Team charged up in Kuwait before heading up north to provide security to two flatbeds containing supplies for the Patriot missile system during OEF/OIF - 2003
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Wilhelm Grevel was born in Utulei, American Samoa, in 1956. Growing up in Samoa, Grevel was raised in a family that reflected Army values. He attended Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, Washington, on a scholarship from the government of Samoa, graduating with a B.A. in Economics. He married his wife, Lupe, in 1983 and, in 1987, enlisted in the Army as a Nuclear Weapons Specialist (55G) and served with the 96th Ordnance Company, 557th USAFAD, 59th Ordnance Brigade, in Herborn-Seelbach, Germany.
“Our life in Germany was undoubtedly very stressful,” Grevel noted. “My wife and family did not know what I was doing on a daily basis. Of course I was aware of the risk, but she hung in there with me. That is why I give her the credit for the success of our children. She was there for the kids while I tended to the mission.”
Grevel reenlisted twice while in Germany, in dedication to the Army mission. He would serve there until the Berlin Wall fell, signaling an end to the Cold War and a necessary realignment of mission.
“Sometimes I wish the Berlin Wall hadn’t come down. Otherwise, I would have retired in Germany. We did not lose our jobs entirely. The Department of the Army sent a team down to Giessen and gave us new assignments (new MOSs) thus securing our future moving forward. I was one of 68 soldiers reclassified to 27X – Patriot Missile System Repairer.”
This team went to Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama for technical school before finally settling in Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas – home of the Patriot Missile system. There, he attended Webster University, graduating with an M.A. in Management Leadership, while working as an electronics tech for radar and launchers. He served this role throughout his 20-year career in active service, including a deployment to Iraq.
Grevel began his Civilian service as an Ammunitions Manager Intern and, in 2011, swore a new oath to serve the United States in this capacity. He would go on to work in the Ammunition Peculiar Equipment (APE) program for 4 years and with the Munition Items Disposition Action System (MIDAS) for over 5 years.
“Working as an Army Civilian gave me a chance to continue to serve after retiring,” said Grevel. “I’m passionate about the U.S. Army. “I love to share and teach what I've learned throughout my journey. I want to pass on my expertise to younger, newer folks who are keen to learn. They represent the future of our organization: the greatest Army in the world.”
His commitment is reflected in the plans and accomplishments of his four children, all of whom serve in, or work for, the Army.
“The Army has been good to me and my family. I am passionate in learning my craft and willing to share what I learn to my teammates. My moral compass throughout my career in the Army has been: Duty, Honor, Country. Throughout, I’ve been guided by the Army Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. With these, you can’t go wrong.”
Once a Soldier. Always a Soldier. Soldier For Life!
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