Photo By David Vergun | Spc. Cedric A. Harris, a radiology specialist at DiLorenzo Health Clinic in the...... read more read more
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WASHINGTON (Army News Service) -- Spc. Cedric A. Harris, a radiology specialist at DiLorenzo Health Clinic in the Pentagon, once called Hollywood home.
In 1993, Harris graduated from Julliard School. Actress Viola Davis and other luminaries were in his "Group 22" graduating class, he said.
For the next several years, he traveled between New York and Los Angeles, appearing in a number of TV shows, including "New York Undercover," "Chicago Hope" and "As the World Turns." He also appeared in theatrical presentations, including "Shakespeare in the Park."
Over time, Harris became discontented with acting because of the "grueling road trips" and because the lifestyle was "hard on relationships," so he made a career switch.
Harris joined a law firm based in Manhattan, where he worked in public relations for plaintiffs in several high-profile cases, including one involving Holocaust survivors and another involving employees and shareholders hurt by the Enron scandal.
DEFINING EPISODE
One day, Harris went to his law firm, located across the street from Madison Square Garden. When he reached the 49th floor of the building, he looked out the window and saw that the twin towers at the World Trade Center were burning.
He remembers "swimming through people" to escape. Harris said he boarded the last PATH train to leave Manhattan, and headed into Hoboken, New Jersey.
For the next few weeks, Harris said, the towers continued to burn. Since his house was atop the Palisades cliffs of New Jersey, where it provided a panoramic view from the Statue of Liberty to mid-town Manhattan, he said he couldn't avoid seeing the horrific scene.
"It was traumatic," he said. "It stuck with me for a long time."
The events of 9/11 left an indelible mark on him. "I believe that life is supposed to change you. Experiences are supposed to change you. And, that certainly did."
Harris realized that he wanted to serve in the military in some capacity where he could help people, so he decided to join the Army.
His boss and girlfriend thought the idea of him leaving a good position in the law firm was crazy. His girlfriend wanted no part of it, so Harris said he left her and enlisted -- at age 40.
Harris said he's satisfied with his job, caring for people. "What greater way to serve?" he said.
As a result of his Army career, Harris met his future wife Myrna while training at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii. She's currently a civilian radiologist, and they have a 4-year-old son, Cedric Jr..
MORE ABOUT HARRIS
Q: Where were you born and where did you grow up?
A: I was born in Laurens County Georgia, but I consider myself a New Yorker.
Q: When you were 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: An actor.
Q: Did you have any nicknames from friends or family when you were growing up and, if so, could you elaborate on how you earned them?
A: I had several nicknames. Kids at school called me "Doc." My Grandfather called me "Roller." Most people now call me "Ced."
Q: Do you have any family members who have served in the military?
A: "My father and two uncles served in Korea. As a result of the war, my dad became 100 percent disabled."
Q: How fulfilling do find working as a radiology technician in the Army?
A: Our motto is "One team, one purpose, conserving the fighting strength." I take this to heart. I support those who have given their all. I do my best to get Soldiers healthy enough to get back in the fight or transition to their well-deserved retirement.
Q: What do you miss the most about your hometown?
A: I miss New York City before 9/11. I know I can never have that back, nor can the country have the same peace back that we enjoyed before that dreadful day. The world is different and we must adjust and overcome.
Q: What do you not miss about your hometown?
A: Traffic and lines for everything.
Q: If you had not joined the Army, what do feel you would be doing now?
A: I'm not sure, but I am convinced it would be in noble direct service to people.
Q: What do you consider to be your greatest achievement both personally and professionally?
A: In this order: my wife, my son, graduating from Juilliard, and graduating from University of Evansville.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: "Being There," starring Peter Sellers and directed by Hal Ashby.
Q: What is your favorite song or artist that if you were alone, you might get caught singing along with?
A: No songs. I listen to a lot of NPR when I drive home.
Q: What hobbies do you enjoy when you are not at work?
A: Debating, watching documentaries, and fine dining.
Q: If you had one wish, what would it be?
A: To change the modern meaning of success.
Q: What superhero power do you think would be great to have and why?
A: The power to heal. People are at their best when they are mental and physically whole. This could solve a lot of problems in the world.
| Date Taken: | 07.08.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 07.20.2016 14:16 |
| Story ID: | 204496 |
| Location: | DC, DC, US |
| Web Views: | 37 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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