Lee replaces Taylor as 615th CSM

By Douglas Mallary, NMNG Public Affairs

SANTA FE, N.M. – 615th Transportation Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Taylor relinquished his responsibilities as the battalion’s senior enlisted leader to Command Sgt. Maj. Jarvis Lee Sept. 11 at the Regional Training Institute here.

Lt. Col. Peter Romero, the 615th commander, presided over the change of responsibility ceremony.

“When I first took command of the battalion, I quickly realized how much there was to learn. CSM Taylor was there to help me,” Romero said. “We didn’t always see eye-to-eye, but we always worked together to make the best decisions for the battalion.”

Turning to Lee, Romero said, “CSM Lee, I’ve known you for 20 years. We deployed together. I know we’re going to work well together.”

At the start of his remarks, Taylor recognized Col. Pia Romero in the audience. She is the immediate past commander of the 615th.

“Col. Romero was in command when I arrived and she helped teach me and gave me room to grow,” Taylor said. “Lt. Col. Romero continued to help me develop and grow.”

Taylor joined Col. Romero the next day as they became the new command team of the 111th Sustainment Brigade.

Lee was the first sergeant of the 1116th Transportation Company when the New Mexico Army National Guard was notified that the unit’s force structure was being transferred to another state.

Lee helped oversee the consolidation of the 1116th’s remaining Soldiers into the 1115th Transportation Company and then became the 1115th’s first sergeant.

On becoming the battalion’s new CSM, Lee said, “I’m excited. Thank you for this opportunity. I’m going to work hard to do what’s right for the Soldiers.”

The 615th Transportation Battalion, headquartered in Santa Fe, is comprised of a Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, the 720 Transportation Company and the 1115th Transportation Company.