H&HS welcomes new sergeant major -- Sgt. Maj. Coleman Kinzer relinquished his duties as Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron sergeant major to Sgt. Maj. Darnell Richardson during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 26, 2016.
Kinzer is slated to become the sergeant major at Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
“I am excited for Kinzer and his family as he continues his career in Hawaii,” said Lt. Col. Karl Schmidt, H&HS commanding officer. “H&HS has definitely benefited from his leadership and I think HMLA-367 will be good for him.”
Schmidt indicated his insights toward Kinzer leaving and optimism regarding changes to H&HS.
“Kinzer was a great sergeant major and it’s sad to see him go,” said Schmidt. “Change is good every so often. We have a new sergeant major coming in and I think he brings a lot of things to the table. He’s excited and energetic and I believe the squadron is going to continue to get better.”
Kinzer passed on any accomplishments toward the Marines of the squadron believing that without them, the transformation of the air station wouldn’t be possible.
“The Marines here at H&HS have done a phenomenal job as the base transitions from a small air station,” said Kinzer. “Everyone in the squadron was fluid and adaptable to the changes that were going on. They have done an incredible job and it’s inspiring to watch them work.”
Kinzer also expressed his impression of Richardson based off of his previous billet as MALS-12’s sergeant major.
“I think this is a great opportunity for H&HS to have Richardson take over,” said Kinzer. “He’s an inspirational and great guy. I think the squadron is going to benefit from having him as their new sergeant major.”
Richardson previously served in billets ranging from instructor at drill instructor school to Headquarters Battery first sergeant at 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, NC. In June 2014, he assumed his position as the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 sergeant major at MCAS Iwakuni. Then, on Feb. 12, 2016, he relinquished his duties from MALS-12 before transitioning to H&HS where he serves as the squadron sergeant major.
"I am excited for this opportunity,” said Richardson. “All of the Marines that work behind the scenes are the ones that are doing all of the work around the air station and I am excited to be their sergeant major.”
Richardson said he plans on becoming involved with the unit by encouraging Marines to willingly seek out self-improvement.
“It’s hard for me to walk past a Marine and not stop to see how their day is going,” said Richardson. “I want to pull the full potential out of these Marines and see a lot more get promoted. I want to help out at the schools like Lance Corporal Seminar and Corporal’s Course and enhance them to become more entertaining and motivating for the Marines and to provide Marines the opportunity to become more proficient at their current rank than I ever was when I was in their shoes.”