By 1st Lt. Ashley Restuccio
30th Medical Brigade Adjutant
SEMBACH, Germany - "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life," - Confucius.
Following a 30 year career of honorable and dedicated service, Command Sgt. Maj. George Grace Jr. credits the Army for providing him 30 years of jobs he loved.
"I loved being a soldier, and I am going to miss it," he said during his retirement ceremony in front of a packed theater, May 14 at Sembach Kaserne.
Among those in the audience were Soldiers, officers, family and friends. His wife, to whom he gives all the credit for his success, and two of his three children, sat proudly in the front row.
"He is a phenomenal leader and 'battle buddy brother," said Col. Scott Dingle, commander, 30th Medical Brigade, during a retirement ceremony speech. "He is a quintessential leader who always leads from the front and is a true role model for our young soldiers and NCOs."
Grace's career began in July, 1985 when he left his Pensacola, Florida home to enlist. He attended Air Defense Artillery One Station Unit Training at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he was awarded the Military Occupational Specialty of 16S Manpads, or Stinger crewman.
After serving four years as a Stinger, he reclassified as a 91J, physical therapy specialist, and he changed jobs again in 1993 when he became a 91B, Combat Medic.
During his tenure, Grace earned an Associate Degree in Physical Therapy and a Bachelor of Science in Information System Management. In 2014, he earned his Master's Degree in Health Care Administration.
Grace's career has taken him around the world to places such as Korea, Germany, Kosovo and Iraq. He held a myriad of leadership and operational positions, from Squad Leader to First Sergeant., Clinic Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, Operations Sergeant, Chief Medic NCO, Operations Sergeant Major and Command Sergeant Major.
Dingle credits Grace for epitomizing the role of senior noncommissioned officer.
"Command Sgt. Maj. Grace has made his mark on the 30th Medical Brigade and the Army as a whole," said Dingle. "Grace has lived out all aspects of the NCO Creed, especially 'All Soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my Soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own.'"
Pfc. Devante Grace, Grace's son, who follows a family legacy of service in the Army, presented his father with a folded flag during the ceremony.
"Dad, I love you to death and couldn't think of a better role model," Devante said through tears.
"People won't always remember what you said but they will always remember the way you made them feel," Grace said. He explained the importance for leaders at all levels to take care of their Soldiers and to develop their Soldiers to become the best they can be.
"Nobody joined the Army to fail, so as leaders we cannot fail our Soldiers," said Grace. "I may be hanging my hat, but I am confident in the future of our Army. Soldier for life."
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