Photo By Staff Sgt. Amanda Tucker | Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin Hill, the Multi-National Forces-Iraq senior non-commissioned...... read more read more
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By Pfc. Amanda Tucker
3rd Sustainment Command
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Command sergeants major from across Iraq met in Baghdad on Oct. 20, 2008, to give well wishes to Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin Hill, the Multi-National Force - Iraq senior non-commissioned officer.
Hill, who is scheduled to leave Iraq soon, spent his last 19 months in Iraq. Hill was the senior enlisted advisor of MNF-I, which is currently comprised of forces from 17 coalition partners. Hill also served as Gen. David Petraeus' advisor when the 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) was in theater.
The goodbye party took place on the veranda behind the joint visitor bureau hotel. Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division band "Hip-all-day", based out of Fort Hood, Texas, played jazz near the entrance, lightening the mood. Finger foods, snacks, and cakes were set on tables lining the edges of the open area. Senior leaders from the Army, Marines and Iraqi army made conversation while awaiting Hill's arrival.
The party crowded around a podium while command sergeants major took turns telling stories of Hill's achievements, gave their congratulations and handed Hill gifts in parting. These included an Iraqi plaque, coins from other command sergeants major in the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and a flag carried in a convoy to the event.
Hill smiled as he addressed the crowd of people there to say farewell. He explained to the crowd of combined service leaders that it was not easy to tell his family that he wanted to come to Iraq instead of staying at home.
"What makes 19 months go by fast," Hill said, "is loving what you do every day. Every day has been exciting and every day has brought new challenges."
Hill joked that sometimes his personnel security detail was an improvised explosive device magnet, and servicemembers laughed when Hill said he often felt his convoy acted as the route clearance team.
Hill took a serious tone when addressing the command sergeants major on continuing to lead the Soldiers he would soon be leaving. He also talked about the rules and guidelines he tried to live by.
Hill explained three golden rules he tried to incorporate into his life: "Do what's right," Hill said. "Do the best you can. Treat others [the way] you want to be treated."
Hill also informed said he tried to live by three A's: available, assessable, and approachable.
He said the first two A's mean nothing without the third.
"You guys grade me," Hill said, "I pray that I leave with a good report card."
| Date Taken: | 10.30.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 10.30.2008 09:10 |
| Story ID: | 25728 |
| Location: | BALAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 326 |
| Downloads: | 146 |
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