Sisterhood Spotlight
Garrison Command Sergeant Major
Command Sergeant Major Tamisha Love has devoted nearly two decades to serving in the U.S. Army, where she has led and inspired many other Americans. In this Sisterhood Spotlight, she shares on her time in the Army, her observations and offers advice and resources for Virginia Women+girls (W+g).
This Fourth of July, what would you like to say to Virginians?
The Fourth of July represents service, sacrifice, gratitude, and, most of all, freedom. Freedom empowers us and enables all Americans to live a life of possibilities. We have the most powerful military in the world that is committed to sustaining that freedom. Freedom alone is worth celebrating!
What inspired you to join the Army? What has inspired you to continue serving our nation for so many years?
When I was young, my uncle served in the Army. I remember observing his pride in ensuring his uniform was squared away before he put it on. The excitement on his face when he put on his uniform is a look I will never forget. I also observed how proud my family was of him for serving in our military. I wanted to experience that feeling.
Only one percent of our population will ever serve in the military. Throughout my military challenges, I have had the privilege of serving with the most amazing one percent of our population. It's about remaining part of something much bigger than yourself, the Army family. I love the Army!
How have you seen the Army change over the years, especially for women?
Our Army has come a long way in the last few decades. The Army has responded with many significant changes in a way that shows that it values the women in its ranks. For example, women are now allowed to serve in combat roles. Another significant change is the opening of many professional military education schools to pregnant soldiers, preventing them from falling behind in their careers. The Army’s new changes to the grooming and appearance standards allow us to embrace our womanhood. The Army has implemented many new policies toward the advancement of women. Our progress has been accelerating, but we still have ways to go. For the United States to have the most lethal fighting force in the world, women must be a part of that force.
What is a piece of advice you would like to share with Women+girls who are interested in serving the country, like you?
Women are gaining ground because there are so many brave women across the world that have the determination and the unwillingness to accept anything less. There are unlimited possibilities in our armed forces for you. Be All You Can Be!
Of your many notable achievements, what is it that you would like to be remembered for most?
I want to be remembered as a trailblazer that left a legacy of inspiring others to accomplish the impossible despite the challenges. If you can see it and believe it, you will achieve it.
About Command Sergeant Major Tamisha Love
Command Sgt. Maj. Tamisha A. Love enlisted in the U.S. Army on Feb. 1, 1998 in Union Springs, Alabama. She completed Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Lee (now Fort Gregg-Adams), Virginia. Prior to becoming the Fort Gregg-Adams Garrison Command Sergeant Major in April 2021, she served in several key Army roles in Management, Logistics, Aviation, and Instruction in localities including Germany, Hawaii, Oklahoma, and Georgia. She deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom twice: with the 1st Armored Division and 82nd Sustainment Brigade.
Command Sgt. Maj. Love earned her bachelor’s degree in human services from the Columbia College of Missouri. She attended the U.S. Army Sergeant Major’s Academy for her military schooling and has completed numerous advanced training, development, and certification courses.
Her military schooling includes: U.S. Army Sergeant Major’s Academy; First Sergeant Course; Drill Sergeant School, Master Resilience Training Course, Contracting Officer Course, Joint Logistics Course, Manpower and Force Management Course, Common Faculty Development-Developer Course, Foundation Training Developer Course, Senior Leaders Course, Advance Leaders Course, Basic Leaders Course, Action Officer Development Course, Supervisor Development course, The Force XXI Battle Command Course, Unit Victim Advocate Course, Combative Level II, Total Army Instructor Training Course and Equal Opportunity Leaders Course.
Her awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (Silver Oak Leaf Cluster), Good Conduct Medal (6 Awards), National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal (2 Stars), Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 4), Army Service Medal , Overseas Ribbon (Numeral 3), and the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge.