By David G. Landmann
Sentinel News Editor
FORT HOOD, Texas (Dec. 23, 2005) -- Garrison Commander Col. Tori Bruzese welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Jackeline Fountain in a Dec. 19 ceremony as Fort Hood’s new garrison command sergeant major.
Fountain succeeds Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas McMurtrie in the post Bruzese characterized as her “right arm.”
In her remarks, Bruzese pointed out Fountain is no stranger to Fort Hood.
“She served as chemical sergeant major with the 13th Corps Support Command here at Fort Hood,” Bruzese said, “and was senior nuclear-biological-chemical staff NCO at COSCOM.”
Bruzese cited Fountain’s experience in Iraq and later at Fort Polk as the 83rd Chemical Battalion’s command sergeant major as part of the foundation for Fountain’s new position at Fort Hood.
“Her (years at Fort Hood and) combat experience makes her uniquely qualified for her position,” Bruzese said.
Fountain, the colonel added, is a noncommissioned officer “committed to taking care of her Soldiers and their families.”
Bruzese also quipped, “With her extensive chemical and smoke background, it will be good to have a trusted adviser to let me know when someone is ‘blowing smoke.’”
Fountain took the podium with a word of gratitude.
“I thank God for bring me back to Fort Hood. I look forward to the partnership between the garrison and III Corps,” she said.
She noted she was glad to be at Fort Hood because the posting allows her to be with her husband, Command Sgt. Major Terry Fountain, COSCOM command sergeant major.
Fountain, a native of Puerto Rico, enlisted in the Army in 1979 and entered basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C. in 1980.
Since that time, Fountain has served in every leadership position from squad leader to sergeant major.
Her assignments have taken her to Fort Bragg, N.C.; Fort McClellan, Ala.; Camp Coiner and Yongsan, South Korea; Wiesbaden, Germany; Hungary; Fort Hood; Fort Polk, and Iraq.
She has attended military schools and training programs including the Army Drill Sergeant School, Airborne School, Air Assault School, Battle Staff Course, First Sergeant Course and the United States Sergeant Major Academy.
