Photo By Staff Sgt. Larry Barnhill | 20160219-A-RK681-003—FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Col. James Walker, "Lightning" brigade...... read more read more
FORT BRAGG, N.C. – The 525th Military Intelligence Brigade bids farewell to one Command Sergeant Major and welcomes another during a Change of Responsibility Ceremony Feb. 19 at "Lightning" Field.
Command Sgt. Maj. Eric M. Schmitz handed over responsibility of the "Lightning" Brigade to Command Sgt. Maj. Edward A. Baptiste.
"Lightning" Brigade Commander Col. James Walker spoke of the great job Schmitz did during his tenure as the brigade’s top noncommissioned officer.
“Command Sgt. Maj. Schmitz has contributed a clearly exceptional record of outstanding performance over the past two years as the Command Sergeant Major of the 525,” said Walker. “During a period of transformation and uncertainty, Command Sgt. Maj. Schmitz remained focused, resolute and absolute in taking care of Soldiers and civilians in this command.”
Walker expressed the confidence he has in the abilities of Baptiste and what he will bring to the "Lightning" Brigade.
“Command Sgt. Maj. Baptiste comes from the XVIII Airborne Corps G-2 and has a resume’ that makes him the right person to assume this great responsibility,” said Walker. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about his ability. He respects and values his team and I have no doubt that he will bring great ideas and enthusiasm to the 525 and its mission.”
Schmitz noted a sense of humility when taking responsibility of the "Lightning" Brigade and the confidence he has in his successor.
“Twenty-four months ago, I told you I was humbled to be selected to be the Command Sergeant Major of the 525,” said Schmitz. “I would gladly give another two years to this brigade because the Soldiers and civilians are amazing but at the same time, I can easily move on because I know the 525 is in good hands.”
Baptiste spoke of the challenges that lie ahead for the ‘Lightning’ Brigade and looking forward to facing them with a team effort.
“The 525 has a very demanding and tough mission,” said Baptiste. “Balancing the training objectives with standards and the ongoing tasks of the brigade are going to be difficult but I look forward to embracing those tasks together.”
Although leaving the ‘Lightning’ Brigade, Schmitz will still be close by as his next assignment has him slated to fill a position with Forces Command G-2.
| Date Taken: | 02.19.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 02.22.2016 19:21 |
| Story ID: | 189713 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 184 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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