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SMA visits Fort Bliss, listens to spouses

By Staff Sgt. John OnuohaMay 11, 2021

Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston talks to a military spouse at a town hall meeting during his visit on Fort Bliss, Texas, May 11, 2021. The visit was an opportunity to listen to service members and their spouses to identify any issues...
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston talks to a military spouse at a town hall meeting during his visit on Fort Bliss, Texas, May 11, 2021. The visit was an opportunity to listen to service members and their spouses to identify any issues in order to find a suitable solution. During the visit, Grinston engaged with students of the Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Center of Excellence; held a military spouse quality of life town hall; held a local media engagement to discuss quality of life initiatives to support Soldiers; conducted a garrison walk-through, and discussion with Soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. John Onuoha, 5th Armored Brigade) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. John Onuoha) VIEW ORIGINAL
Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston (left) and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Williams (left), senior enlisted adviser of the 1st Armored Division, take notes at a town hall meeting during his visit on Fort Bliss, Texas, May 11, 2021. The visit...
2 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston (left) and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Williams (left), senior enlisted adviser of the 1st Armored Division, take notes at a town hall meeting during his visit on Fort Bliss, Texas, May 11, 2021. The visit was an opportunity to listen to service members and their spouses to identify any issues in order to find a suitable solution. During the visit, Grinston engaged with students of the Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Center of Excellence; held a military spouse quality of life town hall; held a local media engagement to discuss quality of life initiatives to support Soldiers; conducted a garrison walk-through, and discussion with Soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. John Onuoha, 5th Armored Brigade) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. John Onuoha) VIEW ORIGINAL
Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Williams, senior enlisted adviser of the 1st Armored Division, responds to a question by a military spouse at a town hall meeting during Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston’s visit on Fort Bliss, Texas, May 11,...
3 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Williams, senior enlisted adviser of the 1st Armored Division, responds to a question by a military spouse at a town hall meeting during Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston’s visit on Fort Bliss, Texas, May 11, 2021. The visit was an opportunity to listen to service members and their spouses to identify any issues in order to find a suitable solution. During the visit, Grinston engaged with students of the Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Center of Excellence; held a military spouse quality of life town hall; held a local media engagement to discuss quality of life initiatives to support Soldiers; conducted a garrison walk-through, and discussion with Soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. John Onuoha, 5th Armored Brigade) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. John Onuoha) VIEW ORIGINAL
Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston addresses the media at a town hall meeting during his visit on Fort Bliss, Texas, May 11, 2021. The visit was an opportunity to listen to service members and their spouses to identify any issues in order...
4 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston addresses the media at a town hall meeting during his visit on Fort Bliss, Texas, May 11, 2021. The visit was an opportunity to listen to service members and their spouses to identify any issues in order to find a suitable solution. During the visit, Grinston engaged with students of the Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Center of Excellence; held a military spouse quality of life town hall; held a local media engagement to discuss quality of life initiatives to support Soldiers; conducted a garrison walk-through, and discussion with Soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. John Onuoha, 5th Armored Brigade) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. John Onuoha) VIEW ORIGINAL
A military spouse expresses some issues at a town hall meeting during Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston’s visit on Fort Bliss, Texas, May 11, 2021. The visit was an opportunity to listen to service members and their spouses to identify...
5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A military spouse expresses some issues at a town hall meeting during Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston’s visit on Fort Bliss, Texas, May 11, 2021. The visit was an opportunity to listen to service members and their spouses to identify any issues in order to find a suitable solution. During the visit, Grinston engaged with students of the Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Center of Excellence; held a military spouse quality of life town hall; held a local media engagement to discuss quality of life initiatives to support Soldiers; conducted a garrison walk-through, and discussion with Soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. John Onuoha, 5th Armored Brigade) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. John Onuoha) VIEW ORIGINAL

Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston visited Soldiers on Fort Bliss, Texas, May 11.

During the visit, Grinston engaged with students of the Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Center of Excellence; held a military spouse quality of life town hall; held a local media engagement to discuss quality of life initiatives to support Soldiers; conducted a garrison walk-through, and discussion with Soldiers.

The visit was also an opportunity to listen to Soldiers and their spouses to identify any issues in order to find a suitable solution.

“They were very passionate about what they had to say,” Grinston said. “Sometimes even emotional and I think that is a good thing.”

Grinston expressed that he understands the issues that families are dealing with, and the importance of holding town hall meetings in solving them.

“They are important on multiple levels,” Grinston said. “I need to hear what people are saying. I need to hear that emotion.”

Grinston explained that despite how tough the topics were, it is more important to find a resolution for service members and their families. He also expressed his appreciation for the spouses and their hard work.

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