KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond Chandler III visited the soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Task Force Duke, at several bases in Khowst and Paktya provinces, Oct. 18.
During breakfast in the FOB Salerno dining facility, Chandler spoke with soldiers stationed here about upcoming, Army-wide troop draw-down and changes in policy.
He emphasized that the privilege to serve the Nation will always be offered to those willing to continuously better themselves, and adapt to the needs of the force.
“You have to be willing to do what the Army needs you to do,” he said, adding that selfless service means being committed to the Army and taking assignments that may not be one’s first choice. Selfless service is one of the seven Army Values, which Chandler calls the core of what makes a soldier a soldier.
He went on to compare the professional soldier to professionals in the civilian sector. He said oldiers, like lawyers, clergymen and doctors, all go through rigorous training and constantly reassess their skills to stay ahead.
“Having the opportunity to break bread with the sergeant major of the Army was an honor for both my soldiers and I,” said U.S. Army 1st Sgt. John Pair from Queens, N.Y., the first sergeant of Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 3rd BCT. “His taking the time out to visit the troops and talk about the way forward for our expeditionary Army was very beneficial. He is the right guy to have in our corner.”