DOD's top enlisted leader visits Okinawa

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nestor Cruz
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNEWS) --  The Department of Defense's top enlisted leader visited Okinawa April 11 to 13 to see firsthand the role the U.S. military plays on Okinawa to include the missions at Kadena Air Base. 

Army Command Sgt. Maj. William Gainey, the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met with Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines assigned here and discussed the importance of working in a joint-forces environment. 

As the first person appointed to the position of SEAC, Command Sergeant Major Gainey advises the chairman on professional development issues of enlisted members in a joint environment. 

"My biggest goal is to have all the military branches realize we are more alike than different," Command Sergeant Major Gainey said. He said each branch must focus on taking care of its members, including improved training, being properly equipped and improving quality of life for active-duty members and their families. 

Although members from different branches wear different uniforms, Command Sergeant Major Gainey pointed out a common detail found on all uniforms: "U.S." 

"We need to get our enlisted leadership to break down culture barriers between our services and realize we are truly one force fighting one war," he said. "When you work by your sister services, it teaches you their culture and what makes them click, and that experience shapes us to become better leaders." 

After touring various locations on Kadena AB, Command Sergeant Major Gainey said he was excited to meet joint warfighters firsthand and impressed with Kadena AB's warfighting capabilities. He referred to Kadena AB as "the tip of the spear of the Pacific Region." 

"Kadena is an excellent example for other units to follow," the command sergeant major said. "These past few days really charged my batteries. Team Kadena has the most energetic and dedicated group of men and women. They are very lucky to have each other and leadership who care." 

Command Sergeant Major Gainey said the key to winning the war on terrorism is continued joint operations. 

"Coalition forces are a necessity," he said. "I see the future of joint operations where we have a better understanding of each other's capabilities and all the services truly realize we can't do this alone or as a nation. This is a war we can't afford to lose. If we do lose, it will only happen by lack of support from our citizens back home." 

Command Sergeant Major Gainey offered a few pieces of leadership advice to today's Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors who soon will become tomorrow's leaders. 

"Never forget where you came from," he said. "Always strive to be the best and always focus on your troops. If you take care of them, they will definitely take care of you. As a leader, we must never forget that we are on their team." 

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