Tattoo of SMA Michael A. Grinston

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"Sweet Home Alabama" - Lynyrd Skynyrd

Michael Anthony “Tony” Grinston was born in Jasper, a small town in northwest Alabama, in 1968. The youngest of three children and raised by a single mother, his work ethic was instilled at an early age. As a young boy he helped his mother roll newspapers for her paper route; later, he took over that paper route. Tony attended Walker High School, where he played in the marching and stage band. After graduation, he took courses at a local community college. To help with the cost of tuition, he enlisted in the army in 1987 at 19 years old; signing a two-year contract as a cannon crew member. He headed to Fort Sill, for basic and AIT. While at basic training, Tony was selected by his drill sergeants to be the platoon guide for the entirety of the course, an early nod to his future leadership abilities. 

"Letters from Home" - John Michael Montgomery 

Tony’s first duty station assignment was at Fort Lewis with the 1st BN 84th FA Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. It was there that he extended his two-year contract with his first reenlistment. Next, Tony moved closer to home and became an NCO with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell. While there, he attended ranger school and air assault school just in time for his first of many overseas deployments. He served in Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield in Saudi Arabia and Iraq, honing artillery and leadership skills while in theatre. After returning from the Middle East, it was time to move yet again. Tony set off to Schweinfurt, Germany, where he served with the 5th BN, 41st FA Regiment. It was here that he met his wife, Alexandra, before moving to Fort Bragg. 

"American Soldier" - Toby Keith

Tony returned to Fort Sill in 1997 where he served as a drill sergeant within the 1-22 FA Battalion. Throughout his time turning civilians into Soldiers, Tony was described as being “Committed, dedicated, and ‘all in’ to the very end.” Through the following decade Tony began a heavy rotation of overseas deployments. Those include Task Force Falcon in Kosovo, Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, and Inherent Resolve in Iraq, and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Throughout these deployments, he led Soldiers in every noncommissioned officer role from battery First Sergeant to Division Command Sergeant Major. 

"Warrior" - Kid Rock

Grinston served as the Battalion CSM for the 2nd BN 15th FA Regiment at Fort Drum, where he submitted his retirement paperwork only to have it rejected by the 10th Mountain Division’s CSM. The Army had further plans for Tony and assigned him as the Command Sergeant Major, Observer, Controller, Trainer at the Training Center in Hohenfels, Germany. Tony was selected to serve as a Brigade CSM and served in two infantry brigades, 170th IBCT in Baumholder, Germany and 4th IBCT, 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell. Throughout this period, Tony showed his versatility and range as a leader, being an Artilleryman leading Infantry formations.

"Danger Zone" - Kenny Loggins

Tony was then selected as “Danger 7”, the Division CSM for the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley. He was integral in the deployment of the Division Headquarters to Iraq in 2014 where the Big Red One formed the core of Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command and were responsible for advising and assisting Iraq’s security forces. He went on to become the CSM for I Corps at JBLM, quickly followed by becoming the command sergeant major for US Forces Command, overseeing 750,000 soldiers. 

"Riot" - Kane Brown

Michael Grinston was sworn in as the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army, the first Artilleryman to hold the position, on August 16th, 2019. His experience of leading soldiers from infantry, mechanized to airborne was invaluable in his “People First” mentality. Throughout his time as SMA, He championed the “Total Army” concept, fighting for the betterment of quality of life for soldiers and their families. He provided testimony to multiple Congressional Sub-Committees fighting to improve barracks for soldiers, quality of housing for families, and expanding child development centers. He personally advocated for the Veterans Auto and Education Improvement Act to help soldiers and spouses relocate certifications upon moving. He advocated programs for preventing harmful behaviors to oneself and others, in turn helping with recruiting and retention. All of these to benefit the quality of life for those who are serving the nation and the families that support them. 

"The Army Song"

After nearly 36 years of service, 6 combat deployments, five bronze stars (2 with valor), and holding every enlisted leadership position, Tony Grinston retired on August 3, 2023. He is currently the Director and CEO of Army Emergency Relief in Arlington, Virginia. He continues a life of service, playing a crucial role in helping service members and their families with unexpected expenses through zero-interest loans and grants.