First Army welcomes command sergeant major

By W. Wayne MarlowOctober 21, 2010

First Army welcomes command sergeant major
Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse L. Andrews Jr., the new senior enlisted Soldier at First Army, addresses Soldiers, Civilian employees and guests during his welcome ceremony, held Oct. 14 at Fort Gillem. Andrews’ previous assignment was as 3rd Infantry Divis... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

A 30-year veteran with four combat tours of Iraq has joined First Army as its senior enlisted Soldier.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse L. Andrews Jr. comes to First Army from the 3rd Infantry Division, where he served as division command sergeant major.

First Army Soldiers and Civilian employees welcomed Andrews in a ceremony in front of First Army headquarters on Fort Gillem Oct. 14.

"There couldn't be a better day for First Army to get an NCO of this caliber," said Lt. Gen. Thomas G. Miller, First Army commander. Miller noted Andrews' three decades of service and frequent combat tours and said, "I dare anybody to match those credentials."

Andrews and First Army will be a good match, according to Miller.

"We have no other mission than to get Soldiers ready for war - and they will get the benefit of his leadership," Miller said. "There's not a person in First Army who's not going to be a better Soldier because of what he's going to bring to the plate."

"I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your wingman," Andrews told Miller. Turning to the rest of the audience, he added, "I am looking forward to working with you all. I can think of no other place I'd rather be than here accepting this responsibility."

Andrews' awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor device, the Bronze Star Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Purple Heart and the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters.

He is a graduate of Air Assault School, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle Master Gunner Course, Master Fitness Trainer Course and Drill Sergeant School.

Andrews holds a bachelor's in Business Administration and Marketing Management from Trinity College and University.