In June 1994, Pvt. Mario V. Lindsey enlisted in the United States Army attending basic combat training (BCT) at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, assigned to 1-31st Field Artillery Battalion, with one goal in mind, never to give less than his best effort.
Fast-forward 25 years later, Sgt. Maj. Linsey, the Operations Sgt. Maj. of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 75th Field Artillery Brigade, Fort Sill, was recently appointed as the Command Sgt. Maj. of 1st Battalion, 31st Field Artillery Battalion, 434th Field Artillery Brigade, Fort Sill, the very place where his journey into the Army began.
“To achieve the rank of Sgt. Maj. in the U.S. Army is something less than one-percent earn,” said Lindsey. “To be appointed as Command Sgt. Maj. is an even smaller percentage. Achieving the rank of Command Sgt. Maj. is not only an honor and privilege but the fruits of my 25-year’s worth of hard work and dedication.”
It was at BCT where Lindsey and his fellow trainees met their Drill Sergeant, who held them to a high standard that never wavered, accepting nothing but their best.
“Day one, I wanted to quit,” said Lindsey. “I wasn’t used to being on someone else’s time. Someone tell me what to do, when to do it, it was like nothing I’d ever experienced before. But day after day, it became more and more the norm.”
CSM Lindsey says he credits a lot of the drive and passion he carries as a senior non-commissioned officer to the almost prophetic words spoken to him by Drill Sgt., “You’re going to do great things for the Army.”
It’s safe to say throughout CSM Lindsey career he has endured many challenges and hardships along the way, but thanks to the support of his wife and family he has been able to face all hardships head-on.
“Earning this position after over 25 years of service means everything to me,” said Lindsey. “I know that without the love and support of my wife and children, this wouldn’t have been possible. It’s due to their continued support that I have been able to achieve all that I have. I may be the one in uniform, but this accomplishment is not mine alone.”
CSM Lindsey will soon be replacing CSM Derrick D. Rankins, current senior enlisted advisor of 1-31st FA, and leading the nations newest recruits.
“It has been an honor to serve as the Brigade Operations SGM for the largest Field Artillery Brigade in the United States Army,” said Lindsey. “This experience has only better prepared me for what comes next.”