Gen. Dempsey talks to USARPAC Soldiers at Historic Palm Circle

By Staff Sgt. Kyle Richardson, USARPAC Public AffairsJuly 1, 2014

Gen Dempsey holds town hall at Fort Shafter
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii—Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addresses U.S. Army Pacific Soldiers at Historic Palm Circle during a town hall meeting, June 30. Dempsey answered questions from Soldiers in audience ranging f... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Gen Dempsey Town Hall at Palm Circle
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii— Chap (Col.) Michael Dugal, USARPAC Command Chaplain, asked Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, about his lengthy career, how he's written about the importance of ethos and following one's moral c... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Gen Dempsey meets Soldiers at Fort Shafter
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii—Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shakes hands with Staff Sgt. Brandon Williams, a paralegal noncommissioned officer with Headquarters and Support Company, U.S. Army Pacific, after he presented ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Gen Dempsey meets Soldiers at Fort Shafter for town hall
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii— Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shakes hands with Staff Sgt. James Chapman, a global force network operator with Headquarters and Support Company, U.S. Army Pacific, after he presented him wi... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii- Soldiers and leaders filled several sets of bleachers

at Historic Palm Circle as Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the 18th Chairman of the

Joint Chiefs of Staff, addressed the audience during a town hall meeting

June 30.

Dempsey's trip to U.S. Army Pacific's Headquarters for a town hall meeting

was sparked by his arrival for the beginning Rim of Pacific 2014 Exercise,

one of the largest international maritime exercises. The meeting provided

him a chance to listen to Soldiers' concerns in the Pacific and answer

questions related to those concerns.

Before the town hall meeting began, Dempsey presented eight U.S. Army

Pacific Soldiers with coins of excellence. Staff Sgt. Brandon Williams, a

paralegal noncommissioned officer with Headquarters and Support Company,

USARPAC, received a coin for being Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion

Noncommissioned Officer of the year. Staff Sgt. Frankie Williams, 311th Signal Command, received recognition as 311th Signal Command NCO of the Year. Staff Sgt. James Chapman, a global force network manager with HSC, USARPAC, received recognition because his job is typically held by a major or higher. Sgt. Brian Wimpenny was HHBn USARPAC Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter. Spc. Christina Williams was 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command Soldier of the Year. Pfc. Weng Ong was 8th Theater Sustainment Command Soldier of the

Year. Spc. Thomas Boyd, 500th Military Intelligence Brigade, is the USARPAC Soldier of the Year. Pfc. Brian Beeg, 5th Battlefield Coordination Detachment, was recognized for his exceptional performance with partnered nations during his last three joint training exercises.

During the town hall meeting, Dempsey talked about the significance of

USARPAC in the Pacific along with its historic past, and the rebalance of

the Pacific region. He mentioned how important USARPAC was in providing

security for the region. Dempsey also said that his most important message

and the best part of his visit was thanking the Soldiers for the service and

sacrifices.

"I'm proud to have served with each and all of you. I admire what all of you

and family member have done here," said Dempsey. "You all are making a big

difference out here in the Pacific and it doesn't go unnoticed."

As the town hall proceeded the questions varied in topics. Dempsey answered

a few questions about how the budget will affect Soldier's pay, if all

branches of service would wear the same uniform, how to financially plan for

life after the military, and how to get the most out of a military career.

"People often say to me 'how do you balance your life in this profession of

ours which asks us to do extraordinary things on short notice,'" said

Dempsey. "I can't answer this question for you; I can only answer this

question for myself. The truth is, you have to find in your own family and

in your own life, your own balance."

Dempsey stated service members would feel better and have a more fulfilling

career once they are able to balance their professional lives and family

lives. Service members who find balance won't feel like they are cheating

either element of their lives.

As the town hall concluded, Dempsey again thanked the USARPAC Soldiers for

their hard work, dedication and encouraged everyone to continue to give

their maximum effort even in times of uncertainty.

Related Links:

Video story of visit on Pentagon News

Link to USARPAC Facebook album of this event