Soldiers and leaders filled the bleachers at historic Palm Circle as Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addressed the audience during a town hall meeting in late June.Dempsey’s trip to U.S. Army Pacific’s headquarters at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, for a town hall meeting was sparked by his arrival for the beginning Rim of Pacific 2014 Exercise, one of the largest international maritime exercises.The meeting provided a chance for him to listen to soldiers’ concerns in the Pacific and answer questions related to those concerns.Before the meeting began, Dempsey presented eight U.S. Army Pacific soldiers with coins of excellence.Staff Sgt. Brandon Williams, a paralegal noncommissioned officer with Headquarters and Support Company, USARPAC, received a coin for being Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion’s noncommissioned officer of the year.Staff Sgt. Frankie Williams, 311th Signal Command, received recognition as 311th Signal Command noncommissioned officer of the year.Staff Sgt. James Chapman, a global force network manager, received recognition because his job is typically held by a major or higher.Sgt. Brian Wimpenny was Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion noncommissioned officer of the quarter, and Spc. Christina Williams was the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command soldier of the year.Pfc. Weng Ong was 8th Theater Sustainment Command soldier of the year and Spc. Thomas Boyd, 500th Military Intelligence Brigade, was the USARPAC soldier of the year.Pfc. Brian Beeg, 5th Battlefield Coordination Detachment, was recognized for his exceptional performance with partnered nations during his last three joint training exercises.During the town hall meeting, Dempsey talked about the significance of USARPAC in the Pacific along with its historic past, and the rebalance of the Pacific region.He mentioned how important USARPAC is in providing security for the region.Dempsey also said that his most important message and the best part of his visit was thanking soldiers for their service and sacrifices."I’m proud to have served with each and all of you. I admire what all of you and your family members have done here," said Dempsey.Adding, "You all are making a big difference out here in the Pacific and it doesn’t go unnoticed."Dempsey also answered questions about how the budget will affect soldiers’ pay; if all branches of service would wear the same uniform; how to financially plan for life after the military; and how to get the most out of a military career."People often say to me: ‘How do you balance your life in this profession of ours, which asks us to do extraordinary things on short notice,’"? he said.Adding, "I can’t answer this question for you; I can only answer this question for myself. The truth is, you have to find in your own family and in your own life, your own balance."Dempsey stated service members would feel better and have a more fulfilling career once they are able to balance their professional lives and family lives.Service members who find balance won’t feel like they are cheating either element of their lives.As the town hall concluded, Dempsey again thanked the USARPAC soldiers for their hard work, dedication and encouraged everyone to continue to give their maximum effort even in times of uncertainty.