“I’m honored to be considered part of the ESS team because I believe in their products,” said Mr Gainey.
“ESS is pleased to welcome Retired Command Sergeant Major Gainey to our Corporate Advisory Panel,” expressed John Dondero, president of ESS. “We look forward to working with Mr Gainey and learning from his vast military experiences in order to ensure that ESS’ eye and face protection products continue to provide our service men and women with the highest level of protection and user satisfaction.”
Mr Gainey recently retired from the US Army, where he completed his distinguished career after being selected as the first Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In that position, he interfaced with the most senior leaders of all military service branches and personally advised the Chairman on matters of professional development for enlisted personnel in a joint environment. Additionally, he has been fighting the Global War on Terrorism on the ground along-side Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and Sailors.
With tremendous insight and experience from the many positions he has held throughout his distinguished Army career, Mr. Gainey brings a wealth of knowledge to ESS. He enlisted in the Army under the Delayed Entry Program in 1974 and entered basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky on June 17, 1975. During his 33-year career, this highly decorated Soldier served in every leadership position from command group gunner to Command Sergeant Major in support of numerous Operations including Operation Joint Endeavor (IFOR), Operation Joint Guard (SFOR 3), Operation Joint Forge (SFOR 8) and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Mr Gainey is a graduate of many military schools and training programs that include the Drill Sergeant School, Airborne School, Jump Master School, Air Movement Officer’s Course, Observer Controller Course, First Sergeants Course, Pathfinder School, and the US Sergeants Major Academy, Class 41.
As a member of the ESS Corporate Advisory Panel, Mr. Gainey will serve as a senior US Military mentor. His intimate knowledge of the combat conditions in which modern Soldiers are required to operate and of the demands put on their gear will help ESS shape the future of its combat eye and face protection products and program development for the US Department of Defense.
Eye Safety Systems (ESS) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oakley, Inc. ESS creates advanced eye protection systems for military, law enforcement, and fire/rescue professionals. Designed for the planet’s most hostile and unforgiving environments, ESS products feature cutting-edge technologies and patented innovations to ensure peak performance and uncompromised eye safety.
Headquartered in Sun Valley, Idaho, ESS is a leader in eyewear sold to the US military and firefighting markets.