Extracted from the book titled: "100 Sergeants Major of Color" & "Transforming the Ranks".

Genetta Denise Pasco, USASMA Class 54 was born Genetta Denise Hayes on September 27, 1949, to MSG Eugene P. Hayes and Gladys M. Hayes of Jackson, Mississippi. This is a story of a child of a soldier who realized her ambitions early in life. But she was also privileged to enjoy a childhood of freedom, small adventures and travel as an "Army Brat". To so many of her friends it was not a surprise when she enlisted in the United States Army that September 13, 1977. After four years of service, she was discharged. But he never realized that his life would take a different direction this time. So, she reenlisted in the United States Army Reserve and never looking back, once again on a lifelong career in service a decision later, she has never regretted. As a Health Care Specialist, she was often called upon to step in to provide basic and emergency medical treatment. After all, becoming a Soldier and a Command Sergeant Major has been a long-term dream and an accomplished goal, especially as female Sergeant Major of Color. During her journey to the pinnacle of the enlisted corps she has served in a variety of career building assignments, all with distinction including service in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. On October 18, 2005, at the age of 56 God saw the road was getting rough, she took her last breath on this earth and her first breath in Heaven with our beloved Heavenly Father. Lord, you cried at the death of Your beloved friend Lazarus. You have known sorrow and grief, suffering and sadness. Lord, you have now reminded us that this sergeant major of color who has died in Christ will be ours again in the day of resurrection. It is true that we have sustained a great loss by her passing. However, we believe that greatest tribute to her memory will be keeping the faith and staying true to God's word. Scripture tells us…It is the same way for the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies, which die and decay, will be different when we are resurrected, for they will never die. Our bodies now disappoint us, but when they are raised, they will be full of glory. They are weak now, but when they are raised, they will be full of power. They are natural human bodies now, but when they are raised, they will be spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, so also there are spiritual bodies. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These perishable bodies of ours are not able to live forever. I Corinthians 15:42-45, 50 NLV. She was buried with full military honors in Section 25, Site 341, Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

Veteran of Persian Gulf War. CSM - United States Army. Served in the Army Reserves for 26 years. Sources: San Antonio Express News obituary, October 20, 2005; and the Nationwide Gravesite Locator.

Name: Genetta Denise Hayes

Gender: Female Race: Black ~ Birth Date: 27 Sep 1949

Place: Jackson Hind, Mississippi

Death Date: 18 Oct 2005

Death Certificate Number: DD 1300

Notes: Aug 1965: Name listed as GENETTA DENISE HAYES; : Name listed as GENETTA DEN PASCO; 16 Nov 2005: Name listed as GENETTA D PASCO

Source: Social Security Applications & Claim Index

Military Service:

Enlistment Branch: ARMY

Enlistment Date: 5 Jan 2004

Discharge Date: 30 Jun 2004

Enlistment Branch 1: ARMY

Enlistment Date 1: 13 Sep 1977

Discharge Date 1: 12 Sep 1981