Sanders marches into the Surface Warrior Spotlight

By Mr. Johnathon Orrell (SDDC)January 15, 2019

Sanders marches into the Surface Warrior Spotlight
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

For the first time, the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's (SDDC) Surface Warrior Spotlight shines on a uniformed member of the command and is focused brightly on Capt. Glendon Sanders, a battle captain and operations movement control officer with the headquarters' G3 Operations Directorate.

Sanders, who has served with SDDC since October 2016 and is scheduled to depart the command at the end of January, was nominated by the senior enlisted members of SDDC headquarters.

"Capt. Sanders has constantly displayed himself in a manner that was well above reproach and, since he's been here, he has played a key role in the success of our Surface Operations Center," said Sgt. Maj. LaVaughn Brown, the G3 sergeant major.

"His military presence is something that many of his superiors adored, including myself, and his commitment to our mission was something he held near and dear to his heart," Brown added.

Sanders met his wife, Zachyle, at Southern University A&M College -- Baton Rouge, and they were married in 2014.

He is an accomplished musician and trumpet player, and is often seen playing at official functions around SDDC.

While in college, he gained a celebrity of sorts by performing with the Human Jukebox, an internationally known show-style marching band that played during Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans as well as in a Jonas Brothers music video.

During his time at SDDC, Sanders has worked on several high visibility projects, while also serving as the vice president and president of the Scott Army Booster Club -- the local non-profit organization responsible for planning and hosting the annual Mid-America Army Ball in St. Louis.

His dedication to projects and work performance is something Brown says he will miss when Sanders moves on to his next assignment.

"His overall dedication, passion, and love for the Army is something I wish to see in every officer, non-commissioned officer, and enlisted service member," Brown said. "Capt. Sanders is an outstanding leader and I would be honored to serve with him again."

Now it's time to bring Glendon into the Surface Warrior Spotlight - a program that highlights different members of the SDDC workforce every few weeks through a series of interview-style questions that focus on his or her unique background, personal stories and experiences.

Q: What is your role at SDDC?

A: I currently serve as the battle captain in the Surface Operations Center and as the executive officer to the chief of operations.

Q: Before working at SDDC, what was the most unusual or interesting job you've ever had?

A: In February of 2013, I played background for the Jonas Brothers in their music video "Pom Poms." I also served as a Juvenile Probation Officer in the city of Baton Rouge for three years before my arrival to SDDC.

Q: What is the best vacation you've been on?

A: In 2014 I visited the historical and archaeological Kingdom of Jordan. When there I was able to see the River of Jordan, Wadi Rum, and Petra.

Q: What did you want to be when growing up?

A: I wanted to be a musician. Growing up in the city of New Orleans, I was surrounded by music. I always sought the challenging musical genres and wanted to learn different instruments.

Q: If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you?

A: Eric Marlon Bishop, known professionally as Jamie Foxx, would portray me best because of his creative musical abilities and his ability to adapt to and master any role he plays.

Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?

A: Attending the 2004, WNBA All Star Game. I was able to meet one of my favorite players, Tracy McGrady.

Q: What has been your favorite project at SDDC?

A: Designing the new Surface Operations Center. It challenged my abilities to learn a new designing program, and work with and coordinate with the command, G6, and the civil engineers to get the job done. I would also have to add being the President of the Scott Army Booster Club which brought the challenge of planning and coordinating the 243rd Mid-America Army Birthday Ball.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote?

A: Maya Angelou once said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." To me, this quote expresses why it is important to treat everyone with dignity and respect, no matter what.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do in the wonderful city of St. Louis?

A: My wife and I enjoy attending the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues games. We really enjoy the atmosphere and team spirit the city has.

Q: What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?

A: I would open a school of music for students seeking to explore and express themselves musically.

Q: What does true leadership mean to you?

A: True leadership symbolizes integrity and genuinely valuing others.

Q: What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?

A: I really enjoy running, long bike rides, and reading.

Q: What is your favorite sport?

A: Football, because it is a strategic physical matchup of talent, technique and pure athleticism.

Q: Where is your favorite place to eat?

A: I really like eating at Flannary's in St. Louis. And being bayou-bred, my favorite dish is the New Orleans Cajun Chicken Pasta.

Q: What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your life thus far?

A: Losing everything in Hurricane Katrina and being separated from my family.

Q: What are three career lessons you've learned thus far?

A: Don't rest on your laurels. Remain humble. Believe in the power of failure.

Q: If you could interview one person (dead or alive) who would it be?

A: Prince Rogers Nelson (editor's note, this is the artist known as Prince).

Q: What is your proudest moment at SDDC?

A: Reciting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a dream" speech during the African American History Program.

Q: What is the one thing you can't live without?

A: My family and friends. They are my backbone! They continue to motivate me, not to be good as, but to be better than.

Q: What is the one material thing you can't live without?

A: That's simpleā€¦music.

Q: How has SDDC helped you in your career development?

A: It has helped me become a better leader by being able to learn and understand how decisions are made from the strategic level and challenge my abilities as a junior officer.

Q: What you were like at age 10?

A: Adventurous and musically inclined -- I was always looking for something to create music with.

Q: What do you like most about SDDC?

A: The G3 Directorate. This team has been the best team I've ever worked with.

That's all for Sanders' time in the spotlight, but check out his Surface Warrior Spotlight video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/vKkYd0LrbSA.

Do you know of a Surface Warrior that should be in the spotlight? If so, please contact the SDDC Public Affairs Office.