(Ft. Gordon, Georgia) CSM McCoy pauses to highlight the CECOM Cyber and Integrated Logistics Support Center Training Support Directorates as they develop, train and sustain the Army's new Cyber warriors and provide key sustainment training to multi-c...
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD-- As I sit here and think about the upcoming month's events and with Veterans Day right around the corner, I reflect back on why I chose to serve. My mind flashes back to a time and place, as a much younger man, making the decision to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. Many people would wonder "Whatever would make someone want to do such a thing?" And I am quickly reminded of the shoulders of giants that I have had the privilege of serving with throughout my tenure.
As a child, I remember vividly playing "Army" with my friends. Our time spent together running and jumping through the woods, clumsily dressed in a camouflage ninja costume my mother had put together for the previous Halloween. It didn't take long for me to understand the versatility of the costume's pattern and how quickly I was able to sneak up on my "enemy" (usually my best friend). I distinctly recall feeling like Sylvester Stallone in 'Rambo' or Arnold Schwarzenegger in 'Predator.' There I was slowly stalking the terrain, before jumping out of the tree yelling "BAM, got you!"… If I had only known then what I now know. While these actors are celebrated in pop culture for their audacity and derring-do, I am reminded that this is artificial.
Entering service was an extremely simple and organic decision for me. As the youngest of five boys, I followed in the footsteps of a strong family military lineage. Between myself and my brothers, four of us made the decision to wear the cloth of our Nation (Go Army, Beat Navy!). I'm also privileged to have an exceptional list of close relatives who selflessly served through many years of American conflict. This strong military connection helped guide my decision to step into uniform. While we all have our personal reasons, my desire to enlist was much simpler in my youth. I was drawn to the promise to see the world, the opportunities for training and education, and the privilege to make a difference in the world. As I now ponder these thoughts I realize that the Army gave me these and so much more.
I have now officially served in the Army for a substantial part of my lifetime and have surpassed every expectation I had when I took my initial oath of enlistment almost 25 years ago. I have served and continue to serve alongside some of the most committed and passionate professionals, warriors by trade, men and women of integrity and values by culture! Most importantly, all of whom have and continue to serve selflessly…placing the needs of others well before their own, most times at the risk of their own desires, endeavors, and in some cases even their own lives. I think of our APG and CECOM workforce, and the many that moved away from families or continue the long commute in order to continue to serve in our enterprise. They make these choices because they know their work makes a difference in the readiness and lives of the American Soldier.
So I ask you, what is it that makes people jump out of a perfectly good airplanes? What is it that inspires them to make long commutes or move to support a greater good to liberate those oppressed? What makes someone lay down their own life for the greater good of many? I am instantly reminded of a famous and widely used quote to inspire action, "If not me then who, and if not now then when?" I think back to the generations of those who have gone before us and done just that. They have selflessly served at their own expense for a greater desire to serve their communities, their nation, and the betterment of our world. During this month, I humbly ask that you take time to look back and honor those who have gone before us and left a legacy for all of us to continue!
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