Jerry Silva Passes Symbolic Sword of Leadership to Sgt. Francisco Toledo

By Staff Sgt. Patricia Deal

FORT BLISS, Texas - Outgoing first sergeant of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, 1st Sgt. Jerry Silva, passed the symbolic sword of leadership to Sgt. 1st Class Francisco Toledo in a traditional change of responsibility ceremony at brigade headquarters here Oct. 19.

Silva, who led the battery since 2010, said he is grateful he had the opportunity to serve as first sergeant.

"It is probably the most rewarding, but also challenging, thing I have ever done. Leading, guiding and mentoring Soldiers, plus lending an ear when necessary, is what being a first sergeant is all about," he said.

In a change of responsibility ceremony for Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Sgt. 1st Class Francisco Toledo, second from right, receives the sword of leadership from Command Sgt. Maj. Derwin Blackmon, former senior enlisted leader of the brigade, during a change of responsibility ceremony at brigade headquarters at Fort Bliss, Texas, Oct. 19. Toledo assumed first sergeant responsibilities from outgoing 1st Sgt. Jerry Silva. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Patricia Deal, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)

Silva added that he will continue to lead Soldiers, just in a different capacity, in his new assignment with the 5th Armored Brigade's 2-363rd Training Support Battalion, which will be mobilized from Mesa, Ariz., to Camp McGregor, N.M., in January 2013.

Toledo also said he is grateful for the opportunity to serve as first sergeant, especially since it is a rare assignment for a noncommissioned officer in the Chaplain Corps.

"My training as a chaplain assistant will certainly come into play, as first sergeants need strong leadership skills, along with compassion, to lead and support Soldiers," Toledo said. "Anyone who knows me knows I'm always fair and honest, so believe me when I say we have some of the most professional and experienced Soldiers in this unit. I'm ready to step up to the plate and know together we can hit it out of the ballpark." For more information contact: First Army Division West Public Affairs First Army Division West (254) 553-5003 (254) 630-4944 Fort Hood, TX 76544 jay.r.adams3.civ@mail.mil