Sergeant Major
Charles E. Stanton

Sergeant Major Charles E. Stanton was born in Butler, Tennessee on June 22, 1950 and entered the Army on December 5, 1968.

He spent much of his early career in Vietnam as a recovery specialist and senior track mechanic. Later assignments took him to Germany, Italy, and a number of stateside units. He served as motor sergeant, battalion maintenance sergeant, first sergeant, and sergeant major. He attended the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy in February 1989.

His time at the Academy, combined with an innovative style and a genuine concern for a more creative learning environment, helped him in his efforts to restructure the Noncommissioned Officers Academy instructional format. His diligent efforts and work initiatives formed the foundation that became the cornerstone of the small-group method of instruction.

He commanded the Advanced Noncommissioned Officers Course at Aberdeen Proving Ground from 1990 to 1992. There, he greatly improved the ability of the Ordnance Corps to adapt quickly to the new technology being introduced. Sergeant Major Stanton died on active duty in May 1993 while serving as the Sergeant Major of the 8th Support Group, Camp Darby, Italy.