Top enlisted Soldier scheduled to visit

By STEVE REEVES, Fort Jackson LeaderSeptember 16, 2009

Top enlisted Soldier scheduled to visit
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FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- The Army's top noncommissioned officer is visiting Fort Jackson next week to visit with Soldiers and give his thoughts about critical issues currently facing the Army.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth Preston will spend much of Tuesday at Fort Jackson. Preston's itinerary includes attending a change of responsibility ceremony Tuesday morning of the Drill Sergeant School. Preston will later eat lunch with Soldiers from the 369th Adjutant General Battalion.

Preston's visit coincides with the 369th Adjutant General Battalion's Command Sgt. Maj. Teresa King becoming the next commandant of the Drill Sergeant School. She will be the school's first female commandant.

Preston will also be the speaker at the Lt. Gen. Timothy J. Maude Leadership Lecture Series, which is scheduled for 3 p.m., Tuesday in the Solomon Center. The lecture series is meant to inspire young Soldiers to become strong leaders in the Army.

Command Sgt. Maj. Darlene Hagood, the regimental command sergeant major of Fort Jackson's Adjutant General School and the AG Corps, said it is fitting for Preston to come to Fort Jackson for the Drill Sergeant School's change of responsibility ceremony, as well as the Maude lecture series, since this year has been designated as the Year of the NCO.

"Jackie Robinson said, 'A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives,'" Hagood said. "'Impact' is what Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston makes every day in the lives of Soldiers and their families while serving in our Army's senior enlisted position."

Hagood said Preston sets an example for all Soldiers to follow.

"On a daily basis he executes the Maude Foundation's mission to preserve ... Maude's legacy of taking care of Soldiers in America's Army," Hagood said. "Lt. Gen. Timothy J. Maude had a passion for Soldiers and developing leaders. Sgt. Maj. of the Army Preston shares that passion. We look forward to hearing his thoughts next Tuesday as we celebrate Lt. Gen. Maude's legacy and the Year of the NCO."

Preston became the 13th Sergeant Major of the Army in 2004. He has held a variety of leadership positions throughout his 34-year career, ranging from cavalry scout to command sergeant major.

As Sergeant Major of the Army, Preston serves as the Army Chief of Staff's personal adviser on all enlisted-related matters, particularly in areas affecting Soldier training and quality of life. He devotes the majority of his time to traveling throughout the Army observing training, and talking to Soldiers and their families.