We all remember Michael A. Grinston for his service as he rose through the ranks of the Army to the position of Sergeant Major. For many, accolades and various other awards aren’t the sole reason, or even the reason may serve. However, when you do the right thing, when you stay prepared, and work diligently in the U.S. Army, these things seem to come about. His legacy is found in the way he pushed for his fellow Soldiers and set an outspoken example of what leadership should be.
Grinston retired in a ceremony in early August 2023, leaving the role of Sergeant Major of the Army to Michael R. Weimer. However, the Army Emergency Relief has announced that Michael A. Grinston will now replace Lt. Gen Raymond V. Mason as director and chief executive officer in 2024.
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When Was Michael A. Grinston Born?
Born in 1968, in Jasper, Alabama, Michael A. Grinston would grow up to become one of the Army’s greatest Soldiers over the course of his service. During his time in the U.S. Army, Grinston would become a highly decorated Soldier, serving in major conflicts that still shape our world today.
A Different Type of Leader
Promotions would come rising through the ranks and this course would help him become a noted leader over time. But the key to the leadership found under Sergeant Major of the Army Michael A. Grinston is the fact that he is unlike most leaders found in the branch.
Embracing social media, Sergeant Major Grinston is known as a person that is much more accessible. Working to speak on behalf of those serving and defending the rights of Soldiers from all backgrounds, his following comes from doing what’s right and being relatable in the process.
Sweeping issues under the rug never works because the mess never really goes away, and former Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Grinston understands this simple truth. This is why instead of shying away from the harsh topic of suicides in the Army, he has been an advocate for preventing them rather than dealing with the aftermath.
Those who served with Sergeant Major Grinston, have met him, or follow him online understand the type of man it takes to become a leader in the Army. Most importantly, they understand the type of leadership he brought to the table.
Michael A. Grinston’s wife, Alexandra, and her husband have also spoken about what it takes to be a married couple through the trials and tribulations of military life. Overall, whether personal or professional, his leadership is evident in every aspect.
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What Michael A. Grinston Is Up to In 2024
All of his hard work and determination paid off after retirement. The Army Emergency Relief (AER) named Grinston the next director on November 11th of 2023. The AER provides funding for military members to relieve immediate financial hardships such as rent, utilities, and emergency travel.
Grinston’s duties as AER director began Jan 1st, 2024. He is fully equipped for the position as he has served as a board member the past 7 years. Grinston has helped the AER as a board member through COVID-19, showcasing the necessary leadership qualities needed for this position.
A list of assistance programs the Army Emergency Relief fund is currently helping is available on the AER website.
Michael A. Grinston Is the First NCO to Become Director
Michael A. Grinston is no stranger to making history, and now he is adding another title to his impressive resume. Grinston is officially the first retired enlisted Soldier to become a director of AER.
Excited to assume this role, he expressed how his background brings added pressure, “Not only do I want to be a great director of AER, so that we can provide the best support possible to our Soldiers, I also want to make sure that I do well so that other enlisted will get a similar opportunity.”
This achievement comes after Grinston’s impressive 36 years of service. With this new endeavor, it is rather clear that Michael A. Grinston is not stopping any time soon. Only time will tell what he will accomplish in this noteworthy role.
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