Capt. Robert M. Crowe, commander of 911th Engineer Company (Technical Rescue), 12th Aviation Battalion, Ft. Belvoir, VA, was selected as the Company Officer of the Year 2009 for Northern Command on March 5, 2010. "As the Military District of Washington winner and representative for the McArthur Leadership Award competition, Capt. Crowe was the obvious choice to represent the command at U.S. Northern Command. Capt. Crowe possesses and demonstrates all of the attributes that we as military officers hold dear, and try to emulate," said Lt. Col. Douglas Van Weelden, commander, 12th Aviation Battalion.
"Being selected to compete for this award was an honor," said Crowe. "I remember thinking while studying for the board that this was a real educational process several levels above the company level. It has given me a better sense of my role as a company commander and how we support the command mission. I will use everything I have learned to explain to my unit the larger part of our mission support requirements."
Crowe stated that while board questions were broad they required you to really think and study. "For example one question discussed support to civil authorities and the role of the military. I had to really look at how Northern Command protects the homeland which gave me a better sense of what they do on a strategic level. It was pretty eye opening. When I reflect on the mission we do at the 911th this experience will help me explain to my Soldiers how we make a difference. I really feel honored to receive the award," he said.
Why Capt. Crowe was selected was clearly articulated in the citation for the Joint Service Commendation Medal and trophy he received as the winner. The citation reads "He demonstrated outstanding professional skill, knowledge and leadership. His professionalism, selfless dedication and tireless efforts have made a lasting contribution to the command.
Lt. Col. Van Weelden said, "He is a loyal, aggressive, and adaptive leader who is keenly focused on accomplishing his mission while caring for the needs of his Soldiers and their families. I rely implicitly on Rob Crowe to receive intent, in some cases vague, and execute his mission flawlessly from that intent."
Crowe is a native of Lansing, MI. He graduated from J.W. Sexton High School and is a 2003 West Point graduate. His parents Reg and Nancy Crowe reside in Spring Lake, MI. When not leading Soldiers, Crowe enjoys family time with his wife Erin, and daughter Margaret.
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