Photo By Sarah Gauvin | The honorees of the Transportation Corps Distinguished Members of the Regiment...... read more read more
FORT LEE, Va. - The Transportation Corps recognized 11 new “Distinguished Members of the Regiment” at a ceremony here Friday in the auditorium of Wylie Hall.
Seven retired colonels, three retired senior noncommissioned officers and a former Army civilian employee were honored for “promoting cohesiveness and positive values while maintaining the proud legacy of the corps” throughout their lengthy individual careers. Eight others were lauded for recently winning Officer, Warrant Officer, Noncommissioned Officer, Soldier and Civilian of the Year titles.
Describing the accomplishments of the DMOR inductees during opening remarks at the event, Col. Michel M. Russell Sr. (promoted to brigadier general Tuesday), said they “selflessly set the conditions and raised the standards” that kept the corps on the path of excellence.
“Their profound dedication to our craft and our Army is why the lineage of this corps continues to run deep and strong with every new transporter we induct into the regiment today,” Russell continued. “We also are honoring the future of our corps by recognizing the of-the-year recipients. These Soldiers, noncommissioned officers, officers and civilians embody the Transportation Corps’ creed with their professionalism, commitment to excellence and service to our country. As your 28th chief, I am confident … that the legacy, reputation and immense value added to the joint fight by this esteemed group remains as respected today as it will in the future.”
Stressing the importance of “go-getters” who consistently demonstrate strong leadership, innovation and devotion to the profession of arms, Russell said the future of transporters and the Army itself will hinge on those of equal character.
“We need these types of individuals as we refine core competencies in order to continue supporting the Army’s transition into Force 2025 and beyond. That is the direction of this Army. That is the direction of this corps we will carry on our backs as our regimental song dictates. I commend both the distinguished members of the regiment and the of-the-year recipients for their continued service to our corps, our Army and, ultimately, the joint fight.”
During the presentation of awards, Russell was joined on stage by Command Sgt. Maj. Cynthia B. Howard, regimental command sergeant major. Each of-the-year honoree received a certificate of appreciation, a metal statue featuring the Transportation Corps spearhead and logo, and membership in the TC Regimental Association. The DMOR recipients were presented a proclamation portfolio that highlighted their selection as a regimental inductee.
Clearly elated about the recognition she received at the ceremony, Joint Base Langley-Eustis Soldier of the Year winner Sgt. Victoria Warrington said she couldn’t think of a greater honor than being recognized by the Transportation Corps’ senior leadership team.
“It truly makes me feel like I have accomplished something special,” she said, “and it gives me motivation to do even more as a Soldier. That’s the message I heard today; you have to be willing to challenge and improve yourself to be successful in this Army. I’m ready for whatever comes next.”
Warrington is a modular causeway seaman with the 331st Transportation Company, 10th Trans. Battalion, 7th Trans. Brigade (expeditionary). Her unit recently built a causeway system in South Korea. She is now part of the team building a Fort Eustis structure she described as the “longest pier in Army history.”
“I love what I do for this country,” said the Russian-born Soldier who moved with her family to the U.S. 6 ½ years ago. “When I came in the Army, I understood it would involve a lot of hard work and competition … showing what I could do as a Soldier. Over time, I found it was actually very easy to succeed. All you have to do is put in a little extra effort. It shows you have the character.”
Warrington has applied for officer candidate school and said she hopes to receive her acceptance letter soon.
“I will make Army transportation my career,” she said with a confident smile. “That is my goal. This is what I was meant to do.”
Retired Col. Mark E. Victorson, a DMOR honoree, also appreciated the Transportation Corps’ decision to recognize his Army career that concluded in 2001. Being named a Distinguished Member of the Regiment is a “tremendous honor,” he said, and the title holds greater distinction than casual observers may know.
“It represents a lineage of excellence; that the great things being accomplished today are part of the same path of doing what’s needed to support the war-fighter,” Victorson said. “We are no longer the subject-matter experts in this business – that distinction goes to the young up-and-comers who have the talent to master the latest techniques and technology. However, we can still contribute to the corps’ success by being mentors and supporters. I think that is what is expected of distinguished members, and I’m proud to now be among that group.”
The following individuals also were among the DMOR honorees:
- Retired Col. Sharon H. Baker
- Retired Col. William M. Black
- Retired Col. Jeffery B. Carra
- Retired Col. Craig B. Hymes
- Retired Col. Ulysses S. Jones III
- Retired Col. Katherine Scanlon
- Retired Sgt. Maj. Marvin L. Bonner
- Retired 1st Sgt. Carl L. Brown
- Retired Sgt. 1st Class Howard J. Mayhew
- Retired civilian employee Michael F. Bowers
The remaining of-the-year recipients are:
- Capt. Jason Day (Fort Bragg, North Carolina)
- Chief Warrant Officer 3 Misty Langes (Fort Knox, Kentucky)
- Sgt. 1st Class Chasity Hutton (Concord, California)
- Capt. Caitlin Hinterman (Army Reserve)
- Chief Warrant Officer 3 Daniel Woo (Army Reserve)
- Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Hacker (Army Reserve)
- Francisco Aguirre (Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command)
| Date Taken: | 08.06.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 08.06.2015 09:38 |
| Story ID: | 172327 |
| Location: | FORT LEE, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 180 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Transportation Corps recognizes significant contributors, by Patrick Buffett, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
