JACKSON, Miss. - A 9mm pistol in hand and a target in front of him, the Soldier waits for a command from the Range Control Tower.
This is Sgt. Maj. Mark E. Norsworthy’s last time being the voice that booms from the tower.
Norsworthy, of Florence, Miss., is retiring from the Mississippi National Guard after Joint Force Headquarters’ (JFH-MS) June drill. The Human Resources Department sergeant major is a 33-year veteran of the service.
“It’s about time,” Norsworthy said. “It’s been a good run.”
During his time in service, Norsworthy earned his jump wings at Airborne School and has jumped with several other countries.
He will miss that the most, he said.
“The airborne operations were the most fun,” he said.
Norsworthy became a jumpmaster, training Soldiers to be airborne. It was a big job, he said.
“It gives you a level of responsibility. You have to learn to step up. You can run something or get out of the way,” Norsworthy said.
In order to be in charge, it’s crucial to keep up with technology’s changes, he said.
“It’s changed from typewriters and mimeograph machines to computers. Technology has made everything a lot easier,” he said. You have to constantly keep up with the technology.
Norsworthy said he has tried to lead with a particular focus.
“Always lead from the front, not from the rear.”
Retirement does not end Norsworthy’s service to the Mississippi National Guard.
His next venture includes working as the state Funeral Honor Coordinator at JFH-MS.
(Miss. Army National Guard story by Sgt. Connie Jones, 102nd Public Affairs Detachment/Released)
Date Taken: | 06.14.2015 |
Date Posted: | 06.14.2015 18:07 |
Story ID: | 166604 |
Location: | JACKSON, MS, US |
Web Views: | 38 |
Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Norsworthy bids farewell, by SSG Connie Jones, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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