USARAK welcomes new top NCO: Gardner returns to Alaska

by Army Master Sgt. Jennifer K. Yancey
USARAK Public Affairs

4/21/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Command Sgt. Maj. Bernie Knight relinquished responsibility for U.S. Army Alaska to Command Sgt. Maj. Terry Gardner in a change of responsibility ceremony April 11. Service members, civilians and family members traveled from around Anchorage and as far as Fairbanks to witness the transition of USARAK's senior-enlisted leaders.

Army Maj. Gen. Michael Shields, USARAK commanding general, said the change of responsibility ceremony is a "great Army tradition," which recognizes the importance of the command sergeant major's position. As his senior-enlisted advisor, Knight provided counsel to the commander and staff. He served as enforcer of standards and discipline, frequently engaged Soldiers on issues such as sexual assault response and prevention and resiliency, and ensured leaders fostered a climate of dignity and respect all the way down to the Soldier level.

"Command Sergeant Major Knight was constantly out mentoring our Soldiers and monitoring their adherence to standards, whether that was the proper wear of uniforms, proper use of equipment, conduct of physical training under harsh, arctic conditions and reduction of DUIs across the command," Shields said.

As a command team, they supported U.S. Army Pacific's Regional Partnership Program. Knight continuously served as an example of the Noncommissioned Officer Corps to USARAK's regional partners, and likewise met with local and national leaders to highlight USARAK's importance to the Pacific.

"He's made it his mission to sell our story," Shields said. "And he's done it magnificently."
Knight will retire later this year after 31 years of service. He spent at least 14 of those years - not consecutively - in Alaska, raising his family. He said that in the more than 30 years he'd served, he never saw a greater outpouring of support for the military as he had in Alaska.

"We are very fortunate to work in a state that holds the military in such high regard," he said.

Knight expressed his admiration for USARAK's Arctic Warriors.

"I've fought and served with some of the toughest, most courageous men and women the Army has, who serve right here in Alaska," he said.

He went on to thank them for their friendship and support, camaraderie, mentorship, courage and commitment, sharing his achievements with his Army family.

"I would not be standing here today if it weren't for the people I spoke about," Knight said. "I haven't accomplished anything alone. It is with the deepest admiration and respect that I say, 'Thank you.'"

Knight said he believes these Arctic Warriors embrace the Warrior Ethos and Army Values, saying USARAK's Soldiers are expertly trained and well-equipped, adaptive and competent. "And through the leadership of Major General Shields, and now Command Sergeant Major Gardner, the Warrior Leader Course, Northern Warfare Training Center, our world-class ranges and cadre, and our Soldiers, will continue to be the best in quality," he said.

Knight also took a moment to welcome Gardner and his wife, Teresa, back to the USARAK Family.

"I know they respect and serve our Soldiers with great pride," Knight said. "We're lucky to have them on the USARAK team once again."

Gardner is no stranger to Alaska. Assumption of duty as USARAK's senior-enlisted advisor marks Gardner's fourth tour in The Last Frontier. He previously served as a forward observer for 4th Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment; pre-Ranger instructor at Fort Richardson's Light Fighter Academy; 4th Bn, 11th FAR first sergeant; and command sergeant major for the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, leading them in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Shields said of Gardner, "You bring to the table a wide range of experience necessary to lead the Army's most capable, and the Pacific's most accomplished, Arctic Warriors."
He added that he looked forward to working alongside Gardner as he assumes this responsibility.

"Together we will strive to enhance our Soldier and Family readiness, resiliency, SHARP goals, and regional and state partnerships."

Gardner said he felt it an honor to serve in this capacity.

"Sir, I truly appreciate your trust and confidence and the opportunity to serve as your command sergeant major in this amazing organization," he said. "I will increase your span of influence and enforce standards and discipline throughout the formation. Together we will continue to build on the legacy of this great organization."

Gardner said he looked forward to again sharing the Alaska experience with his wife and grandson. During his first tour as newly-promoted Sergeant Gardner, he strived to take care of Soldiers and their families. This tour would be no different. He pledged to give 110 percent of his time and energy to the Soldiers, civilians and family members in his charge.
He also expressed appreciation for the friendship and mentorship Knight provided him throughout their careers.

"I know I have some huge shoes to fill," Gardner said. "And I will continue to build the legacy you left here in USARAK."