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    Computer operations Soldier becomes a professor

    CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IRAQ

    02.27.2011

    Courtesy Story

    224th Sustainment Brigade

    CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq— There are many opportunities that arise for soldiers here, whether it is educational or just something to do for fun in one’s spare time. Staff Sgt. Eric Callagher, sustainment automation support management office non-commissioned officer-in-charge with the 749th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 224th Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and a Citrus Heights, Calif., native, is taking hold of every opportunity that presents itself at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq.

    Callagher decided to continue his educational efforts and challenge himself by becoming a professor at the University of Maryland University College. Callagher will be teaching the IFSM 201 class, which is an introduction to computer-based systems, at the COB Adder Education center. This computer-based class is scheduled to begin 22 March. The class will be held every Tuesday and Thursday for eight weeks from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Callagher explained why he decided to go through with this endeavor.

    “Now, at 45, I feel that it is my purpose to return to school to inspire the next generation of thinkers,” Callagher said. “I am eager to develop future professionals, scientists, and colleagues who will travel through life in search of greatness. I also feel that teaching is a noble profession – a service to humanity.”

    Callagher is someone who has not stopped pursuing greatness in his education. He started working towards his bachelor’s degree in geology with a concentration in hydrology shortly after his return from being stationed in Hawaii with the Marines in 1990, at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. In 1991, he continued his education at California State University Stanislaus in Turlock, Calif. Several years later, Callagher enrolled at Sonoma State University.

    He said that while working on his bachelor’s degree in 2000, he made his final school change and best academic choice when he enrolled in the University of San Francisco.

    He enrolled as an information technology major and completed both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees at USF.

    Callagher is still interested in pursuing his education once he returns home from deployment. He is considering attending UMUC or Carnegie Mellon to study for his doctorate degree in information systems security. This will be Callagher’s first major experience as a teacher, and he is very eager to mentor college level students.

    “While my approach to teaching is not developed, I will experiment with three basic principles: inspire a creative mindset, embrace change, and expect projects to be relevant,” Callagher said regarding his teaching abilities. “I believe my decision to teach is a life-changing goal and it is a personal challenge. I am excited to get started.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 02.27.2011
    Date Posted: 02.28.2011 07:45
    Story ID: 66206
    Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IQ

    Web Views: 82
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN