Photo By Sgt. Juanita Philip | Lt. Col. Elvis Harvey, 104th Troop Command Battalion commander of the Virgin Islands...... read more read more
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ST. CROIX, The Virgin Islands gave a heartfelt farewell to one of its leaders, Lt. Col. Elvis Leroy Harvey, 104th Troop Command Battalion commander, as he hung up his hat and entered into life’s next chapter - retirement.
After 30 long and faithful years to the military, recognition of Harvey’s service was shown during his retirement ceremony at the Lt. Col. Lionel A. Jackson Readiness Center, Estate Bethlehem Military Compound on St. Croix, March 6.
Harvey enlisted in the Puerto Rico National Guard in March 1986, with the 92nd Separate Infantry Brigade. On June 5, 1988, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant upon completion of the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps with the Military Police Corps. He became a member of the Virgin Islands Army National Guard in September 1988.
Throughout his career, Harvey held fast to the philosophy that he had to leave a good impression for junior officers and enlisted to follow.
“I would like to be remembered as one who did my best in looking out for the Soldiers’ best interest; being honest with my soldiers both, officer and enlisted, with their performances so that they could be better in meeting the challenges throughout their careers to excel,” Harvey explained.
“One important thing to remember is Soldiers first, mission second. Live by the officer creed and NCO creed and everything will be okay.”
According to Harvey, he follows a different leadership style. He blazed his own trails and followed his personal instincts as much as possible.
“I never patterned myself after anyone, I went with my instincts and my personality. I followed this philosophy throughout my career,” he stated.
One person who has known him from his inception with the organization is VING Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Deborah Howell. “Lt. Col. Harvey has literally grown up in this organization,” she stated.
“We have seen him flourish from an eager to learn lieutenant into a confident, accomplished lieutenant colonel.”
“His logistics and operational assignment experience have increased his depth and knowledge base as an officer expanding his ability to contribute. His performance has peaked culminating in his final assignment as battalion commander.”
Harvey’s military education consists of the Command and General Staff Officer Course held at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and numerous Logistical courses. He has completed the Sustainment Pre-Command Course held at the US Army Logistics University in Fort Lee, Virginia.
He had encouraging words for all VING Soldiers and Airmen to take advantage of every training opportunity, to attend as many schools as they can.
“One regret that I had throughout my career was during my time in the ROTC I was approached by the commandant, Maj. Bastone to consider attending airborne school; at the time jumping out of aircrafts just did not appeal to me,” he said.
“My intent at the time was not to make the military a career.”
When he initially joined the PRNG, he intended to be a citizen Soldier - military part time, corporate America full-time.
“If I had the foresight that I would eventually make the military a career I would have taken that opportunity at that time to go to airborne school.”
“I just think that it would have been one of the significant events on my record moving forward with my military career.”
“You just never know what the future holds,” he added.
Harvey had strong words for those who were considering a future as a commissioned officer.
“Do not become a commissioned officer for the wrong reasons-less work, better pay,” he admonished the crowd of Soldiers, Airmen, family, friends and retirees.
“Consider all the responsibilities of being an officer. You will be responsible for Soldiers, their well-being, their careers, whether negative or positive and to provide the proper mentorship necessary to support their moves in a forward direction.”
During his many years of service, he has served the VING tirelessly in many positions to include platoon leader and commander of the 651st Maintenance Company; communications officer for the 104th TC Bn.; deputy chief of staff, logistics; acting deputy chief of staff, operations, Operations and Training branch chief training, and currently commander of the 104th Troop Command Battalion. Harvey has been at the helm of the battalion twice.
“I am humble, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve with the VING for 30 years of service. It’s an accomplishment I don’t take lightly.
“I hope that I am an example for the junior officers for them to pattern and try to meet those goals.”
Harvey’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Army Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.
| Date Taken: | 03.05.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 03.06.2016 15:37 |
| Story ID: | 191286 |
| Location: | ST. CROIX, VI |
| Web Views: | 523 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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