Old Soldier relinquishes responsibility, retires after 30 years

Photo By Sgt. Maj. Alejandro Licea | Cathy Whitcomb, wife of Lt. Gen R. Steven Whitcomb, hugs Phipps after his retirement ceremony. Phipps is a father of four children and a grandfather of two.  

10.13.2006

Story by Staff Sgt. Alejandro Licea 

U.S. Army Central   

by Staff. Sgt Alex Licea
U.S. Army Central PAO

FORT MCPHERSON, Ga (Oct. 13, 2006)-- Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Holliday, Sr. assumed responsibility of the U.S. Army Central, Special Troops Battalion during a change of responsibility at the USARCENT Headquarters Oct. 13.

Holliday took over as the unit's senior enlisted Soldier from Command Sgt. Maj. Marlon Phipps, who will be retiring after 30 years of service.

During his farewell address to the battalion, Phipps thanked all the Soldiers for their support over the past three years of his command. Phipps' emotions were visible throughout the ceremony.

"This is hard for me but it is time to go," said the tearful Phipps during his farewell speech. "It's time for the next generation of Soldiers to take the lead."

As the CSM of the STB, Phipps has been operating in the unit's duel headquarters in both Camp Arifjan, Kuwait and here. During his tenure, Phipps has also helped his unit support the USARCENT in such deployments and exercises such as Bright Star and Lucky Warrior.

Holliday, a native of Leland, N.C., has served in numerous leadership positions. From his time as a gunnery sergeant and platoon sergeant as a field artillery Soldier, to first sergeant and time as a command sergeant major.

Holliday addressed the crowd about what he believes makes a strong organization and hopes to make an impact during his time in the unit

"I want to thank all of you for this opportunity to be your CSM," he said. "For me, there is no such thing as a big 'I' and a little 'u' when it comes to a unit. I look forward to working with all of you."

Holliday's awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with five oak-leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with seven oak-leaf clusters, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Drill Sergeant Badge and the Combat Action Badge.

Holliday is married to the former Shawanda L. Martin and has four children Cedrika, Lakia, Charles Jr., and Shaquille.

Following the change of responsibility, a retirement ceremony was held for Phipps.

During the ceremony, Lt. Gen R. Steven Whitcomb, USARCENT commanding general, via a video teleconference, praised Phipps for his work as the STB senior enlisted Soldier.

"I'm honored to be here to celebrate the last 30 years of tremendous service of CSM Phipps," said Whitcomb. "I can think of no other person that represents the new Army slogan 'Army Strong' better than Marlon Phipps."

For his service, Phipps was awarded the Legion of Merit and a U.S. Flag flown over congress in his name.

During his retirement speech, the teary eye Phipps told some entertaining stories from his childhood and life in the Army. He thanked his family, friends and co-workers for all the support throughout his career.

"I have said my piece, I thank you all and its time for me to go."

• Date Taken: 10.13.2006
• Date Posted: 10.17.2006 14:01
• Story ID: 8054