Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Seymour assumed responsibility as Fort Bragg’s Garrison senior non-commissioned officer, Feb. 24 at the Main Post Chapel — the same chapel that he married his wife, Candace,17 years ago.
“My family and I are truly humbled to be here today,” Seymour said. “However, in 1997, if you had asked that 19-year-old paratrooper from Augusta, Georgia that if he ever thought he’d be a command sergeant major, let alone the Fort Bragg garrison command sergeant major — he probably would have told you, you’re crazier than two squirrels in a walnut tree. My family and I are excited to get to know and serve you. I look forward to continuing the collaboration and innovation efforts in improving the quality of life for service members and their families on this installation.”
Having served on Fort Bragg most of his career, Seymour joins the Garrison Command team after serving as the operations sergeant major for the 82nd Airborne Division Artillery. Other previous assignments include cannon crewmember, ammunition team chief, gunner, howitzer section chief, Chief of Firing Battery/Platoon Sergeant and First Sergeant at Fort Bragg. He also served as the Operations Sergeant Major, 6th Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment at Camp Casey, Korea.
Seymour deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism during Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve.
“I’m excited for the next chapter,” Seymour continued. “This is the crown jewel — the centerpiece of this power projection platform that we call the center of the universe. And what makes the center of the universe great? The people. This is a phenomenal team who works hard, around the clock, every day to help meet the needs of our service members and their families, veterans and retirees.”
The assumption of responsibility ceremony is rich in symbolism and heritage within the military. It reinforces the role of the noncommissioned officer in the Army, highlighting his or her role as a bridge between the commander and the formation's enlisted soldiers.
“The people of this installation have made Fort Bragg what it is today,” Seymour said. “It’s more than just a name, it’s the people who have served on this installation and continue to live the legacy of Fort Bragg as we transition to Fort Liberty. The biggest thing to take away from this, is that that legacy of you unit or organization is still alive. Fort Bragg lives in this room, Fort Bragg is shown through our comradery, and the honor of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy. That is the reason why Fort Liberty will continue to live.”
Seymour’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart with two oak-leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with bronze service star, Iraqi Campaign Medal with four bronze service stars, Combat Action Badge and the Master Parachutist Badge. He was also awarded the 3rd Brigade Combat Team Jump Master of the Year 2010.
“As the Fort Bragg Garrison looks to the future — a future with a new name and a new focus, I cannot think of anyone better than CSM Seymour,” said Col. John Wilcox, Fort Bragg garrison commander.
“Together we will set the standards of the garrison team to be part of the installation of the future — one that is ready, relevant and resilient; and above all one that is innovative.”