FORT HOOD, Texas - She was once a little kid who ran around in the backyard in her dad's military uniform. Now, Sgt. Lacey Hood said she is proud to be a part of the corps of noncommissioned officers.
A self proclaimed military brat, the McCool Junction, Neb., native and 96th Transportation Company, 180th Transportation Battalion, 15th Special Troops Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade heavy equipment transporter said she wanted to follow in her family's footsteps.
After the events of Sept. 11, she knew that it was time.
"I want to give back to all the families who lost someone," Hood said she remembers telling her mother later that day.
She enlisted into the Army Reserves in 2002 while in high school and graduated basic combat training with honors at Fort Jackson, S.C. After finishing high school she attended advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., where she led as a platoon guide.
Hood said she loves her job and that she meets new people.
"A transporter gets to help the whole Army by transporting [supplies] for their mission," she said.
But the Reserves wasn't enough for her.
"I joined active duty in 2005 to become the best NCO I [could be]," Hood explained.
The proud sergeant said she pushes herself and her Soldiers constantly to improve themselves through continued training and even college.
"I take care of my soldiers [and] talk to them, not down on them," she said.
"She's a highly motivated Soldier," Sgt. 1st Class Cleve Thomas, 96th Trans platoon sergeant said.
"She highly embodies the Army values."
He should know. Thomas, Hood's boss, was also her drill sergeant for her advanced individual training where Hood was the platoon guide.
"I watched her as she motivated her peers to accomplish several tasks with positive results. She is doing the same thing now as a Sergeant today," he said.
And after her appearance before the promotion board, she has no intention of stopping now.
"I feel like I have more to give to the new Soldiers."
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