SCSM Marvin Jack Retires After 37 Years Of Service To The Washington Army National Guard
Story & photos by SPC Charles Ames
After 37 years of service Command Sergeant Major Marvin Jack retires. His friends and fellow Guardsmen gather to pay tribute to his career and honor his sacrifice. CSM G. Mikal "Mike" Reynolds assumes duties as State Command Sergeant Major.
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A few days before Memorial Day, Guardsmen and friends from across the state assembled to render honors at the retirement, after 37 years of service, of Washington's most recent State Command Sergeant Major - CSM Marvin R. Jack.
Mementoes from plaques, statues, art, crystal and flowers to the traditional NCO sword were bestowed upon CSM Jack and his wife Rae.
CSM Jack received both the Federal and State Legion of Merit. Mrs. Jack was presented with a state commendation and a letter of appreciation from the Army Chief of Staff, General Reimer. COL Donna Hubbard adopted the somber tone of the event; "He never asked us to do anything we couldn't do. There were times we knew he was nuts... but you know what, he was always right. For your courage to say 'That’s not right' and 'That’s not fair', we admire you Sergeant Major."
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Major General Gregory P. Barlow, the Adjutant General of Washington seemed most moved by the retirement of his senior enlisted soldier and ‘guide’ of many years; "The duty of a warrior is to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves", said Barlow.
"Anytime someone needed something, CSM Jack never said a word, he just stepped forward and took care of it. If a soldier wasn't being treated properly, I could be sure he would step up. Sergeant Major, not everyone agreed with you but I don't think anyone ever said you were unfair."
COL Gordon Toney, the Chief of Staff said, "When I became the DCSPER [Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel], one of the first people I met was CSM Jack. I could tell he knew a lot about the personnel business, and that he could help me. And he did. I want to echo General Barlow’s remarks about CSM Jack being a ‘quiet professional’. CSM Jack is totally, totally unassuming. There is zero arrogance, there is zero bragging, there is zero intimidation, he is always there to support you."
Words were difficult to come by for Tom Jack, CSM Jack’s beaming son; "Dad, I'm very proud of you, and Mom, I'm very proud of you too for the years of service you've given to the state and to me. I wish you both well. Thank you for the best possible years of my life. Not only has a state relied upon your service, but a family as well."
Rae Jack simply stated, "I’m very proud of him. And I’m sure happy that all these people showed up for him."
After the dinner, MG Barlow commented "I think CSM Jack, with his fairness and his commitment to his soldiers, has broken the mold. There’s not going to be another man like him coming down the road. I don't think they get any better than this, and that gives us all something to shoot for."
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CSM Jack offered these words as a single summation of his 37 years of service to Washington; "There’s just two things I want to say. First, keep the promotion system free of manipulation. The soldiers know what's going on and they'll appreciate it. Second... safety. If you see a soldier speeding, chew his butt! Make him fasten his helmet chinstrap, make him check his equipment, take the time to care about his safety. We have the best military in the world. That isn’t something that just happens. The most professional NCO corps in the world... that makes it happen!"
CSM G. Mikal ("Mike") Reynolds accepted the leadership position vacated by CSM Jack. CSM Reynolds comes to his new position from his former assignment as CSM for the 81st Infantry Brigade (Mechanized). During the ceremony CSM Reynolds read this letter from Brigadier General Lee Legowik, the Commander of the Washington Army National Guard, who was unable to attend.
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No matter the number of awards and plaques a soldier accumulates during a career, its the soldiers one has led, cared for, trained and mentored that matter.
CSM Jack: from all of us... you will be missed. Thank you for 37 years of sacrifice. Thank you for all you have done for all of us... for our Guard and for Washington.
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