Local major wins $10,000 grand prize in essay contest

By Chris Litch, Grafenwoehr Consolidated ExchangeMarch 18, 2015

Proud winner
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- Maj. Chris Hormel with the 18th Military Police Brigade, has a way with words. His literary prowess helped him take home the $10,000 grand prize from the Army & Air Force Exchange Service's "Proud to Serve" essay contest.

Hormel, who serves at U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria, won the grand prize out of nearly 525 essay submissions worldwide. The contest was part of the Exchange's Because of You campaign, a yearlong effort to recognize and reward service members' sacrifice and dedication our country.

Hormel, accompanied by his wife, Carrie, received his $10,000 Exchange gift card during a presentation, March 11, at the Tower Barracks Exchange.

"We're honored to recognize Maj. Hormel for his dedication and service," said Exchange General Manager Carl Carpenter. "His essay profoundly tells why his service means so much to him."

In his essay, Hormel talks about his grandfather's service during World War II. "On his headstone it reads simply: Husband, father, PV2 World War II," Hormel wrote. "Of all the contributions of his life, he chose to be remembered for the short time he spent fighting for our nation in the Pacific."

Hormel says he's always humbled to visit cemeteries and see veterans' ranks listed on the gravestones.

"They want to be remembered for their service, and that's the story I was trying to tell with my essay," he said.

Hormel has served nearly 16 years in the Army and has been a Military Police ever since he was commissioned. He grew up in a military family; his father was a Marine as were his brothers

"I was 25 years old and newly married," he said. "I had always wanted to join the Army. And I asked my wife, 'Can I join?' We agreed to go on this journey together."

During their journey, they've raised four children, ages 16, 14, 11 and 7. The family has been stationed at USGA Bavaria since the summer of 2014, after spending more than two years at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. In May, they will head to Fort Bliss, Texas. Hormel said his $10,000 prize will come in handy as his family prepares to move.

Hormel says he didn't enter the Exchange's Because of You contest for the chance at a prize, but because he was inspired by his grandfather and other veterans.

"Like my grandfather, my rank may never be impressive to anyone, but my heart, soul, and my passion lies with my country and my brothers and sisters in arms," Hormel wrote in his essay. "When I die, my rank will too be chiseled on my headstone, because the work of keeping America safe is my proudest contribution."

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