Photo By Patrick Buffett | Command Sgt. Maj. Clifton H. Johnson, outgoing Logistics Noncommissioned Officer...... read more read more
FORT LEE, Va. - The fourth commandant of the Logistics Noncommissioned Officer Academy reported for duty at a Jan. 15 change of responsibility ceremony here in MacLaughlin Fitness Center.
Several hundred NCOs and a wide assortment of family members and senior post leaders – including Maj. Gen. Stephen R. Lyons, CASCOM and Fort Lee commanding general – observed as Command Sgt. Maj. Terry E. Parham Sr., CASCOM command sergeant major, passed the LNCOA colors from outgoing commandant, Command Sgt. Maj. Clifton H. Johnson, to the academy’s new enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony A. Traylor.
Johnson is set to retire in May with 32 years of military service. Traylor comes to Fort Lee from his previous assignment as the 43rd Sustainment Brigade command sergeant major at Fort Carson, Colorado. In his new position as the LNCOA commandant, Traylor also will serve as the senior enlisted leader for the Army Logistics University.
During remarks that followed the flag-passing, Parham thanked Johnson for his many contributions to ALU and the academy.
“You know, when we talk about developing leaders – and that’s exactly what this is about – CSM Johnson has been super successful during his time here as commandant and ALU’s top enlisted Soldier,” the CASCOM command sergeant major said. “He excelled in training and mentoring the future leaders of this great Army.”
More than 23,000 students graduated from ALU and the academy while Johnson held the enlisted helm. That “sphere of influence,” Parham noted, includes NCOs up to the rank of master sergeant and commissioned officers from second lieutenant to “full-bird” colonel.
“He provided oversight of more than 160 cadre members,” Parham continued, “and he championed important initiatives like increased levels of support for BWC (the annual Army Best Warrior Competition), the Paint the Town Pink breast cancer awareness run, increased participation in ethnic observances and partnerships with local colleges and universities that resulted in a pilot instructor badge program.”
Parham also pointed out Johnson’s unwavering dedication to the Army. Even though he has deployed to five different combat operations and wears the Purple Heart, he refused to “rest on those laurels,” the CASCOM command sergeant major said. “This Soldier continues to serve ... that’s what it’s about. He’s serving until the last day when the Army finally says it’s time to go home.”
After offering his thanks to Johnson “on behalf of a grateful nation,” Parham acknowledged the incoming CSM. “Today, we welcome another leader to our formation. Command Sgt. Maj. Traylor ... brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. He comes from a maintenance background and has been on active duty since 1986. Once again, we have a Soldier with over 26 years of service coming here to give back to the profession ... We welcome you and your family. We’re looking forward to your leadership and forward-thinking, and appreciate the tremendous level of experience you bring to this position.”
In his parting remarks, Johnson first thanked God for giving him the opportunity to serve as the leader of “not only the largest, but the greatest noncommissioned officer academy in the entire U.S. Army.” He also thanked the CASCOM leadership for entrusting him with the important leadership position.
“I stand here before you today as a truly blessed and humbled command sergeant major,” Johnson said. “And there is one more person I have to thank ... the most beautiful and caring women in the world; my wife, Mrs. Rosa L. Johnson, for always having my back. Baby, thank you for being right by my side through the good times and the bad times. You’re a true warrior in every sense of the word, and I love you.
“Normally, I would say this is a bittersweet moment,” Johnson later said. “However, (that’s not the case) because I am relinquishing this academy to CSM Anthony Traylor and his lovely wife Karen. Over my past 12 years as a CSM, I have not met an individual who I have so much in common with than CSM Traylor. He served as a brigade CSM for almost as many years as I have. He is seasoned and has what it takes to succeed in this position.
“Tony, you are a giant in the Army’s eyes. But, like a friend once told me, you will only be a giant because you get to stand on the shoulders of some great NCOs, DOD Civilians and contractors at that noncommissioned officer academy. You are inheriting the greatest logistical assignment in the U.S. Army in my eyes. Command Sgt. Maj. Johnson signing off the net.”
Concluding the ceremony, Traylor’s remarks were brief and appreciative.
“What a great day to be a Soldier, and what a great honor to be the fourth commandant of the Army Logistics University, Logistics Noncommissioned Officer Academy,” he said. “I am honored and humbled by this awesome opportunity to lead the largest and best learning institution in the Army ... I look forward to maintaining this organization’s fine reputation of training, educating and growing adaptive sustainment NCOs. Number four signing on the net.”
| Date Taken: | 01.22.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 01.22.2015 15:06 |
| Story ID: | 152494 |
| Location: | FORT LEE, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 212 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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