FORT BENNING, Ga., (May 13, 2015) -- Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel Dailey spoke about "Fort Beginning" and his Infantry career with fellow Infantry Soldiers May 9 at the Infantry Ball in the Grand Hall of the National Infantry Museum.
"It's an honor and a privilege to be here to both represent and honor the most prestigious branch the Army, and possibly the world, has ever known," Dailey said. "It is my distinct pleasure to stand before you as a Soldier, your sergeant major of the Army, and as an Infantryman to share a few words about how I feel about the Infantry."
He told Soldiers he could remember the day he got off the bus and started his tour at "Fort Beginning."
"Every day our great contributors mold these 21st Century Spartans here at Fort Benning, by all definitions lethal killers of any threats, determined defenders of peace and action protectors of our way of life," Dailey said.
He acknowledged the military Families and proceeded to applaud them as they stand by their Soldiers throughout their service. He also applauded those who work behind the scenes to make the Army function.
"I love the Infantry, and ... I love being a Soldier," Dailey said. "You, the Infantryman, are the most lethal weapon on any battlefield," Dailey said.
Also in attendance at the ball were Medal of Honor recipient retired Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie Adkins, Merrill's Marauders Vincent Melilo, Drill Sergeant of the Year Staff Sgt. Jeremy Kozak, and 2015 David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition winners Sgts. 1st Class Timothy Briggs and Jeremy Lemma, Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade.
"We're all here because of Soldiers; Soldiers and noncommissioned officers," Dailey said.
Dailey recognized Briggs and Lemma, and said he used to be Briggs' first sergeant.
"I feel somewhat responsible for his success," Dailey said. "I feel absolutely responsible."
Adkins and Dailey were found worthy of special recognition for outstanding contributions to the community of Army Infantry, and received the Order of Saint Maurice.
"I'm a simple man - give me a mission, give me a group of motivated Soldiers and give me a weapon, and I'm as happy as I can be," Dailey said. "If that's the case (for you), you are an Infantryman. For that, I am proud to be in your presence and have the ability to say 'I am, too.' I am the Infantry, Follow Me."
Social Sharing