Photo By Senior Airman Tania Reid | Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin L. Hill accepts the NATO flag from Gen. David H. Petraeus,...... read more read more
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KABUL- Service members from the International Security Assistance Force Headquarters said goodbye to one senior enlisted leader and welcomed another in a formal Change of Responsibility Ceremony held here Sept. 1.
U.S. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, ISAF commander, passed the United States Forces- Afghanistan and ISAF colors from U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Hall to U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin Hill, symbolizing the change of responsibility and induction of ISAF’s newest senior enlisted advisor.
“An event like this requires a great deal of organization and preparation,” said Petraeus, “and we’re all grateful to those who made this event so special that two tremendous sergeants major should be recognized today.”
The ISAF commander spoke about the experiences and contributions Hall made throughout his military career and during his 13 months at ISAF.
“Well it is obviously a true honor to say a few words about a great leader,” Petraeus said. “In more than three decades on five different continents, Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Hall, “Ranger Hall”, has worn his nation’s uniform and worn it exceedingly well.
“He has never shied away from a tough assignment, spending an astonishing 13 consecutive years as a command sergeant major,” he said. “During all of his assignments, he travelled constantly, going to some of the most remote and most dangerous places on the planet with America’s Special Operations Forces.”
The general noted that Hall came out of retirement when asked by U.S. Army Gen. Stanley Chrystal, then ISAF commander, to serve as the ISAF senior enlisted advisor.
“What he has done within the past 13 months has been crucial to this fight,” Petraeus said. “On a personal note, he has been invaluable to me during the recent transition. He has, and has always provided, forthright advice, helping to provide me a better understanding of the environment and the considerable challenges we face here together.”
“I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have him as my Ranger buddy here, even if it was just for a few months,” he added.
Consequently, the ISAF commander said Hall’s successor, Hill, is the consummate senior non-commissioned officer.
“He has always been known for having an unequalled common sense, and a sincere understanding of and biting concern for our troops and their families,” Petraeus said.
In his introduction speech, Hill thanked Hall for his years of service and said he was excited for the challenges that lay ahead.
“There is no other place to be than right here, right now,” he said. “I do not have a hidden agenda, but I do have an agenda. I am here to expand the impact the commander has on the ISAF and USFOR- A forces.”
Additionally, Hill said he plans to be available, accessible and approachable to all who seek his counsel and advice.
Hill was selected by Petraeus to serve as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for ISAF after serving 21 months as the command sergeant major at the United States Central Command. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in the Liberal Arts and Sciences from St. Thomas Aquinas College and a Masters of Education in Organizational Leadership from Northcentral University.
Command Sgt. Maj. Hill’s awards and decorations include, but are not limited to, the Defense Superior Service Medal with an oak leaf cluster, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (seventh award) and the Joint Service Commendation Medal. He also holds the Combat Action Badge, the Expert Infantryman’s Badge, the Air Assault Badge, and the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge.
| Date Taken: | 09.01.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 09.03.2010 07:36 |
| Story ID: | 55660 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 83 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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