JMRC celebrates the life of Sgt. Maj. Rodney Harris during Memorial Ceremony

Courtesy Photo | Hohenfels Military Community members gathered on May 25, 2021 to pay their respects to Sgt. Maj. Rodney Harris during a memorial ceremony. Harris who was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, passed away on March 30, 2021.  

HOHENFELS, BY, GERMANY

05.25.2021

Courtesy Story

Joint Multinational Readiness Center

HOHENFELS, Germany- Hohenfels Military Community members gathered on May 25, 2021 to pay their respects to Sgt. Maj. Rodney Harris during a memorial ceremony. Harris who was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, passed away on March 30, 2021.

Col. Anthony T. Murtha III, commander of Operations Group at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, said Harris established himself as a team leader and team builder and was always that man in the arena that forged everyone to come together.

“As a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer, Sgt. Maj. Harris led with a grace and humility rarely seen. A quiet professional, I never once questioned his judgement on any issue,” said Murtha.

“He was the leader that pulled our Operations shop together every day, kept them focused and motivated despite the darkest days of COVID. He was the one leader every Soldier could turn to regardless of rank for help in any situation. Therefore, it came to me as no surprise when I learned that he had earned the Soldier’s Medal. I did not know that when we served in 2CR together, but it comes as no great revelation knowing his character, his courage, and style.”

Murtha added that Harris affected in the lives of everyone he met.

Harris received a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Counseling and Guidance from Minnesota Walden University and Masters of Science (MS) in Forensic Science from University of California Davis. His military education includes United States Army Sergeants Majors Academy, 1SG Pre-Command Course, Calvary Leader Course, Battle Staff, Senior Leader Course, and Advance Leader Course.

Harris’s awards and decorations include the Soldiers Medal, Bronze Star Medal, three Purple Hearts, three Meritorious Service Medals, Army Commendation Medal with V Device, nine Army Commendation Medals, six Army Achievement Medals, Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Award, two Meritorious Unit Commendations, Army Superior Unit Award, seven Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal with Service Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, three Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, four Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, Army Service Ribbon, seven Overseas Service Ribbons, NATO Medal, and Combat Action Badge.

Harris is survived by his three children. Sgt. Maj. Harris’ legacy will continue to live on through the JMRC mission and countless others he invested his life in.

• Date Taken: 05.25.2021
• Date Posted: 05.27.2021 07:40
• Story ID: 397541
• Location: HOHENFELS, BY, DE