CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea -- Whether it's how to throw a ball, ride a bike, shave, or tie a tie, the lessons a father teaches can last a lifetime. Pvt. Adam G. Lamont, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist with 1st Signal Brigade and native of Detroit, Michigan, enlisted in the Army and was given the opportunity to learn from and follow his father's footsteps, side-by-side, to be the best Soldier he can be.
Adam Lamont's father, Sgt. 1st Class Albert E. Lamont, a CBRN specialist with 501st Military Intelligence Brigade, also a native of Detroit, serves in the same military occupational specialty as his son. They have the unique opportunity to serve together at Camp Humphreys, South Korea.
"I am very influenced by my father ever since I was a little kid," said Adam Lamont. "It was when he was first getting deployed that I realized how proud me and my family were and I wanted that same thing for my family."
Adam Lamont joined the Army in July 2017 and was proud to uphold the honor his father, Albert Lamont, who has been serving since 1992, has been bringing to his family. However, he never imagined serving a one-year tour in Korea under the same command, Eighth Army, together.
Adam Lamont said it's a good experience and a lucky one to come into the Army having guidance and mentorship not just from a leader in your unit, but from your own father.
"To have my first duty station with my dad is pretty cool," said Adam Lamont. "To have someone to guide me and be there for me means a lot, and not a lot of people get to experience that."
Although Albert has served multiple deployments and has experienced family separations and sacrifices, Adam joined the Army knowing he too will have to face the same challenges. Having a father figure during the challenges of serving overseas is more than just a few good stories, jokes and hard-learned lessons.
"I didn't expect for him [Adam Lamont] to come to Korea, this was actually the first Christmas while overseas that I got to experience not alone, but with my son," said Albert Lamont. "We got our care package sent from our family and we got to open it together, which makes this experience a lot easier for the both of us."
Albert Lamont plays an important role of guiding, mentoring, and motivating Adam with every chance he can get.
"It was during my best warrior competition that I realized how much harder I push myself with the help of my dad," said Adam Lamont. "I was at the halfway point of my 12-mile ruck march when I saw him [Albert Lamont] in full kit waiting for me to catch up. Every time I started slowing down he would motivate me to push harder and I know the reason why I finished with such great time was because of him."
A father's role is powerful when it comes to support and motivation. Albert Lamont uses encouragement as a tool for Adam Lamont, not only as a Soldier but as his son, in three primary ways -- words, presence and support. Albert Lamont is proud to share that Adam Lamont has such a strong will and a drive to be the best that he can be, which gives him the ability to step back and watch him grow like any other Soldier.
"For him [Adam Lamont] to tell me that even though he has seen what I've gone through in the Army, his passion for this career is there," said Albert. "I am proud of him."
The father-and-son duo take advantage of being in Korea together by always spending time together, whether it be during sightseeing on the weekends or staying home and having lunch.
"Being a military child isn't all that bad as it seems, my father will give his time and be there for you no matter what," said Adam. "I got to experience that growing up and I'm grateful for my father, he is selfless and I'm glad at where I'm at today."
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