In the military, ceremonies and traditions are important ways we acknowledge change. We conducted a Change of Command ceremony in the Recruiting and Retention Battalion on Oct. 18. This tradition is time-honored, and it formally signifies the transfer of total responsibility, authority, and accountability from one command team to another. In our case, Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Chris Beron and I relinquished responsibility of the battalion to Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Jesse Augustine and CSM Alex Quade.
Handing over our team was not easy on us. With 33 combined years of recruiting experience, we are leaving a bit of our heart and soul behind. We could not be more proud of our team – even before we exceeded our recruitment, retention and attrition missions this year for the Wisconsin Army National Guard – we knew we had something special. Connected in our values of total ownership, service, and stewardship and mastery of our profession, our team is ready to attack the challenges ahead…together.
To our cherished WBA partners, we will be forever grateful for the public platform you gave us that played a crucial part in helping us out of our post-pandemic recruitment crisis. YOU are part of our solution to keep our WI Guard Always Ready! Despite this change in leadership, our partnership with you remains rock solid.
Although Chris and I are retiring soon, you have not seen the last of us! Please welcome Jesse and Alex the way you always did for us.
Gratefully Yours in Service,
LTC Shannon Hellenbrand
