By Holly DeCarlo-White
USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs
U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart held a Relinquishment of Responsibility ceremony, May 11 on Panzer Kaserne, Böblingen, for Command Sgt. Maj. Lynice D. Thorpe. 1st Sgt. Amador Aguillen Jr. of Headquarters and Headquarters Company will serve as the acting Command Sgt. Maj. until the arrival of Command Sgt. Maj. Mariano Alvarez in June.
The relinquishment of responsibility is a traditional event filled with rich symbolism and heritage. The Command Sergeant Major is the custodian of the unit colors and as such, the senior enlisted member of the organization and principal advisor to the garrison commander on all facets of enlisted Soldier matters and the Noncommissioned Officer Corps as a whole.
“Having been chosen for this position over her peers, Thorpe upheld the standards of dignity, impartiality, morality, integrity, and creativity thus presenting a sterling example for all to embrace,” said William J. Crane, chief of USAG Stuttgart’s Plans, Analysis, and Integration Office and master of ceremonies.
USAG Stuttgart Commander Col. Glenn K. Dickenson hosted the ceremony and spoke to just a few of the successful initiatives that came to fruition since Thorpe arrived in Stuttgart in 2014.
As the garrison Command Sergeant Major, she fulfilled her role with many accomplishments during her two years as a vital member of the Stuttgart command team. In addition to single service member and barracks improvement programs, such as Better Opportunities for Single Servicemembers and the Barracks Inspection Recognition Program, Thorpe launched the Sergeant Morales Club Stuttgart Chapter, and partnered with other commands to hold the first ever joint NCO induction ceremony in Stuttgart.
At a recent garrison Workforce Town Hall, Thorpe addressed staff with a few final words of wisdom.
“People first – I always think that’s the magic of everything,” said Thorpe.
“This is my second tour here, with over 26 years of service most of it being overseas…my lesson is that we keep our minds open to continue wanting to learn more to be better…a better me, a better Soldier, a better communicator, a better one to bridge gaps… no one of us can do it alone. I’m part of a whole garrison team who is excited about doing well.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, following the passing of the colors presented by the joint Color Guard provided by the U.S. European Command Headquarters Commandant’s Office, Thorpe spoke thankfully and wholeheartedly to all in attendance. Leadership from across commands and service branches were present to bid a final farewell to the outgoing Command Sergeant Major.
Thorpe concluded with one final statement before signing off, “I am totally glad I lived here!”
Thorpe leaves Stuttgart to transition in to the U.S. Army Human Resources Command in Fort Knox, KY, to oversee all enlisted military personnel assignments.
View the ceremony photo album here.
About USAG Stuttgart
U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart provides and integrates Army base operations support for more than 23,000 Americans in the garrison footprint and has a unique mission compared to the other army garrisons in Europe. The Stuttgart garrison supports four joint commands (U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, Special Operations Command Europe and Africa), two component commands (Marine Forces Europe and Africa, the Defense Information Systems Agency – Europe, and a variety of units ranging from tactical special operations forces to a veterinary clinic.
USAG Stuttgart supports a joint community with service members of all military branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.
The garrison receives major support from a large number of host nation agencies and the surrounding German communities, assisting in various areas, such as housing, construction, and health care, just to name a few.
