NEWS - Fort Jackson - U.S. Army

OP-ED
Soldiers deliver inspiration to civilian
As the holidays approach, I have begun to reflect on
the last year and assess my accomplishments, successes
and failures. Much of my self-evaluation is
similar to previous years, as I contemplate old and new
friendships, the birth of my first nephew and other personal
and professional milestones.
This year, I have much to be thankful for and am proud
to have joined the community of civilian employees who
serve the Soldiers at Fort Jackson. Admittedly, as I near
my second month of work, I know my journey with the
Army has just started. And at times the experience has
been a bit overwhelming, but already the impact of the
culture has been both significant and profound.
Every day I’m here, my sense of pride deepens and a
new memory is created. I can vividly remember the anxiety
I felt the first time I met Brig. Gen. Bradley May, Col.
Lillian Dixon and other influential leaders on post. I imagine
that new Soldiers experience the same feeling when
they first arrive at Fort Jackson: a fear of the unexpected
but sense of honor to be a part of the Army family.
I can recall the intense emotion that consumed me as I
fought back tears while attending my first graduation, the
Mama was an Army wife. Before she passed
away, she was the wife of a man who dedicated
30 years of his life to serving his country. During
those days, Mama was referred to as a “dependent.”
In some ways she was dependent. She was dependent on
the idea that her husband — my father — would always
be there for her, despite his three tours in Vietnam.
She depended on him and the military way of life to
provide a certain level of comfort, stability, and safety despite
those unexpected and unforeseen challenges in life.
Today wives, children and husbands of military members
are referred to as “family members,” and rightly so.
The women and men and their families who support their
loved ones who have chosen to serve their country are a
mixed group who come in all shapes, sizes, ethnic backgrounds
and religious affiliations.
Many have learned to be independent, carving out
their own niche with careers and hobbies about which
they are passionate. Yet one thing remains — they depend
on each other to maintain households filled with love and
memories of experiences shared in the day and life of the
military family.
COMMENTARY
By SHARONDA
PEARSON
Fort Jackson Leader
sense of pride that overwhelmed me as I scanned the hundreds
of Soldiers who were embarking on their journey as
protectors of our great nation. Or the extreme level of respect
I felt as I watched drill sergeants mentor and instruct
young men and women, many who remind me of my own
20-year-old brother, on how to become the best Soldiers
possible.
At a time when so much in the world seems to be
wrong it is refreshing to be among men and women who
personify integrity, duty and unwavering discipline. To
witness the rituals and daily interactions between the sea-
COMMENTARY
By YVONNE
CORPPETTS
Special to the Leader
Teaching courses in sociology has allowed me the opportunity
to talk about some of my experiences in the
Army and Air Force and the culture of the military community.
We are in some ways independent, a city of our
own where there are residences, grocery stores (commissary),
retail stores (Post Exchange and Base Exchange),
recreational facilities for swimming, tennis, exercising,
and more.
There are clubs for social activities for adults and children,
theaters, restaurants and even places to gas-up. Unless
a person has been there or learned from someone
soned Soldiers tasked with molding the next leaders of the
Army, and the young Soldier expected to continue the
Army tradition.
During my short time here, I have come to realize that
the Army community is much more than a series of ranks,
daily combat readiness or 6 a.m. physical training. It is a
constant reminder of what is right in the world; of men
and women who are willing to risk their lives to protect
the fundamental principles of the American way of life.
Their daily sacrifice and willingness to answer the call of
duty is inspiring, and constantly renews my determination
to perform my job to the best of my ability.
Much is to be said about the level of dedication it takes
for new recruits to transition from civilians to warriors.
However, I think that it is equally important to note the
lessons learned and transformation of the civilians that
play a supporting role in ensuring success at Fort Jackson
— the individuals who are here because of our intense respect
and admiration for those in uniform.
I imagine I am not the only one who realizes that there
is no better place to work, no better mission to support
and no better community of which to be a part.
Military family provides support in times of need
who has, many people don’t realize that in the military,
we are a community. We are family.
When tragedy strikes, those unexpected, unforeseen
events such as the recent incident at Fort Hood, Texas,
family members come together. We depend on each other
to be strong, to provide comfort, stability and safety.
Around the world, our military communities step up to
the plate to look out and take care of one another in some
form or fashion 24/7. Some events we hear about; many
we don’t. Yet the professionalism and dedication to a way
of life I am proud to be a part of is second to none.
Military installations provide support for members of
its family through various programs that support their
welfare and well-being. So today I encourage you to look
at your family at Fort Jackson.
See the many faces of your family, those who look
similar to you and those who are quite different. Remember
we can be independent at times, but depend on each
other to make our family safe and secure. Our family is
part of a world wide web and we are all in this together.
Editor’s note: Yvonne Corppetts is a retired Air Force
officer who resides in Elgin.