Vancouver, Wash. – Army Reserve Soldiers with the 2nd Brigade (2d BDE), 95th Training Division (TNG DIV) conducted a formal Change of Responsibility ceremony as Command Sgt. Maj. Eric J. Roberts officially assumed authority of the unit on Jan. 25, 2020 at the Armed Forces Reserve Center, Vancouver, Washington.
As the presiding officer for the ceremony, 2d BDE, 95th TNG DIV Commander Col. Heather A. Reuter, formally transferred the unit colors from outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Marc E. Kersey to Command Sgt. Maj. Roberts while acknowledging both soldiers for their leadership roles.
“Today we welcome a new Command Sergeant Major as we thank Command Sergeant Major Marc Kersey for this leadership with the unit and wish him great success in the future,” she said.
While addressing the Soldiers after the formal exchange of colors during the ceremony, Roberts emphasized key aspects of mentorship and the importance of having senior leaders guide and younger service members throughout their careers.
“I was fortunate to have a First Sergeant from the time I joined the Army Reserve that I knew, ‘always had by back,’” he said, in detailing his military career. “When I attended the Sergeant Major Academy, during the course, I also met my wife (Valarie) and she has become a constant champion and supports in my growth as a leader.”
Roberts first joined the Army Reserve in March of 1987 and has held a variety of assignments over the course of his career from interim Brigade Command Sergeants Major, 1st Brigade, 95th Training Division, Ft. Sill, Oklahoma; Brigade Operations Sergeant Major, five tenures as a Battalion Command Sergeant Major and two as a Company First Sergeant. He also was the Drill Sergeant for the Year in 1995 for the 95th TNG DIV.
Command Sgt. Maj. Roberts is a graduate of Texas A&M University at Texarkana and holds a Master of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Criminal Justice, Psychology and Education Administration.
The ceremony brought together various elements of the 95th TRN DIV to be part of the Change of Responsibility, allowing the unit members time to meet and interact with their new Command Sergeant Major and wish Command Sgt. Maj. Kersey farewell. He was also awarded The Meritorious Service Medal from Col. Reuter during the Change of Responsibilities proceedings.
“This has been a great opportunity to serve in this unit, going back to the days when many of us were still drilling at Ft. Vancouver Barracks,” Kersey said. “I feel fortunate to have served for numerous years with many of the Soldiers attending the ceremony here today.”
