Dependable, knowledgeable, determined are just a few of the many attributes bestowed upon Sgt. 1st Class Emily Anderson as friends and colleagues bid farewell to her as she transitions back to Reserve status and into her new civilian career.
"I don't think you realize the impact you've made on people until you hear all those wonderful tributes," Anderson said. "It makes the blood, sweat and tears all worth it, and I don't regret a minute of it."
Anderson said goodbye after five years with the Deputy Chief of Staff, Warrior Care and Transition. An organization many of her colleagues say she was destined to work for.
"Sgt. 1st Class Anderson is the epitome of what a non-commissioned officer should be," said Lt. Col. Luis Fregoso, Deputy Director, DCS, WCT Synchronization Division. "She has a knack for team building and is always able to accomplish her goals even in the most difficult situations. She has wonderful leadership skills that make an entire organization thrive."
A sentiment echoed by Mr. Thomas D. Webb, Executive Director, DCS, WCT and Sgt. 1st Class Mike smith, the Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of DCS, WCT Adaptive Reconditioning Division.
"Sgt, 1st Class Anderson acts and performs like a Sergeant Major. Her skills are exceptional and she will be missed tremendously," Webb said.
"Working with the Adaptive Reconditioning Program requires you to wear many hats and Emily really did it with little effort, she was the glue that held us together," Smith said.
Raised in a military family, being part of and working as a team came naturally for Anderson, she says she knew early on that the military was for her.
"There was no question, I really knew without a doubt," she laughed. "My parents were in the military and my sister is currently enlisted. I always knew the military had wonderful opportunities and upon reflection I saw the wonderful opportunities it provided, especially to my Dad who retired from federal service after more than 30 years of service."
During High School she enrolled in the Delayed Entry Program - also referred to as the Delayed Enlistment Program or Future Soldiers Program in the Army. The program requires individuals going into active duty in the United States Armed Forces to enlist first in the DEP before they ship out to basic training or boot camp.
"I learned a great deal in the program," Anderson said. "There's a level of discipline that comes with the territory along with making key decisions and it's such a strong foundation for life period."
Anderson enlisted in 2002, and after six years of serving, she deployed to Iraq where she said the experience was overwhelming, but "it was a life-changing event that I truly appreciate now that it's over."
After her deployment to Iraq she returned stateside, along the way she obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and a Master's Degree in Public Relations.
In 2011, she joined the Strategic Communications Division of what was then the Warrior Transition Command, another experience that was life changing for her.
"I recently spoke to the first person I interviewed when I started with this organization. She said how comfortable I made her feel during her first interview and it was at that moment that I realized how important every aspect of this program is," she said. "Being in the military and having family and friends in the military makes me really appreciate this type of organization. Knowing that if anything ever happened while serving, there is a place that truly cares and will do everything possible to help like I have," Anderson explained.
"This organization is phenomenal. To be able to interact and connect with our wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and tell their stories is like giving them a voice," Anderson said. "I am forever a champion for this organization and no matter what, I will continue to push myself to be a voice for this population."
An attribute noticed by Julie Oliveri, Chief, Strategic Communications, DCS WCT Operations and Synchronization Division. "In the short time I've known Emily, I've come to really rely on her. Her work ethic is unbelievable, and her team personality is like a bit of sun. She will truly, truly be missed."
Always looking for a challenge, Anderson will join the Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration as a Marketing Specialist.
"I never want to become complacent in life and I know I'm doing exactly what I was meant to do and that's really the greatest gift any one could ask for in life."
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