Unit News
Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmie Nelson, left, the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade command sergeant major, gives newly appointed 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Command Sergeant Major Foua Uini, the command sergeant major appointment oath Jan. 6 at Tobin Wells. Photo by Sgt. Alexander Burnett, 11th ADA Bde. Public Affairs.
Sgt. Alexander Burnett
11th ADA Bde. Public Affairs
It is a day of honor and recognition for the few individuals who achieve this level in the enlisted ranks. This is an opportunity to lead and instill discipline, the Army values and the warrior ethos to thousands of Soldiers. This is being a command sergeant major.
Sgt. Maj. Foua Uini was appointed to command sergeant major during a ceremony at Tobin Wells Drive Up System Trainer facility, Jan. 6.
Brig. Gen. David Mann, the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command commanding general, appointed Uini with Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmie Nelson, the 11th Air Defense Artillery command sergeant major, reading the command sergeant major’s appointment oath. Col. Joseph DeAntona, the 11th ADA Bde. commander, and 3rd Battalion, 43rd ADA Soldiers were also present.
“Soon to be Command Sergeant Major Uini is a motivator,” said DeAntona. “No matter where he goes, the Soldiers will be motivated by his leadership. He leads from the front; he is charismatic and cares about Soldiers, which will make him an outstanding command sergeant major.”
Uini previously served as the “Imperial” Brigades operations sergeant major performing many valuable tasks during his tenure. He played a key role in preparing 3-43 ADA for future missions and conducted a battlefield circulation assisting the brigade headquarters and 1st Bn., 43rd ADA with their missions. Uini also worked closely with the First Sergeant Barracks Initiative providing housing for 5th Bn., 52nd ADA upon re-deployment, said Maj. Sonny Thompson, the 11th ADA Bde. operations officer in command.
“Working as the operations sergeant major I was able to witness how a brigade is run,” said Uini. “After having that battle rhythm, it will be a change to move to a command sergeant major position for a battalion. I am honored that I get to lead a battalion within this great brigade.”
Uini assumed responsibility for 3-43 ADA only minutes after his appointment. He leads the “Courage and Honor” Battalion into its mission readiness exercise, preparing for upcoming missions.