SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - The adjutant general of Puerto Rico, Brig. Gen. Isabelo Rivera, received Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey during a July 31 visit.
Dailey, who is the 15th SMA, arrived in Puerto Rico after coordination with the National Guard. The focus of his visit was to offer support for any needs that the PRNG may have. It was Dailey's first visit to the island.
As the Army's sergeant major, Dailey is the personal advisor to the Army chief of staff in all matters that affect the enlisted force.
"This visit from the Sergeant Major of the Army to the National Guard reflects the close exchange between the active Army and the National Guard which maintains the great relationship that has always brought us together," Rivera said. "SMA Dailey came to show his support to our Soldiers and look out for their well-being after the passing of Hurricane Maria."
During his visit, SMA Dailey was accompanied by PRNG State Command Sgt. Maj. Juvencio Méndez.
"This visit to the island makes us feel very proud since it's a great honor to receive the visit of someone in his position here in the PRNG," Méndez said. "It's not common that the SMA comes to visit our facilities to offer his support and talk one-on-one with our Soldiers."
During his two-day stay, Dailey visited the new PRNG facilities in Fort Buchanan, Fort Allen in Juana Diaz, and the landing craft facilities in Ceiba. As part of the briefings he received, he was made aware of countless Soldiers who showed up to work as part of the recovery efforts on the Island after Hurricane María, even though they had lost their own homes and their families had no electricity or water for months.
"I always say I'm proud of my Soldiers and the heroism they execute for the nation," said Dailey. "What I see here is a culture that shows valor and commitment with its people even in the most difficult of times. Perhaps Hurricane María destroyed the Island, but not the resolve, honor and sense of responsibility these Soldiers have for their people.
"I'm happy to have this opportunity to be here with all of you and share your experiences regarding Hurricane María. If there's anything I can do for you don't hesitate to call me because I owe myself to my Soldiers and it is my job. Visiting with you and learning of the valor and commitment of these Soldiers becomes now part of my own experiences."
SMA Dailey has been deployed four times in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. He has also been deployed in support of Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield.