Photo By Spc. Baron Mason | WASHINGTON-Col. Michael Woodruff, director of human resources, District of Columbia...... read more read more
Story by Sgt. Jennifer Amo
WASHINGTON- In his final speech after 32 years in the military, Col. Michael Woodruff, former director of human resources for the District of Columbia National Guard, used the moment to emphasize the importance of non-commissioned officers in the Army and to the progression of his career.
"My first encounter with the military was when I volunteered to go to airborne school as a [Reserve Officers Training Corps] cadet. For those of you who have been to airborne school, they send ten people out at a time. I am watching them about to jump out and I am in my own daze," said Woodruff.
"Then this NCO came out of left field and smacks me right on the head," Woodruff added. He said wake up, because I wasn't listening to him. I tell you this because during my career, I have always been lucky to have an NCO in my corner to 'smack me on the head.'"
Brig. Gen. Aaron R. Dean II, adjutant general of the District of Columbia National Guard, presided over Woodruff's retirement ceremony consisting of service members, family, friends and colleagues at District of Columbia Armory, June 10, 2018.
He recounted the numerous times Woodruff was pivotal to the mission of the D.C. National Guard and his expertise as a leader.
"It's my honor and privilege to stand before you today just to say how proud of you I am for the service rendered to the nation and the District of Columbia National Guard," Dean said.
In addition, Dean acknowledged his innovative work effort.
"He came in shaking up things from the beginning," said Dean. "That is a good thing. As he moved throughout his career, he always left the position that he took on better than its original state."
During the ceremony, Dean presented the Legion of Merit to Woodruff for his remarkable service to District of Columbia National Guard and Army. The Legion of Merit is awarded to any personnel of the Armed Forces of the United States or a friendly foreign nation who has distinguished himself or herself with exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.
In addition to the Legion of Merit, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.
Woodruff's service to the Guard ranged from administrative officer for the Mobilization Augmentation Command to his final position as director of human resources for the District of Columbia National Guard.
His focus on achieving the mission left a lasting impression on the junior officers he commanded.
According to 1st Lt. Kyle Sullivan, commander of the 715th Public Affairs Detachment, D.C. National Guard, while working with Woodruff for the 2017 Presidential Inauguration, he really emphasized using a thorough planning process during that hectic time and allowed subordinates to make their own path.
Woodruff's emphasis on allowing non-commissioned officers to be the backbone of the organization and helping them succeed was an important part of his leadership philosophy and could be felt by the Soldiers he mentored.
"He has always been there for me even as enlisted personnel serving as the state equal employment manager," said Warrant Officer Annette Johnson, state equal employment manager, D.C. National Guard. He always been a guiding force to help me, when I think I had it going in the right direction. He straightened up the curve even more."
Johnson said, "Especially once I became an officer, if I made one wrong step to the left, he brought me back to the right. He would always bring me back on track. He has been very helpful and instrumental in the steps I take on a daily basis."
Woodruff ended his speech, how he finished his career by thanking all the people who helped him along the way.
"I would like to thank everybody here, because you guys helped me achieve whatever success I was able to achieve here. It's been an enjoyable ride and I can't leave without thanking my human resource team, they have always supported me in whatever decision I have made, and I am truly grateful."
| Date Taken: | 06.10.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 06.10.2018 16:13 |
| Story ID: | 280348 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, DC, US |
| Web Views: | 76 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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