Photo By Sgt. Kelly Gary | Command Sgt. Maj. Candace J. Anderson, outgoing command sergeant major for the 960th...... read more read more
CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Soldiers from across the 960th Brigade Support Battalion, as well as family and friends, gathered at the Ramkota Hotel, in Casper, Wyo., for a command sergeant major change of responsibility and the retirement ceremony of Command Sgt. Maj. Candice J. Anderson.
The ceremony commenced with the passing of the noncommissioned officer’s sword from Anderson, to Lt. Col. Corey Jones, the battalion commander, to incoming battalion command sergeant major Sgt. Maj. Brian Fawcett.
“I have mixed emotions about leaving,” said Anderson, “but they couldn’t have selected a better person for the BSB.”
Fawcett said he has been stationed all over Wyoming in many capacities, but is especially honored to be moving into his new position.
“[Command] Sgt. Maj. Anderson became the command sergeant major for the battalion in its infancy,” said Fawcett. “I hope I can help to make the battalion proficient in its wartime mission, so we can be ready to deploy, if called.”
Anderson not only relinquished her duty as command sergeant major of the battalion, but also said her final farewell after 38 years of service. During her nearly four decades of service, Anderson was a female first in a variety of areas and responsibilities and became an example for female soldiers.
She was the first female in an artillery unit to go into the field, and, in 2009, Anderson was the first female sergeant major to take a Wyoming Army National Guard battalion into a combat theater of operations.
“You name it and I have done it,” she said, “and look where I am now.”
Anderson attributes her success to the exceptional mentors she had throughout the years. She said it is important to guide the senior noncommissioned officers, but a lot of what makes a command sergeant major effective is knowing your Soldiers, especially the junior enlisted.
“Time spent with senior NCOs should be in mentoring,” Anderson stated, “Time with the junior NCOs and junior enlisted should include being a part of them and letting them show you what they can do.”
Experiencing the Army from private to command sergeant major, and being an example that female soldiers can become great leaders in many positions, Anderson has learned a lot over the better part of four decades. Although she has known many great NCOs, Anderson said she knew Fawcett would be the best candidate to take her place.
“I cannot say enough good about him,” she said, “[Fawcett] is an exceptional, well-rounded soldier with a lot of experience.”
Fawcett said Anderson has brought the battalion a long way from its creation, and he plans on taking up where she left off and continuing to strengthen the 960th.
| Date Taken: | 09.15.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 09.19.2012 12:03 |
| Story ID: | 94961 |
| Location: | CASPER, WYOMING, US |
| Web Views: | 105 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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