Staff Sgt. Monique Maddox is a 16 year career Soldier and human resources specialist stationed at Fort Belvoir. She's also a single mom who juggled a full time career and a household while completing a bachelor's degree in human resources management.
Last month, she finally completed her degree requirements through Columbia Southern University with a 3.83 grade point average, and graduated with high honors (magna cum laude).
Her only child wasn't completely satisfied.
"I got the transcripts in the mail recently and my son said 'Awesome job, mom, but when is your graduation?'" Maddox said.
"I had to explain to him that I had professional and financial obligations that wouldn't allow me to travel to Alabama for the official ceremony."
In the past, those constraints would have meant Maddox could not have participated in a graduation ceremony at all.
But that will change Nov. 15, when the Fort Myer Education Center Hub hosts its first-ever joint services graduation recognition ceremony at the Fort Myer Community Center.
Maddox, like many military-affiliated personnel stationed at installations in the National Capital Region, earned her degree while working with colleges or counselors at the hub, so called because it serves personnel assigned to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir and Fort Meade.
The hub supports a diverse population of adult learners that includes service members, DoD employees and military family members.
"Education centers typically offer a graduation ceremony -- whether inside or outside the continental United States -- and we've always had the desire to offer a graduation for our students as well," said Karen Powell, one of JBM-HH's education guidance counselors.
"And we received a lot of questions as to why we didn't offer one."
Providing a graduation ceremony offers Education Centers a way to celebrate the academic achievement of military-connected students who otherwise would not have an opportunity to experience a formal graduation ceremony due to deployment, mission requirements, geographical location or financial limitations, she said.
Maddox said pursuing her degree was "a stressor and a challenge" for both her and her son.
"We as Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen are often recognized in a service-connected meritorious manner, accomplishments that are job-related, but we aren't often afforded recognition or a celebration that's much more personal. That's another part of us as people," Maddox said.
"My son is my motivation and education has been a 20-year challenge. I advise other service members to make the time, get the strength and motivation to educate yourself. And welcome being celebrated in that aspect," she said.
Approximately 330 service members and civilians are eligible to participate in the ceremony.
Maj. Gen. Bradley A. Becker, commander of Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region and U.S. Army Military District of Washington, will present diplomas and certificates.
Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel Dailey will deliver the commencement address.
Col. Patrick M. Duggan, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall commander, will also provide remarks.
"Conferment means meeting a degree requirement. Graduation is about a celebration of your diligence and the public recognition that accompanies that," Powell said.
JBM-HH Command Sgt. Maj. Carolyn Y. Donaldson, whose military obligations prevented her from going to graduation ceremonies for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees, encouraged eligible graduates to consider taking part.
"I wish that I could have gone because to me, it motivates others watching to want to strive for that accomplishment," she said. "To me, it's just as important as a person's high school graduation."
Donaldson also urged service members to consider pursuing advanced schooling, including undergraduate and graduate degrees.
"It's imperative for those moving up in the ranks, who need a strong education to lead projects, plan, coordinate and other mission requirements," she said.
The joint base command sergeant major said involving one's family in recognizing academic accomplishments is important because it shows what is possible and may encourage others to pursue their own educational goals.
"I come from a family of five siblings who served as enlisted members of the military, who strive to never forget how important education is," she said.
The Fort Myer Education Center Hub is seeking eligible service members, retirees, veterans, family members and DoD employees to don their cap and gown and participate in the first joint services graduation recognition ceremony Nov. 15, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Fort Myer Community Center.
"We are open to any eligible graduate in the region who would like to participate," Powell said.
Recent graduates who are assigned to any installation in the National Capital Region, or to National Guard or Reserve units in the area, or who are military family members living in the local area are encouraged to participate. Students must have met or will meet their degree, diploma or certificate requirements between October 2015 and October 2016.
For more information or to register, visit the Fort Myer Education Center, Bldg. 417, Room 216 in person, or call 703-696-3070/1588 or visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7DVF2BR.
Pentagram Staff Writer Arthur Mondale can be reached at awright@dcmilitary.com.
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