Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Maj. Susan Hunter, 166th Aviation Brigade sergeant major, addresses the audience...... read more read more
By Capt. Sean J. Davis
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West Public Affairs
FORT HOOD, Texas — A Women’s Army Corps enlistee retired after over 33 years of military service Friday at the 25th Street Chapel, here.
“I've been everywhere,” said Sgt. Maj. Susan Hunter, as she referenced a song by Hank Snow.
Hunter’s career allowed her family to travel across the United States as she held a myriad of positions.
She began her career in the WAC during 1975 at a very different period of American history — before women were integrated into military formations. She now works as the 166th Aviation Brigade’s operations sergeant major.
“As a young woman from Nebraska, I had dreamed of becoming a farmer/rancher's wife, not a career woman,” said Hunter.
Hunter exceeded her expectations, leading a life and career that was only a dream of many women from her hometown of Arnold, Nebraska — population 510, as of the 2010 census. She progressed through the Army ranks from private to sergeant major.
As a sergeant major, she was charged with the health and welfare of Soldiers and equipment, as well as being a senior adviser to field grade officers and commanders.
“I’m so proud of my mother and she truly inspires me to follow in her footsteps and become a Chief Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Detrick Thomas, noncommissioned officer-in-charge, Vehicles and Equipment Section, 91st Maintenance Operations Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota and Hunter’s son.
“Our families share all the hardships, know all of the fears and make personal sacrifices daily, all without rank, pay or recognition” said Col. Christopher E. Albus, 166th Aviation Brigade commander.
Albus revealed the Hunters’ legacy and honored military family members as the real heroes of service.
“When Jeff said, ‘I do,’ I informed him he had a responsibility as the spouse of a Soldier,” said Hunter. “To be a member of the Family Readiness Group.”
Jeff took that challenge to heart and excelled as a volunteer and FRG advocate. Albus presented him with an Army Certificate of Appreciation signed by Army Chief of Staff General Ray T. Odierno, and an Army Certificate of Appreciation from the 166th for his support to his wife and countless unit FRG’s over Hunter’s 33-year career.
”Sgt. Maj. Hunter, your service to this great Army does not end here today. The scores of Soldiers you influenced and helped develop over your 33 years of service remain,” said Albus. “They carry forward your standards, your examples and marching in your footsteps into the Army of tomorrow. Old Soldiers never die, they just fade away.”
| Date Taken: | 03.17.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 03.17.2015 15:48 |
| Story ID: | 157278 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 88 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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