CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – On May 27, the sky transitioned between cloudy and sunny skies, a perfect metaphor for what the day brought at Fort Campbell with the change of responsibility between Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan Barker to the first female command sergeant major of the 101st Airborne Division, CSM Veronica Knapp.
She is the 34th person to hold the position at Fort Campbell.
Maj. Gen. JP McGee said Knapp is “the most qualified and the best candidate.”
“Command Sgt. Maj. Knapp has a stellar reputation and is a highly respected noncommissioned officer,” said McGee. “She is a fantastic developer of subordinates and leaders, and her perspectives and experiences will be exactly what Fort Campbell needs as we prepare for our next rendezvous with destiny.”
The ceremony started out with the formation of the troops, and then honors and gifts were given to Barker and Knapp as well as their families. Following that was invocation, and the change of responsibility. Barker and his family were presented with awards during the tearful ceremony, and McGee, Barker and Knapp gave a speech in celebration of what Barker did for the 101st, and what Knapp will do.
Knapp has served in the Army since March 28, 2000, and in that time she has held a slew of leadership positions in various locations, those positions including senior drill sergeant, 189th Military Police Company, first sergeant, facility sergeant major, 40th Military Police Battalion, command sergeant major, 16th Military Police Brigade command sergeant major, director of Emergency Services, and sergeant major.
Knapp has also collected 21 awards and decorations during her military career. She is married to Cordell Knapp, and she has two children.
Barker, who has served as the CSM since April 2019, told Clarksville Now this role is vital, as Knapp will be responsible for the health and well-being of the troops in her division.
“This has been a very special experience here, and it has gone by way too fast,” Barker said, “I look forward to her taking it to new heights.”
Although many people were saddened by Barker’s absence, McGee said he’s confident in CSM Knapp’s abilities.
“It was very clear that her skillset and her unique background was what we needed at Fort Campbell,” said McGee. “This is one great leader passing this off to another great leader.”
Knapp thanked Barker for helping to create a seamless transition. She said she plans to preserve the legacy of what it means to be, and to cultivate, Screaming Eagle soldiers.
“You have entrusted me with the care and development of our soldiers, maintaining the highest standards the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell is known for, and continuing the tradition of those who have come before me,” said Knapp. “I fully understand that our future is war, and accept all responsibility without reservation.”