Command Sgt. Major Frank Wicks Will Advise Adjutant General On All Matters Concerning Soldiers
New York Army National Guard Command Sgt. Major Frank Wicks, a West Sand Lake resident, has been picked as the next New York National Guard State Command Sergeant Major by Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York.
Wicks, a combat veteran, will replace Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Van Pelt, who retires in May 2011 after more than ten years in the position.
As the State Command Sergeant Major, Wicks will be the top enlisted soldier in the 10,500- member New York Army National Guard and will serve as the Adjutant General’s personal advisor for all enlisted-related issues, particularly those affecting training and quality of life. He travels throughout the State observing training and talking to soldiers and their families.
Murphy will preside over a transfer of responsibility ceremony between the two senior non-commissioned officers at the Joint Force Headquarters in early May.
“I am honored that Major General Murphy selected me to serve as the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the New York National Guard,” Wicks said.
“The opportunity to represent the enlisted members at the state level is truly a privilege, Wicks said. “Our current Senior Enlisted Advisor, Command Sergeant Major Bob Van Pelt and his wife Debbie have set the highest standard in taking care of our soldiers and families. While it will be challenging, I intend to do my best to continue on their record of outstanding support.”
“Command Sergeant Major Wicks is uniquely qualified to continue the high level of leadership, initiative and dedication to our enlisted Soldiers that outgoing Command Sergeant Major Robert Van Pelt embodied during his tenure as the Senior Enlisted Advisor,” Murphy said in his announcement of Wick’s selection.
Previously Wicks served as Command Sergeant Major for the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry and the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and most recently, as Command Sergeant Major of the 53rd Troop Command in Valhalla, NY.
“Wicks has 29 years of experience serving in a variety of challenging assignments in a broad spectrum of units,” Murphy said.
In his career, Wicks has served in every non-commissioned officer leadership position. He has also served as an instructor at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy.
“Early in my career I learned that a critical leadership trait was getting out to see our soldiers. I intend to continue my focus on supporting our members by traveling to the various New York National Guard units, regardless of their location,” Wicks said.
Wicks mobilized and deployed as the 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry and Task Force Hunter Command Sergeant Major in October 2003 to the Sunni Triangle in Iraq, serving as the senior non-commissioned officer in the conduct of combat and stability operations of the Task Force during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“My wife, Beth, and I are looking forward to the opportunity to become more involved in supporting service members and their families during the State’s upcoming deployments,” Wicks said. “We understand first hand the impact of extended deployments and set the highest priority on supporting the members of our force and their families.”
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with bronze oak leaf cluster), Army Commendation Medal (with two bronze oak leaf clusters), Army Achievement Medal (with bronze oak leaf cluster), Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (with four bronze oak leaf clusters), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (“M” device 4th award, bronze hourglass), the NCO Professional Development Ribbon (with numeral 4), Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
In the civilian sector, Wicks is employed by the New York State Police as a Manager of Information Services in Albany. He is married to the former Beth Johnson from Clifton Park. They have two children and reside in West Sand Lake.
He will take military leave from his civilian job in order to serve full time as the New York State Sergeant Major.