NSA Georgia holds change of responsibility ceremony for senior enlisted leader

Courtesy Photo (Left) Col. D. J. Reyes, commander, NSA Georgia/ 706th MI Group, receives the guidon from Command Sgt. Maj. Lori Brown (right) during NSA Georgia and the 706th MI Group's change of responsibility ceremony on Oct. 9 at Signal Towers Flagpole. Command Sgt. Maj. Lisa Clair (center) took over from Lori Brown. NSA Georgia and the 706th Military Intelligence Group held a Change of Responsibility ceremony on Oct.9. The ceremony, held at the Fort Gordon Signal Towers flagpole, opened with Chaplain (Capt.) David Schlichter giving the invocation, followed by the NSA Georgia joint choir singing the national anthem.

Soldiers and leaders of the 706th Military Intelligence Group, along with Marines, Sailors, and Airmen of CoD, USMC; Naval Information Operations Command Georgia, USN; and the 31st Intelligence Squadron, AF gathered with friends, family members, and NSA Georgia co-workers to say farewell to one senior enlisted leader and welcome another to the team.

Command Sgt. Maj. Lisa Clair assumed responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. Lori Brown during the unit’s change of responsibility ceremony.

Col. Darryl J. Reyes, Commander of NSA Georgia and the 706th MI Group, spoke highly of Brown and acknowledged all that the she had accomplished during her tenure for NSA Georgia, for the 706th MI Group, and for the enlisted personnel from all services stationed at NSA Georgia.

“While serving her last assignment here at Fort Gordon as a command sergeant major and our senior enlisted leader, Brown has led, coached, taught, and nurtured those she was responsible for, and her guidance has brought NSA Georgia and the 706th MI Group numerous honors. She has cared for the troops and their families. Lori, you leave behind a great legacy for those who follow.” Reyes said.

Reyes then welcomed Clair. “Welcome to Command Sgt. Maj. Lisa Clair, your husband, and your son. You take on the double duties of CSM and SEL; you are the senior Noncommissioned Officer voice, the bridge that strengthens us with Fort Gordon and other commanders. I task you to take care of our workforce and their families as they balance the demands of their jobs and homes.”

Clair said, “Thank you all, I am humbled to be standing here, so many people provided the support that has enabled me to be here. We face an uncertain world and multiple threats, but there is absolute talent here and some scary smart professionals. You have an outstanding reputation and I look forward to working with you. Thank you Brown for setting me up for success.”

Immediately following the change of responsibility, a retirement ceremony took place for Brown. Brown retired following a 30 year career. Lt. Col. Maurice Williams, chief of Military Intelligence Branch, Human Resources Command, and Brown’s company commander 11 years ago, provided remarks. Williams said, “I am the son of an NCO, and I am married to the daughter of an NCO. All I have achieved has been touched by NCOs including Command Sgt. Maj. Brown, who was one of the most outstanding NCOs I have had the privilege to serve with. Thank you for over 30 years of service and professionalism. Thank you for all you have done, it has been a great experience knowing you. I wish you the very best as you go on.”

Brown then took the podium to say her farewells. “Thank you all for being here. I have served with the finest silent warriors in this business. We have changed the way we do business, and changed the way we train. You provide the best intelligence our Warfighters and policy makers get. To all who have served, whether for 2 years or 22 years, military and civilian, thank you for your service to our Nation.

Twenty years ago I was told by a ‘crusty’ NCO to develop a goal and focus on it. That goal has held true. Aspire everyday to take young Americans and turn them into Soldiers, and to take Soldiers and mold them into leaders, allow leaders to lead and eventually return them to hometown USA better Americans than we started with.

It has been my honor to serve with the finest Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, and Civilians. America is the land of the free because of the brave.”

In recognition of her service to the U.S. Army, Brown was presented with letters from Georgia Senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson; the Legion of Merit award; and a Presidential Letter from President Barack Obama.

As the poem ‘Old Glory’ was read, the U.S. Flag was lowered from the Signal Towers flagpole, folded and passed down a line formed by fellow E9 personnel representing the 706th MI Group, CoD, NIOC, and the 31st IS. The flag was then presented to Brown.

The ceremony concluded with the joint choir singing a melody of service songs.