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Sergeants Major Association of the Northwest seeks new members

Organization started 42 years ago on JBLM

CSM (R) Jim Davis, President of the Sergeants Major Association of the Northwest and a former U.S. Army medic, joined in congratulating winners at the Regional Health Command-Pacific Best Medic Competition held on JBLM. Photo credit: Flavia Hulsey

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Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Sergeants Major Association of the Northwest (SMANW) is reaching out to active-duty servicemembers to continue to build on the 42-year history of the organization.  With more than 125 current members, the SMANW partners with local businesses and organizations, such as the USO, to provide financial support for military members after a house fire or during the holidays, as well as for the Army Ball. 

"We appreciate the efforts of all of the many nonprofit, voluntary service organizations, and local communities that support the servicemembers, military families, retirees and veterans in the South Puget Sound area," explained CSM Michael Grinston, the I Corps CSM and a member of the association.

This year, the SMANW will be providing military leaders with 120 gift cards for food that will be distributed to military members in need over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season. "It's a great opportunity for sergeants major on JBLM, in local commands, and in nearby communities to come together and do what senior NCOs are supposed to do - lead efforts here to improve the U.S. military and the lives of those who serve in uniform and their families," explained SGM Jamie Scott, the association's treasurer and the DIVARTY Safety Program Manager.

Comprised of active-duty and retired E-9 servicemembers, the Sergeants Major Association began in 1974 and is open to all branches of the military.  Though leadership of the organization was historically led by active-duty members, 9/11 increased the demand on enlisted members and the association's retired members stepped in to oversee much of the day-to-day operations.  With the recent decrease in operations tempo, the association is looking to pass the torch back to active-duty members with the goals of reaching a younger audience and keeping the voice and interests of enlisted servicemembers front and center at JBLM.

Over the past two years, the Sergeants Major Association has provided volunteers and financial support for monthly retirement ceremonies, the Warrior Leaders Course Distinguished Leadership Award, the Western Region Medical Command Top Medic Competition, the Holiday Food Voucher Program, emergency fund requests, and countless other activities and events.

SGM Jamie Scott urged active-duty E-9s to get involved: "If these activities are in line with your values and goals as a senior NCO, you should look further into the organization and join if you feel there is a tangible impact to the servicemembers and families of JBLM and the surrounding communities."

Monthly meetings are normally held at Sam Adams Brewhouse on JBLM the third Thursday of every month, with social time beginning at 4:30 p.m. and the meeting starting at 5 p.m.  However, this month's meeting will be held at Eagle's Pride golf course beginning at 4:30 p.m., Nov. 17. This meeting will focus on the election of the 2017 association officers and next year's focus and goals. For more information about the Sergeants Major Association of the Northwest, visit them on facebook at www.facebook.com/SMANorthwest, email SMANorthwest@gmail.com or call 253.625.3224.

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