Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Tony Foster | Retired Sgt. Maj. Terry New shared a laugh with his wife, Crystal, as well as...... read more read more
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VICKSBURG, Miss. – Retired Sgt. Maj. Terry New, a U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARC) Emergency Management Specialist working at the 412th Theater Engineer Command (TEC), bids farewell to over 31 years as an Army civilian on Dec. 31 after retiring from 40 years of uniform service in Feb. 2020.
His career started in Jan. 1980 when he was still in high school in Arkansas because he did not see good future opportunities “in the small town” where he was at the time. He said that every day in the military was an adventure that he never regretted.
“When I was on active duty, I went to training at Fort Knox – trained as an 11 Bravo (Infantry Soldier),” he said. “I was the easiest recruit that the recruiter had. I walked in and said, ‘I don't care. I just want to go.’ So, I left the next day.”
With assignment locations ranging from Kansas to Hawaii to Korea, New spent eleven and a half years on active duty before transferring to the Army Reserve where he accumulated over 28 years of distinguished service. Yet, his greatest career challenge was evolving technology.
“When I joined, we didn't have computers - everything was done by hand,” said New. “I still remember being the answering machine for the First Sergeant (and) having to (later) learn computers – how to work with them and everything. It was a challenge but it's something that I use every day now – it’s common.”
New said that he overcame any adversities to technology via Army training at Fort Gordon.
“I learned how to assemble, dissemble and repair computers (as well as) write programming,” said New. “I guess it was a fear thing, you know, something new. After (training), they've been my best friend.”
Those who know New see him as a multifaceted asset and steadfast friend.
Col. Frank Witsberger, 412th TEC Deputy Chief of Staff, who has known him since he was an Army Reserve Unit Administrator “years back” described New as a man who accomplished much and always supports the team.
“He’s one of those guys who brings a lot to the table and has different skills and abilities,” said Witsberger. “You’ve got literally a lifetime of knowledge and experience making the transition (to retired life).”
Similarly, Mark Gaworski, 412th TEC Logistics Management Specialist, met New initially in 2007 when he held the position of Sergeant Major for the 412th G5 (Planning) section. Although Gaworski truly came to know him after coming into his current position in 2020 when they bonded over a hunting trip in Texas.
“Terry is very intense and very detail oriented,” said Gaworski. “I would imagine a lot of that comes from his years as a policeman. He is very, very into his guns. He can tell you stuff about guns that most people don't even think about.”
New spent some time as a full- and part-time police officer in Arkansas during his time with the Army Reserve as both civilian and uniformed personnel; however, he sought constant advancement that will allow him to comfortably retire.
“I was a Unit Administrator for about six years in Arkansas,” said New, talking about his civilian career. “Then I got an opportunity to come down to Mississippi (to become) the Staff Operations and Training Specialist at the 412th. I did that for a few years, then an opportunity came for me to take another advancement to become the Emergency Manager for USARC. That’s the position I've held since 2013.”
New, and his wife, Crystal, currently reside in Vicksburg, where both will fully retire by Dec. 31 and travel the country for the rest of their days. The Army will miss his experience and dedication.
| Date Taken: | 11.03.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 11.03.2022 11:52 |
| Story ID: | 432575 |
| Location: | VICKSBURG, MS, US |
| Web Views: | 155 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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