VIRGINIA BEACH, Va - The 11th Transportation Battalion, 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) conducted a change of responsibility ceremony at Ft. Story, Va., June 20, 2014. The ‘Over the Shore’ Battalion welcomed U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Mathew Calhoun, as the new 11th Trans. Bat. command sergeant major.
The battalion said farewell to outgoing command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Zacarias Rivera. Rivera will be retiring after 31 years of great service to our country.
Rivera and Calhoun, joined by Lt. Col. Karl Linderman, 11th Trans. Bat., commander and Sgt. 1st class Cherry, commander of troops for the ceremony pass the noncommissioned officers’ sword. Passing of the noncommissioned officers’ sword represents a symbol of position and responsibility over an entire unit.
Rivera did not give a speech, but spoke briefly. “Command Sgt. Maj. Calhoun will do a great job here in this battalion,” said Rivera “After 31 years, these Soldiers are going to give you exactly what I am in a nutshell.” Four Soldiers in the crowd stood up one after another each reciting a paragraph of ‘A Soldier’s Request’. After the last Soldier, the crowd stood in applause where Rivera shook hands with fellow command sergeant majors and officers.
Calhoun, incoming command sergeant major, joins the command team by way of the brigade's Special Troops Battalion where he was the battalion command sergeant major. Calhoun thanked his family and friends that flew in to support him.
“Soldiers, you look great today” said Calhoun, “Thank you Command Sgt. Maj. Rivera and Milly, thank you for your sponsorship and leadership, I couldn’t ask for anyone better to replace in our Army and I wish you well. Nothing happens until something moves, Resolute, Over the Shore.”