3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs

Story by Pfc. Jared N. Gehmann

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Sometimes life can be unpredictable and certain goals altered or unclear, but as time goes on one may begin to realize what his dreams truly are.

1st Sgt. Jonas Woodruff Jr. is serving on his fourth deployment as a combat medic. Although he is full of experience from his previous deployments, he now has a much different role as a senior leader.

"This is my first deployment as a first sergeant, and it is much more difficult than previous deployments because of the amount of responsibility that comes with the position. Now I have to orchestrate things," he said.

Recently, the 37 year old husband and father was recognized for his outstanding achievements and awarded the Capt. John R. Teal Award during a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq. The award is given yearly to the medic who displays valiant efforts and endless dedication to their soldiers and commanders. The award came as a complete surprise to the combat vet.

"I was shocked to receive the award, when I attended the ceremony I had no idea I was going to receive it," Woodruff said. "John R. Teal was a captain who died while serving in Baquabah, Iraq, which is the same place I served for 10 months of my last deployment, so I know some of the situations he went through while there," he said.

The award's narrative states that 1st Sgt. Woodruff tireless efforts to train, equip, and prepare the medics of Company C, 82nd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division always results in mission success. He is the ambassador of the Army Medical Corps that combat commanders want in their formation.

Woodruff said he was humbled and thankful to have received the award.

"I'm only as good as the Soldiers I serve, I am so grateful to have received the award. I believe this is the pinnacle of my career," he added.

Growing up in Virginia, Woodruff knew he wanted to go to college. But, while attending college in Saint Paul, Minn., he had to grasp the fact that his funds were limited and he soon ran out of money to pay for his college courses. With the lack of direction in his life, Woodruff decided to join the U.S. Army and enlisted as a combat medic.

"I needed a change of scenery and a way to pay for school so I decided joining the military hoping it would solve a lot of problems and help me fix my life," said Woodruff.

Today Woodruff serves as the top enlisted Soldier for Company C.

As a young Soldier, Woodruff said that the first few years of serving in the U.S. Army were easy and enjoyable for him because he liked his job and, for the most part, was responsible for his own actions. As time went on, Woodruff rose through the ranks and soon took responsibility for younger troopers and their daily actions.

"I'm more of a hands on guy," he said. "I think doing things myself is much easier than training and mentoring others. However, it is not as rewarding."

Even with all his accomplishments, Woodruff is still planning and setting goals for the future. He hopes to one day become a physician assistant and serve the American people in a different capacity.

"I want to retire in the Army and go back to my old neighborhood where I can help out the community," he said.

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