Photo By Christopher Freeman | Command Sgt. Maj. Terry Michel, CSM for 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 82nd...... read more read more
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FORT BRAGG, N.C. – With over three decades in uniform, Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Evans, the senior enlisted member for the 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, has seen the world. With all the traveling, deployments, and training missions completed, he ends his career where his life began as a native of Fayetteville, N.C.
Even though he now wears the second highest enlisted rank for the U.S. Army, Evans’ uniform didn’t always look that way.
“I initially went to Campbell University (known as Campbell College at the time) as a cadet,” said Evans. “All I wanted to do was fly.”
While waiting to pin on the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, Evans was given a chance not many cadets are: to attend the Army’s premiere leadership school.
“I was just walking around campus when one of the cadre members came up to me and asked if I wanted to go to Ranger School,” said Evans.
Evans had always wanted to fly, but was offered a different branch initially.
“When I requested my branch, I picked aviation as my number one choice,” said Evans. “During that time, the only option available to me was Infantry.”
With the aviation branch out of reach for now, Evans decided to leave the ROTC program and entered the civilian workforce.
“I was doing low-level managerial work for about eight years,” said Evans. “During this time, I earned my private pilot’s license and I would go fly on Saturdays in the morning and in the afternoon play golf. I had a pretty good routine, but I was yearning for a new challenge.”
In a scene portrayed in many military movies, a recruiter entered the scene.
“At this time, I was 28 and had been out of college for eight years,” said Evans. “The recruiter knew my qualifications and pushed to get me into the pilot’s seat.”
Before Evans could take to the skies piloting the Army’s helicopters, he would have to graduate Army Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training. The only thing different about him from the other recruits was a piece of fabric resting on his left arm.
“I didn’t wear my Ranger tab while in basic or AIT,” said Evans. “I wanted to blend in as much as possible.”
Try as he might, his professionalism and physical abilities gave away his status as a Ranger-qualified Trainee.
“One of the Drill Sergeants figured me out in AIT,” said Evans. “We were doing our two-mile run and the DS couldn’t figure out how I was beating him. On the last quarter-mile, I faked a Charlie horse and started slowing down. He comes up beside me and I am doing my best to sell it to him. After the race, he pulled my records and the cat was out of the bag.”
Now qualified as an Air Traffic Controller and a graduate of Ranger School, there was only one thing separating him from his old hometown: Airborne School.
“I have two brothers who were in the 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment and if you were wearing the uniform, you didn’t want to be the one called ‘leg,” said Evans. There were two types of guys on Bragg: paratroopers and the other guys. You didn’t want to be the other guys.”
Evans’ career took him across the world through numerous deployments, and his journey would end in a change of responsibility ceremony he stood in as a young paratrooper, except this time, he would be the star of the ceremony.
Evans has served under many colors as the senior enlisted member, with multiple assignments being in the 82nd CAB. The 1-82 ARB commander, Lt. Col. Andy Reiter, reflected on the caliber of person it takes to continue on for so many years.
“In every respect, he’s always lead from the front,” said Reiter. “He was the noncommissioned officer that made the difficult happen.”
Leading from the front where the average age of his Troopers is half his age could be a challenge for anyone, but not for Evans.
“I saw a man who laced up his running shoes at the age of 60 and conducted physical training everyday with his Troopers,” said Reiter. “I’ve also seen a man who comes in on Sunday to check in on his Troopers in the barracks. This is a man who holds each of us to the highest standard.”
Even though the focus was on Evans, he took time to welcome the incoming CSM, Command Sgt. Maj. Terry Michel.
“You could not have joined the 'Wolfpack' team at a more exciting time,” said Evans. “We are indeed a busy battalion. We have Troopers at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, Louisiana and the remaining members are planning and preparing for the Global Response Force mission assumption.”
“Take care of the Troopers as I know you will and they will take care of you,” continued Evans. “I know they will.”
Reiter commended the outgoing CSM on his loyalty and duty to his troopers and others, but gave him one final order.
“You’ve been a loyal friend and trusted advisor, but today it is your turn to put down the ruck, take a knee and refill your canteen,” said Reiter. “You can take further instructions from the lady sitting next to you.”
| Date Taken: | 11.10.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 11.16.2015 11:17 |
| Story ID: | 182027 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 341 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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