Command Sgt. Maj. Lynice Thorpe serves as advisor on all Soldier and civilian matters
POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, Hawaii - The Pohakuloa garrison command sergeant major is taking on new challenges and getting to know the civilian employees and military operations at the Pacific region's premier training area, the Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA), on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Command Sgt. Maj. Lynice Thorpe handles important responsibilities as PTA's garrison command sergeant major.
"My responsibilities ... are (to) serve as the commander's principal advisor on all Soldier and civilian matters regarding training, readiness and day-to-day operations, and provide oversight to the community outreach programs on the Big Island," said Thorpe. "Special emphasis is being placed on units who are approaching and/or coming to train at PTA."
Time flies, and the command sergeant major has been busy since arriving, here.
"PTA is a well-kept secret, very unassuming due to locale and the unknowing. I'm going to love this assignment and hope to encourage more of my counterparts to visit PTA," said Thorpe. "I'm excited about making a difference and simply being part of the PTA team."
A native of Nashville, N.C., Thorpe sees a good relationship with civilian and contract employees despite the lack of Soldiers at PTA.
"This is a great opportunity to establish relationships with Pohakuloa employees and to see how we can come together and contribute to leaving it better than we found it," she said.
Various leaders have inspired Thorpe throughout her career in being the leader she is now. If she had to pick the one thing that stands out most with her, she said it would be her first assignment at Fort Stewart, Ga., with the 2nd Battalion, 24th Infantry Division; working in the battalion S-3/Operations section; and with noncommissioned officers (NCO).
"Working operations was an eye-opening experience, and I learned a lot," said Thorpe. "The NCOs had an impact on me. (I received) lasting first impressions of good leaders, who effortlessly showed me what right looks like. Those NCOs were super."
Thorpe has served at every Army level of leadership, which has made her the NCO she is today.
"I was issued a pair of wings and flew into leadership as a squad leader, platoon sergeant, drill sergeant, and first sergeant," Thorpe said.
Thorpe is a natural when it comes to relating with people.
"By nature, I feel I'm an extrovert," said Thorpe. "What I find to be an important factor when dealing with people is to give and communicate with everyone with respect and dignity. I try to approach all situations with an open mind and optimism. Don't expect the worst."
Thorpe has a hectic schedule and is raising a 17-year-old daughter. She is interested in pursuing some of her personal goals, which include recreational pursuits such as clay sculpturing and ballroom dancing.
"Most importantly, I seek to do those things that are different and will give me energy and revive me in a different way," Thorpe said.
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