MSCoE CSM says farewell to Fort Leonard Wood

By GUIDON staffMarch 1, 2017

MSCoE CSM says farewell to Fort Leonard Wood
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MSCoE CSM says farewell to Fort Leonard Wood
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MSCoE CSM says farewell to Fort Leonard Wood
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Command Sgt. Maj. Roy Ward, the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood command sergeant major, sat down with the staff of the GUIDON to answer a few questions regarding his tenure at Fort Leonard Wood and his career in the Army.

How has being the MSCoE command sergeant major enriched your career?

Being assigned as the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence command sergeant major has been very rewarding and, frankly, insightful.

For the vast majority of my career, I've served principally in FORSCOM type units. I was on the receiving end of those leaders and Soldiers who were trained and developed in this environment and other similar environments. After we received those warriors, we prepared them to deploy worldwide in contingency and non-contingency environments.

By serving here at Fort Leonard Wood as a culminating point of my career, I have found great honor in the fact that we got to shape and influence those Soldiers, leaders and service members, as well as other maneuver support capabilities that are a part of the complex development portfolio we have here.

We don't just train for the current operating environment but for future operating environments. It sends a chill down my spine when I get to see drill sergeants, Advanced Individual Training platoon sergeants, instructors and others tirelessly working to produce the very best product we can produce for our Army and the joint, interagency and multinational community.

Alongside every dedicated service member I find here at Fort Leonard Wood, I find an equally dedicated and committed Department of the Army civilian who has completely embodied the traits of this profession. And without them, we couldn't perform our mission.

What will you miss most about the post and area?

First, I'll miss Reveille and Retreat, that daily sacred ceremony where we pay respect to the flag. Which reminds us all why we serve and the fact that "Freedom Isn't Free."

I'll also miss the sound of freedom you hear each morning, which is the sound you hear with cadence calling and singing by formations across the installation.

But I'll miss the people most of all. There is an overabundance of talented individuals living and serving here. I've always experienced folks going out of their way to say good morning and other greetings throughout the day. Wherever I've found myself looking for something, people take the time and ask if they can assist. That kind of courtesy and respect wasn't just extended to me because of my position. I've witnessed this being demonstrated to others.

I'd be remiss if I didn't include our great community and other communities in the area who have done so much to make this region welcoming for our service members and Families, a place where everyone can call home. We have a great team and I'll miss every aspect of the positive culture and climate that exists here.

What does taking care of Soldiers mean from the MSCoE perspective and the job you've held during this assignment?

To me it's all about being an inspiring leader and always remembering it's not about me. It's about those that we serve.

I wasn't entitled to this job nor even becoming a senior leader at any level. Every service member deserves outstanding leadership. Falling short of that isn't an option. We cannot ever forget that. There is no greater privilege than having the opportunity to lead America's sons and daughters.

We, as leaders, are responsible for the lives of those men and women, and with that comes tremendous responsibility. This is the kind of responsibility that ensures subordinate leaders and service members are provided that outstanding leadership as well as being resourced, properly trained, equipped and developed.

This also means knowing when to praise, when to discipline and hold accountable. The best practice is to praise in public and discipline in private.

Regardless of any situation, we must always treat others with dignity and respect. Our goal is to alter poor behavior and positively influence others to perform.

What experience, personal or professional, affected you the most during your command?

What has affected me the most is the generous nature of our service members and their Families. We expect a lot from them, and they give a lot. But what has been striking to me is that even when they have a little time off, you find the vast majority volunteering their time.

Service members and their Families are serving as mentors, youth coaches, raising funds for scholarships, visiting health care homes, Habitat For Humanity projects, keeping roads and highways clear and safe, community support and a vast array of other activities.

It just makes me so proud to see so much generosity and caring shown by so many. Simply, another reason why I remained so long in this great institution. You can't find this kind of humanity everywhere.

Looking back on your entire career, what about being a Soldier meant the most to you?

As I reflect back over three decades of service, I think having the opportunity to serve this nation is the most important to me.

I came from nowhere and had every reason not to be a good citizen. My Army…our Army gave me a chance and invested in me. I was given every opportunity to live up to my true potential.

Having this opportunity opened not only doors for me, but it opened my eyes to what a great nation we have, and there is none like it.

Anything else you would like to add?

Lastly, I just what to say thank you to this team and other teams that I have served with. I enjoy no success alone. I am here now standing on the shoulders of many before me.

At every stop along the way, I've met some great and wonderful people and developed relationships that will last for an eternity. I've enjoyed so many positive experiences that I truly don't have a bucket list. I've been able to travel the world over and do some very exciting things.

If I had the chance to do this all over again; without hesitation, I would.

I'm proud to be a Soldier for life!

Related Links:

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood Facebook

Fort Leonard Wood GUIDON Newspaper

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood