FORT HOOD, Texas — Command Sgt. Maj. Shelton H. Riggins assumed the responsibilities as the highest ranking noncommissioned officer of the 1st Battalion, 289th Infantry Regiment, an Army Reserve battalion under the 479th Field Artillery Brigade, during a change of responsibility ceremony held at Francis Garcia Reserve Center, Houston, Texas, Sept. 25.“A change of responsibility brings hope and more confidence to a unit,” said Lt. Col. Bobby J. Simmons, Battalion Commander of the 1-289th. “At this time we are ushering in the new standard bearer for Soldiers of the battalion to emulate.”
Stepping out of retirement and putting the uniform on just for a moment, Command Sgt. Maj. Terry L. Green turned over the reins to Riggins. Green served as the command sergeant major for 1-289th for three years while leading the re-organization from the 75th Division to First Army Division West.
“Command Sgt. Maj. Riggins I just want to tell you this battalion is a special battalion,” said Green. “This battalion is my home and these Soldiers are my heart.”
Pledging to continue keeping the battalion great, Riggins, a native of Tyler, Texas, joined the Army during December 1976. His previous assignments include Command Sergeant Major of Central Medical Area Readiness Support Group, Fort Sheridan, Ill.; Command Sergeant Major of Task Force Med Falcon, Kosovo Force 10, Kosovo; Command Sergeant Major of 5th Medical Group, Birmingham, Ala.; Command Sergeant Major of 321st Materiel Management Center, Baton Rouge, La., Command Sergeant Major of 451st Civil Affairs Battalion, Pasadena, Texas; and acting Command Sergeant Major of 607th Military Police Battalion, Grand Prairie, Texas.
In his civilian career, Riggins is employed as a Military Technician for the 479th Field Artillery Brigade, here.
His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; Army Commendation Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; Army Achievement Medal; Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with one Silver and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Bronze Hour Glass; noncommissioned officer Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 4; and the Army Service Ribbon.Pledging to continue keeping the battalion great, Riggins, a native of Tyler, Texas, joined the Army during December 1976. His previous assignments include Command Sergeant Major of Central Medical Area Readiness Support Group, Fort Sheridan, Ill.; Command Sergeant Major of Task Force Med Falcon, Kosovo Force 10, Kosovo; Command Sergeant Major of 5th Medical Group, Birmingham, Ala.; Command Sergeant Major of 321st Materiel Management Center, Baton Rouge, La., Command Sergeant Major of 451st Civil Affairs Battalion, Pasadena, Texas; and acting Command Sergeant Major of 607th Military Police Battalion, Grand Prairie, Texas.
In his civilian career, Riggins is employed as a Military Technician for the 479th Field Artillery Brigade, here.
His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; Army Commendation Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; Army Achievement Medal; Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with one Silver and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Bronze Hour Glass; noncommissioned officer Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 4; and the Army Service Ribbon.
by Blackanthem Military News
