Photo By Staff Sgt. Tori Miller | Command Sergeant Major Brandon Cook, incoming Command Sgt. Maj. for Marietta-based...... read more read more
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Soldiers of the Marietta-based 78th Troop Command celebrated Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Locke’s dedicated service and welcomed incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Brandon Cook during a change of responsibility ceremony at Clay National Guard Center, Marietta, Ga., on Dec. 4, 2021.
“As one of three command sergeants major within the Georgia National Guard that answers directly to a general officer, he [Command Sgt. Maj. Locke], accepted responsibilities with honor and executed his duties as a professional,” said Brigadier General John Gentry, commander of the 78th Troop Command. “On behalf of the Soldiers, NCOs and officers of 78th Troop Command, we thank you for being the keeper of our colors. We thank you for your leadership and professionalism, and most importantly we thank you for showing us what a command sergeant major should be, know and do.”
Command Sergeant Major Locke began his career in the U.S. Marine Corps in the early 1980’s as a HAWK Missile System Operator and served overseas in Okinawa, Japan and Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1992 and worked in the Georgia Department of Corrections, where he is still employed today. In July 2001, Command Sergeant Major Locke re-enlisted into the Georgia Army National Guard and very quickly rose through the ranks as a noncommissioned officer. Today, Command Sgt. Maj. Locke will retire after 30 years of selfless service and dedicated commitment to the U.S. Military.
“Looking back on my service, the best experience I had was being able to see the Soldiers and their formation and listen to issues they have, both personal and professional,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Locke. “I believe that I have improved the brigade to be more personable… Soldiers will serve you if they believe in you as a leader.”
Prior to the beginning of the change of responsibility ceremony, Brig. Gen. Gentry presented Command Sgt. Maj. Locke with the Oglethorpe Distinguished Service Medal. Retired Sgt. Maj. Nicole Hinnant-Locke, Command Sgt. Maj. Locke’s wife was awarded the Georgia Commendation Medal during the ceremony. On behalf of the leadership and Soldiers and leadership of 78th Troop Command, both Command Sgt. Maj. Locke and his wife received a framed set of the brigades and command colors.
Command Sergeant Major Cook brings 29 years of experience to 78th Troop Command and has previously served in command with Brig. Gen. Gentry within the Columbus-based 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. Command Sergeant Major Cook has selflessly served the Georgia Army National Guard in many facets including multiple deployments in support of Operation Joint Endeavor and Operation Enduring Freedom.
“Command Sergeant Major Locke laid the path for all command sergeants major,” said Brig. Gen. Gentry. “Command Sergeant Major Cook’s selection by the board is a testament to his leadership, experience and professionalism.”
| Date Taken: | 12.04.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 12.05.2021 10:10 |
| Story ID: | 410454 |
| Location: | MARIETTA, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 593 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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