FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. — As the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence, the spirit of selfless service remains more vital than ever. It is our warfighters and civil servants who ensure the Army wins, sustains, and celebrates independence through their unwavering dedication to the country. By performing their duties with expertise and commitment, service members and civilians highlight the Army’s role in the nation’s founding, growth, and defense.
The U.S. Army defines the value of selfless service as putting "the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own." It is a principle that every Soldier learns, but it is a value that is not exclusive to those in uniform. Civilians across the Department of the Army answer a higher call than just earning a paycheck. Instead, these civilians contribute to a mission that saves lives and safeguards the American way of life, exemplifying service to a cause greater than themselves.
This photo was taken at Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, Illinois, to honor a fallen service member for the U.S. Army Sustainment Command (Photo Courtesy: Shawn Eldridge, Graphic Artist CTR, U.S. Army Joint Munitions Command). VIEW ORIGINAL
Here are two powerful examples of selfless service from the Communications-Electronics Command. As a vital component of CECOM, these U.S. Army Information Systems Engineering Command civilians exemplify putting the Army's mission first.
Mission first: The Anniston challenge
On what began as a normal Monday, a critical mission faced an unexpected hurdle. The USAISEC engineer scheduled for a two-week assignment in Anniston, Alabama, suddenly was unable to travel due to a COVID-19 infection. Without notice, a colleague was asked to replace the unavailable engineer.
Without any hesitation, the replacement engineer packed bags and boarded a plane, heading into a complex situation without any background information about the immediate work. The temporary duty was fraught with challenges, including significant problems with contractors, data, and tight timelines. Yet, with pure determination, the individual put the mission before personal plans, family, and friends. Without complaint, the engineer simply accomplished the tasks required to complete the mission on time. This epitomizes selfless service.
Answering the call: The Kuwait directive
In another remarkable case, the USAISEC civilian employee returned to work after a week of leave, only to be met with an urgent, mission-critical task. The Southwest Asia Theater Director drastically advanced a mission requirement in Kuwait by shifting the deployment date from the end of the month to the beginning of the month with less than a week to be in place.
As the engineer completed an immense amount of mandatory pre-deployment training, another colleague worked tirelessly in the background gathering essential artifacts, including comprehensive hardware and software listings, to ensure they had everything needed for the mission. Together, they faced and overcame multiple obstacles. Their shared perseverance and unwavering can-do attitude culminated in the USAISEC employee being airborne and on the way to Kuwait just in time to be on the ground when the customer had requested.
These accounts of employees going the extra mile are real-world examples of civilians who, when faced with a choice, put the needs of the Army and the nation first. Their actions contribute directly to mission success and stand as a powerful reminder of the thriving spirit of selfless service at USAISEC.
To learn how USAISEC can serve to enhance your mission capabilities, contact us at USAISEC@Army.mil.
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