HHB welcomes new first sergeant

Published March 9, 2012
By Staff Sgt. Nicole Dykstra
72nd Field Artillery Brigade Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- A passing of the sword symbolized the change of responsibility from 1st Sgt. Darlene White to 1st Sgt. Brett Eberlin during a Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 72nd Field Artillery Brigade, change of responsibility ceremony March 4 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

"The noncommissioned officer is indeed the backbone of the Army - strong and upright, seemingly rigid, but also flexible and adaptable," said Capt. LeKisha Hale, HHB commander. "In the heart of a noncommissioned officer there is a desire for excellence and the passion to bring it to fruition. Today we honor two exemplary noncommissioned officers."

Hale had strong praise for the departing first sergeant who served as battery first sergeant since March 2010 and oversaw many changes within the unit.

"During the assumption of the mobilization mission, wherein we both had to be in two places at once, our flexibility and fortitude were tested," said Hale. "Your role was key to the success of the mission and proved to be invaluable. Your service is appreciated and we will always carry the lessons we learned from you."

White expressed gratitude for the HHB Soldiers who perform their duties with utmost professionalism.

"The biggest thanks goes to the heart of HHB, and the names are many," said White. "Those individuals ensure Soldiers are administratively up-to-date, current on security clearances, safe on and off the job and medically ready for the many tasks they are called on to perform."

Eberlin previously served in a variety of positions in the brigade, from an observer controller/trainer to an operations NCO in the plans and operations shop. He joined the Army Reserve in January 2012 after serving 30 years in the New Jersey Army National Guard.

"I look forward to working with everyone to provide a solid leadership team for the HHB," said Eberlin. "My service with the 72nd has been a rewarding one so far, and I look forward to the time ahead as the HHB first sergeant."

The 72nd Field Artillery Brigade plans, coordinates and enables post-mobilization, pre-deployment training in support of specified U.S. Army Reserve, Army National Guard, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard units. The brigade provides pre-mobilization training assistance within its capabilities for Army Reserve and Army National Guard units.