On October 18, 2026, Swainsboro native Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Starrenzo Cummings will conclude his historic tenure as the top enlisted Soldier of the 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade during a Change of Responsibility ceremony. Closing out 28 years of service in the Georgia Army National Guard, Cummings has accepted a final two-year tour in Hawaii before retirement.
Born to Tony and Elaine Cummings, father to Destiny Cummings, and raised with the deeply influential guidance of his aunt, Fannie Walker, Cummings is a 1997 Swainsboro High School graduate who enlisted as a junior. Though he briefly left early in his career due to leadership frustrations, he returned with a mission to earn a "seat at the table" and advocate for Soldiers. Over his 28-year career, Cummings deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, served at the Pentagon, and rose to lead the very brigade of 1,700 Soldiers where his journey began.
His selection as the 648th BDE CSM solidified his reputation as one of the top five Senior Enlisted Leaders in the state of Georgia. Under his guidance, the brigade achieved unprecedented success. At the recent 648th BDE Ball, Cummings was honored with the prestigious De Fleury and St. Martin Regimental Awards, adding to a highly decorated career that includes the Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, and a Legion of Merit nomination.
Reflecting on his journey, CSM Cummings attributes much of his success to his family and hometown. "I want to thank the men and women—both past and present—of the Cross-Green Community," Cummings stated. "They helped shape my work ethic, my morals and values, and my burning desire to be successful" Above all, Cummings credits his faith. "Most importantly, I want to thank God for seating me at tables I never could have imagined.
