Changing of the Guard, MCLB Albany appoints new Sergeant Major

ALBANY, Ga. – Another change in command has taken place at the Marine Corps Logistics Base, as a new Sergeant Major has been appointed in southwest Georgia.

In one of his final assignments in service, Sergeant Major Chad M. Coston handed the ceremonial sword over to his successor, Frank Kammer.

We caught up with the outgoing sergeant major to talk about his career in service.

“…I hope that I left it in good hands, did a well enough job for the Marines and the community itself. Did I do everything or should there have been something more I could’ve done? But, I hope I had a good enough turnover with my replacement to continue that torch,” said Sgt. Major Chad Coston, Outgoing Sgt. Major, MCLB Albany.

For incoming Sergeant Major Kammer, he’s looking forward to building on the work accomplished by Coston…

And, he’ll have a head start on that as he’s previously served alongside current Base Commander, Colonel Matthew McKinney, as recently as 2019.

“…In doing that, we gained experience that we think is completely vital for us to step on an early footing that normally a commander and Sergeant Major would have to take maybe six or seven months to get oriented to. So, we’re already ahead of the game, we know each other, we know our strengths and weaknesses, and we compliment each other…” said Sgt. Major Frank Kammer Jr., Incoming Sgt. Major, MCLB Albany.

That already established connection with the Commander will help as the new Sergeant Major looks to further the work done for veterans that was accomplished by Coston.

“…We see that the Marines and the service member wants that, not quick fix, but they want that certification so they can get busy and make the money they deserve to make. Cause they already come with the skill sets and the character that most employers are looking for,” said Sgt. Major Frank Kammer Jr.

In the meantime, as the outgoing Sergeant Major is finishing up his career in service, he’s proud of the work he has done in southwest Georgia and Albany Technical College to create programs geared towards assisting veterans integrate back into the workforce.

“The 15,000 veterans that we have here in southwest Georgia, getting that center down here; to access the care, the point of contact because the system is so hard to navigate. Having to face-to-face a person instead of an automated message pays huge dividends,” said Sgt. Major Chad Coston.

For Sgt. Major Kammer beginning his tenure, the strong start having served with Colonel McKinney prior means that the ways they can help…

Sgt. Major Coston will formally retire on June 6th.

Brian Roche reporting.

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