Culver, Timothy, CSM

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE ARMY.
My family has served since before the American Revolution. I wanted to do my part for my country.

WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHERE DID YOU GO TO BASIC TRAINING AND WHAT UNITS, BASES OR SQUADRONS WERE YOU ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
I started out as a Combat Medic with the Washington National Guard in a Battalion Aid Station. I then transferred to the Oregon National Guard as a Combat Medic with a Tow Infantry unit. I decided I liked the Army, so I joined full time. I was first stationed in Germany as a Combat Medic with the 42nd HHB FA, then PCS'd to Fort Lewis; were I served as a Combat Medic with 3rd Squadron, 5th Cavalry, 9th Infantry Division. When the first ever Flight Medic School started at Fort Rucker Alabama, I applied and was accepted in Class 1. I then served as a Flight Medic with FLATIRON Air Ambulance at Fort Rucker, and as an Instructor. On the side, I was a Volunteer Firefighter in Daleville Alabama. When my Father passed away, I ETS'd to take care of my handicapped Mother. During that time I served as a Combat Medic with 164th MASH Mobile Army Surgical Hospital in the Washington National Guard. I later served as an ROTC Instructor with the 104th Division and then as an Observer Controller Medical NCOIC with 91st Division at Fort Lewis. During this time I was mobilized and helped train and deploy over 1,000 Combat Lifesavers for Afghanistan and later Iraq. I was then demobilized, but I volunteered to deploy as an individual to Iraq, were I served as the Senior Medical Battle Captain at CJTF7. While there, I was asked to extend and be the first ever Senior Enlisted Medical Advisor to the Iraqi Armed Forces Surgeon General. I also moonlighted as a Combat Medic with a 1st CAV BN Aid Station and was NCOIC of the Rapid Advanced Medical Team for General Sanchez. Thirty years later, I am appointed as the Command Sergeant Major for the 654th Regional Support Group.

IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY?
Yes, Operation Iraqi Freedom I and II. I was a Combat Medic, Rapid Medical Team NCOIC, Senior Medical Battle Captain, and the first Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Iraqi Surgeon General. I designed the first Iraqi Military Medical Clinics and Medical Corps. Which were built after I left.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
It is hard to place any point in time, as I had many memorable experiences. Here is my write up for the Order of Military Medical Merit. It is only conferred on the top 3% in the Army Medical Field, and even less for enlisted.

Command Sergeant Major Tim Culver's contributions to the army medical department and the United States Army are significant. CSM Culver has served in several tough and challenging jobs throughout his 29-year career. Undoubtedly, this exceptional NCO has improved every organization he was assigned to. His accomplishments are a result of his superb technical and tactical expertise that he has consistently demonstrated. CSM Culver is a true leader that has shared a wealth of knowledge with countless soldiers throughout the AMEDD and the United States Army. As a SSG in august 1994, CSM Culver served as the NCOIC of the medical treatment section while assigned to the 164th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. He was instrumental while providing medical support in "Operation Firestorm" located in the state of Washington. CSM Culver and his section supported firefighters who fought intense forest fires for long periods of time. During these turbulent times, he evacuated several firefighters for life-threatening injuries and supervised the medical operations of three base camps covering over 120,000 acres. This dedicated NCO was later recognized for his courage and commitment by the state of Washington, and was awarded the state's Legion of Merit for the National Guard. During his tenure at the 164th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, CSM Culver volunteered as NCOIC for four operation stand downs, treating over 3,000 homeless veterans involving several hours with multiple civilian and government agencies. CSM Culver was recognized for his efforts and was awarded, four Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, and numerous letters of commendations from state and government veteran's agencies and the Washington Army National Guard commanding general for his significant contributions made. He served as an observer controller from 1998 through 2003. As a Master Sergeant, MSG Culver supported the army National Guard and Army Reserve Medical Units within the 5th Army region of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. He was quickly recognized as the subject matter expert for the 91 career management field while observing and controlling collective and individual tasks ranging from squad to company level during simulated battlefield exercises. In addition, MSG Culver trained and certified over 1,100 soldiers as combat lifesavers and field sanitation assistants in preparation for Operation Enduring Freedom. At one time, he was noted as the best mobilization NCOIC in his assigned battalion and deployed more than any other NCO in the unit. This superb NCO has further assisted mobilizing more than ten separate units in three different states. MSG Culver spearheaded the observer controller certification for his section, by initially ensuring that at least eighty percent of NCO trainers were observer controller certified. Later, his division commander awarded him an Impact Army Achievement Medal for achieving the highest percentage of certified observer controllers in the division. He took the initiative to earn his EMT certification at a time that it was not a requirement. At the same time, he ensured that 100 percent of his personnel were 91W transitioned and EMT certified. Later, his section was commended for satisfying the requirement six years ahead of schedule for the reserve component. In addition, MSG Culver was noted for mentoring several subordinates that resulted in one who was selected as the brigade's NCO of the quarter. MSG Culver earned a Meritorious Service Medal for these accomplishments. In January 2004, MSG Culver served as the first enlisted advisor to the Iraqi Armed Forces Surgeon General, and served as the coalition joint task force-seven surgeon's battle captain while deployed in Iraq. He was instrumental in the medical support provided to over 155,000 coalition forces. As the surgeon battle captain, MSG Culver proved his competence and professionalism countless times as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer among a staff of field grade officers. He worked in the joint operations center as an essential staff member and point man for all actions directed and implied by the coalition joint task force commander. This included the preparation and accurate submission of critical reports forwarded to the United States Army Central Command. His direct involvement was crucial to setting the stage for success of the coalition joint task force surgeon's cell while managing mass casualty situations that resulted in him successfully orchestrating over fifteen separate real-world Mass-Casualty events. MSG Culver developed the surgeon cell crisis assessment team standard operating procedures and participated in over 1100 emergency situations while in theater. He was recognized and awarded the Joint Service Achievement medal for his significant contributions as a battle captain for the coalition joint task force surgeon's cell. Above all, this dedicated NCO volunteered to extend his duty in Iraq after being personally requested by the V Corps Deputy Surgeon to be his first Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Iraqi Armed Forces Surgeon General.

MSG Culver played a key role in designing, planning, and allocating resources for newly constructed fixed medical treatment facilities while in Iraq. He developed combat life saver training for the Iraqi Armed Forces Surgeon General and designed the MTOE for the Iraqi Armed Forces Medical Corps. MSG Culver also standardized the construction of the Iraqi Armed Forces Medical Corps Ambulance Fleet, Twelve Brigade Medical Clinics, and Forty Battalion Aid Stations. MSG Culver earned the Bronze Star Medal for this achievement. 2005-2007, while assigned as the 385th Transportation Battalion (terminal), CSM Culver earned a second Meritorious Service Medal recommendation for his accomplishments and was selected above his peers as the next group Command Sergeant Major.

Command Sergeant Major Culver is a graduate of the Resident United States Army Sergeants Major Academy (class 55).

He now serves as the 654th Regional Support Group Command sergeant Major. In view of all accomplishments made by CSM Culver, he was awarded the Order of Military Medical Merit.

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
No, But I did receive a Bronze Star, the citation reads as follows:

CSM Culver was personally selected above his peers to serve as the first Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Iraqi Armed Forces and Office of the Iraqi Surgeon General. His untiring efforts and professional commitment to rebuilding the Iraqi medical infrastructure directly reflected upon the successful implementation of the newly reformed Iraqi Armed Forces. His contribution to medical transformation throughout Iraq demonstrates his unselfish loyalty to not only to MNF-I and the Coalition Forces but also to the people of Iraq. CSM Culver was instrumental in designing the infrastructure for the Iraqi Armed Forces Medical Corps. He volunteered to extend in theater to personally attend to the task and ensure that it was accomplished to standard. His professional dedication to this mission served to demonstrate his personal commitment to the Coalition's rebuilding efforts. Additionally, he was responsible for saving the U.S. Government millions of dollars as he identified shortfalls in the procurement of equipment for the Iraqi Medical Corps. CSM Culver was instrumental in developing and organizing standardized medical training for the Iraqi Medical Corps. He personally developed, designed and implement self-aid and buddy aid courses and an extraordinary Combat Life Saver program. He dedicated countless days and weeks to helping the Iraqi Medical Corps establish, train and equip their combat battalion aid stations which after implementation were the very first Iraqi sourced battalion aid stations to ever be operated in the Iraqi theater of operations. CSM Culver is an inspiration to all Soldiers and Medics alike. He volunteered his time to overseeing LTG Sanchez's Rapid Advanced Medical Team in addition to continuing to carry out his duties as the MNC-I Surgeons Senior Enlisted Advisor. CSM Culver spent over a year deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom saving lives, training Coalition and U.S., and setting the standard for all others to follow. CSM Culver, is without argument, a Non-Commissioned Officer of the highest caliber as his first priority is mission success. For professional and devoted service while serving as the multinational corps Iraq command surgeon senior enlisted advisor. service members, coalition forces and the Iraqi medical corps is unmatched; as a consummate military professional his contributions have been instrumental and invaluable to the command's success in providing only the highest caliber of medical support and services. CSM Culver's unparalleled contributions bring great credit upon himself, united states central command, and the United States Army.

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR OTHER MEMORABILIA, WHICH ONE IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
The Legion of Merit:

This medal reflects on my 31 years of Achievements and Service. I was honored and humbled to have been nominated for this. It was a great way to top off the end of military career.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
I would have to say it was my Drill Sergeant, SFC Rivera. He instilled a sense of pride and selfless service in me. He was a great mentor.

CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
I remember as a Flight Medic with "Flatiron" at Fort Rucker, we played a lot of jokes on each other. One was if you left your hat lying around, chances were you would find it frozen in a jar, with your rank and wings facing out.

Another was we would send the new guys on a wild goose hunt on the Air Field for various items such as a Bucket of Rotor Wash, or 200 feet of flight line, or a set of Fallopian tube pliers. Then we would also do a Crash Bell check from the flight tower, but conveniently forget to tell the new guy, so they would scramble out to the Helicopter on the flight line.

They were definitely fun times.

WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?
I was a Federal Firefighter Emergency Medical Technician and Hazardous Material Technician, but am disabled now from my wounds received in both Iraq and the fire service. I retired as the Command Sergeant Major of the 654th Regional Support Group, Army Reserves; October 25th 2010.

Now I am serving Veterans as a Veterans Service Officer at my VFW, Post 2669.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
VFW, American Legion, DUSTOFF Association, AUSA, Army Museum, Army Historical Foundation. Patriot Riders.

I benefit from assisting those in need and in conserving our heritage.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER? WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN THE SERVICE?
I dedicate my time to serving others in every capacity. I still assist Veterans every moment possible, by volunteering with American Lake VA Hospital at the Homeless Transition Unit and the Retsil Veterans Home.

I ride with a bunch of Combat Veterans who do the same. We raise monies, donations of clothes, toiletries, coffee, sugar and creamer. We also threw an end of Summer Concert for them at American Lake.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE ARMY?
I have a few things that come to mind. Communications is paramount. I always tell my Soldiers to communicate with each other, there leaders, subordinates and there family.

Then I give my deploying Soldiers advice I call, "Been there, done that, got the T-shirt." However the style has changed speech. What I mean by that is, when they get in Theater, bring an open mind, be alert and listen to those that are currently on the ground; no matter the rank. They know the current TTP's, situation, and what to expect. I also tell them to go with their gut feelings, take care of one another and get to know each other as a family. Lastly, as we affectionately like to call Hurry up and Wait. I like to apply my Motto of "Semper Gumby" or "Always Flexible." This has helped me get through 30 plus years of service and in my civilian life.

Life has good days and bad days, no matter if it is in the Military, a Civilian Job, School or Family and Friends. Be flexible, open minded, and treat others as you want to be treated. Thanks for letting me share.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.

TWS and the US Army

I have made contact with many Brothers and Sisters, whom I had the honor to serve with, and I get to preserve my legacy for my sons.

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