One of the Silver Valley's finest: Sgt. Maj. David Nimrick

FORT BLISS, TEXAS –– On Wednesday, David Nimrick graduated from the Sergeants Major Academy and was promoted to Sergeant Major in the United States Army.  

For Nimrick, a Kellogg High School graduate and Silver Valley native, the Army was originally just a way for him to see the world and have his schooling paid for – But 18 years later, he finds himself in elite company and a career soldier.  

Of enlisted corps, the 39-year-old is now among the top 1%.  

“There are nine enlisted ranks in the Army and you must be selected over your peers across the entire Army through comprehensive promotion panels to reach this prestigious rank,” Nimrick said.  

The Sergeants Major Academy (SMA) is a 10-month school, focusing on leadership and providing the Army with agile and adaptive senior enlisted leaders. 

Nimrick was deployed to Iraq in April 2007 and didn’t return home until July 2008 – But after his initial enlistment came to an end, he elected to continue his service to his country because he found that he enjoyed serving and helping others, as well as the camaraderie that is shared among his fellow soldiers.  

As he rose through the ranks, new opportunities came his way – including earning a bachelor's degree in business management with a minor in marketing, as well as completing his Master’s in leadership and leadership studies.  

But according to Nimrick, nothing he had done to that point compared to the challenge that laid before him after he was chosen for SMA.  

“Completing the Sergeants Major Academy was important as it was one of the toughest challenges of my career yet,” he said. “The history and legacy of the rank of Sergeant Major is prestigious and I never would have imagined I would get to this level, once I was selected, completion was my only goal.”  

Now that he has completed his schooling, Nimrick will serve as the Minneapolis Battalion Operations Sergeant Major, overseeing a large region that includes Minnesota, Iowa, North and South Dakota, focusing on recruiting operations. He then will be assigned as a Battalion Command Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army Recruiting Command.  

“It was and is a surreal feeling being referred to as Sergeant Major,” Nimrick said. “I am sure it always will be. After graduation, my feeling was just gratefulness. I have been blessed with the best family, friends, and the best Soldiers anyone could have.”  

While humility isn’t specifically listed among the U.S. Army’s core values, Nimrick exudes it to the highest degree. 

“I am aware I did not achieve this on my own, it takes a village and thankfully mine is the best,” he said. “I would like to thank my Dad and Mom, Virgil and Cari Nimrick, for their continued support over all these years, I love you. Also, to all of my family and friends who I don't see often, but they are always with me. Godspeed.”