Command Sgt. Maj. Jones provides final thoughts before retirement
By Command Sgt. Maj. Rodger M. Jones
8th State Command Sergeant Major,
Ohio Army National Guard
As I have handed over the reins of the state command sergeant major position to Command Sgt. Maj. Chambliss and prepare for my retirement, I wanted to take the opportunity to write a final message to thank everyone for their outstanding support and welcome Command Sgt. Maj. Chambliss.
When I joined the Army in October 1980, I has no idea that I would make it a career, let alone become a command sergeant major. I left active duty in 1985 and came to the Ohio Army National Guard. I came to love my unit and the Guard. I was blessed to serve with many great noncommissioned officers (NCOs) and Soldiers that coached and mentored me, and made me a better NCO, Soldier and person. The Army is a team, and my teammates throughout the years have lifted me up and supported me and my Family. I could never have achieved what I did without the help and assistance of many people, and for that I am eternally grateful.
Command Sgt. Maj. Chambliss is an exemplary NCO, a great Soldier and an outstanding man. Under his leadership, I am positive the OHARNG will aspire to new heights and accomplish many great things. There is simply no better choice to be our State CSM. I wish him and his Family all the best, and hope that you will give him the same great support that you gave me. Finally I would like to say a huge thanks to all the officers, warrant officers, noncommissioned officers, Soldiers and civilians of the Ohio Army National Guard. You have made my tenure here both enjoyable and productive. I wish you good health, much success and Godspeed.
Rangers Lead The Way!
EDITOR’S NOTE: Command Sgt. Maj. Rodger M. Jones performed the duties as the eighth Ohio Army National Guard state command sergeant major from Sept. 17, 2012 to Sept. 30, 2019. He is scheduled to retire from the military on Nov. 30, 2019. Jones has spent 38 years in the U.S. Army, including 34 in the Ohio Army National Guard, serving in a variety of leadership positions from scout to command sergeant major. As state command sergeant major, Jones served as the principal enlisted advisor to the assistant adjutant general for Army. He observed training and all matters concerning the more-than 10,000 enlisted Soldiers of the OHARNG and their Families.