Retired SMA visits Dix NCOA

Staff Sgt. Christopher Novak (Left) addresses Kenneth Preston, former Sgt. Major of the Army (Right), about how he applies leadership to team building throughout his career at the Fort Dix NCO Academy on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Jan. 9, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Aumtep Hill/Released)

Retired SMA visits Dix NCOA

Students stand as Kenneth Preston, former Sgt. Major of the Army, Command Sgt. Major Richard Anderson, Army Support Activity-Dix, and Shane Byrd, Fort Dix NCO Academy commandant, exit the Graduation Hall at the Fort Dix NCOA on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Jan. 9, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Aumtep Hill/Released)

Retired SMA visits Dix NCOA

Published Jan. 26, 2015
By Fort Dix NCO Academy

JOINTBASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The 13th Sergeant Major of the Army, Kenneth Preston, visited the new multi-million dollar Fort Dix NCO Academy on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, which will house future Warrior Leader Course students beginning in January 2015.

Preston spoke with students and WLC cadre on the importance of safety, how it goes hand in hand with leadership and the enforcement of standards. He also shared his past experiences and personal stories as a leader and how easily a safety concern could turn into a life ending event.

Preston also took time to present the NCO Academy's Gold Star Mothers Ruck March Team with a trophy for the hard work and dedication they displayed by winning first place three consecutive years in the event. Preston's recent visit is a testament to the type of leadership the Fort Dix NCOA attracts and produces.

The academy had a great last year, ending it by receiving a Training and Doctrine Command Level IV accreditation known as "Learning Institution of Excellence."

Preston's words of wisdom impacted greatly on the cadre and students of the NCOA and were a kick start to an already exciting and promising year.