DATE: November 9, 2017 9:15:04 PM CST

FLW Soldiers showcase skills during SMA visit

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
FORT LEONARD WOOD, MISSOURI 65473
VOICE: 573-563-4145
FAX: 573-563-4012
BY: Public Affairs Office

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. – Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel Dailey visited Fort Leonard Wood Nov. 1 and 2, to talk with and recognize Soldiers across the installation.

One of the first stops was the 43rd Adjutant General Reception Battalion to see the arrival of new Soldiers and the process they go through once arriving at the installation.

Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel Dailey participates in the Evasive Driving Course at Fort Leonard Wood Nov. 2. (Photo Credit: Mike Curtis (Leonard Wood))

While here, Dailey was also able to participate in physical fitness training, test out the Evasive Driving Course and view a decontamination demonstration.

“To be able to get the Army’s senior enlisted leader here and showcase what Fort Leonard Wood leaders and Soldiers do, it’s a great thing,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Jon Stanley, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood command sergeant major. “He has good rapport with the Soldiers and enjoys spending time with them.”

During his visit, Dailey joined Maj. Gen. Kent Savre, MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general, in promoting Army Noncommissioned Officer of the Year winner, Sgt. 1st Class Ryan McCarthy.

“It’s an honor and a privilege for me to be able to promote this guy. This is testament that the United States Army gets it right,” Dailey said. “We’ve got a great Soldier and a great family here, and I couldn’t be happier, along with the commanding general, to have the distinct honor to promote this young man.”

In addition to the promotion, Dailey also presented McCarthy with a Meritorious Service Medal for winning the Army level NCO of the Year competition.

“I get to see the best from every organization across the Army,” Dailey said. “It is really difficult to when you have to put together a challenging, demanding, but very diverse competition to find out who the best noncommissioned officer is.

Dailey said the competition pushes participants to prove they are well-rounded Soldiers.

“The person that is steady throughout the competition is the one that’s going to win,” he said. “You can shine in a few areas, but in order to be a noncommissioned officer in the United States Army you’ve got to be a solid contender across all areas.”

Before departing the installation, Dailey held a question and answer session for members of Fort Leonard Wood’s Better Opportunities for Single Service members program after participating in the ribbon cutting of BOSS Corner.

“Overall it was a great visit,” Stanley said.