JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. — Soldiers, leaders, families and friends gathered Sept. 19, 2025, at French Theater to honor the service of Command Sgt. Maj. Delon Y. Trolii and welcome Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Jason R. Valino during a change of responsibility ceremony for I Corps Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion.
The ceremony opened with the singing of the national anthem and an invocation by Chaplain Vernon G. Snyder IV.
“We give thanks for the selfless service, the commitment to readiness, the devotion to the individual Soldier forged by Sergeant Major Trolii,” Snyder prayed. “His endeavors have blazed a new trail for the next generation ready to stand upon the watchtower of liberty, and we ask your blessing upon Sergeant Major Valino as he assumes the mantle of responsibility as the backbone of the Trailblazers.”
As part of tradition, red flowers were presented to Trolii’s wife, Carissa, in appreciation of her support, while yellow roses were given to Valino’s wife, Marmie, symbolizing new beginnings with the Trailblazer family.
The passing of the battalion colors followed, representing the formal transfer of responsibility. Staff Sgt. Milton Lunsford III, the color bearer, passed the colors to Trolii, who relinquished them to Lt. Col. Spenser H. Bruning, battalion commander. Bruning then entrusted the colors to Valino, signifying his new role as the unit’s senior enlisted leader.
Bruning praised Trolii’s leadership over the past two years, highlighting his role in supporting multinational exercises, aiding a brigade deployment to Europe, and overhauling JBLM’s reception program, reducing processing times from three weeks to 24 hours.
He also recalled Trolii’s steady presence. “There was never a day that went by without your positive attitude and your life mantra of ‘it’s all coming together,'” Bruning said. “You truly were the right leader and the professional to serve as Trailblazer 7.”
In his farewell remarks, Trolii reflected on his love for the Trailblazer Battalion. “I put everything I had into making this a better place for Soldiers,” Trolii said. “ Our name, trailblazers, has a storied history within the Army. The current definition of the word fits HHBN perfectly.” He offered a parting message to Valino. “I want to congratulate you again and wish you the best as you take over the hardest working battalion that I've ever been part of.”
Valino most recently served as the senior enlisted leader for the 404th Army Field Support Battalion. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
“ My focus is clear, to build a strong professional team grounded in trust, integrity, and accountability. Taking care of soldiers and their families will always come first. But let me be clear, the standards and discipline are non-negotiable. They keep us sharp, cohesive, and ready to win. As Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, iron sharpens iron so one person sharpens another," said Valino.
"Together, we will sharpen each other, grow stronger, and build a battalion defined by excellence. I am honored to serve alongside you and I look forward with hope to all we will achieve together as one battalion, one team, and one family. This we’ll defend. Trailblazer seven, signing in.”
| Date Taken: | 09.19.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.23.2025 00:16 |
| Story ID: | 548833 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 16 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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