ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- “The relationship between an aide and a general is a very special one.”
As an aide-de-camp to Brig. Gen. Gustave F. Perna, Brig. Gen. (promotable) Larry Wyche and also Jyuji D. Hewitt, then executive director, Capt. Clarence Price has cultivated and developed three different and very distinct relationships with senior leaders.
“We are set in our ways. We’d like to think we’re flexible, but we’re not,” said Perna, commander of both Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Management Command and Joint Munitions Command.
Perna formally began the May 26 end-of-tour ceremony for Price with an explanation of the unique position an aide-de-camp encounters and the complexity of a general officer’s role.
Joining the military soon after high school, Price, a Birmingham, Ala., native acknowledges having fallen in love with the Army.
A love of the Army was great preparation for Price’s next set of experiences.
When promoted to captain in June 2010, Price said, "I'm humbled by this promotion. I take no credit for myself. I'm here only because of God, the support from my family, friends, and the awesome Soldiers that put everything on the line for this nation on a daily basis."
The start of a yearlong JMC tour began in April 2010, with Price learning the organization alongside Wyche, then commander.
In August 2010, Price served a short time with Hewitt as he assumed control of the command.
November 2010, ushered in the next wave of senior leadership to the ammunition command as Perna assumed command. For the next six months Price would learn from and observe Perna.
In turn, Perna made observations about Price as well.
“There’s a lot that he does that contributes to the organization’s success and that’s a tough position for a young officer to be in,” said Perna, who also served as an aide-de-camp to the Chief of the Ordnance Corps, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.
“It’s a task that takes a lot of moral courage. Those with sound character stand out and that’s Clarence.”
After a presentation of awards to Price (an Army Commendation and the Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe Award) and his wife, Jeanette (Keeper of the Flame Award); Price thanked his wife, co-workers and the gathering of JMC employees in attendance.
He also publically thanked Wyche in his absence.
“To my wife, thank you for supporting me.
“General Perna, thank you for keeping me on your team.
“Mr. Hewitt, thank you for making me try different kinds of foods,” said Price as he addressed the room.
He continued thanking others personally and by name reflecting on his time spent at JMC.
Perna also shared an observation about Price and his commitment to the Army family before a final wish of good luck.
“You have a deep care and concern not only for the Army but Soldiers. I look forward to your success,” said Perna.
As Price departs JMC for airborne school and continues his journey, he said, “I look forward to spreading the word about ammo.”
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