Photo By Staff Sgt. Matt Leary | U.S. Army Pfc. Adam B. Head, a cavalry scout with Troop A, 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry...... read more read more
Spc. Matthew Leary
4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs
FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, Afghanistan – Walking along a hillside in the Gelan District of Afghanistan, Army Pfc. Adam B. Head is glad to be where he is.
"I love being here, interacting with the locals and my friends in my troop," he said. "I get to meet new people everyday, in a place I would never have a chance to go if it wasn't for the Army."
But for Head, a cavalry scout with Troop A, 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, this deployment to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom VIII almost didn't happen.
"I made a mistake and almost got kicked out of the Army," Head explained.
Arriving at Fort Bragg, N.C., after completing Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training and Airborne School, Head was suddenly confronted with more freedom than he had grown accustomed to in the Army training system, he said.
"I liked Basic and AIT, it was stable living for me, and I wasn't used to that," Head said.
Prior to joining the Army, Head had spent his youth partying and had joined the Army for the specific reason of straightening out his life. But upon arriving to the 4th BCT, Head made a mistake that nearly cost him his Army career: he used drugs.
"It was a stupid mistake I made, and it nearly cost me my career," he said.
It was during this time, when he was waiting to see if he would be formally discharged from the Army or not, that Head had an opportunity to reflect on his mistake and see what he really wanted out of life.
"When I was almost going to get kicked out, I got scared because I wanted to be here in the Army and I wanted to stay," he said.
Although Head was allowed to stay in the Army, he did face punishment for his mistake in the form of loss of rank, forfeiture of some pay and extra duty, he said.
But what is impressive about the situation, is the way Head turned what could have been a devastating blow to his Army career into a positive, said Army Capt. George E. Bolton Jr., commander of Troop A.
"Head really could have lost his way after this," he said. "I've gotten to see him develop since then, and I can't wait to see him become a (non-commissioned officer)."
The NCOs in his Troop speak his praises, with several saying they would want him to be in their platoon. He is hardworking and does what he is told with little guidance needed, a fine trait to see in a young paratrooper, said Sgt. 1st Class Matthew S. Parrish, the mortar platoon sergeant for Troop A.
"He is a poster child for bouncing back in the Army," he said.
And bounce back he has, going from a Soldier nearly kicked out of the Army to recently re-enlisting while serving in Afghanistan.
"We don't let just anybody re-enlist," said Lt. Col. David J. Woods, commander of the 4-73rd Cav. The unit is particular about only re-enlisting those Soldiers that they know will become outstanding NCOs and leaders.
His reason for re-enlisting is quite simple, as far as Head is concerned.
"I just re-enlisted for six years, because I have guys staying here with me that I know, I really have family here," he said. "I'm a lifer, I am going to do whatever comes up along my career."
His unit has high hopes for him in the future as well, which is a large part of the reason why he is still in the Army, because of the potential he displays, said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Mike J. Greene.
"He's a great example of someone who made a mistake but because of good leadership has made the best of it," he said.
"He has accepted responsibility for his mistake and he's soldiering on. He showed great maturity when he accepted what he did," Woods said.
Hopefully, Head will use the mistakes he has made to make himself a better NCO and leader, Bolton said.
"The best asset to his leadership skills will be his ability to relate to Soldiers," he said. "He'll be able to talk to someone and get them going on the right path."
Head said this is something he is already prepared to do, especially if he were to encounter a fellow Soldier about to use drugs.
"I'd tell them it's not worth it," he said. "Don't do it, you're risking your career for something as stupid as a drug."
He can sum it all up with three simple words of wisdom we have all heard before, he said.
"Just say no."
| Date Taken: | 07.27.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 07.27.2007 10:34 |
| Story ID: | 11491 |
| Location: | KIRKUK, IQ |
| Web Views: | 226 |
| Downloads: | 181 |
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