Army's top non-commissioned officer attends Rakkasan Logistics Ball

By Staff Sgt. David Reiley, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public AffairsJanuary 20, 2012

Army's top non-commissioned officer attends Rakkasan Logistics Ball
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III speaks to the soldiers and family members during the Rakkasan Logistics Ball. Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III was the guest speaker at the 626th Brigade Support Battalion Rakkasan Logistics ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Army's top non-commissioned officer attends Rakkasan Logistics Ball
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – From left to right Mrs. Jeanne Chandler, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III, Capt. Steven M. Gerber, commander, Gulf Company, 626th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne (Air Assault) and Miss Jennifer Turpin, ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Army's top non-commissioned officer attends Rakkasan Logistics Ball
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III shakes hands with Sgt. 1st Class Jeffery L. Jefferson, Delta Company, 626 Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandle... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Hopkinsville, Ky. -- Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III was the guest speaker at the 626th Brigade Support Battalion, Rakkasan Logistics Ball, Dec. 2 at the James E. Bruce Convention Center.

The night was full of pomp and circumstance following the long traditions of a formal military ball. The colors were posted and "The Star Spangled Banner" played followed by a moment of silence for the missing and fallen.

The tables were full of laughs and at times somber conversation. With the toasts complete and the meal finished Chandler spoke to the Soldiers and family members. He spoke on the great and historic legacy the Soldiers of today were upholding. "Remember those who came before you and the great sacrifice that so many have made so that we can do what we do today," said Chandler.

Chandler added, "At the end of the day it is the legacy that you, the American Soldier, and the Soldiers of this great brigade leave behind that will be implanted in and on the American society."

Chandler spoke as if he was talking to old friends, making everyone feel as if he was talking to them individually. He focused on the importance of family and remembering that behind each and every Soldier there is a family and expressed his deepest respect and warmest thanks for their support.

The evening concluded with Lt. Col. Fredrick Crist, commander, 626 BSB Battalion, Command Sgt. Maj. Wade Greene, the battalion senior enlisted leader and the battalion staff opening the dance floor to music provided by Mr. Robert Luke of Robert Luke Entrainment. The Soldiers danced until it was time to close the evening bidding Chandler and his wife a fond farewell and a thunderous Assurgam as they left the ball.

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Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III

DVIDS: Army's Top Non-commissioned Officer attends Rakkasan Logistics Ball

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division