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Kickboxer
MODERATOR Moderator Joined: February/13/2008 Status: Offline Points: 23679 |
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Posted: March/12/2012 at 17:36 |
IN MARK OF RESPECT TO THE MEMORY OF SERGEANT MAJOR OF THE ARMY WILLIAM O.
WOOLDRIDGE, THE NATIONAL FLAG WILL BE FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF AT ALL INSTALLATIONS, ACTIVITIES AND VESSELS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY AND ITS TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS, FROM REVEILLE TO RETREAT ON THE DAY OF INTERMENT 13 MARCH 2012. From Army Public Affairs A 'Veteran' -- whether active duty, discharged, retired, reserve, or national guard -- is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America,' for an amount of up to and including his or her life. Author Unknown First SMA Wooldridge: 'Take care of each man as though he were your own brother. He is.' WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 7, 2012) -- Today, the U.S. Army pays homage to the life of Sgt. Maj. William O. Wooldridge, the First Sergeant Major of the Army, who died at age 89, Mar. 5, 2012 in El Paso, Texas. Wooldridge was sworn in as the SMA July 11, 1966, and served until his termended in August 1968. "Sergeant Major of the Army Wooldridge was a one-of-a-kind noncommissioned officer selected to be the first Sergeant Major of the Army because of his initiative, intelligence, experience and drive to excel," said current Sgt.Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler. "His legacy lives on in the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, the centralized NCO promotion systemand our professional NCO Corps." "He was an innovator, a true inspiration to Soldiers and the epitome of a professional warrior. Our hearts and prayers go out to Patty [his wife] and the rest of the Wooldridge family during this difficult time, Chandler added." Wooldridge entered the Army Nov. 11, 1940, at Fort Worth, Texas. His early assignments include the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division and detached service with British forces in Iceland in 1941 and 1942. In 1942, he was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division in Europe as he participated in the North Africa and Sicily Campaigns and the D-Day landings June 6, 1944. In October 1944, he was wounded during the battle for the fortress city of Aachen and was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action. He received his second Silver Star in the Battle of the Bulge Campaign in December 1944. Upon his return to the United States in May 1945, Wooldridge was assigned to numerous posts. Upon completion of his term as sergeant major of the Army in 1968, Wooldridge returned once again to Vietnam as sergeant major of the Military Assistance Command-Vietnam. Upon his return stateside, he was assigned to the White Sands Missile Range in the fall of 1969 and retired Feb.1, 1972 at Fort MacArthur, Calif., after 30 years and ten months of service. "SMA Wooldridge traveled wherever Soldiers were stationed to listen to their concerns and dedicated himself to strengthening and preserving the rich history of the NCO Corps; 'the backbone of the Army,'" said Command Sgt. Maj. Rory Malloy, commandant of United States Army Sergeant's Major Academy. "He was responsible for implementing the Major Commands Command Sergeants Major Conference in 1966, which from that year forward resulted in a multitude of proposals to enhance and improve the training, morale and readiness of noncommissioned officers Army-wide." Wooldridge is survived by his wife Patty, who is also a friend and beloved member of the Army family. Visit http://www.army.mil/leaders/sma/Former/sma_bio1.html to read more of Wooldridge's Army career. |
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Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.
There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living |
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billyburl2
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: January/08/2009 Location: Cottonwood, AZ Status: Offline Points: 4015 |
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Thanks for posting this, Dan. Godspeed Sargent Major!
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If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?
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helo18
Optics Jedi Knight Joined: December/02/2006 Location: Montana Status: Offline Points: 5620 |
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Loss of a good man.
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To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.
GEORGE WASHINGTON |
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Son of Ed
Chuck Norris Joined: June/18/2011 Location: TEXAS Status: Online Points: 122207 |
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Visit the Ed Show
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Kickboxer
MODERATOR Moderator Joined: February/13/2008 Status: Offline Points: 23679 |
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The stuff of heroes. By their actions... by their deeds... by those with whom they surround themselves shall their character be known...
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Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.
There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living |
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bugsNbows
Optics God bowsNbugs Joined: March/10/2008 Location: North Georgia Status: Offline Points: 11201 |
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RIP Sergeant Major Wooldridge.
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If we're not suppose to eat animals...how come they're made of meat?
Anomymous |
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BeltFed
Optics Retard Joined: February/12/2008 Location: Ky Status: Offline Points: 22287 |
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I salute your service and dedication Sgt. Major Wooldridge.
The world needs more men like you. Maybe God called you home to help with the mold.
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Life's concerns should be about the 120lb pack your trying to get to the top of the mountain, and not the rock in your boot.
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stickbow46
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: January/07/2009 Location: Benton, Pa Status: Offline Points: 4678 |
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Rip Sgt.Major Wooldridge.............
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Pearls of Wisdom are Heard not Spoken
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cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
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Prayers for family sent. I can only stand in admiration and awe for this great Warrior and American.
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If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
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