CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) After nearly 2-1/2 years on the job, 1st Sgt. Shawn Wilkerson is departing Clarksville Company to take another recruiting company in Mobile, Ala. His successor is 1st Sgt. Roy Leon who was formally installed Friday in a ceremony held at West Creek High School.
The ceremony was presided over by the Clarksville Company commander Capt. Samuel Robertson. He praised Wilkerson for his efforts that helped guide the company to enlist more than 800 new soldiers into the Army during his tenure.
“These young men and women during their first experience served with one of the greatest noncommissioned officers in the force,” Robertson said. “They now know that outstanding leadership is not only possible, but it should be expected.”
In addition to the Clarksville Station, the company also directs recruiting efforts in Paris and Dickson, Tenn., and Hopkinsville and Paducah stations in Western Kentucky. Most of the company’s soldiers were at West Creek Friday.
Also in the audience were more than 50 Junior ROTC cadets who attend West Creek. Wilkerson said he asked the high school to host the ceremony as a way to thank the school’s administration for its support. He directed his initial remarks toward the future leaders seated before him.
“I sat in high school where you are sitting today many, many years ago,” Wilkerson said speaking to the Junior ROTC cadets. “Set your goals high and don’t stop until you achieve them.”
Wilkerson said one of his goals was being a senior leader in Clarksville Company that he called “one of the Army’s premier recruiting companies.” He said he was still amazed that he was able to serve as one of its leaders and help it achieve a high level of success under his tenure.
As he concluded his remarks, Wilkerson rattled off a long list of those who helped him succeed in Clarksville.
For his part, Leon said he was honored to be succeeding Wilkerson. He comes to Clarksville from Marion, Ohio, where he also served as a first sergeant.
“I will not let any of you down,” Leon said. “I will work for you, Team, that’s what I do….I’m going to do what it takes to make sure Clarksville Company is the number one company, not only in the battalion but in the brigade. ”
Clarksville Company is one of seven companies that compromise U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion Nashville. The battalion is one of 38 Army recruiting battalions nationwide. Its area consists of 66,269 square miles covering most of Tennessee and Kentucky.
Nashville Battalion is one of eight battalions that is part of the Fort Knox, Ky.-based 3rd Recruiting Brigade. Each unit is a part of the U.S. Army Recruiting Command.
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