LAKEHURST – The Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst saw some history recently with the swearing in of the first African American as well as the first woman to become the top non-commissioned officer of the northeastern United States for America’s Army Reserve.
Command Sgt. Maj. Subretta L. Pompey became the new Command Sergeant Major of the 99th Readiness Division, responsible for the northeastern United States for the Army Reserve.
Pompey became the senior-enlisted leader of the U.S. Army Reserve’s 99th Readiness Division during an assumption-of-responsibility ceremony at division headquarters at the Joint Base.
She is the first African American and the first woman to serve in this position throughout the Division’s 80-year history which dates back to the 99th Infantry Division in World War II.
“Being selected as the command sergeant major of the 99th Readiness Division is very humbling,” Pompey said. Her career includes serving in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1991, Bosnia from 1999-2000, Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2006-2007 and Operation Spartan Shield from 2019-2020.
“This is something I thought of and held in the back of my mind some time ago, but didn’t think it would happen in a million years. Today, I am proud, honored and excited about this awesome opportunity,” Pompey said during the ceremony.
The 99th RD covers more than 51,000 Army Reserve Soldiers in 454 units at 332 reserve-component facilities and 33 maintenance facilities in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia.
The Joint Base is America’s premier joint warfighting base and is the second largest employer in the state with a $6.9 billion impact on the community.
“I have no doubt that CSM Pompey will add tremendous value to the team in her assignment as 99th Readiness Division CSM,” said Maj. Gen. Rodney L. Faulk, 99th RD commanding general, who officiated the ceremony. “I am confident that we will continue to find innovative ways to build readiness working with our partners across the region.
“In her short time as the (acting) CSM for the 99th, I have been truly impressed with her energy, drive, knowledge and skill,” Faulk said. “She truly cares about soldiers and ensuring that we uphold the highest standards in the NCO Corps.”
“Major General Faulk, thank you for trusting in me and allowing me the opportunity to serve as your command sergeant major,” said Pompey, whose previous assignment was command sergeant major for the U.S. Army Reserve Legal Command. “This is just an amazing opportunity, and I am looking forward to my new journey here at the 99th Readiness Division.”
Pompey, who has served in the military for more than three decades, succeeded Sgt. Maj. Sandra M. Cook, who recalled her feelings when she was first given the opportunity to serve in this interim role as acting senior-enlisted leader of the 99th RD.
Cook said, “I was both humbled and honored and, to be honest, a bit intimidated. As the commanding general brought me under his mentorship and leadership, my intimidation quickly faded as we began to build a command team and provide direction and guidance to the force, both for the 99th RD and the units we support throughout the region.” Her next assignment will take her to U.S. Army Reserve Command.
