US Army Europe welcomes new CSM

HEIDELBERG, Germany — Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas R. Capel became the 16th U.S. Army Europe command sergeant major during an assumption of responsibility ceremony Aug. 25 on Campbell Barracks here.

During the ceremony, Gen. Carter F. Ham, the commander of USAREUR, welcomed Command Sergeant Major Capel and spoke about his role in the USAREUR community.

“The command sergeant major is my right-hand man and the one I turn to first when dealing with any issue affecting Soldiers and families,” General Ham said.
In his remarks at the event, Command Sergeant Major Capel spoke of his outlook for his time ahead in USAREUR and his devotion to its mission.

“We have the opportunity to work and train with our coalition partners before we meet them on the battlefield,” Command Sergeant Major Capel said.
“Communication and partnerships are very important. As we continue to build our relationship with or coalition partners, we will continue to improve our mission in theater.”

During his 33 years of service, Command Sergeant Major Capel  has earned numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal (3rd oak leaf cluster), the Meritorious Service Medal (3rd oak leaf cluster), the Army Commendation Medal (9th oak leaf cluster), the National Defense Service Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon (with numeral 4), the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Saudi Arabia Kuwait Liberation Medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Drill Sergeant Badge, the Combat Infantry Badge (2nd award), and the Master Parachutist Badge.