Local residents on Saturday honored a Palmerton man who had achieved the highest enlisted military position in the nation.

A retirement celebration was held for Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey, who recalled growing up on Lehigh Avenue in Palmerton and beginning his military career immediately after graduating from Palmerton Area High School.

As Sergeant Mayor of the Army, his office was in the Pentagon.

Dailey was only the 15th person ever to be appointed to this position.

More than 100 people attended the retirement celebration held in Woodstone Country Club, Danielsville.

Pennsylvania state Sen. Ryan Aument, who had served with Dailey in the Army both in the United States and in Iraq, attended the celebration and described Dailey as “the most impressive leader I have ever served with.”

Dailey, 53, told the gathering, “It is an honor and privilege for this poor, young kid from Palmerton to be honored by so many.”

The 1989 graduate of Palmerton High School retired Aug. 9, 2019, but the local recognition dinner was postponed because of the pandemic. He was appointed sergeant major of the Army on Jan. 30, 2015.

He is the son of Eileen and the late Daniel Dailey Sr. His mother wasn’t able to attend but he said he is thankful for the “ethical and moral foundations” she instilled upon him and his brothers.

His father, Dailey said, “taught us work ethics and patriotism.”

Dailey credited numerous people who helping him to achieve his success, including George H. Duell Jr., who served as the master of ceremonies.

Duell, who serves as the U.S. Army Reserve Ambassador, was the principal when Dailey attended Palmerton High School.

He especially praised his wife, Holly, also a Palmerton native. They have been married for 26 years and have one son, Dakota. “She took a chance on the poor kid from Lehigh Avenue and literally followed me to the end of the earth,” he said.

Dailey told her, “Honey. I can’t give you and Dakota back the time I was on assignments. But I can love you the rest of my life.”

Dailey said the event was about more than him retiring.

“The purpose is sacred. It’s honoring hometown America,” Dailey said.

He said because of sacrifices by military members, “everyone can live in peace and prosperity.”

“We must not grow weary of recognizing those who accepted the task of preserving freedoms. It is so important that we never forget their sacrifice and dedication.”

He said he has traveled all over the world and visited over 100 countries.

“I can assure you we have the best military and the best care of their families than any other country.”

Although we live in a capitalistic society, he said, there is one thing that doesn’t have a price. “That is saying thank you for your sacrifices,” he said. “That has to be earned.”

Daily concluded, “It takes a village to raise a child and this child is grateful to be raised in the village of Palmerton.”

Dailey said although he’s officially retired from the military, “I’m not (retired) from life, yet.”

He said he still lives in Palmerton and also lives and works in Washington, D.C.

He serves as vice president of the Association of the United States Army, a nonprofit organization that benefits soldiers. He also serves as a consultant for defense contractors, specializing in finances.

Dailey had served five combat deployments, four to Iraqi Freedom and one in support of Operation Desert Storm.

Perhaps the most poignant remark to accentuate the accomplishment of Dailey came from Palmerton Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jodi Frankelli. She said a portrait of Dailey hangs by the office in Palmerton High School.

Shortly after being hired as superintendent, her husband visited the school and saw Dailey’s picture. Her husband immediately reacted, “Did he go to this high school? Did he graduate from this high school? Do you know what a big deal that is?”

She presented a basket filled with Palmerton Blue Bomber items to him.

Numerous citations were presented to Dailey, including one from Palmerton Mayor Don Herrmann that proclaimed Saturday at Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel A. Dailey Day.

Christine M. LeClair, director of Carbon County Veterans Affairs, spoke briefly.

Others who spoke were state Rep. Doyle Heffley, state Sen. David Argall and Carbon County Commissioners Wayne E. Nothstein and Rocky Ahner.

Dailey’s wife, Holly, was a surprise speaker. She said, “I am so blessed to be a military spouse. I am so honored to be a military spouse.”

She looked at her husband and said, “Between you and God you have given me more than I ever dreamed of.”

She said to him, “You told me you wanted a lot of kids. I didn’t think that meant 2.1 million military members.”