ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. -- "Public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation." For Ayodeji Omololu, Senior Command Synchronization Officer, G3, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM), Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), Md., these words by American politician Margaret Chase Smith seem to echo his own sentiments regarding why he has committed his life to serving the nation -- both in and out of uniform.
The son of Nigerian-born parents, Omololu and his family immigrated to the United States from Nigeria while he was still a teen. It was a journey marked with endless hopes and aspirations, and has ever since given rise to an admirable level of determination.
Inspired by others, but driven by his own pursuit of excellence, Omololu continues to embrace every opportunity that comes his way. A U.S. Navy veteran, he served proudly for nearly 10 years -- mastering his skills as a Surface Warfare Supply Keeper.
"I joined the Navy to serve my country and explore new possibilities," he said. "I was also inspired by the exemplary attitude of my neighbors who had enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp, U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Army.
"The military helped in molding me to become a true professional," Omololu added, still reflecting on his military life and experiences. "It also helped in the creation of an individual with a high sense of honor, courage, and commitment to accomplish a mission."
Asked if there was ever an assignment that truly impacted his life. Omololu said that it was his deployment to Afghanistan in 2013, as part of the NETZERO Department of Defense initiative that was for him a profoundly rewarding experience. It was during that tour that Omololu was involved in the design and implementation of strategic decisions needed to make Soldiers the most efficient force on the battlefield.
Now, with 18 years of civil service to his credit, CECOM's Senior Command Synchronization Officer continues to press forward with his goal of giving back to a system and a nation that has in his view, afforded him a wealth of opportunities.
"The most challenging part of my job is brokering communication lanes between the sustainment and product-development teams in the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) community. I serve because I want to make a positive impact on the lives of the men and women who do so much for our great country in order to ensure our freedom," stated Omololu.
Asked if he had to create a recipe for successful and or selfless service, what type of ingredients it would consist of, Omololu responded, "My recipe would consist of honor, courage and commitment. Having honor means you will always chose the right path or option when faced with adversity. Courage means you will live by the oath of the office. Commitment denotes you are not willing to quit as a trusted member of the professional team."
Regardless of his challenges and achievements, Omololu does not want anyone to think that he did it all on his own.
"General Colin Powell's leadership greatness has always inspired me. His modest beginnings as a kid growing up on the streets of South Bronx, New York--and rising through the ranks to become the first African American to serve as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His creed that a true leader will always seek information on organizational attitude, and morale from the lowest ranking members of the team, resonates with me every day."
While it is clear that fellow service members and his colleagues have played an integral part in both his career choices, and his work ethic, Omololu is determined to give back, to gladly serve those who have not only been instrumental in steering him toward success, but have been unwavering in the fight for freedom and democracy for Americans everywhere.
"My goal is to leave a legacy as a selfless professional who was guided by the creed of honor, courage and commitment. This is why I serve," he said.
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