Photo By Sgt. Daniela Lechuga | U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Adam Bezanson, the 1st Infantry Division Sustainment...... read more read more
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FORT RILEY, Kansas — The 1st Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade conducted a change of responsibility ceremony at King Field House on Fort Riley, Kansas, Dec. 12, 2023.
Durable senior leaders, Soldiers, friends and family, attended the event to bid farewell to U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Clarence Raby, the outgoing 1st Inf. Div. Sust. Bde. command sergeant major, and welcome Command Sgt. Maj. Adam Bezanson, the incoming 1st Inf. Div Sust. Bde. command sergeant major.
Bezanson, a native from Helena, Montana, enlisted into the Army in August of 2002 as a culinary specialist. Bezanson's stateside assignments include, but not limited to, Golf Company, 1-319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Liberty, North Carolina; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, I Corps, Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington; Joint Staff, Washington D.C.; 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), United States Army Sergeant Major Academy, Fort Bliss. His overseas assignments are United States Forces Korea, Yongsan, Republic of Korea and U.S. Army Europe and Africa in Wiesbaden, Germany. He deployed to Iraq three times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The official change of responsibility is accomplished with the transfer of the unit guidon, which represents not only the lineage and honor of the unit but also the loyalty and unity of its Soldiers. The passing of the guidon symbolizes the transfer of responsibility from one command sergeant major to another.
Raby passed the guidon to Lt. Col. Charles Mongomery, the 1st Inf. Div. Sust. Bde., 1st Inf. Div. commander, who then passed the guidon to Bezanson, entrusting him with responsibility of the unit. As the colors passed through the trio, Raby’s responsibility to the Durable Brigade ended.
Montgomery gave his remarks, praising the accomplishments of Raby during his time with the Big Red One and the positive impression he had about him from their first day together as Durable Brigade leaders.
“It is evident that Command Sgt. Maj. Raby has made an enormous impact on this division and brigade over the last 30 months,” Montgomery said. “I had immediate trust in Command Sgt. Maj. Raby the moment I arrived and he did not disappoint in any manner.”
Coming to the end of his speech, Montgomery welcomed Bezanson and expressed trust in the new command sergeant major’s ability to lead the brigade alongside him.
Raby delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing his gratitude to his family, the command teams across the division and the leaders he served under, for their support, mentorship, and for making him a better noncommissioned officer and leader. Raby expressed his appreciation to all the Soldiers for working hard to make not only the brigade better, but the entire organization.
“Serving as your Command Sergeant Major has been the greatest honor of my career,” Raby said. “The successes of the brigade are a testament to the teamwork, discipline, and commitment that make this unit exceptional. I have witnessed your resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to our mission and each other, and for that, I am immensely proud.”
Following his closing remarks, Raby recited the “Long Motto Call”, the Division’s motto, as his last order for the bridge after which Bezanson thanked his predecessor and formally introduced himself to the unit.
Bezanson gave his incoming remarks, thanking his family for their support, Raby for his mentorship, and expressed his readiness to lead the brigade alongside Montgomery. He concluded his speech with one piece of advice directed to the Soldiers of his new unit.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve the people of the United States as a member of this team,” Bezanson said. “I thank all of you for your dedicated service and sacrifice in support of our nation and I want you to know that I work for you.”
Raby will transition to Ft. Stewart, Georgia, to serve as commandant of the Noncommissioned Officer Academy, where he will assist in training and developing future NCOs.
| Date Taken: | 12.12.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 12.21.2023 09:13 |
| Story ID: | 459838 |
| Location: | FORT RILEY, KANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 189 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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