well as the senior enlisted advisor for the readiness advisor council, to be an advocate for not only our three subordinate units, but for the three ADA brigades, seven ADA battalions and the field artillery battalion. Ensuring that we modernize concurrently with our active duty counterparts. While this task may look monumental, I have no doubt that together we will make the right decisions to move our formations forward and to protect the interest of our most important asset, the Soldiers that stand in our formation,” Powell said. “While there are only four AAMDCs in the U.S. Army, only one is charged with the defense of the homeland and the training of our air defense forces and that is South Carolina’s own 263rd AAMDC.”
The ceremony included invocations and benedictions by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Kevin Thompson, and music from the 246th Army Band.
“Along with our mission partners, from FORSCOM, U.S. Army North, and First Army, we stand ready to answer the nation’s call as America’s Shield,” Powell closed.
During the ceremony, Phillips was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptional meritorious service for 41 years while serving in positions of increased leadership culminating as the command sergeant major of the 263rd AAMDC. He distinguished himself by proving himself in positions of increasing importance and responsibility as the senior enlisted advisor and consultant in a two-star command, providing prudent guidance, sound leadership and NCO mentorship. His actions contributed greatly to the combat readiness throughout the major subordinate command.
| Date Taken: | 11.09.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 11.15.2021 13:08 |
| Story ID: | 408995 |
| Location: | ANDERSON, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 447 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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