Why I Serve: Signal Soldier continues legacy of service

By Maj. Fredrick O. WilliamsDecember 12, 2014

Why I Serve: Signal Soldier continues legacy of service
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Why I Serve: Signal Soldier continues legacy of service
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Spc. Dana Spurgeon-Moore, signal support systems specialist, HHC, 1st ABCT, 1st Inf. Div., conducts connectivity checks on the brigade tactical operations center's internet router network Nov. 14 at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. Spurgeon-Moore is a third-ge... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait -- With a proud heritage of military service and the influence of growing up in a strong military community, it seemed inevitable Spc. Dana Spurgeon-Moore would serve her nation as a member of the military.

Spurgeon-Moore, a native of Chester, Virginia, and signal support systems specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, comes from a long line of family members who have served and are currently serving in the military.

"My grandfather was a tech sergeant in the Army during WWII," Spurgeon-Moore said. "My Father also served in the Navy during Vietnam, and my brother is currently serving in the Air Force as a staff sergeant."

The third-generation service member is a pioneer in her family because she is the first female in her family to serve in the military.

Spurgeon-Moore said she was influenced by the military at an early age and always knew she would serve in the military.

"I grew up in a diverse suburban town right next to Fort Lee (Virginia)," she said. "Most of the people I went to high school with had parents who are currently serving or retired from the military."

Spurgeon-Moore attended Thomas Dale High School and was a member of the JROTC program for all four years of high school, working her way up the ranks, from private to cadet captain.

Spurgeon-Moore, 21, has been in the military for about 20 months and has spent the majority of that time serving in the 1st ABCT.

"Spc. Spurgeon-Moore is a very competent and determined Soldier and she takes great pride in her work," said Staff Sgt. Erica Dawkins, combat net radio noncommissioned officer in charge. "She continues to lead by example, improving herself both personally and professionally, and I take great pride as a noncommissioned officer in calling her my Soldier."

Dawkins said Spurgeon-Moore has a bright future ahead of her in the Army.

"I am proud of everything that I have accomplished throughout the last year and a half," said Spurgeon-Moore. "I am most proud of the change I've made in becoming a Soldier. It has made me a better person."