Fort Stewart, Ga.

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I love Soldiers and Families - I just had to let those be my first words in this first column of my thoughts, which I will be sharing with you as frequently as I can. My wife, Sun and I are glad to be back here at Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield, ready to learn the grass roots of garrison operations, and ready to dig in and make a difference.

This is not my first assignment to this great community. I was assigned at Fort Stewart from 1997 to 1999 as quality control supervisor and platoon sergeant with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment. I returned to the area at Hunter in 2005 as Command Sergeant Major of 1/3 Avn. Regt. through 2010.

Standards and care for Soldiers are dear to my heart. If you are maintaining standards, then you are on board with how we should do things, when we should do them, and to what measure at which we should do them. And my care for Soldiers, as you will see, translates into care for quality of life: Families, community and garrison operations.

I am not coming here as a know-it-all. The training I am bound to receive from you Soldiers, Civilians and Families is going to be key to my assignment here as United States Army Garrison Command Sergeant Major. So, I am looking forward to your mentorship and cooperation. I not only have open arms, I come to you with an open mind and as an open book - and I am ready to learn.

Whether you are a Soldier, Civilian or Family Member, please feel free to point things out to me. We are all in this together. I realize that for me to make a difference you must also be working to make a difference - so, you've got my support.

I have met nothing but fine and professional people since my return to Stewart-Hunter. And I have already fallen in love with this assignment. I am looking forward to working with each and every one of you.

I encourage you all to continue having a safe summer; and remember your Marne Pride - don't drink and drive. The penalties for not heeding this advice are high. SUPPORT AND DEFEND!