Washington: Do the right thing

By Delawese Fulton, Leader StaffMay 7, 2009

Washington: Do the right thing
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Rank, name

Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Washington

Unit

Company D, 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment

Military Occupational

Specialty / Job title

11B, Infantryman / S3Aca,!E+noncommissioned officer in charge

Years in service

20 years

Marital status

Married, two children

Highest education

Some college

Hobbies

Riding motorcycles and horses; quarter-mile strip racing (cars)

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In the 20 years Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Washington has served, he has been stationed at Fort Hood, Texas; Camp Casey, Korea; Fort Benning, Ga. and Fort Ord, Calif.

He has deployed to Iraq twice.

His other deployments include Australia, Honduras and Panama.

Washington said the most memorable and special part of his Army experience has been his job - "converting civilians into military personnel."

"Being a drill sergeant, you effect so many young lives," Washington said.

And his advice to junior enlisted is the same for new recruits just starting their military career: "Always do the right things - even when no one is looking."

Washington said his mother has been a major support to him, especially when he was a young Soldier facing many challenges.

"My mom, she just stood behind me. Whenever I deployed or called home, she would just smooth everything out."

This July, Washington said, he and his family will move to Fort Polk, La. He plans to retire after completing his assignment at Fort Polk.

We salute you!