Twenty Eight Years Ago

Written by Master Sgt. Lorene M. Edwards
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Sgt. Maj. Leah Ruzynski, from 8th Battalion, Army Reserve Careers Division, removes Sgt. 1st Class Edwards rank before pinning her Master Sgt’s rank

It seems like yesterday when I was sitting in a Recruiting Office in 1985 waiting for my friend to get finished so we could go to the lake.  It was the Marine Corps Recruiting Station in Madison, WI.  I was comfortable sitting with my feet propped up on the coffee table, until a raspy, loud voice said; “Get your feet off my table.”  It was then that I looked around at the posters, studied the portrait of a General and the ribbons on his uniform and asked the question, “What did he do to get all those?”  Then the question that sealed the deal was; “This really doesn’t look that hard; I mean this looks easy, anyone can climb under a log with mud on them, right?”

I had no reason to join the Military; I was one of those kids that “Just Did It”.  I served for 8 years in the Marines and of the four that I did on Active Duty, it was there that I learned that “the door to opportunity swings on the hinges of adversity.”   Being a female in the Marine Corps wasn’t easy; but it made me into the woman I am today.  Determined, confident and goal oriented.

After a several year break in service, I walked into the Army Recruiting Office and told them; “white lies leave black marks on reputations and my only question is, can you make me a Drill Sergeant?”   Within months I was in DS School trying to adjust to the differing sounds and steps of cadences and learning that in the Army if I wanted someone to swab the deck I had to be prepared for mass confusion. 

I have learned in my 22 years of Military service that all branches are equally important to America; each bringing its own skills to the fight.  I have learned that determination and overcoming of obstacles don’t have to be alibi’s but opportunities.   It has been an honor to serve in all my capacities within the ranks of the Army over the last 15 years.   These all taught me how to be a better person, subordinate and Leader.  These years have taught me that our organization is built and maintained by investing in others; by taking care of each other and solving problems with level headedness.

When people ask how I could be in the Military so long; I just say that any man’s life can be a coincidence but I prefer to make mine a reflection of me.   I am grateful that the Army has trusted me to hold the rank of MSG.  This is an accomplishment that I only accept due to the diligent leadership of all those I have served under; Army and Marine Corps alike.  Rest assured that I will fulfill my greatest obligation and I will not fail in your trust.   

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Promotion Due to Mentors Leading From the Front

Sgt. Major Jeffery Hegarty pins Master Sgt. Kelli Harr’s new rank.

When I enlisted in the Army 12 years ago, I had no idea how long I would stay or if I would even like it. I initially joined because I was tired of living in a small town with nothing to do. I attended a junior college for two years on athletic scholarships for cheerleading and softball but after receiving my Associates degree, I was bored with school and searching for a new adventure. I quickly found that by enlisting in the Army in 2000.

Fast forward eleven years to a place I wasn’t expecting to be so quickly in my career. I was fortunate to have Non-Commissioned Officers that knew how to mentor young Soldiers and prepare them for future assignments and promotions. They took pride in developing their subordinates and used the NCO creed as a guideline on how to be an NCO. When I read my name on the Active Guard Reserve Master Sergeant Selection list last December, I thought about my former NCOs and vowed to take care of my Soldiers the same way they took care of me.

I immediately thought about whom I wanted to promote me and although several names came to mind, one stood out from the others. Sergeant Major Jeff Hegarty was my first supervisor after I reclassed to 79V in 2005. I had only been a Career Counselor a few short months when I volunteered for a deployment and learned I would be working for him. I had emailed him several times asking what to bring to theater and always got the same response: a knife and a flashlight. I had never been deployed but was fairly certain I would need more than just those two items. He was relentless in stating that’s all I would need. I soon had visions of us gutting camels by flashlight in the middle of the desert. Luckily, that wasn’t the case.

Since I had minimal prior experience as a Career Counselor, I asked Sgt. Major Hegarty about 100 questions a day on how to complete a DD Form 4 or what regulations governed reenlistments. Right away, he refused to answer my questions until I looked for the answer myself. At first, I was annoyed by this but soon realized he was teaching me to be independent and learn where to find the answers for myself instead of relying on someone else. Sgt. Major Hegarty was preparing me to be a leader so that when my Soldiers asked me questions, I knew the answers and I knew where to find them. He didn’t just say how to take care of Soldiers; he showed me how to do it.

Being promoted to Master Sergeant is a huge accomplishment but it’s not something I can accept alone. I’m thankful for all the leaders I’ve had, both good and bad. Several years ago, I read a quote by General Norman Schwarzkopf that has stuck with me. He said, “You learn far more from negative leadership than from positive leadership. Because you learn how not to do it. And, therefore, you learn how to do it.”

I’ve made mistakes in my career and am certain as a senior leader I will make more. It’s not the mistakes that define you as a leader but rather how you learn from those mistakes.

The Snowball Express

The Military Family is such an integral part of what we do as Army Reserve Career Counselors and continues to be in the forefront of our minds as we “Never forget” our fallen comrades, or their families! The 2nd Battalion, Army Reserve Careers Division was able to participate in The Snowball Express event at the Pittsburgh Airport on 30 Nov, 2012 to show Army Support for these families!

Sponsored by American Airlines, The Snowball Express takes children of fallen servicemembers on a vacation to Dallas Texas.

This is the seventh annual event, held November 30 through December 4, 2012, marks the fourth time Snowball Express has visited North Texas. Activities for the families include:

• An “American Candy Land” reception upon arrival at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Youngsters had the opportunity to create holiday-themed crafts, enjoy cotton candy, and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
• A visit to the AT&T Performing Arts Center for the annual tree-lighting celebration
• Participation in the Dallas Children’s Parade
• A trip to Six Flags Over Texas
• A private concert by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band at Fort Worth’s Billy Bob’s, the renowned Texas honky-tonk.

More photo from the event are located at http://www.flickr.com/photos/pitairport/sets/72157632138368491/

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USAR Marksmanship Program and CSM Schultz

Command Sgt. Maj. Michael D. Schultz, the 11th Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Reserve, and Sgt. Maj. James Mauer, USAR Army Reserve Careers Division and Marksmanship Program.

 

The US Army Reserves has been a staunch supporter of organized marksmanship events throughout the force. Regulation supports competition shooting at all levels, starting at the unit level with the annual USAR Postal Match (http://armyreservemarksman.info/postal-match/) all the way up to Federally required marksmanship events (under Title 36, Section 40725 of the U.S. Code) represented by the US Army Reserve Marksmanship Program.

In light of this continued support, SGM James Mauer of the Army Reserve Careers Division and Marksmanship Program presents the official head gear worn by all USAR Marksmanship Program members to CSM Michael Schultz for continued support.

ARCD Running Team Finishes Army Strong

Members of the Army Reserve Careers Division competing at the Army Ten Miler in the team event finished in the award category and were officially recognized for success.

Team ARCD Mission Failure is not an Option competed among 37 Reserve Mixed teams and took third place. The Army Ten Miler defines Reserve Mixed teams as male and female team members with Reserve status from the same unit, duty station, or installation. At least one scoring member of the team must be of the opposite gender.

ARCD Mission Failure is not an Option team members included Erin Miller, John Dunlap, Eleanor Cunningham, Chris Westerholm, Angel Liberg, Steven Mckee, Nancy Cortes, and Romeo Santos.

 

ARCD Mission Failure is not an Option team members included Erin Miller, John Dunlap, Eleanor Cunningham, Chris Westerholm, Angel Liberg, Steven Mckee, Nancy Cortes, and Romeo Santos.

USAR Postal Match FY13

USAR Postal Match FY13 announced:

http://armyreservemarksman.info/postal-match/

Going for the Gold

Competitors start the Army Physical Fitness Test during their 2001 Secretary of the Army, Army Reserve Career Counselors Competition.

It was amazing watching the 2012 Olympics Games held in London this year. The top honor and nothing less is bringing home the “GOLD”.

In just a few days, it too will be about bringing home the “Gold” as the competition begins on September 16, for the 2012 Secretary of the Army, Army Reserve Career Counselor of the Year.

Just as each Olympian had to train and compete on their local level, thirteen Soldiers, one from each of the Army Reserve Career Division thirteen Battalions have already competed and won the honor of being their Battalion, Career Counselor of the Year, but now they are going for the Gold.

Sacrifice is the word that comes to my mind.  While I watched television or read a book the Olympian, most likely was somewhere training.  While I enjoyed a hamburger and fries, the Olympian meal may have maintained a strict routine of brown rice and vegetables.  While I slept late on a Saturday morning, the Olympian, may have been up for hours training, and some leave home to focus on nothing but training to win the “Gold”.

Again, the word sacrifice comes to mind, the one sacrifices each Army Reserve Career Counselor makes, is the decision to be “Twice the Citizen,” “a Warrior.”

Their Military Occupation Specialty is 79V, for short, we call them 79 Victors.   Task to sustain the strength of the Army Reserve, Army Reserve Career Counselors must continue their mission as they train to compete for Career Counselor of the Year.   Their mission is vital, sustaining the Army Reserve’s end strength.

Army Reserve Career Counselors providing guidance and career counseling to Soldiers of the Army Reserve; identifies and transfer Soldiers into a Troop Program Unit; conduct reenlistment and extensions;  prospecting and assisting Soldiers on becoming Army Reserve warrant officers and applying for direct commissioning and that is only part of what they do.

Their sacrifice now, means they must continue to focus on their mission while preparing for the competition.  Not just one simple task to add to their already packed day, in between phone calls, completing interviews or completing packets they must slip in the time to prepare to win the “GOLD”.

This competition is a multi-facet.  They will not just run as fast as a bolt of lightning or fly through the air, flipping several times then landing flat-footed without losing your balance. And no, I am not making light of the wonderful job and display of hard work and talent each of the Olympians  accomplished this summer, and my overall favorite by the way was Gabrielle Douglas.

This competition can consist of almost anything.  So they must prepare for everything.  Past competitions have included the Army Physical Fitness Test followed by Urban Orienteering, which encompassed a road march with backpack, Warrior Task, Weapons Qualification, Land Navigation, Essays, Uniform and Board Inspections and Mystery Events.

So just us as the competitions start on September 16, 2012 and give a shout out to your favorite competitor! Let them know how proud you are of them and give them your best advice to bring home the “GOLD.”

1st Battalion ARCD welcomes a new commander

Lt. Col. Eric V. Myrick, 1st Battalion ARCD outgoing commander, surrender the Battalion’s colors to Col. Gary U. Bullard, Commander of the Army Reserve Careers Division.

Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Mayra O’Neill, 362nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORT DEVENS, Mass. – The 1st Battalion Army Reserve Careers Division bid farewell to Lt. Col. Eric V. Myrick, and welcomed Lt. Col. Kurt D. O’Rourke as the battalion’s new commander during a change of command ceremony held July 9, 2012 at Fort Devens Community Activities Center.

Myrick a native of Montgomery, Ala., assumed command of 1st Battalion ARCD on May 10, 2010, becoming the second to command the battalion since the ARCD activated in October 2008. He has held a variety of demanding positions throughout his career from serving as a Platoon Leader, all the way to performing the duties as the Manpower Policy Officer as a member of the Office of the Chief Army Reserve, G-1 [Human Resources].

During his farewell speech, Myrick said that being the 1st Battalion commander has been the best assignment of his career. “You have inspired me and made me a better officer and I hope I have been able to help you,” he said.

Inspired by the late basketball coach James Thomas Anthony, who never gave up or let his team quit, he tells the soldiers of 1st Battalion, “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up, don’t quit.” Myrick praised his NCOs by saying, “You have done many good things over the past two years, and I know you will continue to get better.” “Stay passionate about what you do. Find a way to get yourselves motivated and re-energized if you need to, but continue to push forward.”

Myrick’s new assignment will be with the Department of the Army at the Pentagon.

The incoming commander, Lt. Col. Kurt D. O’Rourke a native of Beverly, Mass., began by thanking his family for enduring three moves in the past four years, which they have handled with grace and enthusiasm, as they continue to support the challenges of military life.

His last assignment was as a student at the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pa. Prior to attending the War College, O’Rourke was assigned as the Chief of Plans, Analysis, and Integration Directorate for the 99th Regional Support Command, Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, N.J.

O’Rourke considers taking over this command a gift and honor, and most of all a great privilege. “Command during a time of war and great transition for our armed forces is a distinct privilege,” he said. “Part of the honor of today is assuming command of a unit which has the distinction of having the finest non-commissioned officers in the United States Army Reserve,”

O’Rourke said with great pride. He continued to praise his NCOs and the Corp of the Non-Commissioned Officer by saying, “You have been, are, and always will be the backbone of the Army. You are the standard bearers of excellence and the Army Values.” However, he did emphasized that, “Mission failure is not an option.”

O’Rourke concluded his speech by quoting Adm. James Stockton, a Medal of Honor recipient and 8-year Vietnam prisoner of war by saying:

“Leadership must be based on goodwill. Goodwill does not mean posturing and, least of all, pandering to the mob. It means obvious and wholehearted commitment to helping followers. We are tired of leaders we fear, tired of leaders we love, and tired of leaders who let us take liberties with them. What we need for leaders are men of the heart who are so helpful that they, in effect, do away with the need of their jobs. But, leaders like that are never without a job, never out of followers. Strange as it sounds, great leaders gain authority by giving it away.”                                                                                        – Adm. James Stockton-

The United States Army Reserve Careers Division was established on 1 October 2008 by permanent order and assigned to the Headquarters, U.S. Army Reserve Command, Fort McPherson, Ga. This is the only accessioning agency assigned solely to the U.S. Army Reserve. Its mission is to shape and sustain the strength of the Army Reserve through aggressive retention and transition programs.

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Seven Army Reserve Soldiers Awarded the General Douglas A. Macarthur Award

Duty – Honor – Country

“Three hallowed words that reverently dictate what you want to be, what you can be, what you will be”.

Gen. Raymond T. Odierno.

Congratulations to the following Army Reserve Soldiers for receiving the General Douglas A. MacArthur Award for outstanding leadership:

• Capt. Shannon Bibbee, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command
• Capt. Christopher J. Henderson, 108th Training Command
• Capt. Jessica G. Kingsley Military Intelligence Readiness Command
• Capt. David R. Kogon, Military Intelligence Readiness Command
• Capt. John H. Li, 9th Mission Support Command
• Capt. Patrick W. Naughton, 807th Medical Deployment Support Command
• Chief Warrant Officer 2 Chadwick A. Morris, 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

Read the full story, “CSA Presents MacArthur Award to Army Reserve Soldiers”

 

 

 

Army Reservist and USAR Shooting Team member wins All Army four times in a row

The All-Army Small Arms Championships is an annual marksmanship competition that brings the best shooters in the US Army together to compete. The importance of this event has been acknowledged by top senior leadership.