Contingency Operating Site Marez - Service to country is a value that Sgt. Cadavius Summerall, a gunner for Task Force Marne Deputy Commanding General Support, Brig. Gen. Tom Vandal's personal security detail, holds as a top priority. The events of 9/11 prompted Sgt. Summerall to take an interest in becoming a military member.
"9/11 triggered something in me. I wanted to do something to serve my country and that day made me realize how important fighting for freedom is," said Sgt. Summerall, a Chicago native.
After completing his basic combat training at Ft. Jackson, S.C., Sgt. Summerall went on to train at Ft. Gordon, Ga., as a radio communication repairman. Upon completion of his training, he traveled to Kitizign, Germany, and worked as an RCR for two years. Following that assignment, Sgt. Summerall deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 1st Infantry Division to Tikrit, Iraq, where he continued his duties as an RCR.
In 2006, Sgt. Summerall deployed to Iraq with the 3rd Infantry Division. He deployed again with 3ID in 2009 and is currently serving with them in support of Operation New Dawn.
Assigned to CP-North, Sgt. Summerall's mission focus has switched from communications support, to personal security.
As part of the Brig. Gen. Vandal's personal security detail, Sgt. Summerall provides security for Brig. Gen. Vandal during convoy missions.
"I enjoy being a part of the PSD more than any other job I've had so far," he said.
"I really enjoy being part of a team, and I work with a great group of guys," he added.
Brig. Gen. Vandal's Personal Security Officer, Staff Sgt. Joe Waterman, said that the PSD members are efficient in their mission.
"Sergeant Summerall does a great job as a gunner on our convoy. He is trained well, and keeps the other PSD team members motivated," he said.
When Sgt. Summerall redeploys in November, he'll go home knowing he had a place in this country's history.
"It's kind of cool that I was able to see something as important as Iraq becoming a free democratic country from beginning to end. It's a piece of history and it looks like this country really has a chance to succeed now," he added.
Sergeant Summerall is planning to complete at least 20 years of military service. Once retired from the U.S. Army he hopes to join the Secret Service.
Social Sharing