Sergeant Major Of The Army Julius W. Gates

2015-04-14T15:41:05-04:00

I had the great pleasure of meeting SMA Gates and providing transport for him aboard our helicopter when he came through Augsburg, Germany in the late 1980s. It was quite a memorable experience for me and a real honor to meet him. I will never forget something he said to us as he was about to disembark from the helicopter. My co-pilot, and good friend/brother-in-arms, WO1 Keith Genter bid him "Have a nice day, Sergeant Major." as he was about to remove his headset. The SMA very matter of factly replied, "It's ALWAYS a nice day when you're a Sergeant Major!"...removed his headset and walked away from the aircraft. I looked at Keith, who still had this awestruck look on his face, and said, "Well, I guess he told YOU, didn't he?" LOL. I can only imagine that working directly for or with SMA Gates at any point during his career must have been a great pleasure. SMA Julius W. Gates held the top enlisted post in the Army from July 1987 until June 1991, retiring from active duty immediately following.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 4:55 PM

2015-04-14T16:55:03-04:00

I once had the honor of meeting SMA (RET) Tilley in Germany, once. For a man of about 5'10", his presence was very tall. Even got a coin from him.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Apr 14 at 2015 5:18 PM

2015-04-14T17:18:18-04:00

He was the top dog when I was in. I remember his name because he was the SMA when I went to the promotion board. The Vietnam vets held many of the key spots when I was first in. My PSG was a product of the Vietnam War and should have taught at Fort Benning. I learned more from him in those 2 years than I did from an other mentor. SFC Angel Flores. I took what he taught me and passed it to as many troops as I could over the years.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Apr 14 at 2015 6:19 PM

2015-04-14T18:19:40-04:00

Thought it appropriate to share a picture of his Shadow box which was online. SMA (ret) Gates was our Eight SMA, a proven and highly decorated Leader during Combat operations, a great Leader and outstanding SMA!

http://www.ausa.org/resources/nco/sma/Pages/8thSMA-JuliusWGates.aspx

8th SMA - Julius W. Gates

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Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 6:30 PM

2015-04-14T18:30:18-04:00

Great story, CW4 Larry Curtis! I thought he was going to say, "It's always a great day when you're an American!" Either way works. I remember SMA Gates (hearing about him anyways ... never met him personally). I'll bet that did make your day.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Apr 14 at 2015 6:37 PM

2015-04-14T18:37:38-04:00

He was the SMA when I enlisted and I emulated his stand on discipline, training and the health and welfare of Soldiers/Family.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 3:38 AM

2015-04-15T03:38:17-04:00

SMA Morrell was the SMA when I enlisted back in 87 followed shortly after by SMA Gates. I have met SMA Tilley and Chandler.

While I was attending the Sergeants Major Academy the first Sergeant Major of the Army, SMA William O. Woolridge past away in El Paso, Texas. I was given the great honor to be an usher during the two day viewing held in the Academy's auditorium. I also attended his funeral on post.

Always a memorable day when you are able to interact with the Army's highest ranking enlisted Soldier!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2015 12:57 PM

2015-11-06T12:57:43-05:00

Nice memory.

Response by SGM Robert Speakman made Mar 4 at 2016 9:36 PM

2016-03-04T21:36:50-05:00

SMA get in touch with its been a long time

Response by SGM Robert Speakman made Mar 4 at 2016 9:47 PM

2016-03-04T21:47:03-05:00

SMA JULIUS GATES GET IN TOUCH WITH ME, ITS BEEN ALONG TIME

Response by SGM Robert Speakman made Sep 2 at 2018 10:04 AM

2018-09-02T10:04:17-04:00

He was my Diivision CSM IN 3RD ID 1982-84, they called him tough little man. was a great soldier and leader. Lost track of him through the years