Video: ‘Change Of Responsibility’ Ceremony Puts New Soldier In Charge Of Local US Army Recruiting Company

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – There is a new soldier at the helm of a local US Army recruiting station.  This morning, at the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum, a “Change of Responsibility” Ceremony took place, that is part of the US Army’s rich tradition.

For nearly three years now, First Sergeant Jeff Brown has led the US Army Recruiting Company in Tupelo.  His new assignment is Senior Master Trainer at the Baton Rouge Recruiting Battalion.

During the ceremony, the guidon, or banner for the Tupelo company, is transferred, from First Sergeant Brown, to its new leader, First Sergeant Sovan Tea.

The “Tupelo Titan” Company is responsible for recruiting men and women into the US Army.  Their territory covers 21 thousand square miles throughout Mississippi, Louisiana and Western Tennessee. In the past three years, 23 soldiers in the company have enlisted 804 active duty and reserves combined.

First Sergeant Brown is from North Mississippi and has received many awards and decorations, including the Purple Heart, said he had a strong team , whom he met with regularly either in person, or through technology.

“The Army actually issued us government cell phones, iPhones so we are able to do facetime with my soldiers so I can see them, talk to them in real time, though not in a physical sense.  Another thing we do is drive out and see all of our soldiers every two weeks,” said 1st Sgt. Brown.

But the First Sergeant said the support from his wife and family was crucial.

“Babe, you’ve been there through it all, good or bad, you’ve been there through my side,” he said.

Incoming First Sergeant Sovan Tea knows he has big boots to fill.   He was born in Cambodia.  His family emigrated to America in 1982 as refugees from the Cambodian War.  He enlisted in the US Army nearly 20 years ago.

“As an immigrant, I feel like I could do something and give something back to this country and part of that is serving in the United States Army because the Army has so many opportunities, not just for myself, but my family, my son is right now in basic training ,” 1st Sgt. Tea said.

First Sergeant Tea is looking forward to his new role and wants to build even stronger relationships between the US Army and the community. And while First Sergeant Brown is headed to Louisiana, the Mississippi State fan will received a special going away present, this autographed football by Coach Dan Mullen.

First Sergeant Brown plans on retiring within the year, then he hopes to become a Mississippi State Trooper.