Cuvellier assumes responsibility as USAG Ansbach command sergeant major

Cuvellier, left, receives the U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach colors from Col. Christopher M. Benson, USAG Ansbach commander, signifying Cuvellier’s assumption of responsibility as command sergeant major.

Story and photos by Bryan Gatchell, USAG Ansbach Public Affairs

ANSBACH, Germany (Feb. 17, 2016) – Command Sgt. Maj. Derek R. Cuvellier became U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach’s command sergeant major during a ceremony at the Von Steuben Community Center today.

Members of the USAG Ansbach team attended the event and watched as Col. Christopher M. Benson, USAG Ansbach commander, passed the garrison colors to Cuvellier, signifying Cuvellier’s responsibility as command sergeant major of the garrison.

Benson addressed the audience during the event. He recounted many of the dramatic changes USAG Ansbach has faced, from the closures of USAGs Bamberg and Schweinfurt in 2014, through the enactment of the Aviation Restructuring Initiative in 2015, to the new missions of supporting rotational aviation units at Storck Barracks and supporting installations in East Europe.

“It is vitally important that we have a command sergeant major who has the experience and abilities to help us through these times and maintain our standing,” said Benson.

“This combat engineer,” continued Benson, referring to Cuvellier, “has served and led at every level in diverse units in varied locations and environments.”

Benson went over many of Cuvellier’s responsibilities as the garrison’s command sergeant major.

“He will ensure Army standards are maintained in the garrison, across commands and throughout the community, and always with the best interests of the Army and community at large in mind,” said Benson. “As my senior enlisted adviser, he will provide perspective of the Soldiers and Family members that will help us make the best decisions possible for the good of the Soldier, the Family, the unit, the community and the Army, while helping resolve issues at the lowest level possible.”

Cuvellier speaks during his assumption of responsibility ceremony.

Cuvellier spent part of his career in Hanau, Germany, which he called “some of the most exciting and best years of my career.”

“I am honored and humbled to be your garrison command sergeant major,” said Cuvellier during his remarks. “I’m sure I will be lost over the next few months, but I am eager to learn from all of you and grow relationships within the community.”

Cuvellier entered active duty with the Corps of Engineers in 1988 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Immediately before Ansbach, he was the command sergeant major of the 91st Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, at Fort Hood, Texas.

To learn more about Cuvellier’s military career, visit his military biography here.

To read the story as it appears on the Army News Service, visit www.army.mil/article/162479.