Top NCO credits Soldiers with his success

By Laura Levering, Fort Gordon Public Affairs OfficeJuly 21, 2014

Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald S. Pflieger
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT GORDON, Ga. (July 18, 2014) - Some of the Army's most successful leaders have a long lineage of family who served or knew they wanted to join years before they came of age. Neither was the case for Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald S. Pflieger, former U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon command sergeant major.

Pflieger handed over his authority to Command Sgt. Maj. Travis L. Cherry during a change-of-responsibility ceremony July 25.

Raised in the small town of Merrill, Wisconsin, Pflieger was one of four children whose father was a mechanic and mother worked in a bank. His uncle retired from the Army as an aviation officer, and his father served two years after being drafted. Despite Pflieger's high regard for them, his decision to enlist had nothing to do with their service. It came from him not wanting to feel like a burden to his parents by living at home.

"I was getting ready to graduate high school and didn't really know what I wanted to do, so I decided one day to contact a recruiter," Pflieger said.

That decision turned out to be one of the best he ever made. In 1982, Pflieger enlisted as a multichannel communications equipment operator (31M). He originally planned to fulfill his three year obligation then go to college under the Veterans Education Assistance Program, but after serving less than a year, Pflieger changed his mind and chose to stay in.

Unlike most retirees, he didn't set a goal of reaching the 20-year mark. As long as he enjoyed what he was doing and felt like he was making an impact, Pflieger said he was happy to stay.

"I love what I do. There's a passion for it," Pflieger said. "I love being a Soldier, and I honestly don't see myself doing anything else."

The 20-year mark came quickly, and simultaneously, Pflieger was selected for the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. It was the start of a new adventure and an additional 12 years of service.

During his career, Pflieger served in nearly every leadership position open to an NCO in assignments spanning around the world. His uniform is stacked high with awards and decorations, and his military education indicates he's among the best of the best, yet Pflieger insists none of his achievements were by his own doing. He credits the influence of several mentors and countless Soldiers he met along the way.

"Whether good or bad, I believe you learn something from everybody you work with, including junior Soldiers," Pflieger said. "They bring a different perspective, and as you move up in the ranks and you gain a little age and experience, you get some of those things."

Pondering his greatest achievement, Pflieger said he doesn't consider anything he has done a "personal achievement." But there are two things he is most proud of: first, his wife, Lori, and their children.

His oldest daughter, Amanda, 29, lives in Virginia and is finishing up her college degree. His son, Ronald Jr. (R.J.), 21, is an ROTC cadet studying criminal justice at Georgia Regents University and plans to get commissioned as an infantryman. His youngest, Kayla, 18, recently graduated Lakeside High School.

" They help keep me grounded and continue to impress me," he said.

His second most proud moment was being selected for his current position.

"There have been many events over the last 32 years, but being selected to be the regimental command sergeant major probably capped it all off," Pflieger said. "Nowhere in my life did I imagine being at this job."

All of his positions and duty stations have good memories associated with them, but it was Pflieger's time at Fort Gordon that proved most gratifying.

After 32 years of service, Pflieger is ready to unlace his boots, hang his hat and relax a little. He isn't sure of the distant future but plans to stay connected to the Army in some capacity -- possibly by becoming an ROTC instructor. For now, immediate post-retirement plans include making up for missed time with family and relaxing … lots of it by way of golf and shooting ranges.

"I'm focused all the way up to the day I come out of this job, and then I'll start looking at what's next," he said.

Pflieger said he hopes to be remembered as a man who was "approachable yet no nonsense, standards based." More than that, he wants others to know how grateful he is for the Fort Gordon community and others he served alongside.

"You don't get to this point by yourself. It's a team sport," Pflieger said. "I'm so proud of our Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, and my family. Thanks to everyone I've served with. They're why I'm where I am at today."

Related Links:

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U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence

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