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“I ask that you continue to work hard and stay focused, while learning something new every day and training to defend our nation.”
— Command Sgt. Maj. Johnny Strickland
By Staff Sgt. Lance Pounds
71st Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Public Affairs Office
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Col. Frank G. Davis II, left, commander, 71st Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), hands incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Johnny Strickland the unit’s colors during a change of responsibility ceremony Feb. 9, 2018, at the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Lance Pounds)
FORT CARSON, COLO. — Col. Frank G. Davis II hosted a change of responsibility ceremony Feb. 9, 2018, to signify the passing of the 71st Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) senior enlisted leadership from Command Sgt. Maj. Weston West to Command Sgt. Maj. Johnny Strickland.
In his opening remarks at the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center, Davis, 71st EOD commander, said the change of responsibility could be viewed in many ways.
“Regardless of what it means to you, individually, it does signify a change,” he said. “It is a time to pause and reflect, a time to say farewell and celebrate the accomplishments of our outgoing command sergeant major, and (a time) to welcome our new command sergeant major.”
Joined by his wife, Sonja, Strickland comes to the Mountain Post after serving as command sergeant major for the 303rd EOD Battalion, located at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
In his opening speech, Strickland said, “Col. Davis, I’ve known you for a long time and I will never forget that you were the first person to congratulate me for being (selected for brigade command sergeant major),” Strickland said during his opening speech.
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Command Sgt. Maj. Johnny Strickland addresses attendees after assuming responsibility as the 71st Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) senior enlisted leader during a Feb. 9, 2018, ceremony at the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Lance Pounds)
He said had he not been selected he would have done whatever possible to be a part of the 71st EOD because the group’s reputation is well known around the Army.
He then addressed his Soldiers.
“I ask that you continue to work hard and stay focused, while learning something new every day and training to defend our nation. I am very proud and honored to be a part of this team,” he said.
West served as the group’s senior enlisted leader for more than 14 months, first as acting command sergeant major during the group’s deployment to Kuwait in support of Task Force Atlas. He officially assumed the position in September 2017.
West’s next assignment as command sergeant major of the 242nd EOD Battalion, 71st EOD, is as close to home as it gets; seeing that the group and battalion share the same parking lot.
“I am sure we will continue seeing you on a regular basis,” Davis said.
The ceremony brought together more than 100 Soldiers, Family members and friends from across the installation; many of which joined West and Strickland for a reception held at the 71st EOD headquarters.
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Outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Weston West, right, hands Col. Frank G. Davis II, commander, 71st Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) the unit’s colors during a change of responsibility ceremony Feb. 9, 2018 at the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Lance Pounds)