Engineers conduct top enlisted changeover

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Command Sgt. Maj. Heath Bouffard accepts the battalion colors from Lt. Col. Lisa Sessions, commander of the 133rd Engineer Battalion, signifying his assumption of responsibility.

BRUNSWICK, MAINE (10/18/2023) (readMedia)-- The Maine Army National Guard's 133rd Engineer Battalion held a change of responsibility ceremony at the Brunswick Armed Forces Reserve Center on Oct. 14, 2023, in which Command Sgt. Maj. Edward Graves relinquished responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Heath Bouffard.

Graves is retiring after 27 years of military service. The ceremony was officiated by Lt. Col. Lisa Sessions, commander of the 133rd Engineer Battalion.

"To the leaders of the organization – you are considered by me to be the top of the top when it comes to getting things done and completing the mission," said Graves in his remarks. "You always lead from the front, and not the rear with the gear. You put the interests of the mission and the well-being of soldiers before your own and that is true leadership. You couldn't ask for anything better."

Graves praised the soldiers of the 133rd for their work ethic, Bouffard for his qualifications and service record, and his own family for their patience and dedication during his career.

"As I take responsibility for this battalion, I want to emphasize my top three priorities – training, talent management, and accountability," said Bouffard. "I am excited to return to the engineers and work with all of you. Together, we will face the challenges that lie ahead and emerge victorious."

Bouffard further highlighted his intention to build on the skills and capabilities of the individual soldier, maintain the highest standards of professionalism, and attract and retain the best quality soldiers and leaders, to ensure a bright future for an organization that is frequently called into service at both the state and federal levels.

Both Graves and Bouffard have an extensive history of service within the 133rd Engineer Battalion.

Graves enlisted in the active Army in 1991 as an armor crewman in the 1st Cavalry Division. He transferred to the Maine Army National Guard in 1998, serving as a driver for the 133rd's Headquarters and Support Company. His service in the 133rd includes time as a heavy equipment operator, team leader, squad leader, platoon sergeant, and operations sergeant. Graves deployed to Iraq in 2004 and Afghanistan in 2013 with the 133rd, and previously served as first sergeant for Headquarters and Headquarters Company in Brunswick and the 136th Engineer Company out of Lewiston and Skowhegan.

Bouffard enlisted in the Maine Army National Guard as a heavy equipment operator in 2001 and has since served as a team leader, squad leader, platoon sergeant, and first sergeant. Bouffard deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004-2005, was mobilized to Washington in 2021 for Operation Capitol Response, and recently returned from Poland with Maine's 120th Regional Support Group.

Graves and his wife, Shunna, reside in Brunswick and have two children, Haylee and Tristan.

Bouffard resides in Poland with his wife Jennifer and daughter Janelle. Their son Ethan is currently serving at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.

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Maine National Guard photos by Maj. Carl Lamb / Released