Soldier's Love for Country Extends Through Time

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Jarod Perkioniemi | Sgt. Dean E. Doty stands next to the Multinational Forces and Observers-South Camp headquarters sign. Currently serving with MFO, Doty has also deployed to Vietnam and the Gulf War and in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  

09.14.2008

Story by Staff Sgt. Jarod Perkioniemi 

20th Public Affairs Detachment

By Staff Sgt. Jarod Perkioniemi
20th Public Affairs Detachment

MULTINATIONAL FORCES & OBSERVERS- SOUTH CAMP, Egypt - Those who join the military do it at different times of their lives, for many different reasons. To some, the adventure of serving their country draws their attention; for others, it's being trained in a specific career field; perhaps it's the lure of traveling the world; or maybe it's for the opportunity to continue their college education through numerous military programs.

For one Soldier stationed at Multinational Forces & Observers-South Camp, Egypt, his decision to serve came before many current service members were even walking. Feeling a great sense of pride, having seen his brother join, mixed with his own desire to see new places, Sgt. Dean E. Doty, enlisted into the Army in October 1969, as a top secret clerk typist.

Doty's first deployment came soon after his enlistment; a deployment that sent him to Vietnam.

"People think it is crazy that I served in Vietnam," said the Wilkinsburg, Pa., native. "It's hard for some of the younger Soldiers to think that someone who served back then is still in the Army."

After his time in Vietnam, Doty was assigned to Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md., where he stayed until 1974. He then decided to get out of the Army and venture into the civilian world and see what it had to offer.

Doty began working as a truck driver for Swift Transportation and also as a Commercial Drivers License trainer, for Luzerne County Community College, which he still does when not on active duty.

It was eight years later, in 1982, when his wife and the call to serve again pushed Doty back into uniform.

"I came home one day from work and my wife told me she'd spoken to an old friend and had signed me up for the National Guard," said Doty jokingly.

Doty explained he had friends still in the National Guard and acknowledged he missed the feeling he got from serving. Besides his own feelings, he said his wife's joke was her way of saying she thought it'd be good for him to get back into the service.

Currently assigned to 1st Squadron, 104th Cavalry Regiment, Doty's job has shifted throughout the years, to his current job as a recovery vehicle driver.

"I've done a bunch [of jobs]," said Doty. "With the artillery, going from tow vehicles to track vehicles, [the Army] kept sending me to school to be able to work on everything."

The 58-year-old Soldier looks back on his career, one that has seen him serve in Vietnam, the Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom, with great honor and pride.

"The military is a good life," said Doty, with a big smile on his face. "I enjoy the camaraderie with all the Soldiers."

Being able to share my experiences and provide some advice to the younger Soldiers as they work hard in their careers is a very important part of my day, added Doty.

Doty also notes that he isn't done with his service to the country after this deployment ends.

"I think I have about two more years left and then I plan to retire at age 60," said Doty. "I'm thinking about [another deployment], my wife is kind of frowning against it, but we're thinking about it."

For someone who described himself as a "farmboy," who initially joined the Army because of his desire to travel, along with his family ties to the military, Doty has experienced a unique career that shows a Soldier's love for his country, can stand up against anything, including the test of time.

• Date Taken: 09.14.2008
• Date Posted: 09.14.2008 04:37
• Story ID: 23624