Remarks by Sergeant Major of the
Army Jack L. Tilley

Upon receiving the Sylvanus Thayer Award
West Point - 3 October 2002

First off, I am incredibly honored to be here representing the American Soldier. I have been a soldier for almost my entire adult life. I wasn’t sure at first this is what i wanted to do. But there is a transformation that takes place, civilian to soldier; it’s not for everyone. Once you make the transformation, you know it. It gets in your heart, your blood. You become part of a brotherhood or sisterhood, a family. And there is no other family like it. You put your life into others’ hands, and theirs into yours. I’m not sure what it is. Our drill sergeants? Our squad leaders? A sense of duty? The camaraderie? Perhaps a combination of all.
 
Tom Clancy once said if the Army could bottle up what we do to instill that sense of purpose and dedication into people, we could make a mint. He also said he always wanted to join the Army; in fact, he wanted to be a cavalryman or tanker.
 
But soldiers don’t do it for money, they don’t do it for glory. It’s a greater purpose. To protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, to protect our families, our way of life, our freedom.

Some of our greatest Americans have been soldiers — Washington, MacArthur, Eisenhower, Powell. The list is endless. Soldiers like these and millions more have changed the course of history. For it is the soldier that makes the choice of life and death in an instant.
 
Perhaps they have influenced our nation more than any other. Because once they complete their tour of duty, they bring that same discipline and honor to the civilian world. And we are a stronger America because of that.
 
Soldiers are the guardians of freedom. 9/11 has made that clear once again for our country. Our fellow Americans have gained a newfound respect for the American Soldier. They know that this war on terrorism must be fought and won by us. Their confidence in us fuels our dedication.
 
Soldiers do not seek out war, but answer when called. They fulfill their duties. Their loyalty is unmatched.
 
Audie Murphy once said, “I have seen war as it actually is, and I do not like it.” Anyone who has been to war knows its evils; no one more so than the American soldier.
 
That is why they are true American heroes. Unlike sports, where if you have a bad day, you can come back tomorrow and play again. There is no second place in our profession. That is why we train as we fight. That is why we cannot waver in our mission, or our standards.
 
Soldiers represent all that is good and true; the spirit of our nation can be found in their souls.
 
I am proud of being the Sergeant Major of the Army. But I want to be remembered above all as an American Soldier.