YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea – Command Sgt. Maj. Henney M. Hodgkins became U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan’s senior enlisted leader during a change of responsibility ceremony at Collier Community Fitness Center, June 4.
Hodgkins is a native of Liberia and graduated from Wake field High School in Arlington, Virginia. She enlisted in the United States Army in November 1992 and graduated as a 74D chemical operation specialist. She has a dual master’s degree in human resource development and management and leadership from Webster University.
She has been in the army for nearly 22 years and says she finds the new company, HHC USAG-Y, very likeable.
“It is little different from previous assignments in that here I work with not only military personnel but also civilian personnel, and I find working with civilians just as motivating as working with soldiers,” Hodgkins said. “Also, though my first time I worked with KATUSAs was when I was stationed at Camp Casey in 2004, having KATUSAs to work with again is sure a great experience.”
“I just came from a CBRN battalion and we had very defined mission compared to garrison where it is more support role to the entire units. I think this job is going to form an opportunity to get out there to meet my comrades and make more impacts on the soldiers and their family.”
Hodgkins said the most difficult obstacle in her army career so far is to maintain the balance between family obligations and military obligations. “Most of the jobs that I’ve had required long hours, which took time away from my family. So it was somewhat hard for me to cope with the workload in the military while keeping in touch with my family.”
Hodgkins also expressed what she wants to accomplish here at Yongsan. “I hope to continue to improve the quality of life for soldiers and their family. Also, I hope to advance the transition of Yongsan Garrison into forward movement to Camp Humphreys, setting the conditions for a smooth progress.”
“This is probably one of the most dynamic and unwavering relationships that my country has because this relationship has been ongoing for a while, and the level of commitment that the ROK Army has displayed over the years is phenomenal. ROK army soldiers continue to be steadfast in their care that they give us and the KATUSAs that work alongside our U.S. soldiers, most of them become lifelong friends and partners. I don’t think we, as a nation, could have better partnership with any other country,” Hodgkins comments on the US and ROK alliance.
Hodgkins explains to her soldiers, “I want you to know that I am a standard bearer, however I am approachable. Though I am here to guide you and to enforce the standards, I am also here to listen to you. I like the Soldiers to know that I’m here for you, because I didn’t get to where I am today without someone helping me, guiding me when I needed it.”
Lastly, she gives a piece of advice for both U.S. soldiers and KATUSAs, “Ask yourself these questions: ‘What are my plans after I take off the uniform? What is life after military going to be like?’ It all starts with a foundation. Set your education goals in life that are achievable. If it’s not achievable, you need to keep asking yourself what you need to alter to make it achievable.”