Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Eric Pahon | Command Sgt. Maj. Mary Helen Flowers addresses troops following a ceremony appointing...... read more read more
FORT MCCLELLAN, Ala. – Alabama Army National Guard Sgt. Maj. Mary Helen Flowers, of Brundidge, Ala., earned appointment to the top enlisted grade, command sergeant major, in a ceremony on Fort McClellan, Ala. May 5.
In June, Flowers will reach 30 years of active federal service. This latest appointment makes her the senior enlisted advisor of the 167th Theater Sustainment Command Special Troops Battalion, a unit encompassing more than 350 officers and enlisted soldiers.
“It’s an accomplishment,” said Flowers, who currently lives in Montgomery, Ala. “This was never in my plans. I was just doing what I loved to do, which is mentor and train soldiers, and it led to this.”
As the STB command sergeant major, Flowers will serve as the primary adviser to the unit commander. She also oversees mentorship, training programs and career development for the unit’s nearly 200 enlisted soldiers.
“I’m excited for the challenge,” said Flowers. “I love to take care of soldiers, and see them progress, grow and get promoted themselves. I’m a people person, and I just can’t wait to get out and share my experiences to help these young troops succeed.”
That’s something 167th TSC Command Sgt. Maj. Bill Jones said will help Flowers become a powerful influence.
“She’s definitely a people-person,” said Jones. “She has worked in personnel and been responsible for ensuring soldiers succeed for her entire career. A command sergeant major’s main function is taking care of soldiers. That’s duty number one. She brings the experience and knowledge it takes to lead by example.”
Flowers attributes much of her success said to her husband of 28 years, Terry. While she was working, he stepped up to take care of their daughter and was always there giving her the confidence to face the next challenge.
That’s something Flowers hopes to share with young soldiers.
“You have to stay positive and have confidence in yourself,” she said. “Stay positive, and if you want to get promoted and work hard for it, you will. You can’t stand back and watch other people pass you by. You have to work hard and never give up.”
| Date Taken: | 05.10.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 05.10.2013 14:47 |
| Story ID: | 106742 |
| Location: | FORT MCCLELLAN, AL, US |
| Hometown: | ANNISTON, AL, US |
| Hometown: | BRUNDIDGE, AL, US |
| Hometown: | FORT MCCLELLAN, AL, US |
| Hometown: | MONTGOMERY, AL, US |
| Web Views: | 542 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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