Thursday, June 21, 2007

Protective Services welcomes new NCO

1st. Sgt. Michael W. Jones and his wife Rhonda greet guests after the change of responsibility ceremony of Protective Services Battalion. (Photo by Marny Malin)

New NCO leadership took the helm at the Criminal Investigation Command’s Protective Services Battalion at a Change of Responsibility Ceremony at Wells Field House on Friday.

“For us in the Protective Services Battalion, it is the best of times because we get to welcome in a new NCO leader in 1st Sgt. Jones,” said Lt. Col. Jonathon Johnson, commander of the Protective Services Battalion.

“Simultaneously, it is the worst of times because we have to say good by to a trusted member of the family in 1st Sgt. Wallace.”

Following Johnson’s remarks, 1st Sgt. Crystal L. Wallace bid her final farewell to the battalion.

“Our battalion is charged with a mission like no other,” said Wallace.  “It is the most dynamic in the military police regiment.  The daily duties that our men and women perform, the magnitude of their responsibility, and the demand for flawless execution worldwide, 24/7 Ö is nothing short of amazing.  No one knows this better than our Soldiers. From start to mission complete, they are mission focused and mission ready.”

Wallace presented her daughter, Jazmin, with an arrangement of flowers as she concluded her remarks.  She then spoke of her gratitude to her only daughter for supporting her throughout her tenure at Fort Belvoir.

“During this assignment you have been there with kind words, a beautiful smile and great hugs,” said Wallace. “You are a blessing in my life. I am so proud of you and the young lady you are becoming. You are only nine years old, but your support and unconditional love has assisted me more than you will ever know. Our children and family members sacrifice so much so that we can serve. I have asked a lot from you, Jazzy, during the course of my military career. I thank you for understanding that mom loves being a Solider and I want to publicly recognize you by presenting you with nine white roses which are symbolic of the years that you have blessed my life. They are symbolic of my love for you and to say thank you. You make it all worthwhile. Baby, mommy loves you.”

The ceremony that followed marked the formal change of responsibilities to 1st Sgt. Michael Jones.

“I have proudly worn the rank of 1st Sgt. and upheld the traditions, customs and the history of this command to the highest standard,” said Wallace. “I now pass on those standards and responsibilities to 1st Sgt. Jones, who I know will continue to care for Soldiers civilians and family members of this battalion.”

Jones made it clear during his remarks that he was optimistic about the future of the battalion.

“I’m a ‘keep it simple’ leader,” Jones.  “I look for what you do positive and not for what you do negative. The negative shows up without assistance so why make it more noticeable. I simply ask you to go from point A to point B, get there alive and do it looking and being professional.”