After two years of separation from his family to serve the Fort Stewart Garrison, Command Sgt. Maj. Myron Lewis is heading home with them.

Members of Fort Stewart, Hunter Army Airfield and the surrounding communities attended a Change of Responsibility ceremony Friday to say farewell to the outgoing Fort Stewart garrison command sergeant major and welcome in Command Sgt. Maj. Martin Conroy and his family.

Lewis has been stationed at Fort Stewart alone for two years while his wife Jeanine stayed at Fort Hood, Texas, for her work as a victim advocate. He is now returning there to work for III Corps and said he hopes to serve there until his retirement at 30 years.

Fort Stewart Garrison Commander Col. Townley Hedrick said Lewis “leads with a smile.”

Hedrick said every two weeks soldiers new to Fort Stewart hear Lewis explain the the standards and discipline “expected of them as a soldier here at the Rock of the Marne.”

He added that it is not an easy task, but Lewis was able to do it with a smile.

Hedrick thanked Lewis for “making this a positive team to be on. We will miss you.”

When Lewis spoke, he thanked his wife for her strength and encouragement during their time apart.

“Prayerfully, sweetheart this will never, ever, happen again,” he said as the crowd laughed. “I really have missed you.”
Lewis also reached into his past.

“Over a quarter century ago, Spc. Lewis arrived on Fort Stewart and was personally impacted with assistance from the garrison command sergeant major,” he said. “And it’s my prayer that I have assisted, encouraged, motivated and performed in a manner that will have you speak in kind words about me even when I leave.”

Conroy then spoke briefly, thanking the ceremony’s organizers and his family. He promised the community that the garrison would not fail them.

“I am humbled and eager to serve the soldiers, families, and civilian employees of both Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield,” Conroy said.