A SALUTE TO A SOLDIER & HIS STYLE
Chief Warrant Officer III Joshua Maillard is a 29-year Army National Guard vet. He has spent much of his military career in aviation with the V. I. National Guard. Maillard is pictured here in his Army Service Uniform, the attire worn to formal events. Photo courtesy of Joshua Maillard.
At Dress Better on the Weekend, we love talking to local Virgin Islanders about their personal style. As we recently honored or nation’s veterans on Nov. 11, we decided to tap one of our distinguished members of the Virgin Islands National Guard for this week’s Work to Weekend feature.
Chief Warrant Officer III Joshua Maillard, 49, is a native of St. Croix and currently works as the Supervisory Logistics Management Specialist for the Guard on St. Croix. Over the course of his 29-year career in the Army National Guard, 20 of those years have been spent in aviation. CW3 Maillard has logged an impressive 2,500-plus flight hours as a pilot, flying everything from the C-23 Sherpa to the UH-60 Black Hawk and the LUH-72 Lakota aircraft.
When he is not flying to and from military missions, CW3 Maillard remains focused on his spiritual mission as the newly ordained pastor of St. Croix’s Bethel Deliverance Church of God.
Here’s what he told us about grooming and his on- and off-duty style.
Dress Better on the Weekend (DBOW): When not in uniform, how would you describe/define your personal style.
CW3 Joshua Maillard: My personal style is casual/business casual when I am out and about. Of course, on Sundays, it’s church day, so that’s the day to dress up. Sometimes I dress according to my mood.
CW3 Maillard is pictured in dress pants and matching vest with button-down shirt and tie. His ensemble is in soothing earthtones. This look represents Maillard’s classic semi-formal style when not in uniform. Photo courtesy of Joshua Maillard.
DBOW: Being in uniform, especially military uniform, is often associated with strict grooming standards. How have the standards of your profession influence the way you dress and show up publicly when not in uniform?
JM: As a soldier, being well groomed is a part of being in uniform. After 29 years of service, it has become a part of who I am. Everything I wear becomes a different uniform.
CW3 Maillard stands beside one of the choppers he pilots wearing standard fatigues. This uniform is designed for everyday fieldwork and combat. Photo courtesy of Joshua Maillard.
DBOW: When you’re off duty, what are some of your favorite things to wear?
JM: When I am off duty, I love slacks, polos, a nice pair of jeans, and sometimes just a nice pair of dress shorts.
DBOW: What does the saying “dress how you’d like to be addressed” mean to you?
JM: I believe this saying is spot on. The way you dress tells a lot about your personality and character. It can either draw people to you or push them away. It can give a lasting impression.
DBOW: What’s one piece of advice you’d like to give to other local men about grooming and dressing well?
JM: Find your style. Remember what you wear and how you wear it says a lot about who you are.
A man of many talents. CW3 Maillard is seen dressed in a casual outfit as he plays the steelpan. He is also an accomplished saxophonist. Photo courtesy of Joshua Maillard.