FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Memorial Day is a day when people from across the U.S. remember those who died in service to the nation, but for one Fort Rucker Soldier, the day is an opportunity to not only honor that sacrifice, but to apologize, as well, as he embarks on an unforgettable journey.
Spc. Joshua Moore, 1st Battalion, 212th Aviation Regiment, was selected as one of five Soldiers from the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers Armywide program to get the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., for the 2017 Memorial Day observance at Arlington National Cemetery.
Moore, who works as an Aviation operations specialist for the 1-212th Avn. Regt., was selected after being nominated, and submitting packets and letters of recommendation, as well as an essay that outlined what Memorial Day meant to him, which, he said, was a touchy subject.
"It was something I always cared about deeply," he said. "I had a completely different outlook [on Memorial Day] when I was younger, and now it's changed for the better as I've gotten older, and especially since enlisting."
For Moore, who is also the 1-212th's BOSS representative, Memorial Day was a day he once viewed as simply an extra day off from school and the beginning of summer -- a time when he could kick back and relax.
As he grew older and his fondness for the military grew, he began to realize the true meaning of the day, so when it came time to write his essay, he wrote it as an open apology.
"It's an apology to all of the veterans that I've met and seen before from the time when I was younger," he said. "Now I know more of what [the day] means -- I see more of what it means now. [Soldiers] risked their lives to defend this nation, and many lost friends and family members who have died defending [this country]."
With his heartfelt essay, as well as his service and dedication to BOSS, it was clear that Moore would be the right choice for the opportunity, said Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher D. Spivey, Fort Rucker garrison command sergeant major.
"Our selection was very difficult because of all the fine Soldiers we have in BOSS, but at the end of the day and after many discussions … we felt that Moore was the right choice," he said. "Specialist Moore is like many Soldiers in the BOSS Program -- a Soldier that be counted on when things need to get done.
"We, as a program, are truly proud of Specialist Moore's selection to attend," said the garrison command sergeant major. "We, all the Soldiers associated with the BOSS program, are 100 percent supportive, and know he will represent us all with the highest level of professionalism."
That willingness to get the job done and sense of professionalism is something that is ingrained in his character, which is why the BOSS program is a perfect fit for him, said Moore.
"I have a big spot in my heart for volunteering, and I love to go out into the community and local areas to volunteer," he said. "BOSS is an excellent program and I truly love everything BOSS stands for. It not only benefits us, but it's not even about that -- it's about doing something and helping others.
Moore said being in the military is something he's known he wanted to pursue since he was a child, and now that he has the opportunity, he wants to get the chance to change lives, and that starts with honoring those from the past.
"My goal is to work my way up and get as far as I can to be as influential as I can," he said. "So far, this has been an amazing experience. I just want to get everything [out of this experience] that I can and be in the moment, and I'm grateful to have this opportunity."
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