ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- Sgt. Maj. Debra Buie grew up wanting to be in the Army.
"Initially, I wanted to join to have an additional bond between me and my father, a Korean War Veteran," said Buie.
But, as she got older, her father encouraged her to pursue other careers - either go to college or get a civilian job.
After two years of college, though, the pull to wear an Army uniform was still strong. So, she visited a recruiter one afternoon and 27 years later is still happy with her decision.
Along the way, she completed her degree, a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Columbia College in Missouri, and has been able to see the world.
Tours of duty have taken her to Korea three times, giving her the ability to figuratively walk in her father's footsteps; Germany twice; and numerous duty stations throughout the U.S.
Buie began her military career in the ammunition field and, through training, has spent time in Alabama - mostly at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville.
Currently, she views the depot as her final duty station, the place from which she plans to retire with 30 years of service.
But, until that day comes, Buie plans to pass on everything she learns about the Army's industrial base in general, and Anniston specifically, to her fellow Soldiers.
"I want to pull together what the workforce does here and take that back out to the Soldier level, so they understand what the employees here go through to give the Soldiers the equipment they need," she said.
Learning about the work done here and at other installations like ANAD is eye-opening for Buie.
"Soldiers are used to having these weapons in their hands for use, but don't know what goes into them," she said. "These are things we, as Soldiers, take for granted."
Buie encourages employees to speak with her whenever she is in their work areas and to contact her.
"I want to make sure I understand your wants, your likes, your needs," she said.
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