REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Robert Moore's travels around the world in service to his country are encapsulated in the wooden Mancala board that sits in his office.
One of the oldest and most popular games in the world, Moore, deputy commander of the Army Security Assistance Command, keeps it in his office to remind him of Africa, his favorite stop among the many places he has visited thanks to the opportunities afforded to him throughout his military career.
For the man that grew up in rural Montgomery, one of 12 children, they are opportunities he never thought he'd have.
"I've had great opportunities to see the world, and the military has afforded me that," Moore said. "It has given me a tremendous respect and appreciation for people around the world and the diversity that we have across the globe."
Pushed by his parents, John and Minnie Moore, to get an education and make a difference in the world, Moore left Montgomery in 1974 to join the Air Force, a career he'd aspired to since a summer job at Maxwell Air Force Base where he answered to the commands of the first sergeant, taking care of odds and ends around the facilities and grounds.
"I was impressed with the organization, the discipline, and then just the opportunity to serve," Moore said.
Upon graduation from Alabama State University, Moore, one of the first ROTC students to be commissioned from the school, began his Air Force career with the intent to serve for only four years. Nearly 30 years later, he finally hung up his uniform for good, retiring in the rank of colonel, after a career of traveling the world, visiting every European capital and even going on safari in Kenya.
"It's (the military) allowed me to go places, to meet people to do things I never thought I'd be able to do," Moore said. "It has made me more appreciative of the great country that I live in. Despite the problems and things we have here in this country, you appreciate how great America is and how blessed you are to be born in America. Having been to all these places, there's nothing like America with all its freedoms and liberties. When serving your country, you're able to ensure that we maintain that and help make the future better for our children and grandchildren."
His service did not stop with his retirement from the Air Force, but rather, continued when he was selected to the Army's Senior Executive Service in July 2003.
Having spent his military career in political military affairs, security assistance and the full spectrum of logistics management, including roles as chief, Office of Defense Cooperation, for the Embassy in Berlin, Germany, as well as missile maintenance officer, director of logistics for a Tactical Air Control Wing and deputy commander and commander of a logistics group, the senior executive service was a perfect fit for Moore.
Prior to becoming deputy to the commanding general at USASAC, he served as deputy director of security cooperation and ODC Operations, J-5, Headquarters U.S. European Command in Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany.
The move to USASAC was a career jump he had been hoping to make, that also resulted in his ability to come home. Nine of his 11 siblings still remain in the Montgomery area, and are excited to have their brother home more than once a year.
"It's great to come home," Moore said. "Primarily what brought me here was the job. I had wanted to join the USASAC team for years. It was the opportunity to be able to continue to do something that I enjoy, to serve, and to make a contribution to our men and women in uniform."
His contributions over the years have been great, as evidenced by his receipt of the Joint Distinguished Civilian Service Award Oct. 20 for his work as deputy director, Logistics and Security Assistance Directorate and as deputy director of Security Cooperation and Office Defense Cooperation Operations, Policy, Strategy, Partnering and Capabilities Directorate, U.S. European Command from June 2007 to August 2010.
Since joining the USASAC team Sept. 13, Moore has enjoyed the hustle and bustle of daily life, and the challenges that accompany it, including serving under commander Brig. Gen. Christopher Tucker, as well as helping the organization through BRAC.
"It's fun to be his (Tucker's) deputy and learn from him and work side-by-side with him," Moore said. "It is a tremendous and busy place. We have seen over the last three to four years foreign military sales increase 300 percent."
Everything is currently on target for the USASAC BRAC transition, with no anticipated problems, according to Moore. The organization is slated to move to their new building on Martin Road this spring.
"I'm very appreciative of how warm and open everyone has been in our transition here," Moore said. "It is truly a great community that has great leaders that appreciate what we do here. It's great to be a part of Team Redstone."
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