YONGSAN GARRISON, SEOUL, South Korea –
The senior enlisted leader of United Nations Command, Combined Forces
Command and U.S. Forces Korea passed the sword of responsibility to his
successor during a Oct. 7 change of responsibility ceremony at Knight
Field.
Command Sgt. Major Anthony W. Mahoney, outgoing senior enlisted leader,
UNC/CFC/USFK, passed the noncommissioned officers sword to Gen. Curtis
M. Scaparrotti, commander, UNC/CFC/USFK, who passed the sword to Command
Sgt. Maj. John W. Troxell, incoming senior enlisted leader,
UNC/CFC/USFK, signifying the transfer of responsibility.
“The Creed of the NCO Corps begins with, ‘No one is more professional
than I,’” said Scaparrotti. “Today we honor the professionalism that is
embodied in two of the finest NCOs in the American military during this
change of responsibility between Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Mahoney and
Command Sgt. Maj. John Troxell.”
Gen. Park Sun-Woo, deputy commander, Combined Forces Command, presented
Mahoney the Republic of Korea Order of National Security Merit Gwangbok
Medal, on behalf of ROK President Park Geun-Hye. The Gwangbok Medal is
the highest honor bestowed on a non-commissioned officer in South Korea.
Scaparrotti presented Mahoney the Defense Meritorious Medal, and
presented his wife Alisa the Commander’s Award for Public Service.
Scaparrotti credited Mahoney, who served as the senior enlisted leader
on the Korean peninsula from August 2011 to October 2013, with several
key accomplishments.
“You have ably represented the concerns, needs, and expectations of the
thousands of enlisted service members who make up this command,” said
Scaparrotti. “You have successfully served as the command sergeant major
during an intense period of prolonged provocations. You have provided
sound council and loyal service.”
Scaparrotti said that Mahoney helped to build US – ROK ties, and joint capabilities.
“During your tour here, you have worked tirelessly to strengthen the
Alliance,” said Scaparrotti. “You have reached out to your ROK
counterparts and improved cooperation and coordination among senior NCOs
in the ROK military. Your efforts have truly strengthened our joint,
combined team.”
Mahoney enlisted in the Army in 1984 and served with various airborne
and light infantry units, including with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry
Regiment, at Fort Hood, Texas; 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry
Regiment, at Fort Richardson, Alaska; 19th Infantry Regiment, Fort
Benning, Ga.; 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment at Schofield
Barracks, Hawaii; 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, at
Fort Bragg, N.C.; and the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk,
La. He served as the served as the battalion command sergeant major
with the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division,
and with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division. He
formerly served as the command sergeant major for the U.S. Corps of
Cadets and most recently for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point,
N.Y.
Mahoney said it is not about what he has done; it is about the profession of arms.
“Military service is about teamwork,” said Mahoney. “It’s about
trained, disciplined teams that work together, often under very harsh,
adverse conditions, striving to achieve their commander’s desired end
state.”
Mahoney said it is important to remember why we are here.
“As we celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the signing of the Armistice
here in Korea, it is important to note that both Koreans and Americans
remain steadfast in their collective commitment to protect the hard won
freedoms – purchased with blood – which we enjoy, and that this great
ROK – US Alliance is stronger than ever.”
Scaparrotti welcomed the incoming command sergeant major and his wife.
“We are honored to have another great military family join this joint,
combined team,” said Scaparrotti. “Today, we welcome Command Sgt. Maj.
John Troxell and his wife, Sandra.”
Troxell is a proven leader, said Scaparrotti.
“For the past 31 years, Command Sgt. Maj. Troxell has served in some of
the most challenging assignments in the Army,” said Scaparrotti. “He
has served in heavy, light, Stryker, and airborne units throughout his
career and has had every leadership position in Armor and Cavalry units
from scout team leader to command sergeant major.”
Troxell has served in Operation Just Cause in Panama, where he made a
combat parachute jump; Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm; two
tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom; and Operation Enduring Freedom in
Afghanistan where he served as the I Corps / ISAF Joint Command Command
Sergeant Major.
Troxell said his priorities are the service members and families serving in the Korean peninsula, and the mission.
“My role as senior enlisted leader will be to gain and maintain the
pulse of the combined and joint force, and to support Gen. Scaparrotti’s
priorities by focusing on the readiness, discipline, fitness and
health, welfare and morale of the combined and joint enlisted force
including their families – as well as making sure we understand to the
lowest level the nature, make up and probability of the threats from the
enemy to the north, thereby insuring we are truly prepared to ‘fight
tonight,’” said Troxell.
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