By Spc. Rommel Forde
1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Command Sgt. Maj. Charles W. Tennant, left, outgoing senior enlisted leader; Col. Monté Rone, commander; and Command Sgt. Maj. Delfin J. Romani, incoming senior enlisted leader, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, salute the flag during the change of responsibility ceremony April 16, 2019, at the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center. (Photo by Spc. Rommel Forde)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — The “Raider” Brigade welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Delfin J. Romani to the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, as he took over leadership responsibilities April 16, 2019, from Command Sgt. Maj. Charles W. Tennant during a ceremony at the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center.
Col. Monté Rone, commander, 1st SBCT, presided over the event as Tennant passed the organizational colors to Romani.
“Command Sgt. Maj. Tennant, you exceeded the scope of your duties and responsibilities as the command sergeant major of the Raider Brigade,” said Rone. “You epitomize what it means to be an (NCO) and expert war fighter and you live the Raider Brigade motto of being ‘Fit, Inspired, Disciplined, Trained and READY.’”
Tennant served nearly 30 years in the Army and the past 27 months as the 1st SBCT senior enlisted leader. During his time, Tennant successfully trained and led more than 4,500 Soldiers in the brigade through multiple field exercises, two National Training Center rotations and one deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
“I will never forget his passion, he is the definition of what you call a passionate and dedicated leader,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Jelani Edwards, senior enlisted leader, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st SBCT. “You could find him out there during physical training … with these young troopers early in the morning. Then late in the evening, staying after with staff to make sure everything is taken care of.”
Tennant said it takes a team to maintain a position that provides leadership, guidance and mentorship for the thousands of troops.
“I have been truly blessed with mentoring over 74 first sergeants and commanders, 14 command sergeants major and battalion commanders along with their operations sergeants, which supported clear and concise orders to train and develop the 37 diverse companies in this amazing brigade,” he said.
Tennant took the time during the ceremony to express his confidence in Romani.
“Command Sgt. Maj. Romani you are truly more than ready to take this brigade,” Tennant said. “You and your family will be the perfect fit for the next challenges ahead. You have more than proved your readiness and eagerness to continue the legacy of the Raider Brigade.”
Romani brings a long list of achievements and experience to the brigade. Since joining the Army in May 1997, some of Romani’s achievements and credentials include, the Warrior Leader Course, Senior Leader Course, the U.S. Army Sergeant Major Course, Air Assault School, Jump Master School, Ranger School and Sapper Leader Course, to name a few.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Command Sgt. Maj. Charles W. Tennant, outgoing senior enlisted leader, passes the colors to Col. Monté Rone, commander; before handing them to Command Sgt. Maj. Delfin J. Romani, incoming senior enlisted leader, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, signifying the passing of responsibility to the new leadership April 16, 2019, at the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center. (Photo by Spc. Rommel Forde)
Along with his military education, Romani earned an associate degree in general studies, a baccalaureate degree in business administration and a master’s degree in leadership studies. Some of his military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Kosovo Campaign Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal.
“Command Sgt. Maj. Tennant was a great inspiration, very motivational, and he always pushed the Soldiers to want to do their best,” said Spc. Stacie Williams, Dakota Troop, 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st SBCT. “I believe that Command Sgt. Maj. Romani will do the same thing.”
Romani is looking forward to the responsibility, he said, and has plans for the brigade.
“It is a privilege and honor to assume this role as your command sergeant major,” Romani said. “I can promise you (these) three things: I will always give you 110 percent — from physical training to close of business and beyond; I will be personally accountable for everything that I ask from you; and I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight.”