Congressman Faleomavaega today announced that he has accepted an invitation from Commanding General Kenneth S. Dowd of the 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) to attend the Change of Responsibilities ceremony for Command Sergeant Major Charles M. Tobin who will officially assume responsibilities as Command Sergeant Major of the 1st Sustainment Command relieving outgoing Command Sergeant Major Danfert J. Espinal on March 2, 2012 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Presiding over the ceremony will be Major General Kenneth S. Dowd, Commanding General of the 1st Sustainment Command (Theater).  Several members of CSM Tobin’s family who will be attending include his two children: son – Cadet Charles Tobin, Jr. who is currently attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY, and daughter – Kayla Tobin who is a flight attendant; sister Hazel Jackson from New Zealand; and brothers Maynard, Michael and Karl Tobin from around the United States.

“I am very pleased and honored to have been invited to attend the Change of Responsibilities ceremony for Command Sergeant Major Charles Tobin,” Faleomavaega said.  “Without doubt, CSM Tobin’s outstanding service has certainly caught the attention and trust of his superiors and I want to congratulate him on this milestone in his already impressive military career.”

CSM Tobin first entered the military, joining the U.S. Army, in October 1983.  After completing his first 3-year enlistment, Tobin left the Army for one year in October 1986 and then re-enlisted again in October, 1987.  His first assignment was in the 82nd Airborne Division.  Upon returning to the Army, he was assigned to the Federal Republic of Germany.  When he returned to continental United States, CSM Tobin was assigned to the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California.

CSM Tobin’s most recent assignment was Command Sergeant Major and Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Counterinsurgency Advisory and Assistance Team with the International Security Forces in Afghanistan.

CSM Tobin’s additional assignments include:  Division Support Command, 82nd Airborne Division; 2nd Infantry Division, Camp red Cloud, South Korea; 82nd Forward Support Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division: 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Division Support Command, 1st Armored Division, Germany; 47th Forward Support Battalion, 1st Armored Divison, Germany; Headquarters Commandant, European Command, Germany; 377th Theater Sustainment Command, New Orleans

During his military career, CSM Tobin has served in every Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) leadership position from squad leader to command sergeant major.  He has participated in contingencies such as Operation Uphold Democracy, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.

CSM Tobin’s many awards and decorations include Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Jumpmaster badge, and Air Assault badge.  He also is the recipient of the Distinguished Order of Saint Martin for the Quartermaster Regiment.

CSM Tobin also holds a Master of Arts degree in Management from Webster University. He is the son of the late Michael David Tobin and Barbara Mugele Tobin of Lotopa, Samoa. 

“I am very proud of Command Sergeant Major Tobin and his accomplishments and for the many years he has continued to serve our country.  I have every confidence he will continue his extraordinary service in his new assignment.  He definitely has made us all proud as Samoans and he will be a great inspiration and role model for our many young Samoans in the military and those who may consider a career in the military.”

“While at Fort Bragg, I will also have an opportunity to meet with our Samoan soldiers and their families who are stationed there.  It has been a few years since my last trip to Fort Bragg and I look forward to visiting there again this weekend.  This will allow me to hear and discuss with the soldiers and their families any issues of concern or interest to them relating to the military.”

 “At their request, I will also be visiting with Command Sergeant Major Rimoni Mapu and other Samoan soldiers and their families stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia.  Given the President’s recent proposal to downsize our military and budgetary cutbacks, I want to be able to discuss any issues and concerns relating to the any impact such a proposal will have on our soldiers and their families.”

 “I can’t say enough about how much I appreciate the tremendous service and selfless sacrifice by our men and women in uniform in serving our country and protecting our freedoms.  We will continue to keep them and their families in prayer,” Faleomavaega concluded.

Photo 1:  Commanding General Kenneth Dowd looking on while Faleomavaega is delivering his remarks during ceremony.

Photo 2:  CSM Tobin & Faleomavaega posing for a photo with some of the Samoan soldiers and friends who attended the ceremony.  (L-R): Mr. Laufatu Mata’ipule, Mr. Pati Faiai, SSG Frank Wilson, CSM Charles Tobin, Congressman Eni Faleomavaega, CW5 Robert Totolua Yandall, CPT Charles Solaita, and SFC Petero Valai.