SMDC leader is hall of famer

Courtesy Photo | David Tate, Purdue University ROTC Hall of Fame chair, inducts Col Brian M. Moore, acting director of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Center of Excellence, into the 2021-2022 Purdue University, Indiana, ROTC Hall of Fame during a ceremony, April 9, at the Purdue Armory. (courtesy photo)  

PURDUE UNIVERSITY, INDIANA, UNITED STATES

04.11.2022

Story by Jason Cutshaw 

U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command

PURDUE UNIVERSITY, Indiana – One Soldier’s path led him from cadet to colonel and all the way to the Hall of Fame.

Col. Brian M. Moore, acting director of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Center of Excellence, was inducted into the 2021-2022 Purdue University, Indiana, ROTC Hall of Fame during a ceremony, April 9, in the Purdue Armory.

“It is truly an honor to be placed among such great Americans, Boilermakers, and patriots by entry to the Hall of Fame,” Moore said. “As a cadet, I remember being amazed at the pictures and reading biographies of members of the Purdue ROTC Hall of Fame. I found it very motivating to think about what people could accomplish who started where I was at the time – stood where I stood, learned where I learned, trained where I trained.

“I was absolutely shocked when two of my classmates contacted me within a two-week period to let me know they were nominating me,” he added. “It took some real convincing on their side to get me to agree. I couldn’t believe that I would ever be placed among that group. It can be funny to consider, but our friends and wives make a habit of proving us wrong. This was one of those times.”

Moore said Purdue is among the finest colleges in the country, and the ROTC program has helped to grow and influence countless leaders in the U.S. He said beyond the academics, Purdue had a great balance of opportunities from dorm life, campus jobs, extracurricular activities, and exposure to people from across the country and overseas.

“Purdue is a world-class academic institution that creates an environment where students can prepare for a lifetime of success across a variety of disciplines,” Moore said. “The campus is very well organized, welcoming, and well maintained - and I don’t just say this because my cousin, Phil Richey, is the grounds manager.”

He added that Purdue’s ROTC program prepared him to serve in the Army and that serving as a Soldier has allowed him to appreciate citizenship in unimaginable ways.

“The Army has been great to my family and me,” Moore said. “The freedoms we enjoy in our constitutional republic make us unique. I have had the privilege of being entrusted with America’s sons and daughters for nearly three decades. The Soldiers I’ve known from all walks of life convince me every day that we are in the land of the free, and the home of the brave.

“I want to thank my parents and family for believing in me, my fellow Boilermakers for being such great friends, my fellow Soldiers for inspiring and motivating me, and God for blessing me in ways that I can barely grasp,” he added.

David Tate, Purdue University ROTC Hall of Fame chair, said it is impossible to compare the inductees as each stands on their own merit. He said they have inducted several astronauts; numerous generals and admirals, including the first female to command a combat naval unit; leaders in industry and global business; a World War II fighter pilot ace; the last man on the moon; and a myriad of those who made significant contributions in education, medicine and government.

“Every single inductee we’ve had has remarked this award is special because it comes from their academic and ROTC home, where they got their start and learned of disciple and leadership,” Tate said. “Every nomination has submitted a very detailed listing of all academic, military and civil activities, awards, recognitions and philanthropic endeavors. While this award stems from being both a Purdue and ROTC graduate, the review of the nominee looks not just at the military aspect but the civil and professional career as well. While many may believe that combat experience is the lead factor, in fact it’s the whole picture of how the nominee exceled in every aspect of their careers.”

Tate said the Hall of Fame bylaws stipulate only 10 can be inducted in any given year so those selectees are at the pinnacle of their careers in comparison to others in similar positions.

“Obviously, I am very proud of this achievement,” said Moore’s wife, Debora. “He has a lot of great memories and stories about his time in the Boilermaker Battalion. I am in awe of the company he will be placed next to in the Hall of Fame. Most importantly is he is a hall of fame husband and father.

“The Army gives lots of awards, medals, etc. but this honor came from peers, classmates who have known him more than 30 years,” she added. “From cadet to colonel, they from afar, have tracked his career and accomplishments. This really exemplifies and cumulates an amazing 30-year career.”

• Date Taken: 04.11.2022
• Date Posted: 04.11.2022 09:57
• Story ID: 417852
• Location: PURDUE UNIVERSITY, INDIANA, US