There will be a Change of Responsibility Ceremony from former State Command Sergeant Major Barry E. Fredericks to Command Sergeant Major Mona L. Barnes at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13, at Industrial Park on St. Croix. There will also be a Retirement Ceremony held for Sgt. Major Fredericks at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 14, at the Eudora Kean High School on St. Thomas, according to a press release from Major General Renaldo Rivera, adjutant general of the Virgin Islands National Guard (VING).
The passing of colors is a military tradition, which symbolizes the formal transfer of command. The Change of Responsibility Ceremony showcases all major Army and Air Commands of the V.I. National Guard.
As of June 2010, Gen. Rivera selected Barnes to serve as the next State Command Sergeant for the Virgin Islands. She was born on St. Croix and enlisted in the Tennessee National Guard in 1986, then transferred to the V. I. National Guard in 1989. She is the first female state command sergeant major of the V.I. National Guard, making her one of only three females in the 54 states and territories to hold this position.
The attire is business casual for civilians. On Saturday, military attire the ACU uniform and the Class B uniform on Sunday.
Command Sgt. Maj. Fredericks was born in New York City and enlisted into the U.S. Army on Dec. 10, 1975. After completing four years in the Active Army, he enlisted in the Virgin Islands Army National Guard in January 1980. During his 35 years of military service, 32 of which are active duty, he served in several enlisted leadership positions from cavalry scout and tank commander to state command sergeant major from May 2004 to July 2010.
Note: If required, due to inclement weather, the UVI Great Hall will be used for the ceremony on Saturday.
For more information, contact Master Sgt. Karen Williams, public affairs officer, at 332-5541.
