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Fort Buchanan leadership change
At Fort Buchanan in Puerto Rico, a Change of Responsibility ceremony on Aug. 14 marked the transition between outgoing senior enlisted leader Command Sgt. Maj. Kimberly D. Bergman Gándara and incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Everett B. Sikes.
“filled the Fort Buchanan Community Club Aug. 14”
Ulises Marrero, acting garrison manager, presided over the ceremony and opened by highlighting Bergman Gándara’s impact on the installation during her tenure.
Marrero said, “CSM Bergman-Gándara, your leadership has shaped Fort Buchanan in ways that will endure long after today,” and he added that “You raised standards, strengthened teams, and built a culture of connection.”
The Puerto Rico National Guard’s 248th Army Band performed throughout the event, and the passing of the sword served as the moment marking the official transfer of responsibility.
Bergman Gándara also received the Sergeant Major Pionk Excellence in Retention Medal during the ceremony, recognizing contributions to Army retention efforts and dedication to supporting Soldiers’ career development.
New leader priorities
In her remarks reflecting on her tenure, Bergman Gándara said, “Fort Buchanan may be geographically separated from many Army installations, but no one should ever mistake our size for limitation,” and she described the installation as “strategically important, operationally relevant and deeply connected to the people of Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and the United States of America.”
She also framed leadership as opening opportunities for others, saying, “Leadership was never about having my name on the front gate,” and that it was “about opening that gate for others, amplifying voices that had not been heard.”
As she concluded her assignment, Bergman Gándara said, “Although I am leaving Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico will never leave me,” and Sikes accepted responsibility with enthusiasm.
Sikes outlined his priorities moving forward, telling the audience, “As I take responsibility today, my commitment to this team is simple: people first, standards always, mission without fail,” and he said, “I will be present. I will listen.”
Sikes added, “To the service members and civilians of Fort Buchanan, I want you to know one thing from day one: I work for you,” and he said his responsibility was to ensure the workforce has “leadership, resources, standards and support necessary to accomplish our mission.”
Parallel change at Fort Stewart
A separate ceremony on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Fort Stewart in Georgia also marked a senior enlisted leadership transition, with Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen M. Tocco officially assuming responsibility as Fort Stewart’s next garrison senior enlisted leader.
“officially assumed responsibility during a ceremony on Friday, August 14, 2026.”
Tocco, who previously served in Germany as the battalion command sergeant major for the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, joined the garrison leadership team alongside Garrison Commander Col. Gabe Weaver.
In his address, Tocco emphasized support for military families, saying, “I understand what it’s like to be away from home,” and he added, “And to be able to provide some security and some stability to make it easier to sleep at night and knowing your family’s taken care of... that’s worth exponential peace of mind.”
The Fort Stewart remarks tied family support to mission focus, with Tocco noting that ensuring stable housing and family support on the home front is critical for soldiers to successfully focus on their deployments and missions.
Across both installations, the ceremonies centered on the transfer of responsibility to the next senior enlisted leader, with Fort Buchanan’s event underscoring readiness and resilience for service members across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and Fort Stewart’s emphasizing stability for families during Army missions.