FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico — Soldiers, families and community members filled the Fort Buchanan Community Club Aug. 14 for the installation’s Change of Responsibility ceremony, marking the transition between outgoing senior enlisted leader Command Sgt. Maj. Kimberly D. Bergman Gándara and incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Everett B. Sikes.
Ulises Marrero, acting garrison manager, presided over the ceremony. He opened by highlighting Bergman Gándara’s impact on the installation during her tenure.
“CSM Bergman-Gándara, your leadership has shaped Fort Buchanan in ways that will endure long after today,” Marrero said. “You raised standards, strengthened teams, and built a culture of connection. You made this installation better. You made this community stronger.”
He noted that the improvements seen across the garrison were a direct reflection of her presence.
“Her leadership was not performative; it was personal,” he said. “She made every teammate feel valued, heard, and important. And the results speak for themselves.”
The Puerto Rico National Guard’s 248th Army Band, which performed throughout the event and contributed to the ceremony’s dignified and celebratory atmosphere.
The audience also heard from Bergman Gándara’s sister, Miranda, who offered a personal reflection that drew warm laughter and heartfelt applause.
“Kimberly is the baby of eight, but she’s always taking charge,” Miranda said. “She is like a volcano — she just erupts, and you just can’t contain her.”
Puerto Rico State Representative Ángel Morey attended the ceremony, underscoring the strong relationship between Fort Buchanan and the island’s elected leadership.
The ceremony, rich with Army tradition, celebrated the continuity of leadership within the noncommissioned officer corps. The passing of the sword — a symbolic act highlighting trust, accountability and the authority entrusted to the senior enlisted leader — served as the moment marking the official transfer of responsibility.
During the ceremony, Bergman Gándara was also awarded the Sergeant Major Pionk Excellence in Retention Medal, recognizing her significant contributions to Army retention efforts and her dedication to supporting Soldiers’ career development.
Reflecting on her tenure, Bergman Gándara highlighted the strategic importance of the installation and the partnerships strengthened under her leadership.
“Fort Buchanan may be geographically separated from many Army installations, but no one should ever mistake our size for limitation,” she said. “The installation is strategically important, operationally relevant and deeply connected to the people of Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and the United States of America.”
Bergman Gándara spoke about her approach to leadership and her desire to uplift those around her.
“Leadership was never about having my name on the front gate,” she said. “It was about opening that gate for others, amplifying voices that had not been heard, and trying hard each day to leave people and organizations better than I found them.”
As she concluded her assignment, she shared a personal sentiment about her connection with Puerto Rico.
“Although I am leaving Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico will never leave me,” she said.
Meanwhile, Sikes accepted responsibility with enthusiasm and outlined his priorities moving forward.
“As I take responsibility today, my commitment to this team is simple: people first, standards always, mission without fail,” Sikes said. “I will be present. I will listen. I will lead by example, and I will work every day to take care of our service members, civilians, families and everyone who calls Fort Buchanan home.”
He assured the workforce that he is here to serve them.
“To the service members and civilians of Fort Buchanan, I want you to know one thing from day one: I work for you,” Sikes said. “My responsibility is to make sure you have the leadership, resources, standards and support necessary to accomplish our mission and to ensure we continue making Fort Buchanan a place where people are proud to serve, work and call home.”
The ceremony underscored Fort Buchanan’s vital role in supporting service members across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As the installation moves forward under new enlisted leadership, the community reaffirmed its commitment to readiness, resilience and service.
Fort Buchanan supports approximately 15,000 military personnel, including active-duty Soldiers, Army Reserve, Puerto Rico National Guard, Marine Corps Reserve and Navy Reserve members. The installation’s mission is to enable readiness and facilitate the deployment of forces anytime, anywhere.