‘Ready First’ holds farewell ceremony for TF Marne CSM

Photo By Spc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile | (Left to right) Commander of 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, “Ready First” 1st Armored Division, out of Fort Bliss, Texas, Col. Larry Swift; Task Force Marne command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Andrews and Ready First Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. James P. Daniels pose for a photo following Command Sgt. Maj. Andrews’ farewell ceremony on Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq, Sept. 21. Andrews was recently selected as the First Army command sergeant major, headquartered out of Fort Gillem, Ga.  

CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION WARRIOR, IRAQ

09.21.2010

Story by Spc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile 

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq— The leadership of 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, “Ready First” 1st Armored Division out of Fort Bliss, Texas, said farewell to the Task Force Marne command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Andrews; during a ceremony held on Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq, Sept. 21.

Andrews was recently selected as the First Army command sergeant major, headquartered out of Fort Gillem, Ga. He has been the senior enlisted non-commissioned officer for 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. since March 8, 2007.

During the ceremony Andrews, who entered the military in 1980, was described as a leader who made an impact on many Soldiers.

“Command Sgt. Maj. Andrews’ career has been one of numerous accomplishments and selfless service to establishing a legacy that has undoubtedly impacted the lives of many soldiers,” said Sgt. Kevin McCulley, the narrator of the ceremony.

Also, during the ceremony, each of the command sergeants major of Ready First approached the podium to speak about how Andrews had made an impact on their career.

Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Hitch, command sergeant major of 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Ga., spoke about how he always took the time to teach every soldier.

“Everywhere he goes he hands out information to every soldier to add to their kit bag; many of the things he has taught me throughout the years I use today,” said Hitch, who has been mentored by Andrews since he was a first sergeant.

Command Sgt. Maj. Dana Mason Jr., command sergeant major for 1-1 Special Troop Battalion, Ready First, added that not only is Andrews a leader but he genuinely cares for the soldiers he leads.

All of the Ready First command sergeants major agreed, each of them speaking about how Andrews mentored and made an impact on them and their soldiers.

After each of the senior NCOs spoke, they presented Andrews with memoirs of Ready First. When Andrews took the floor, he thanked each soldier in the room for getting him to his current level.

“It is because of all of you I was selected, you guys have done a phenomenal job here in Kirkuk and it was a blessing to work with Ready First,” he said.

• Date Taken: 09.21.2010
• Date Posted: 09.23.2010 12:18
• Story ID: 56843
• Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION WARRIOR, IQ