An Aberdeen Proving Ground noncommissioned officer who recently left the installation to attend the U.S. Army Warrant Officer School leaves behind many admirers of his character and professionalism.
Staff Sgt. Eric L. Hollis, a former Headquarters and Headquarters Company 16th Ordnance Battalion operations sergeant, was stationed at APG for three of the 13 years he's been in the Army. He is a former NCO of the Month, NCO of the Quarter and NCO of the Year for the U.S. Army Ordnance Center and Schools, and he led the Freestate ChalleNGe Academy cadets in a drill team demonstration during the APG 90th Anniversary Gala in November 2007.
Hollis said he got involved with the drill team when a friend who works at the academy asked him to work with the cadets.
"It meant a lot to me because I wasn't only representing the Army and the positive impact it can have on young people," he said, "but I was living our church spirit of outreach which our pastor encourages us to do."
He said he has had a "community outreach mindset" since he gave his life to Christ eight years ago.
"God showed me what my calling was; to reach out to people, especially youths, in a positive way," he said. "I want to be a positive role model to young men to show them that you don't have to be an NBA star to have a full life."
He said he brings the same philosophy to his young Soldiers.
"My leadership style is positive and encouraging," he said. "The young troops here volunteered with the country at war, and it speaks volumes of their desire to serve this great nation. By doing so they are showing their courage which is one of our Army values. I try to help them professionally as Warfighters and to encourage them spiritually to trust in the Lord with all their hearts."
As much as he loves the NCO Corps, Hollis said he believes that becoming a warrant officer is the path God has chosen for him.
"I believe God has called me to a bigger task," he said. "This will only enhance my efforts to reach out."
Hollis served two tours in Iraq as a platoon sergeant and then a motor sergeant with the 3rd Infantry Division.
During his second tour he said his ministering excelled and he served as an assistant to the units' chaplains and even organized gospel concerts for the troops.
"We patrolled every day during my second tour, and I didn't lose one Soldier," he said proudly. "I truly believe that God was with us."
Hollis also is remembered for his community service as a basketball coach at the Aberdeen Area Youth Center and as an assistant minister with Bread of Life Ministries in Aberdeen.
Bill Kegley, Youth Sports Director, said Hollis began as an assistant coach in 2007 and became one of his best head coaches.
"As far as basketball knowledge goes, he's probably the best coach I've had," Kegley said. "He's also a very positive role model because he stresses the importance of good grades and doing your best at all times."
Stephen Lyons, a retired sergeant first class and current instructor with the U.S. Army Ordnance Mechanical Maintenance School, is the pastor of Bread of Life Ministries. Lyons recommended Hollis as a basketball coach while he was coaching at the youth center.
Lyons said he could see how passionate Hollis was about soldiering and that he brought that same passion to the church in the youth and men's ministries and in Bible study.
"He stands head and shoulders above anyone I've ever seen when it comes to working with kids," Lyons said. "Not only is he a good leader, but he's a great motivator. This is what we teach. You have to have integrity that is impeccable to persuade people to follow you. You have to act Christ-like even when no one is watching. Eric is the epitome of that philosophy."
"The NCO Corps is losing a great leader to the Warrant Officer Corps," he added.
Although he plans to retire from the Army one day, Hollis said he looks forward to life beyond the military.
"I see myself one day with my own ministry," he said adding that Lyons is "one of the great mentors in my life."
Other mentors include senior NCO leaders on APG he said, naming APG Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Pedro Rodriguez and recently retired Sgt. Maj. Chancey Alderman III as "two of several APG leaders who are out there doing quality work with Soldiers."
"Their professionalism speaks volumes about duty," Hollis said. "They don't do it for the recognition; they do it because they truly care."
Hollis holds a bachelor's degree in mass communications from Warner Southern College.
He and his wife Tiffany, a nursing major at Harford Community College, have three children: 7 year-old, Tana and twins Keyshawn and Kandace, age 4.
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