Lee Erwin Reporting
lerwin@clarksvillenow.com
Fort Campbell, KY. – The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) held a Relinquishment of Responsibility ceremony Friday, August 1 at division headquarters on Fort Campbell for the division’s senior enlisted leader, Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Alonzo Smith.
Smith has been CSM of the Screaming Eagles since June 2012. Before serving as the 101st CSM, Smith was the CSM of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Strike) at Fort Campbell. A new CSM for the 101st has not yet been announced.
During the ceremony Major General Gary Volesky, Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell presented CSM Smith and his wife Sandra with a number of honors.
Among the awards CSM Smith received the Legion of Merit for his service and Mrs. Smith was given the Secretary of the Army Public Service Award for her support of Soldiers, their families and Fort Campbell.
Smith will be serving at Fort Hood, Texas and General Volesky talked about Smith leaving the 101st. “It is really bitter for me. I’ve only had the opportunity to work with CSM Smith for five weeks but in that five weeks it felt like I’ve worked with him forever. He is a standard bearer without peer,” said Volesky.
Talking about his time at Fort Campbell, Smith thanked the surrounding communities. “To Clarksville, Oak Grove, Hopkinsville, to the community leaders, businesses, sponsors and to the individuals who reside in these areas. What you do for this Fort Campbell installation is second to none,” Smith said.