Thursday, September 04, 2008

Strickland set to retire following 35 years of selfless service

Courtesy photos
Above: 35-year veteran Sgt. Maj. Debra Strickland deployed to Afghanistan earlier this week. Top left: Strickland as a drill sergeant at Fort Jackson, S.C.

For Sgt. Maj. Debra Strickland, all good things must come to an end.

The 35-year veteran deployed earlier this week to Kabul, Afghanistan, where she will serve a six-month tour as base sergeant major with the International Security Assistance Force.

When she comes back, she will again say goodbye to the Army - only this time for good, as she will retire and leave behind an illustrious career filled with numerous accomplishments. This includes selection as the first Command Sergeant. Major for the Installation Management Agency, a brand new Army organization back in 2002. She would later become senior enlisted advisor to the agency’s assistant chief of staff.

In looking back on more than three decades of service to America, Strickland is most proud to have worked alongside so many dedicated individuals who have shared the same passion for country as she has.

She’s also incredibly grateful to the Army for allowing her to close out her military career on such a high note.

“I’ve done three tours in Europe, which comes to 12 years altogether. However, this is my first opportunity to visit this part of the world. It’s very exciting at this point in life,” she said. “My mandatory retirement date was back in July, so I’m thankful the Army is enabling me to do this. I’ve wanted to go over for some time and it’s finally here. Being my last assignment, it’s bittersweet in a way.”

Strickland began her career right out of high school. Originally from Coral Gables, Fla., she attended basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C. in 1973. Seven months later, after her first duty assignment at Fort Rucker, Ala., she returned to Fort Jackson and became a drill sergeant for female Soldiers from 1974 to 1978. 

Initially, her sights were set on the standard three-year commitment, but plans changed once she got accustomed to her new life.
“I found out early on how addictive military life was,” she said with a smile. “I’ve taken things one enlistment at a time, but would always re-enlist because of everything around me. I’ve always enjoyed the work, the people and overall environment the Army offers its Soldiers. It’s been fantastic to me.”

As part of the initial group training women at Fort Jackson, Strickland’s appreciation for the Army grew. In 1975, the Women’s Army Corps
was activated. According to her, this would be a crowning achievement for female Soldiers throughout the nation.

“I believe it’s the best thing that has ever happened for us,” Strickland said. “Not only would it offer a female chain of command, but it would open up many other opportunities for women across the Army. Throughout the years, the Army has made it a point of taking on tough issues and having balance is one of them. This is an example of that.”

Also worthy of discussion are the advances made in childcare, Strickland added. In her opinion, there’s no organization better at recognizing family needs than the Army. In a family with two military parents, she feels there’s been a strong focus by the Army in recent years to reassure both male and female Soldiers of professional development -without it hurting their family structure.

At present, Strickland said every major installation in the U.S. has seen an improvement in this particular area and imagines it only getting better in the years ahead.

During a change of command ceremony in July, Strickland relinquished her responsibility as Command Sergeant Major, IMCOM. Commanding Gen. Robert Wilson stated no other senior enlisted advisor has done more for IMCOM than Strickland.

“Command Sgt. Maj. Strickland has been a chief advocate and strong supporter for quality-of-life initiatives for both single Soldiers and Soldiers’ families,” he said. She developed the concept of centralized barracks, which has been a huge success, and has acquired funding to develop and expand the curriculum of a course that garrison command sergeant majors take for professional development. She is tireless and tenacious and has made significant, long-term contributions to our Soldiers.”

Despite the praise and her many accolades, Strickland said her motto has always been about selfless service and, even in retirement, it’s one she’s sticking to.

“In the Army, as much as you work hard to establish something that’s connected to you, it’s more important to know that you were part of a team and that what you did enabled others to do their very best, as well,” she said. “The best advice I can give any Soldier is to strive and do your absolute best at all times. Be well-rounded and devote yourself to your job 100 percent. Opportunities will follow.

“I’ve enjoyed working at Belvoir so much because it allowed me to interact with so many great people and see firsthand how the Army handles complex situations. I’ve learned so much and have a debt of gratitude to everyone who has helped me along the way. Belvoir will always be a shining star for the Army.”