The U.S. military's highest ranking non-commissioned officer made his very first visit to Ft. Rucker today.

Sergeant Major Raymond Chandler III was able to tour facilities, see training practices, and most importantly, talk with young soldiers.

He emphasized that rather than the military base, the people he met stood out most.

"Pride is contagious, and when you see young men and women excited about what they're doing and passionate about it, it's really uplifting and aspiring to me."

He added that the U.S. Army is headed in a good direction and every soldier he spoke with is excited about that direction too.