FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2001
RELEASE NUMBER 2001-04-05

Sergeant Major of the Army visits U.S. Army, Pacific soldiers

FORT SHAFTER -- The Army’s top enlisted soldier is running, visiting and talking to U.S Army, Pacific soldiers during a weeklong tour to units around the island.
     Sergeant Major of the Army Jack L. Tilley is conducting physical training with three units, meeting soldiers and talking with U.S. Army, Pacific senior noncommissioned officers. Tilley is also observing soldiers in action during an infantry tactics and military police demonstrations.
     "This is a very significant event when the sergeant major of the Army visits any command," said Command Sgt. Maj. Jackie L. Cunningham, the USARPAC command sergeant major. "USARPAC soldiers and NCOs can rest assured that they have a chance to impact the SMA's future decisions and representation of the them."
     In his role as the personal senior enlisted advisor to the Army’s Chief of Staff, Gen. Eric Shinseki, Tilley travels around the world to gather input and feedback from soldiers. He talks to soldiers and their families on issues ranging from housing conditions and quality of life to training and education.
     "The sergeant major of the Army is often called to testify in front of Congress so that the soldier's point of view is represented," Cunningham added.
     Tilley was sworn in as the 12th SMA to hold the position last June. A 32-year veteran, Tilley served in every major leadership job from tank commander and drill sergeant to operations, first sergeant and command sergeant major positions. He served two tours in Vietnam and as command sergeant major in Germany, Fort Knox, Ky., and joint assignments at the U.S. Central Command and U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command.