Carlisle, Pa - A surprisingly pretty, crisp November day provided backdrop for a ceremony both somber and life-affirming. Friends, family, teammates, and Army War College classmates and faculty gathered today to honor the memory of Maj. Gen. Harold J. 'Harry' Greene at the USAWC Alumni Memorial. Killed in Kabul, Afghanistan on Aug. 5, 2014, he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery Aug. 15.
"I've walked by this memorial many times and, now, have had time to pause and reflect and give thanks that Harry is remembered with some of his colleagues and heroes," said Sue Myers about her husband, Harry, during the ceremony that included comments from the USAWC commandant and memories from the family's friend, Dr. Jim Embrey.
She spoke of his dedicated service to learning -- putting into practice all the important attributes of strategic leadership, such as leading by example, putting complex concepts into terms everyone can understand, and treating people like we want to be treated.
"He loved to learn and this year was truly one of the best because we had the opportunity to connect as a family, to make life-long new friends," she said. "We always considered Carlisle a second home. Our kids had the great fortune of graduating from Carlisle High School and we return here often …."
"It's such a pleasure to know that there's a special tribute here at the Army War College."
Sue Myers and Harry Greene both came to Carlisle as members of the Army War College Class of 2003. Ties to Carlisle were strengthened when Col. Myers was selected for the Army War College's Professor USAWC program and subsequent assignment to the faculty.
"Harry went on to serve as one of the Army's most senior and gifted acquisition officers in a series of assignments," said Maj. Gen. Bill Rapp, commandant of the Army War College who noted highlights of a 34-year Army career.
"He was able to serve in truly unique ways for the future of our Armed Forces and to set the standard for the Acquisition community," said Rapp who noted that Greene was immensely qualified, with a doctorate in Material Science from the University of Southern California, four master's degrees, and multiple program management credentials.
Rapp characterized several of Greene's key assignments as very difficult and absolutely critical for the Army's future: Army Research and Development and Engineering; command of the Natick Soldier Systems Center, and Program Executive in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army.
"It was in this latter role that I came to know and greatly respect this superb patriot and leader," said Rapp. "In morning updates to the Chief of Staff of the Army and on the Hill talking programmatics to Congressmen and staffers, Harry was like 'E.F. Hutton' -- his credibility and knowledge ruled the day.
"Harry also wanted to do his part for Soldiers and it was in pursuit of that goal that he deployed to Afghanistan as deputy commanding general of the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan," said Rapp. "Sadly it was there where his life was taken in a sudden and horrific attack on 5 August.
"Harry served the nation with all that he could give. So, today, with both sadness and pride we honor Major General Harry Greene with the addition of his name to this graduate memorial," he said.
"Harry and those graduates before him made the ultimate sacrifice to this nation: a sacrifice painful beyond description for all who loved him with all our hearts. It is in this small way that we can guarantee Harry's service to the nation and his sacrifice will never be forgotten."
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