JMRC Soldier Spotlight: Capt. Frank Che

Photo By Sgt. Rebecca Call | U.S. Army Capt. Frank Che, a logistics officer at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC), poses for a photo at the U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria - Hohenfels Turnbull Library near Hohenfels, Germany on Feb. 22, 2023. In a JMRC Soldier Spotlight, Capt. Che expresses the importance of gaining knowledge and passing it on to fellow Soldiers. The story can be found on DVIDS. (U.S. Army graphic by Sgt. Rebecca Call)  

HOHENFELS, BY, GERMANY

02.23.2023

Story by Sgt. Rebecca Call 

Joint Multinational Readiness Center

HOHENFELS, Germany - Growing up in the poverty-stricken country of Cameroon, education was a high priority in the household of Capt. Frank Che. Resources were limited, so Che learned from a young age that in order to improve his life and better himself as an individual, he had to acquire a thirst for knowledge and discipline to go above and beyond expectations.

“That is the mentality that I grew up with. Always looking for opportunity to grow in whatever field I was in.” said Che

Education took Che from Cameroon to universities in Europe, where he studied clinical engineering in both German and English. He also toured neighboring countries which exposed him to various cultures and helped him become adaptable in any setting.

In 2007, Che enlisted in the U.S. Army. He took his education further by becoming a certified laboratory technician, specializing in micro-biology, chemistry, hematology, phlebotomy, urinalysis, and blood banking.

After receiving U.S. citizenship through the military, Che encountered new cultures in Asia while serving in South Korea, Japan, and Hawaii.

He also attended training in Airborne and Rigger schools, and later commissioned as an officer in 2013.

“If it wasn’t for the Army, I wouldn’t have had the opportunities I have had. I have a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and I’m pursuing my (doctorate).; all funded by the Army. There are so many resources to tap into that would not be available if I stayed a civilian.”

Che places high value on gaining knowledge, but he also believes in passing what he has learned to Soldiers that look to him for guidance and support. Competition is present in a military setting, so Che encourages his Soldiers to give themselves the best possible chance of advancing in their careers.

“It’s not about coming into the Army and twiddling your thumbs. You have to grab those opportunities because the Army provides it to you. Enroll in the schools and get an education.”

As a company commander, Che assisted ten Soldiers to further their education and commission as officers after earning their degrees. He ensured those serving beneath him were aware of any learning opportunities that would improve themselves as individuals and ultimately strengthen the whole team.

“I came from… Cameroon, but I have been able to travel the world. I have been able to raise a family, and I can provide them a better future with the best education, and it’s all thanks to the Army.”

Capt. Frank Che makes his impact by collecting and passing on knowledge gained through years of structural and worldly experience.

He currently is assigned to the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany. He works as an observer, coach, trainer during U.S. Army Europe and Africa training exercises, helping units improve their tactics, techniques, and procedures.

He lives with his wife, Nadine Suss-Che, who works as an after school English tutor, and their three children.

• Date Taken: 02.23.2023
• Date Posted: 02.24.2023 05:40
• Story ID: 439012
• Location: HOHENFELS, BY, DE