FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — Command Sgt. Maj. Loyd Rhoades, U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Cavazos command sergeant major, joined Soldiers for lunch April 3 at the Theodore Roosevelt Dining Facility here to listen to their questions and concerns as part of a new monthly initiative, Meet Your Garrison Command Sergeant Major.
Meet Your Garrison Command Sergeant Major is held at lunchtime on the first Thursday of each month at a different dining facility, providing Rhoades with an opportunity to connect with Soldiers across Fort Cavazos and address their concerns and answer their questions.
“It’s about being present, being accessible and receiving feedback,” Rhoades said.
Rhoades started this initiative as an education piece for Soldiers and the garrison.
A key function of the garrison is to uphold the facilities at Fort Cavazos and provide the best quality of life for Soldiers and their families. Input from the Soldiers and families it supports is critical.
I am looking for ideas,” Rhoades said. “I want to get their feedback.”
Soldiers and family members are encouraged to join the discussion.
At each lunch, Rhoades will bring along an additional representative from the various garrison organizations to provide additional subject-matter expertise.
For the first lunch, Rhoades was joined by Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers President Spc. Brandon Teso, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Regimental Field Artillery Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment.
A dozen Soldiers joined the garrison command sergeant major and spoke with him on topics including housing, on-post services and recreation.
Conversations involved quality-of-life issues about on-post fitness centers, barracks and childcare. One Soldier asked about starting a club to play Dungeons & Dragons, or D&D, with others.
Several of the issues were addressed by Rhoades simply connecting the Soldier directly with the office that could assist. Other questions about the presence of a new boxing gym on post and the status of outdoor pools were answered by Rhoades.
Teso was able to address starting a D&D club through BOSS, as well as educate the group about recreation opportunities for Soldiers through BOSS.
Rhoades said a lot of the conversations involved explaining resources available to the Soldiers and how to access those services that would help resolve their issues or concerns.
While he cannot solve all issues, Rhoades said the garrison can provide help with quality-of-life issues and issues concerning facilities.
“I can direct them to the help they need,” he said.
Sharing lunch also afforded Rhoades the opportunity to meet Soldiers where they regularly meet and learn about them, especially single, junior-enlisted Soldiers.
Spc. Melchor Loayon, Regimental Support Squadron-Muleskinner, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, said he likes the idea of Rhoades’ lunches with Soldiers.
“He wants to be there for Soldiers in person and let them know he cares,” Loayon said. “He’s very helpful with morale and open to ideas to improve our quality of life.”
Rhoades’ efforts allowed Soldiers, especially junior Soldiers, the opportunity to be heard, and the command sergeant major took the Soldiers’ words to heart.
During his conversations with the Soldiers, Rhoades took notes and wrote down the contact information of the Soldiers who needed additional information, assistance or follow-up.
“It gives lower-enlisted Soldiers a voice so people on top can hear their concerns,” Loayon said. “He’s not just all talk. It’s all action.”
Pvt. Jeremiah Payton, Troop F, 2nd Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, said he appreciated the opportunity Rhoades provided for Soldiers to address senior leadership directly.
“I definitely like the opportunity. I believe that is how you make a difference in the Army,” Payton said. “I think more leaders should do this.”
The DFAC and garrison representative who will join Rhoades for each monthly session is posted on the U.S. Army Fort Cavazos Facebook page at facebook.com/fortcavazosarmy.
The next Meet Your Garrison Command Sergeant Major lunch is set for 11 a.m. May 1 at Black Jack Dining Facility with Rhoades and a representative from the Directorate of Public Works. Soldiers and their family members are encouraged to attend.
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