142nd ‘Mavericks’ welcome new CSM
Lt. Col. Jose E. Solis, commander of the 142nd CSSB, passes the “Sword of the Noncommissioned Officer” to Command Sgt. Maj. John Simmons Jr. during a ceremony July 6. By accepting the sword, Simmons assumes responsibility for the training, health, welfare and morale of the “Maverick” Soldiers. Photo by Staff Sgt. Casey J. McGeorge, 15th Sustainment Bde. Public Affairs.
Staff Sgt. Casey J. McGeorge,
15th Sustainment Bde. Public Affairs:
The 142nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, bade farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Dolishia King and welcomed newly promoted Command Sgt. Maj. John Simmons Jr. to the battalion in a ceremony at East Fort Bliss July 6.
The 142nd “Mavericks” recently returned from a 12-month deployment to Afghanistan where they supported more than 50,000 U.S. and coalition forces deployed to Regional Command East and Capitol.
“Today, we celebrate two outstanding leaders,” said Lt. Col. Jose E. Solis, commander of the Mavericks. “Command Sergeant Major King led the way while living by the highest military standards.
“She led from the front even when the enemy tried for 12 months to disrupt our operations,” continued Solis. “She is a true example of the Soldier’s and NCO Creed.”
During the ceremony, the change of responsibility from one noncommissioned officer to another was signified by passing an “NCO sword.” The sword has been worn by noncommissioned officers and used as a weapon for more than 70 years that included such conflicts as the Mexican War, the Civil War and the Spanish-American War.
Since that time, the sword has transitioned and evolved from a weapon to a symbol used to signify the relinquishment of responsibility from one NCO to another. The departing NCO will pass the sword, thereby relinquishing their responsibility of the unit. The sword is then passed to the incoming NCO. By accepting the sword, the incoming NCO thereby assumes responsibility of the training, health, welfare and morale of Soldiers in the unit.
As King passed the sword to Solis, it signified the transition to the end of a 27-year career that began when she entered basic training at Fort Dix, N.J.
“I love Soldiers,” said King. “I love what they do, and, more importantly, they are unstoppable.”
King also spoke of the current transition the Army is going through.
“Our Army has a requirement to develop leaders and Soldiers that are capable of operating effectively and efficiently across the full spectrum,” she said. “Our Army needs agile and adaptive leaders to lead us in this ever changing world. I believe Command Sergeant Major Simmons is that leader.”
King was not the only one who believes this. That sentiment was echoed by Solis.
“His deployment experience, past job performance, and his military and civilian education are incredible tools he brings to the fight,” said Solis. “Command Sergeant Major Simmons is truly prepared for this job. Our Soldiers will benefit from this dedicated leader.”
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