FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- They started out as classmates in the Sergeants Major Academy and now retired Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph LaPlante and Sgt. Maj. Marty Boyd-Green are the newest inductees in the Recruiting and Retention Hall of Fame.
Both retirees, who were honored in a ceremony Tuesday at the Soldier Support Institute auditorium, were selected based on their exceptional contributions to their units and the Army. Both of them have made history and inspired Soldiers to continue in military service.
Col. James Comish, RRS commandant, said Boyd-Green set new standards for female Soldiers by breaking ground in new units.
“She became the first female command counselor for the United States Army Infantry School, for the 2nd Infantry Division and for U.S. Armed Forces Command,” Comish said.
Boyd-Green attributes her success to a few rules that she lives by.
“Always provide the leadership and service to those who depend on you that you would want for yourself,” said Boyd-Green. “Remember where you came from and those who helped you to get there because they will never steer you wrong.”
Boyd-Green said because of her career, she has been approached by noncommissioned officers who say they want to be just like her.
“Don’t be like me, you are setting your standards way too low,” she said. “I want you to be better than I ever dreamed that I could be because you have the knowledge of those like me who have gone before you.”
Comish said that LaPlante has a love of recruiting that also influenced others to excel.
“He instilled in his recruiters a love for recruiting and a passion to share their Army story,” Comish said. “He glows with the love of the Army and his passion for serving cannot be matched.”
LaPlante’s dedication to recruiting helped his unit distinguish itself from others in the command.
“During his time there, Command Sgt. Maj. LaPlante turned the New England Recruiting Battalion into the best battalion in U.S. Army Recruiting Command,” Comish said.
Even though LaPlante is retired, he still contributes to the Army as an ROTC Recruitment NCO.
LaPlante took the opportunity to encourage young NCOs and recruiters at the Hall of Fame ceremony.
“There are some great Soldiers out there who need great leadership, especially the ones coming back from deployments,” said LaPlante. “Listen to them, talk to them and make sure they get the proper care for themselves and their families.”
Boyd-Green expressed her gratitude for being selected as an inductee.
“I am greatly humbled by this entire experience,” she said. “It was an honor just to serve.”
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