Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Carroll of Mattoon, Illinois, the Command Sergeant Major of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade passed responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Sarah Roman, of Palatine, Illinois, at Normal Readiness Center in Normal, Illinois, May 18, 2025.
“It’s an especially proud day for the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade,” said Col. David Helfrich, the Commander of the 404th MEB. “Today we gather to honor a leader, a command sergeant major, a warrior, Command Sgt. Maj. Carroll, as he transitions out of the
responsibility of being my senior enlisted advisor.”
Carroll deployed with the 233rd Military Police Company in support of Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His previous assignments include Operations Sergeant Major for the 33rd Military Police Battalion, Command Sergeant Major for the 33rd MP BN, and the Senior Enlisted Leader for the Combined Joint Task Force, Horn of Africa. Carroll’s next role will be as Commandant Command Sergeant Major of the 129th
Regional Training Institute.
“I’ve served alongside many outstanding NCOs, each with their own strengths, but few have demonstrated the same dedication to mentoring, teaching and genuinely caring about Soldiers across all ranks,” said Helfrich. “Command Sgt. Maj. Carroll leads from the front.”
Carroll’s awards include the Combat Action Badge, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Joint Service Achievement Medal.
“In the time that I was here, we had 12 deployments and 17 state domestic operations as a team,” said Carroll. “I had [military policemen] who had less than two and a half years in and had seen up to five state activations. That was your tireless effort, and I will be eternally grateful for the drive and the motivation that you all show during these exercises and operations.”
During the ceremony, Carroll was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious service while serving as the brigade command sergeant major.
The award’s citation reads, “Command Sgt. Maj. Carroll’s dedication to duty, selfless service and outstanding professionalism contributed greatly to the mission success within the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. His leadership and dedication were key to the development of Soldiers and noncommissioned officers throughout the brigade. Command Sgt. Maj. Carroll’s actions reflect distinct credit upon himself, the 404th Maneuver Enhancement
Brigade and the Illinois Army National Guard.”
“On behalf of the entire 404th, Soldiers, NCOs, warrant officers, and officers, I’d like to thank you, Command Sgt. Maj. Carroll, and welcome you, Command Sgt. Maj. Roman,” said Helfrich.
Roman has participated in eight large scale exercises, including two overseas training missions, and served one tour in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. She has completed all levels of the noncommissioned officer education system and is a graduate of the United States Army’s Sergeant Major Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Northern
Illinois University and a Master of Science from DePaul University.
Roman’s awards include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one campaign star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the NCO Professional Development Ribbon with numeral five.
“I spent a lot longer standing in this formation than I’ll ever get to spend standing in front of it,” said Roman, addressing Soldiers of the 404th MEB. “I don’t step into this position lightly, so with everything that I do, I’m going to be trying to represent your interests, making sure that as a leader, you’re all empowered to lead so that Soldiers can get training, and we can continue to be the greatest brigade.”