Photo By Sgt. Brian Johnson | Christopher Wisener, company first sergeant and the highest-ranking enlisted Soldier...... read more read more
CAMP SHERMAN READINESS CENTER, CHILLICOTHE, Ohio -- After over 20 years in the military, including time in both the active duty Army and the Ohio National Guard, Christopher Wisener, company first sergeant and the highest enlisted soldier in the 1194th Engineer Company, retired.
Wisener, of Minford, was the Company First Sergeant from Dec. 18, 2003, during the unit’s deployment to Iraq to support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, until his retirement in June of this year.
The average length of time as a company first sergeant can be anywhere from 18 months to 5 years or more. During his time as Company First Sergeant, Wisener helped the unit accomplish several major missions, oversee the opening of a new National Guard Readiness Center in Chillicothe, and won the Bronze Star Medal for his service while in Iraq.
Wisener’s army career included time with the Fort Bragg based 82nd Airborne Division while with the active duty army, the Portsmouth based Company B, 216th Engineer Battalion, and the Chillicothe based Company A, 216th Engineer Battalion. Company A and B were reorganized in 2006 to become the 1194th Engineer Company and 1192nd Engineer Company, respectively.
Wisener has extremely decorated during his military service. Some of the many awards and decorations that he received include Airborne Wings, the Expert Infantry Badge, British Parachutist Wings, the Combat Infantry Badge earned during his time on active duty. Wisener also earned the Combat Action Badge and the Bronze Star while in Iraq.
The 1194th Engineer Company Commander Todd Winn said of Wisener’s career and service, "In the short time that I had to serve with 1SG Wisener, I was very impressed with his professionalism. He is a NCO and conducted himself as such. He leads by example, mentoring his subordinates to take charge of their soldiers. He is a motivator, knowing when to step in and take charge. I am extremely proud to have served with First Sergeant Wisener. His leadership will be greatly missed.”
Wisner’s replacement will be First Sergeant William Long, who was recently promoted to the rank of First Sergeant.
For his replacement, Wisener has these words of advice. “Always remain calm in the face of adversity … Eyes are always on you. Make sound judgments, but stay flexible. Always keep your ears open. And remember that it’s your leaders that make things happen … keep them tuned in at all times! “
Wisener plans to spend his extra time in military retirement by spending time with his family and friends, as well as focusing on his career.
| Date Taken: | 08.30.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 03.31.2015 22:40 |
| Story ID: | 158734 |
| Location: | CHILLICOTHE, OHIO, US |
| Web Views: | 72 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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