Photo By Ebony Gay | Command Sgt. Maj. Sharon Campbell, outgoing 94th Training Division-Force Sustainment...... read more read more
FORT LEE, VA. – Carrying out a command sergeant major tenure is thought of as one of the most challenging endeavors bestowed upon our nation’s senior non-commissioned officers. It is another milestone and journey of its own for one to see their military career through until retirement. For one senior leader, an impactful military career would come to fruition.
The 94th Training Division-Force Sustainment, a down-trace unit of the 80th Training Command (The Army School System), gathered at Fort Lee’s Army Logistics University Bunker Hall to bid farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Sharon Campbell, outgoing 94th TD-FS command sergeant major and welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Simpson as the new division command sergeant major on Mar. 10, 2019, during the unit’s change of responsibility ceremony.
Campbell, a Troop Program Units soldier, serves as a Human Resources Supervisor with the 319th Signal Battalion, in Sacramento, California. Her historical 38-year military road to success would consist of various topics during her speech to include her enthusiasm to be one of three sergeant major’s to hold a division command position, straightening her path to triumph, becoming a single mother, becoming an inspiration for others, cease opportunities that the military has to offer, growth and, having passion for what you do.
“Wow, 38-years flew by. What a way to celebrate Women’s History Month”, said Campbell. “For me to be here today as a woman after having served in a distinguished position as a division command sergeant major, being the only one of three at this level in United States Army Reserve Command until recently and the first African American female command sergeant major for the 94th Training Division, paving the way for other women to follow.”
Campbell reminisced about how her initial plans to join the military Nov. 26, 1980, by way of the Air Force did not pan out when her childhood best friend said “let’s join the Army on the buddy plan”. “To my surprise, my best friend did not show up to the Military Entrance Processing Station”, said Campbell. “I thought, “What have I done?” I couldn’t stop comparing Army basic training and duty stations to what the Air Force had to offer.”
Despite Campbell’s entry into the military taking an unexpected turn, she views her service in the Army as her best choice. “I can stand here today to say I made the best decision…to be the all I can be and to be Army strong,” said Campbell.
The foundation for Campbell’s success was laid by her parents. She also gained vast insight into the military culture as her father completed 37-years of federal service and is a World War II veteran. “My parents insisted, no demanded that we be respectful, educated and are articulate to open doors that were closed to them,” said Campbell. “I strive for excellence in everything I do.”
For Campbell, it was key that she took a moment during her speech to speak about “It’s not where you’ve been but where you’re going.” Campbell gave further insight into her road to success during her military career. “I grew up in a poor community called Strawberry Manor in Del Paso Heights, California,” said Campbell. “Although I love my community, I knew I had to achieve higher to obtain a better life. By joining the Army, I am now able to give back to my community.”
The road for Campbell’s military and civilian career was not initially aligned as she desired, but she set out to adjust her path to her liking. “Although my road was crooked, I made it straight,” said Campbell. “When I found it difficult to follow, I learned to lead.”
Along Campbell’s road to success, obstacles arose such as working a full-time job, being a full-time student, becoming a single mother of three children under the age 5-years-old at the time while serving in the Army Reserve. During these trying times, Campbell used the Warrior Ethos to press on.
“I taught my children never to quit,” said Campbell. “I studied hard, learning all I could and attained a bachelor’s degree in Business and a master’s degree in Business Administration…I made my road straight.”
Campbell went on, sharing how she attained and performed five Military Occupational Specialties and held various positions during her military career while striving for the path of her choice. “I’ve worked hard in the Army Reserve, attaining MOS’s, starting in Signal as a Radio Teletype Operator with Morse Code, served as Adjutant General, a Logistician, an instructor, an operations sergeant, a first sergeant, a director of instruction and culminating as a division command sergeant major”, said Campbell. “I made my road straight.”
Campbell stated that she sought to be an inspiration to others, continued to lead the way, with no excuses on why she could not complete tasks or the mission. She continued with some parting guidance, adding that change is inevitable and is to be accepted to promote growth. She encouraged the audience to make a difference, not for themselves but others. Learn everything you can and love what you do or don’t do it.
“Take advantage of the many opportunities that the Army has to offer, it’s life-changing,” said Campbell. “No matter how crooked the road looks, control your destiny…make your road straight.”
As Campbell completes this chapter of her life and military career, she relinquished the responsibility of the 94th TD-FS to Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Simpson whom Campbell stated she is honored to have as her predecessor.
“Command Sgt. Maj. Simpson, I am honored to have you follow in my footsteps”, said Campbell. We as the 94th team took the division to a new level, improving our foxhole. I know you will set the bar even higher along with the amazing command team, brigade command sergeant majors and Soldiers you have that has shown me the utmost respect, support and dedication during my tenure.”
Simpson, a Troop Program Units soldier, has worked for the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington, D.C. as a Federal Police officer holding the rank of Major serving as an Area Commander for the Maryland Region for the past 16-years. Simpson shared insight about assuming responsibility of the 94th as the incoming command sergeant major which is his first command position the division level.
For Simpson, he was a bit anxious coming into his new tenure at the 94th. “I thought I knew exactly what I was getting into,” said Simpson. “Then I became nervous as I began to realize and understand the tremendous responsibility involved. I’ve calmed myself now because I understand the mechanisms in place to aid me with carrying out the mission.”
With time served in the 94th in previous years during his military career, Simpson provided insight on what some of his initial objectives will consist of as the new division command sergeant major. “I’ve lead a brigade under the 94th in the past, so I have an understanding of the unit’s mission”, said Simpson. “My job now is to observe to see if there are obstacles that have hindered the achievement of tasks and to come up with new creative procedures or improve on old processes to try to get us closer to fulfilling the division’s overall mission.”
With 30-years of military service, Simpson shared lessons learned throughout his career that he believes will contribute to a successful tenure at the 94th. “I think in this position we'll have to continue to instill pride in the instructor corps,” said Simpson. There’s a high level of pride that comes with drill sergeants but that same level of pride doesn’t come with the instructors, and I will strive to instill an increased level of pride in the instructor corps.
“Finally, I also think my attitude toward Soldiers is an element that will aid me,” said Simpson. “Soldiers make us who we are. If we put value and importance into the Soldiers, our junior and subordinate leaders - empowering them will make our jobs easier.”
| Date Taken: | 05.03.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 05.04.2019 12:55 |
| Story ID: | 320708 |
| Location: | FORT LEE, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 590 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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