84th Engineer Battalion held Change of Responsibility Ceremony | Article

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii. After nearly three years as the senior enlisted leader of the 84th Engineer Battalion, 130th Engineer Brigade at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Command Sgt. Major Tyler A. Dodd denied responsibility for “Never been afraidbattalion commander sergeant. Maj. Richard A. Barajas on Hamilton Field, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, November 7, 2024.

Dodd took office in January 2022 and worked with three different battalion chiefs throughout his tenure.

During his speech, he was quick to thank his family for their unwavering support, the leaders who empowered him, and the many relationships he maintained throughout his tenure.

“I love being your dad,” Dodd said. “In the military, we teach, train and talk about resilience and the ability to overcome adversity. These kids here are the epitome of resilience.”

Dodd also poked fun at himself as he explained why he thought the Army chose him for its next assignment.

“While I am honored to be selected to serve as Garrison Commander, make no mistake: I know the Army selected me for this position because Fort Leonard Wood needs Jen, not Tyler.”

Dodd’s next assignment was as command sergeant major of the garrison at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, the birthplace of Army engineering.

84th Engineer Battalion commander Lt. Col. ChaTom Warren presided over the ceremony along with friends, family and leaders of the 8th Theater Command, which included the 8th TSC Command Group, Maj. Gen. Gavin Gardner and Command Sgt. Major Brian Morrison.

“We sincerely thank CSM Dodd and his family for their service to the 84th and 130th and wish them the best in the future,” Warren said during his speech. “Thank you for being a great leader and comrade in arms; You will be missed and it was an honor to serve alongside you.”

After praising Dodd for his accomplishments over the past 30-plus months, Warren welcomed Barajas and his family back to Hawaii.

“We bid farewell to CSM Dodd and welcome another great leader in CSM Barajas. We welcome you back to the island and to our ohana and look forward to what the future holds.”

Barajas comes to Schofield Barracks from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, where he served as the operations sergeant for 2nd Battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

Barajas kept his speech brief, thanking Dodd, the leaders who placed their trust in him and his family, and addressing the soldiers in the ranks.

“To the undaunted soldiers, I am here for you,” Barajas said. “My main mission is to serve you. To ensure you have the resources, training and support you need to excel in your responsibilities and be ready for any mission, anywhere.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dodd and Barajas, along with their families, were congratulated by the guests in attendance, wearing colorful leis, a long-standing Hawaiian tradition adopted by the Army.