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August 24, 2017
Protective Services Battalion CID gets new sergeant major By Adrienne Anderson Staff writer
Photos by Paul Lara
U.S. Army Protective Services Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Jason Sama, right, hands the sword to incoming Sgt. Maj. Shola Walker during a Change of Responsibility Ceremony in Wallace Theater Aug. 16. Walker assumed responsibilities from Sgt. Maj. Marvin Marlow.
The U.S. Army Protective Services Battalion (CID) held a Change of Responsibility ceremony, Aug. 16, at Wallace Theater. Sgt. Maj. Marvin Marlow relinquished his position to Sgt. Maj. Shola Walker. Lt. Col. Jason Sama, commander of the PSB (CID) said, as was the historic, time-honored tradition, “we say goodbye to leaders and welcome new ones.” Originally formed in 1968 as the Protection Services Unit, the command became a battalion in 2005 with 218 personnel. PSB (CID) protects senior Defense Department leaders; members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Department of the Army officials; and foreign senior leaders on official visits. During the ceremony, a sword was used as a visual reminder of strength and fidelity, Sama said. He described Marlow as someone who took his responsibilities seriously and took care of the Soldiers with his cool, calm demeanor. He gave those under him many opportunities to succeed, with many Soldiers
Lt. Col. Jason Sama, U.S. Army Protective Services Battalion Commander, addresses the audience during a Change of Responsibility Ceremony Aug. 16 in Wallace Theater. Sgt. Maj. Shola Walker assumed responsibilities from Sgt. Maj. Marvin Marlow. being promoted while Marlow had his position within the unit. As a result, Marlow left a mark on the organization that, “others follow and
Womens’ Equality Observance Wednesday To celebrate women’s rights, Fort Belvoir observes Women’s Equality Day from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday at the Community Center, and everyone is welcome. Women’s Equality Day recognizes women’s right to vote. In 1920, the 19th Amendment granted adult female citizens the right to vote. Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Cynthia A Pritchett is the observance’s guest speaker. Pritchett enlisted in the Army as a supply specialist in 1973 and served for 36 years. She served in numerous positions, including installation command sergeant major; command sergeant major of the Army’s Combined Arms Center in Fort Leavenworth, Kan.; and instructor at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. Before retiring, she was the senior enlisted leader at the U.S. Army Element of U.S. Central Command.
File photo
Retired CSM Cynthia Pritchett More information about the event is available from Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Fernandes or Sgt. 1st Class Newuna Gandy, 703-805-2288 or 5390.
use as a guide,” Sama said. Marlow said it was an honor and privilege to serve within PSB (CID). He worked with the unit on a previous assignment in 2010. Marlow, who will be transitioning out of the military, said he looks forward to spending more time with his family. He called PSB (CID) a unit full of Soldiers who were dedicated and full of professionalism and character. Marlow thanked those within the organization for their focus on their mission. Taking over Marlow’s position, Sama said Walker brought professionalism and dedication with her and she was prepared to take over Marlow’s role. Walker was the right person for the job, Marlow said about the new sergeant major. She thanked Marlow for her smooth transition into the unit, adding he was an inspiring and charismatic leader who leaves behind an impression on the unit’s Soldiers. PSB (CID) has a unique mission, she said, which Soldiers and civilians are committed to. “I’m eager to be with, and work alongside, every one of you,” Walker said.
Summer Send-off Reading programs end with bike rodeo, open houses Join MWR’s Library, the Belvoir Enlisted Spouses’ Club and many community partners to celebrate the end of summer at the Summer Send-off, Saturday, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The Library will celebrate the end of the “Reading by Design” Summer Reading Program with a bike rodeo in Specker Field House’s parking lot, 12th Street. Kids of all ages are encouraged to bring their bikes and helmets for bike safety checks and agility challenges. Top youth and teen summer readers will be recognized for their achievements. The Red Cross House on Middleton Road and South Post Fire Station also host open houses at their locations. The spouses’ club provides a party on Pullen Field, next to Specker Field House. The Summer Send-off rain date is Sunday. Information is available from the library, 703-805-4417.
Save the dates! All these events are open to everyone. Due to an influx of walk-ins at the Fort Belvoir ID Card Facility, Service members in uniform no longer have priority. All walk-in customers have the same priority.
Springfield BridgeWalk Tuesday, 7 – 8:30 p.m., Amherst Avenue, Bland Street Food, friends and ceremony
Garrison emergency exercise Wednesday Near Benyaurd Indoor Pool See Page A8
Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band Aug. 31 Pullen Track Field Bring blankets and low chairs