Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Tom Wade | Command Chief Warrant Officer Donald Edgar takes a break from training to relish on...... read more read more
FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. - The Army says goodbye, after 36 years of service, to Command Chief Warrant Officer Donald Edgar at Fort Hunter Liggett.
President Thomas Jefferson is quoted to say "He who knows how little he knows". With this said the Army says goodbye, after 36 years of service, to Command Chief Warrant Officer Donald Edgar at Ft. Hunter Liggett.
"I started my career as a Marine here in California and I end it here as a Soldier" stated Edgar. I have lots of fond memories that will be cherished because this is all I knew for the better part of my life, Edgar added.
Edgar storied career started off in Marine Corps, in 1966, in which we spent four years there. During that time frame he served with honor in Vietnam War (1967-69). Among the many awards he received during his time as a Marine were the Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, for saving multiple Marines lives; the Vietnam Service Medal with three Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, Certificate of Commendation and the Motor Transport Mechanic Award.
In keeping up with the spirit of bettering self, Edgar went to college and graduated from Indiana University, with a Bachelor of Science in Economics, in 1975.
With his new wife they stated up their own courier and delivery service called Edgar's Service in which he became a famous face in the Ft. Wayne, Ind., area. He joined the Allen County Police department, from 1975 - 2000 an switch his military service to the Indiana Army National Guard.
In 1983, Edgar decided to change the direction of his career and became a warrant officer. He joined the 238thAviation Brigade, learned to fly a heuy and took many advance courses which taught him how to become a better leader.
"Becoming a Warrant Officer is a great way to expand one's Army career" stated Edgar. He gained so much from this lifestyle that he returned encouraged six other Soldiers to become Warrant Officers and two other's to become second lieutenants.
The new century was a time of change in which Edgar took the bull by the horn. He closed his business of twenty-five years, joined the Army Reserves and became an apache pilot. After leaving the 229th Aviation Brigade, Edgar became a training officer with the 221st Ordinance Company. From there he did what he was born to do and lead the 209th Quartermaster Company into battle during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Edgar received many awards for his service in OIF, including the Bronze Star Medal; the Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal and the National Defense Service Medal with One Star.
Serving in two wars twenty-five years apart showed that he didn't talk about change he help create it. One of the issues Edgars loves talking about was the supply lines of both wars.
"In Vietnam, I had to get vehicle equipment that was stuck in Denang and bring it to where we were at in the Mable Mountains, Edgar stated. Getting needed supplies are necessary to victory in war for I seen pallet supply issues overcome in Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, which was needed to help Soldiers in cities like Fallujah, Edgar added.
After serving as company commander of the 209th Quartermaster Company for three years he was bestowed the highest honor of his career, and that was obtaining the position of command chief.
"There are fewer command chiefs than there are generals" stated Edgar. One of the many things I enjoyed in this position was working with the general's staff, he added.
There aren't many people that stay within their career for over thirty five years. "You go to love what you do" Edgar stated. What kept me encouraged was that I had great leadership backing my command decisions, he added.
Leaving something done for so long can be hard for many. That's why is so hard to say goodbye. The Army will miss having great leaders like CW5 Edgar, that's why he challenges us to be all you can be, and let the Army teach one how to be Army Strong.
| Date Taken: | 06.17.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 01.17.2010 10:00 |
| Story ID: | 44015 |
| Location: | FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 229 |
| Downloads: | 205 |
This work, Goodbye to a favorite son, by SFC Tom Wade, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT