SALUTE THE TROOPS

FEATURED GUEST WRITER

KIMBERLY DANG

CPT, FA Assistant Operations Officer 4th Battalion,4SFAB Fort Carson, CO Growing up in the 'Disneyland' town of Anaheim, California, I always wanted to be a doctor. My 'calling' in life was to impact as many people as possible. I always thought a doctor in a hospital would be the best job to achieve this purpose.

However, my life plans took a twist. I was given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the United States Military Academy. Throughout my time at the academy, I fell in love with the military. I did not realize the calling I wanted in life was in front of me. I am able to fulfill this purpose by impacting our nation while serving in the United States Army. I was blessed to commission in the combat arms field as a Field Artillery Officer.

Following graduation, I went to Fort Sill, OK for my basic officer course. My first duty station was Camp Casey, Korea.

I was a platoon leader which I served by doing multiple operations in support along with the ROK Army. After my hardship tour in Korea, I was assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado. I was a Fire Support Officer and then Aide-decamp.

As I was promoted to Captain, I was given the opportunity to be a fire advisor and operations officer in the Security Force Assistance Brigade.

My experience has been truly humbling. I have traveled all over the world, working with multinational partners, and also serving our nation. I look at this as an opportunity that comes once in a lifetime.

Mentoring the future sons and daughters that join the military is one of my proudest moments. I look back and can happily tell myself that I am impacting so many people in my life with the leadership I have learned and developed from my senior leader mentorship.

United States Army BRET MILLER

Sergeant First Class 37F SLC Small Group Leader USAJFKSWCS Fort Bragg, NC

Sergeant First Class Bret Miller is an instructor for the Senior Leader Course at USAJFKSWCS. In this position, he is responsible for educating, training, and developing Psychological Operations Senior NCOs to provide USASOC with leaders capable of employing the Special Warfare operational approach to meet current and emerging national security challenges.

He entered the U.S. Army in July 2005. After One Station Unit Training, he was assigned to 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, Fort Reilly, Kansas, where he served as a cavalry scout.

SFC Miller attended PSYOP Assessment and Selection in 2013 and graduated from the PSYOP qualification course in 2015, after which he was assigned to Bravo Company, 8th Battalion, 4th PSYOP Group (Airborne). In 2017, he was selected to attend the Specialized PSYOP Team pipeline, which he completed in 2018.

Other noteworthy achievements include the Distinguished Honor Graduate and Leadership award recipient of the PSYOP Senior Leader Course.

SFC Miller deployed multiples times throughout his career supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom, Freedom ’ s Sentinel, and Inherent Resolve.

SFC Miller is married to Kindle Miller. The couple has one daughter, Lydian Miller.

His military education includes Basic, Advanced and Senior Leader ’ s Courses, PSYOP Assessment and Selection, PSYOP Qualification Course, Air Assault Course, Airborne, Army Recruiter, Raven Operator Course, Mobile Force Protection, Joint Military Deception Training Course, Theatre Special Operations Staff Prep Course, SERE-C, Special Warfare Touchstone, Electronic Warfare Integration Course, Special Warfare Operational Design Course, Special Warfare Network Development Course, Army Cyberspace Planners Couse, Army Space Cadre I and II. SFC Miller ’ s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal w/ Combat device (1 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (5 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (3 OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (4 OLC), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (1 Star), Iraq Campaign Medal (2 Stars), Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal (1 Star), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (Number 3), NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge

DR. CHUCK MCNICHOLS

AIR FORCE ENGINEER

Written by: Connor Enge

Chuck graduated from college in 1962 and joined the military. He started in the Air Force for his first assignment —getting his Masters degree from Stanford University. Shortly after, he went to work with Space Defense at Colorado Springs near the highly coveted, Cheyenne Mountain Complex. He relocated to Washington D.C. for Research Management before returning to Stanford to obtain his doctorate.

Dr. Chuck McNichols is a brilliant Air Force veteran who has written four books related to database management and decision support systems. Chuck has always loved soaring the skies. He even received his pilot's license at 19 years old. Over the years he's had three airplanes and said it was one of the hardest things to give up. On top of these grand accomplishments, he is also a proud father of two children.

Chuck started his story by graduating from college in 1962. He entered the military after taking Air Force ROTC at the Case Institute of Technology in Ohio. He says he had no intention of becoming a career military officer but, it turned the Air Force was in the midst of a space race and needed 'high tech' people.

“I was very fortunate, '' Chuck said.

His first assignment was to go to Stanford and get his Master's degree. Shortly after, he started working with Space Defense.

He later returned to Stanford for his doctorate. This began his career in education and Chuck soon became a professor at the Air Force Institute of Technology.

"I was a very lucky guy, ” Chuck said.

“There's nothing like being a doctoral student, and Stanford is no slouch investment. I love teaching, and I tell people, it took me 20 years to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up and a professor was what it is. ”

Chuck continued to explain his teaching career and taught at Clemson, the Florida Institute of Technology, and Radford University.

Aside from discussing Chuck's accomplishments, he also shared a story about his career's impact on a significant day.

“I almost missed my own wedding, " He said.

Chuck and his wife had set the date for their wedding to coincide with his return from a tour on Johnson Island. While at Johnson Island was supposed to be a part of a squadron team that launched a test missile. When it came time to launch it, the missile didn't go. The squadron commander told the men they were going to stay until it successfully launched.

Chuck pleaded with his Commander and saw success.

"I was going to miss my wedding, but fortunately he relented and I beat the letter to her that said I was not going to be there. ”

Chuck's experiences are incredible. After learning about his experience in Space Defense, I had to ask if he ever had encountered aliens.

His response:

"Oh not face to face but, you know, never say never. ”

United States Air Force CHANDLER ANDERSON

Maj. Executive Officer to the CMDR 8AF/ J-GSOC AFGSC Barksdale AFB, LA

Major Chandler Anderson is an Air Force Global Strike Command Intern at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. He was competitively selected for this prestigious commander ’ s program that deliberately develops future nuclear enterprise leaders through educational and experiential opportunities focusing on Air Force nuclear enterprise programming and acquisition strategies, future long-range strike priorities, strategic weapons effects, multi-domain operations, nuclear command and control, and leadership development. Maj. Anderson ’ s academic responsibilities include graduate-level coursework from Harvard University, Missouri State University, and the Air Force Institute of Technology.

Chandler began his career at the Georgia Institute of Technology. While at Georgia Tech, he was the punter for the university's football team. Chandler studied multiple disciplines but ultimately majored in business administration. While in school, he met his college sweetheart, Katelyn. The couple are the proud parents of their two beautiful children - John and Riley (Rio).

Growing up military, Chandler was always inspired by his family's service. He had been specifically enamored by his grandfather's 20+ year dedication to the Air Force. His dream was to soar the skies and protect the country.

In 2011, Maj. Anderson took his first step towards his dream after receiving his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Major Anderson with his crew after a 16 hour sortie in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in the Middle East.

His first assignment was as a B-1B Weapon Systems Officer in the 34th Bomb Squadron at Ellsworth AFB, SD. Prior to his current position, Maj. Anderson served as an Evaluator Weapons Systems Officer on the B-1B and the Standards and Evaluations Flight Commander at the 9th Bomb Squadron at Dyess AFB, TX.

Maj. Anderson has flown in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and FREEDOM’S SENTINEL, as well as numerous Higher Headquarters, Directed missions. He has flown missions in forward-deployed locations such as Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, and Andersen AFB, Guam. He is a Senior Combat Systems Officer with more than 2,100 hours.

After he retires, Maj. Anderson wants to open up his own grocery store and simply enjoy conversations with members of the community over a cup of coffee.

Thank you for your service.

WARREN HOLDER

United States Navy Served in WWII and Korea

Warren Holder was born in 1925, during a time of uncertainty. He was one of 13 children growing up in an orphanage. At the age of 17, he joined the Navy to serve his country during World War II. He soon became one of the first black officers and served as a Frogman (predecessor to Navy Seals).

As a Navy Frogman, Holder swam through the ocean to disarm underwater mines. The dangerous task often placed him in harm ’ s way. One incident in the Pacific Theater nearly led to him losing his leg. He also faced continuous adversity and prejudices as a black officer in the World War II era.

His achievements can be seen through the many medals and awards he has been given, including a Purple Heart. Throughout his lifetime, he has protected future generations and his experiences have since turned into wisdom.

At the age of 94, Warren Holder remained compassionate and used his experiences to inspire others. Every Friday, he would speak to other veterans about overcoming the hardships of war and coping with the residual impacts.

Warren may have passed away last year, but his legacy continues through his family and the lives he touched along the way.

FEATURED GUEST WRITER CODY ANDERSON

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Staff Multimedia Journalist Commander, Navy Recruiting Command Millington, TN

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cody Anderson has spent his life being involved with the military in one way or another.

“I grew up in a military family, so I’ ve always been pretty well aware of the opportunities, stability, and benefits that a career in the military provides, ” said Anderson. “When I joined the Navy, I was looking to change my life for the better. The day I left for boot camp, that is exactly what happened. ”

Following the completion of boot camp, the Navy sends their Sailors to 'A' school where they are trained on the basics of their job, known as their ‘ rate 'A' schools are found throughout the country. Depending on the difficulty and complexity of the subject matter being taught, a Sailor's duration at the school ranges from a few weeks to nearly two years. Anderson was selected to become a Mass Communication Specialist.

“I attended 'A' school at the Defense Information School (DINFOS) in Fort Meade, Maryland where I learned journalism, documentary photography, graphic design and video production, ” said Anderson about his six-month training evolution. “I went from being a college dropout with little more than retail experience on my resume to a Navy journalist in six months...and I was paid to receive that education. Upon successful completion of their initial training, sailors are then sent worldwide to fulfill the needs of the fleet. Anderson was sent to Newport News, Virginia, and was attached to the Nimitz-class Aircraft Carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). Anderson joined the ship as it was nearing the end of a multi-year renovation process known as Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH).

“I had never been on a ship before so I was super excited when it came time to finally report to the Lincoln. I had no idea what to expect, ” said Anderson. “I was blown away the first time I saw it. Aircraft carriers are massive and I couldn ’t believe this was where I would be working for the next three years.

During Anderson

’ s three-year tour on the Lincoln, the ship was transformed from a pier-side, floating office complex to a war machine capable of traversing the waterways of the world at a moment's notice.

The ship was not the only thing in a state of change. Anderson says he himself was transforming as he learned many new skill sets that are required as part of being ship ’ s company. Anderson was expected to learn the basics of the majority of the ship ’ s systems as well as life-saving skills like first aid. His tour ended with an around-theworld deployment where the ship was scheduled for a homeport shift to San Diego.

“Deployment was one of the toughest things I have ever had to do but through it, I learned life lessons that I will never give up, ” said Anderson. “Pressure builds diamonds, so although at times, it felt like I was going to crumble, I knew that ultimately the experience would come to an end and that I would be better for it.

After the deployment with the Lincoln, Anderson was then transferred to Commander, Navy Recruiting Command in Millington, Tennessee where he supports the mission of the headquarters for Navy recruiting.

“Being attached to a shore command took a little bit of time to get used to, ” said Anderson. “Before I was shooting pictures of jets launching on the flight deck, sleeping in a berthing with 20 other guys and now I’ m staying in hotels across the states and telling the stories of our future sailors and recruiters. And I get to go home to my wife every night.