A wounded warrior reached a career milestone last week that appeared impossible five years ago. With the passing of the NCO sword, Command Sgt. Maj. John Blue assumed responsibility as the commander's chief enlisted adviser for 2nd Battalion, 357th Infantry Regiment, 189th Infantry Brigade. Command Sgt. Maj. Dwight Altheide relinquished responsibility to Blue at a ceremony April 17.

Blue is no stranger to Joint Base Lewis-McChord as he has spent nearly 12 years serving in units across the installation, most recently as operations sergeant major for 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment. He is excited to take his position at 2-357 Inf. to help train Reserve and National Guard Soldiers. But after losing his right leg following a 2007 attack in Iraq, Blue was unsure if he could remain in the Army, let alone be a command sergeant major one day.

"I didn't know if I would ever have this job," Blue said. "It meant a lot to me that they didn't get rid of me." Blue spent nine months going through surgery and rehabilitation before returning to work with the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment.

"The best therapy was being back with the Soldiers," he said of his return.

Blue showed his Soldiers that despite his injury he could still run, go to the field and work. But he also learned things about himself.

"Going through the medical and physical boards made me understand what Soldiers go through in that process," he said. "I stepped back and re-evaluated how I talked (to Soldiers). I don't care what someone's rank is - it's about leading people."

Described by his colleagues at 189th Bde. as professional and energetic about his work, his 22 years experience in the Army will be an asset to his battalion.

"He's a proven team player and we are always excited to share talent with our Stryker counterparts," Col. Jack Marr, 189th Bde. commander, said.

Likewise, 2-357 Inf. commander Lt. Col. Ronald Campbell spoke of the experience Blue brings to their mission.

"With his experience he can benefit not just the battalion but the units we're training up in the future," Campbell said.

Outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Altheide described 2-357 Inf. as some of the best Soldiers he has ever worked with in his 29-year career. He was glad to have ended his career with Soldiers of such a high caliber. His advice to Blue was simple.

"Stay flexible," Altheide said.

Blue is ready to work hard for the unit and said his Soldiers can expect 110 percent from him.

"I want to do the best I can for the battalion, the Army, the Soldiers and their Families," Blue said.

Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Wilbert Engram is glad to have Blue in the brigade.

"To see him be able to relive his experiences and explain why the training we are putting on is so important is great," Engram said.

For Blue, he wants to share his experience with the Soldiers he works with and make sure they know the Army is here for them.

"The big thing that I want people to understand is that someone got hurt and the Army didn't give up," Blue said. "That they kept me in means the world to me."