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On time, on target Brigade welcomes new command sergeant major

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nicole Dykstra
  • 72nd Operations Brigade Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  The 72nd Operations Brigade held a change of responsibility ceremony under overcast skies at Sharp Field here July 19.

As Soldiers of the brigade stood at attention in formation, Command Sgt. Maj. James Herbert relinquished responsibility of the 72nd to Command Sgt. Maj. Berk Parsons.

"I am humbled, to enjoy the greatest privilege today - to officiate a brigade-level change of responsibility ceremony between two outstanding senior Army leaders," said Col. Michael Shrout, brigade commander. "It means a ton to me, mainly because of my career-long respect and admiration for the professional noncommissioned officer corps that sets our Army apart from all others in history."

In relinquishing responsibility for the brigade, Herbert culminated a stellar Army career of more than 32 years of service, said Shrout. Herbert served in every leadership position from fire team leader to brigade command sergeant major since enlisting in the infantry in 1980. He plans to retire later this year and return to his home state of Massachusetts.

"I truly have been fortunate to be a member of this brigade and to serve as its command sergeant major," said Herbert. "The mission of training warriors preparing to deploy and later welcoming them home can only be replaced by standing shoulder-to-shoulder with them in-theater. I could never take credit for any of the accomplishments of the brigade or to the successes; I was merely a part of the momentum created by the Soldiers standing before you of the 72nd Operations Brigade."

The 72nd OB plans, coordinates and enables post-mobilization, predeployment training in support of specified U.S. Army Reserve, Army National Guard, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard units.

"Sergeant major, you have spent 32 years serving our profession expertly and proudly, caring for our Soldiers and accomplishing the mission," said Shrout. "Today, it is our turn to salute you."

Parsons joins the brigade with outstanding credentials as a combat leader and a master trainer, said Shrout. Previously he served as battalion command sergeant major of 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

"His expertise and proven judgment over a career of demanding assignments mark him as exactly the right leader to carry the goals and objectives of our organization forward," he said. "I look forward to serving with you, Command Sergeant Major Parsons, and sharing as a full partner with you in this command."

On order, the brigade provides premobilization training assistance within its capabilities for Army Reserve and Army National Guard units.