The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today conducted a Change of Responsibility ceremony between outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Patrickson Toussaint, the 14th USACE command sergeant major, and incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Douglas W. Galick, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
The ceremony was followed by a retirement ceremony for Toussaint.
Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, 55th Chief of Engineers and USACE commanding general, served as host.
A Change of Responsibility ceremony is a time-honored tradition that commemorates the symbolic relinquishment of responsibility and leadership from one senior noncommissioned officer to another by passing the organizational colors.
Toussaint became the USACE command sergeant major July 17, 2020. For Toussaint, a 31-year Army veteran, this was his fifth assignment as a command sergeant major. His career also included six deployments, with three to Iraq, and one each to Kosovo, Albania, and Haiti.
For Galick, now the 15th USACE command sergeant major, this is his fourth assignment as a command sergeant major. He comes to the USACE Headquarters from Honolulu, Hawaii, where he served as the USACE Pacific Ocean Division’s command sergeant major. He is a 26-year Army veteran.
This assignment is the second time Galick has replaced Toussaint as he also did that when he assumed his role with the Pacific Ocean Division.
“Neither of these two leaders was selected to serve in this position by accident. We only pick the best of the very best for this critical role as my trusted advisor,” said Spellmon.
Of Toussaint, Spellmon said, “On and off the battlefield, he served simply to take care of people. To look out for their safety, their well-being, and their professional and personal growth.”
Spellmon also added that when other leaders spoke about Toussaint, he always heard descriptions of “visionary, inspirational, and passionate.”
In describing Galick, Spellmon spoke of his extensive leadership experience and noted that he is “equally as talented and driven to support the Army Corps of Engineers, and he doesn’t even need to change his patch!”
Galick stated that he is “excited and humbled for this opportunity” during his remarks.
Toussaint was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal as part of his retirement ceremony. In his remarks, he thanked the many leaders and Soldiers he had served with throughout his career.
In describing the role of being the USACE command sergeant major, Toussaint stated, “It is the best job the Army has to offer.”
