La. Guard’s ‘Tiger Brigade’ welcomes new senior enlisted leader, honors retiring command sergeant major

By Staff Sgt. Noshoba Davis, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office

PINEVILLE, La. – The Louisiana National Guard’s 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, known as the “Tiger Brigade,” welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Lemaire as its new senior enlisted leader during a change of responsibility ceremony at brigade headquarters in Lafayette, Louisiana, Dec. 7.

Lemaire succeeds Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Hickman, who has served as the senior enlisted leader since August 2022. Following the ceremony, Hickman was honored for his 38 years of service in an official retirement ceremony.

“I’d like to begin by thanking Col. Lloyd for the opportunity to serve as your command sergeant major. I also extend my thanks to Command Sgt. Maj. Hickman for ensuring a smooth transition into this position,” said Lemaire. “To the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team: I’ve served 35 years in the Louisiana Army National Guard, 33 and a half of those with the 256th, including three mobilizations and numerous all-hazard events. It is an honor to serve with you as Tiger 7. Tiger 6 [Col. Jonathan Lloyd] and I know, without a doubt, that the Tiger Brigade will continue to represent the United States Army and the State of Louisiana with professionalism and honor here at home and on our next deployment to various regions of the world. Again, thank you for this opportunity.”

A native of Maurice, Louisiana, Lemaire enlisted in the Louisiana Army National Guard in 1989 as an administrative specialist. Over his career, he has held three additional military occupational specialties: Bradley Fighting Vehicle system turret mechanic, Bradley Fighting Vehicle system mechanic and combat engineer. He is a veteran of Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.

Lemaire currently resides in Kaplan, Louisiana, with his wife, Vicky. They have one child. He is currently a shop supervisor at the LANG’s Field Maintenance Shop #9.

Lloyd, commander of the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, presided over the ceremony and praised both sergeants major for their leadership.

“Since day one, he’s continued to impress me and everyone else, displaying the leadership attributes and competencies required of the position at such a high level that he motivated and inspired those around him,” Lloyd said of Hickman. “Command Sgt. Maj. Hickman, any success the Tiger Brigade has achieved over the past two years is a result of your efforts and the efforts of the noncommissioned officers and Soldiers you mentored and led. The 256th and I will forever be grateful for your leadership. Thank you.”

Turning to Lemaire, Lloyd added: “Command Sgt. Maj. Lemaire, the sword is yours now. You’ve hit the ground running as we prepare for an upcoming deployment. While you have big shoes to fill, I know you are the right leader at the right time. Thank you for stepping up to this challenge. Let’s go to work.”

In a time-honored tradition, Lloyd passed the noncommissioned officer sword to Lemaire, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility and authority that comes with the position of senior enlisted leader.

In his farewell address to the brigade, Hickman praised the Soldiers of the 256th and reflected on his time with the unit.

“Everyone standing out there are proven leaders; 256th Soldiers work for it every day,” said Hickman. “I’ve been a part of the 256th for 35 years, so I knew the work ethic, but seeing it from this position, what you do is phenomenal. This is the best brigade in the United States Army.

“Tiger 6, I appreciate all the rides where we talked about not just Army stuff, but life. I feel like I know your family personally, and you know mine. I’ll always cherish that. I hope that along the way, I’ve contributed in some way to making you a better Soldier.”

During the ceremonies, Hickman, a native of DeRidder, Louisiana, received several honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal, a Certificate of Retirement, a Certificate of Appreciation from the office of the president of the United States, a Certificate of Service from the National Guard Bureau and the Minuteman Plaque.