Photo By Sgt. jesus aranda | Command Sgt. Maj. Ray A. Devens, command sergeant major, 25th Infantry Division and...... read more read more
Story by: Sfc. Krishna Gamble
BAGHDAD — There were six recommendations, but only one selection.
“He is probably an unconventional choice for some,” said Maj. Gen. Bernard S. Champoux, 25th Infantry Division commanding general, on his choice for the new command sergeant major of the “Tropic Lightning” Division. “But I think this is exactly what this division deserves; someone who was raised a little bit differently, has a different perspective on things, and who is a quality leader [who will ensure] our soldiers and officers thrive.”
Command Sgt. Maj. Ray Devens accepted the duties, responsibilities and authority as command sergeant major for all soldiers of the 25th Inf. Div. during a March 19 ceremony at Camp Liberty, Iraq.
“He started his military career in this division,” Champoux said. “He has served with distinction in all his assignments. He’s always been a quiet professional who expects more of himself than he ever demands from anybody else. He leads by example and takes pride in who he is. He takes pride in the uniform he wears, and most importantly, he takes pride in his soldiers.”
For Devens, being named the division sergeant major was more about those he has served with that helped him along the way.
“This is a great opportunity for me, but this is not about me,” Devens said. “This is about a lot of people I’ve known in my life that put me in this place. A lot of wonderful warriors and leaders, who helped me achieve…what I’ve gotten to today, and I hopefully [will] progress on.”
Devens, a founding member of the U.S. Army’s Asymmetric Warfare Group, comes to the “Tropic Lightning” Division after serving with I Corps at Fort Lewis, Wash. He takes over his duties with the 25th Inf. Div. two months after Command Sgt. Frank Leota departed to fulfill his new role as the U.S. Army Pacific Command sergeant major. Following Leota’s departure, Sgt. Maj. David Armour, 25th Inf. Div. operations sergeant major, was appointed the additional duty of division command sergeant major.
“When I asked [Sgt. Maj. Armour] to be the division command sergeant major, I didn’t ask him to be the acting division command sergeant major, and Sgt. Maj. Armor you’ve just been brilliant,” Champoux said. “You provided a service that you didn’t ask for, you didn’t anticipate and we couldn’t have been as successful as we have been for the couple of months without your leadership. I have tremendous admiration and respect for you. Thank you.”
Devens is married and has two daughters who are currently serving in the Air Force and Army.
| Date Taken: | 03.19.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 03.30.2011 00:47 |
| Story ID: | 67950 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 284 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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