SMA talks policy, Army future with Old Guard

By Staff Sgt. Luisito BrooksDecember 4, 2013

SMA talks, policy, Army future with Old Guard
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
SMA talks policy, Army future with Old Guard
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond Chandler III, and wife, Jeanne, talk with service members, Department of Defense civilians, and families at Conmy Hall on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Dec. 3, 2013. Chandler advised Soldiers on ways they can bett... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
SMA talks policy, Army future with Old Guard
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond Chandler III, and wife, Jeanne, talk with service members, Department of Defense civilians, and families at Conmy Hall on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Dec. 3, 2013. Chandler spoke to the Soldiers about the future... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. (Dec. 4, 2013) -- Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond Chandler III, and his wife, Jeanne, visited with service members, Department of Defense civilians and families on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Tuesday.

During his visit, Chandler held an interactive discussion about Army policies, professionalism, and character, and answered a few questions at Conmy Hall. He also addressed major issues facing the Army today like suicide, hazing, and sexual assault.

"The first line in the Creed of the Non-Commissioned Officer says 'No one is more professional than I,'" said Chandler. "It is one of the most important lines and we need to live up to it."

He explained that if Soldiers would help one another and keep each other accountable, many of these challenges the Army faces now could be avoided.

Chandler spoke to the crowd about policies that affect all Soldiers; he even talked about individual goals and progression as the Army continues to downsize.

With the ongoing, Army-wide drawdown, promotions are an important topic on Soldiers' minds, but they can still distinguish themselves in many ways, said Chandler. Gaining a civilian education or going to drill sergeant school or being a recruiter are all ways to take that next step, said Chandler.

At the end of the discussion period, Chandler took time to recognize 12 Soldiers and three DOD civilians for exceptional duty.

One of the Soldiers, Spc. Cameron Southhall, an illustrator with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, said the discussion was short but very impactful.

"Everything he said was right on target," said Southhall. "I am glad to serve my country when I know that our leaders have our best interests in mind."

Southhall added how approachable and eager Chandler was to share his knowledge.

"He has been in the Army longer than I've been alive," said Southhall. "His experience is really priceless."

Chandler stayed after for photos before making a trip to the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery.

"Seeing these men and women make me proud," said Chandler. "They are the future of this Army."

Related Links:

VIDEO: Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond Chandler addresses suicide prevention

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

Army.mil: North America News

Army.mil: Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program

STAND-TO! Sexual Harassment/Assault Prevention

Army.mil: Creed of the Non-Commissioned Officer

1-800-273-TALK (8255) - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

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

The 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) on Facebook

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