A Day of Transition and Tradition at Fort Knox
Friday’s Change of Responsibility Ceremony at Waybur Theater on Fort Knox was more than just a formal passing of the torch—it was a celebration of leadership, service, and community. As outgoing Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Sherman Waters Jr. handed over his duties to incoming Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Alejandro Licea, the event carried a mix of pride, gratitude, and the emotion that comes with saying goodbye to a chapter of life.
A Legacy of Leadership
Waters, who is retiring after 30 years of service, took time to reflect on his journey and express his appreciation for the soldiers, civilians, and families who make Fort Knox what it is. Under his leadership, the garrison earned the title of “Best Garrison” at the ID-T level, a testament to the teamwork and dedication that exists within the Fort Knox community.
Beyond the gates, Waters also acknowledged the surrounding communities of Hardin, Meade, and Bullitt counties, recognizing their unwavering support for the installation.
“It is essential that we do not take this support for granted,” Waters said. “The success of Fort Knox is because of a collaboration with these communities.”
As part of the time-honored tradition, the garrison colors were ceremoniously passed—first from Waters to Garrison Commander Col. Christopher Ricci, and then from Ricci to Licea, symbolizing the official transition of leadership.
Ricci took a moment to reflect on his time working alongside Waters, calling him a trusted advisor and friend.
“Thank you so much for your wise counsel and working aggressively hard to make sure Fort Knox is the best place to live on, work on, and deploy from in the U.S. Army,” Ricci said. “Thanks for being my battle buddy.”
While Waters is stepping away from military service, he isn’t stepping away from the community he loves. He and his wife, Alikeisha, a retired first sergeant, have decided to make their home in Vine Grove. Having them stay in the area is a great thing for Fort Knox and the surrounding communities—they have given so much to this installation, and knowing they will still be a part of the region is something to celebrate.
Looking to the Future
As Licea stepped up to the podium, he acknowledged the legacy he is stepping into and expressed his eagerness to continue the work of making Fort Knox the best installation in the Army.
“I just can’t wait to take this position, run with it, and really be a part of this amazing community,” Licea said. “Everyone’s been so welcoming in the two weeks that I’ve been here, and I just couldn’t have asked for a better transition.”
Licea brings a wealth of experience from his time across the Army, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as a public affairs specialist. His military resume is impressive, with awards including the Bronze Star Medal and multiple Meritorious Service Medals. However, his focus at Fort Knox is clear—ensuring that the soldiers, civilians, and families stationed here have the best quality of life possible.
“If people love to live here, then they can focus on the mission that the nation has asked them to do,” Licea said.
That sentiment is a perfect representation of what makes Fort Knox special—the people. And with leadership transitions like this one, it’s clear that the garrison is in good hands moving forward.
As the ceremony wrapped up, there was a palpable sense of both nostalgia and excitement. Waters leaves behind a legacy of dedication, and Licea steps in with enthusiasm and a commitment to keep Fort Knox thriving.
It was an honor to witness the ceremony and to see firsthand the deep connection between Fort Knox and the community. With Waters and his family staying in the area and Licea bringing his leadership to the post, the future looks bright for Fort Knox.