Year of the NCO: Senior noncommissioned officer leaves legacy of honor

by Eve Meinhardt
Paraglide

	McCann

A full house at the Pope Air Force Base movie theater came together with Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur J. McCann III and his Family Friday to celebrate McCann’s more than 27 years of service. McCann stood on the stage with his wife of 25 years, Vicki, and his children by his side, accepting the commendations and awards bestowed upon him for his service.

McCaan’s father and other Family members stood there too; to honor the dedication of a man many called “a true warrior leader.” Only his son, Kyle, was unable to attend because he was busy picking up where his dad is leaving off and attending basic training at Fort Benning, Ga., preparing to become an airborne Soldier.

As the command sergeant major of the 189th Infantry Brigade, McCaan ended his career with the same devotion and mission-focus he carried with him during the last 27 years.

“He has done nothing but stay in the fight and stay in the foxholes,” said Maj. Gen. J. Michael Bednarek, commander, First Army Division East. “Over most 27-year careers, you see various staff positions, with Command Sergeant Major McCaan that’s not the case.”

McCaan’s career is filled with various assignments in ranger and infantry units. He participated in combat parachute operations in Panama during Operation Just Cause; received the Soldier’s Medal for his actions after a helicopter crash over the Great Salt Lake in Utah; helped develop and test the Striker Brigade Combat Team concept; and served in both Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

McCaan was humble about his career accomplishments and credited his Family with providing him with the support and giving him the pride to do what he did each day.

“The Army Family faces a lot of challenges. As we move from station to station … the Family moves with us,” he said. “The challenges they face we often don’t even see, but that’s what makes them strong.”

The 189th Infantry Brigade’s commander, Col. Stephen M. Quinn, said he was sorry that he was going to have to finish up his command of the brigade without McCaan by his side. He reflected on the changes McCaan has seen since joining the Army in 1982 and how many Soldiers, both enlisted and officers, he has touched, by providing guidance and sharing his knowledge with others.

“It is fitting that in the year of the NCO (noncommissioned officer), we are honoring one of the finest NCOs in the Army,” Quinn said.

Bednarek echoed Quinn’s feelings.

“The true legacy of a professional is what Command Sergeant Major McCaan leaves behind,” he said. “Not just with the Soldiers of the 189th, but the thousands of Soldiers he’s touched over his career as a coach, mentor, professional, trainer and leader.”

McCaan reflected on how he thought retirement was going to be easy, but thinking back on his service and all the people he’s served with makes it hard.

“For 27 years, I’ve always answered that I am a Soldier when asked what I do. When you say you’re a Soldier, even people who aren’t in the military understand what you do,” said McCann. “Soldiers are trained, proud, loyal and we live by a set of values that set us apart from others. We’re a part of a great team.

“In my heart, I will always stand proud. I will always be a Soldier,” he said.