REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala.--When Lt. Col. Jvon Hearn enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1987 for college funding, he never guessed he'd be leaving 27 years later as an officer with a great respect for the family he now knows as the Army.
Hearn, Army Contracting Command inspector general here, retires on May 16. He has been with the command since October 2010 and said coming here was the first time he worked with so many civilians.
"I have been in operational units all of my career and proudly call myself an 'operator.' The civilian workforce within ACC is amazing," he said. "To see the passion with which they approach their jobs every day and their dedication to supporting Soldiers is unparalleled."
Hearn has completed a variety of military education courses, received many decorations and won multiple awards. He has been stationed throughout the world, including Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, and a six-month deployment to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Southern Watch.
Despite all of that, he claims his favorite memory was his commissioning ceremony.
"It was the only event in my military career that had both my parents and most of my siblings present. I remember how proud my parents were," he recalled.
A native of Talladega, Hearn has a large family of six brothers and six sisters. Many of them still live in the state. Hearn and his wife Pat plan to stay in Huntsville.
"I love the family atmosphere of the city," said Hearn. "It's just large enough to have myriad job opportunities but small enough to avoid the hustle and bustle of larger cities."
Upon retirement, Hearn plans to spend time traveling with his family as well as continuing to explore his calling -- ministry.
"I am the pastor of The Congregation Christian Community Church; ministry is my passion," he said.
Hearn credits his wife, who he calls his best friend, and his daughters Britni and Melanie, as his driving forces behind his success.
"Without them, I would not be the person I am today," Hearn said.
As he moves on to his life in retirement, Hearn recognizes how lucky he was to have worked at ACC for his final assignment.
"I had the wonderful pleasure of serving as the IG for all of ACC's executive directors and commanding generals," he said. "The IG's role is to extend the eyes, ears, voice, and conscience of the commander as well as advise them on the state of the command. It's a unique relationship that I've been lucky to have."
"Overall, I have had a tremendous career," Hearn said. "And I would gladly do it all again."
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