MARY HAYES

Mary Hayes

U.S. Army Sergeant Major (Retired)

Mary Hayes is a retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major whose life of service reflects resilience, leadership, and compassion. A proud native of Kansas City, Missouri, she now calls Texas home. With over 30 years of combined military and federal civilian service, Mary’s remarkable journey began as a Private First-Class and culminated at the highest enlisted rank of Sergeant Major an achievement earned through unwavering commitment, integrity, and purpose.

Mary dedicated the majority of her career to the U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps, serving in critical legal support roles including Legal Clerk, Court Reporter, Paralegal, and Instructor at the JAG School in Charlottesville, VA. She later became a Faculty Advisor for the Reserve Component Course at the prestigious U.S. Army Sergeant Major Academy in Fort Bliss, TX. Her leadership extended to key positions such as Command Paralegal Sergeant Major and III Corps JAG Sergeant Major in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation IRAQI Freedom.

Mary’s expertise and professionalism led her into federal service with the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) as a Program Analyst and Management Assistant. She later served as Assistant Program Manager at the Warrior and Family Support Center at Fort Sam Houston, where she continued to support military families with empathy and dedication.

As an integral member of the “Foundation of Five” a leadership team including the Staff Judge Advocate, Deputy SJA, Legal Administrator, and Senior Civilian Representative—Mary was a trusted advisor on personnel, training, logistics, and operational matters across multiple installations. Her leadership style, built on mentoring, empowerment, and collaboration, influenced countless Soldiers as she guided them through legal training, deployment preparation, and professional development.

Mary’s legacy is decorated with numerous military and civilian honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and a heartfelt letter of appreciation from President Barack Obama upon her retirement each a testament to her lasting impact and exceptional service.

Committed to lifelong learning, Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (Cum Laude) from the University of Texas at San Antonio, a bachelor’s in human resources labor relations from Rockhurst University, and associate degrees in Criminal Justice, Business Management, and General Administration. She is a proud graduate of the Sergeant Major Academy (Class 47) and the elite Command Sergeant Major Course at Fort Bliss.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mary leads a life grounded in family, service, and community. A proud twin and devoted aunt to a U.S. Paralympic Track and Field athlete, she finds joy in crafting, cooking, traveling, and giving back. She volunteers with San Antonio Sports; a nonprofit committed to transforming lives through the power of sport. And as a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, Mary brings the same spirit and energy to her leisure as she did to her career.

Mary Hayes is more than a leader she is a builder of people, a steward of justice, and a shining example of service before self. Your financial support helps us continue our work and achieve our goals. Your donation will help us fund essential programs and services in our community.