FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- A room dedication ceremony for Command Sgt. Maj. Donovan E. Watts was held at the Iron Mike Conference and Catering Center on Fort Bragg, Nov. 6.
Watts was serving as the battalion command sergeant major for 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division when he was killed by a land mine blast, Nov. 21, 2006 while on patrol in Bayji, Iraq.
One of Watts' close friends from the unit, Col. Curtis A. Buzzard, now commander of 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., was at the ceremony to speak and unveil the plaque that dedicated the private dining room in Watts' name.
"Command Sergeant Major Watts was a special person, a phenomenal natural leader, and also a very caring, humble man," said Buzzard.
Watts was born in Anniston, Alabama on Sept. 10, 1960. He enlisted in the Army upon graduating high school as an infantryman, Feb. 3, 1979. During his 27-year career he held every position in his job field, from rifleman to battalion command sergeant major. He had also served as an instructor at the Basic Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia.
During the ceremony, Buzzard spoke of the many qualities and character that made Watts the kind of person he was.
"He absolutely loved being a Paratrooper, and loved Paratroopers," said Buzzard. "If you asked if he was married he would always say, 'Yes, I'm married to the 82nd Airborne Division.'"
Watts is survived by his mother, Theresa, sisters Bridget and Brandi, brother, Marlon, and daughter Charlee.
"I know that he would be tremendously honored to have a room in Fort Bragg's new conference center named after him," concluded Buzzard. "This is a place where some work gets done, but more often than not, [it's] a place of fun, of fellowship, where units gather to enjoy being Paratroopers. I'm certain that his spirit will bless this room and those whom use it.
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