Photo By Staff Sgt. Brian Calhoun | Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Michael S. Kirkland stands with Maj. Gen. Robert E....... read more read more
EASTOVER, S.C.— The noncommissioned officer is often referred to as the “backbone of the Army” and two former South Carolina National Guardsmen who personified that definition were inducted into the S.C. Guard Enlisted Hall of Fame at the McCrady Training Center April 5, 2014.
Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Kirkland and retired Sgt. Maj. Robert B. Hill were the latest inductees into an already illustrious hall of former Soldiers and NCOs who cared for their troops, accomplished their missions and embodied the “be, know, do” core values of the noncommissioned officer.
“These two Soldiers demand excellence of their people,” said Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston Jr., the adjutant general for South Carolina. “To the both of you, a job extremely well done. You truly deserve to be sitting among the best in the nation. And thanks to your families for supporting you throughout your careers.”
During his prestigious career, Kirkland held many leadership positions, to include first sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 218th HSB, 1-118th Infantry command sergeant major, Task Force 218th command sergeant major of Homeland Security, command sergeant major Combined Task Force Phoenix Kabul, and the 218th MEB command sergeant major.
His tremendous leadership was recognized during his command when HHC 218th MEB was reorganized and awarded the Army Superior Unit Award in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
“I’m truly honored to have been selected for induction into the Enlisted Hall of Fame,” said Kirkland. “What makes it even more special is to be here with my comrade of many years, Robbie Hill.”
In 1989, Hill earned the Humanitarian Award for his efforts during Hurricane Hugo. In 1992, he was the South Carolina Outstanding Guardsman of the Year. Later, he was promoted to first sergeant for Charlie Company, 1-118th Infantry in Gaffney.
Hill also led his Soldiers through Operation Joint Guardian in Germany and then through a deployment to Kosovo from August 2004 to February 2005. As a result of his expertise and knowledge, Hill was then asked to help mentor and train other first sergeants at the First Sergeants Instructor Course at McCrady Training Center.
“I thank God for everything he has done in my life and I thank everyone who is here today, especially my family,” said Hill. “When I was a first sergeant here (McCrady), I often wondered what it would feel like to have my picture alongside the other great leaders in the hall. Well, I can now tell you how I feel – it feels good.”
Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Brickley, the state command sergeant major, summed up the ceremony by saying, “Soldiers live the seven Army values, both on duty and off, and these two have done just that."
| Date Taken: | 04.05.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 04.07.2014 11:09 |
| Story ID: | 124654 |
| Location: | EASTOVER, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 241 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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