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An up close and personal interview with U.S. Army Veteran and Togetherweserved.com Member:

LTC Stephen Douglas Curlee U.S. Army (Ret) (1969-1998)

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE ARMY?

The imminence of the draft (issued 1969 and applied in 1970) prompted me to action as it did many others. I enlisted in Charlie Company, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces on 9 August 1969. I had been in basic training at Fort Jackson for about four
Uncle Sam Wants You
weeks when the draft lottery was held on 1 December 1969. My number was 332 and I would never have had to serve had I not enlisted.

Also, serving in the military has been considered a patriotic duty and obligation in my family historically. Two of my paternal antecedents (George Prickett and Israel Prickett) and two of my maternal antecedents (Abraham Holland and Rezin Holland) are credited with Revolutionary War service. At least six of eight great, great grandfathers (William Curlee, Lewis Kilgore, Thomas Holland, Edwin Sockwell, William Thompson and Noble Delashaw) served as Confederate soldiers in the War Between the States (all have TWS profiles). Both of my grandfathers served in the Army in WWI. My father (Navy) and all three uncles (Army) served in WWII. Three out of four of my male first cousins in my generation also served (two Army and one Navy) and one of two brothers-in-law served in the Navy.

About the poster: Originally published as the cover for the July 6, 1916, issue of Leslie's Weekly with the title "What Are You Doing for Preparedness?" This portrait of "Uncle Sam" went on to become, according to its creator James Montgomery Flagg, "the most famous poster in the world." Over four million copies were printed between 1917 and 1918, as the United States entered World War I and began sending troops and materiel into war zones. Because of its overwhelming popularity, the image was later adapted for use in World War II. Upon presenting President Franklin Delano Roosevelt a copy of the poster, Flagg remarked that he had been his own model for Uncle Sam to save the modeling fee. Interesting that the most famous and widely recognized and accepted depiction of Uncle Sam was the face of the artist! It's always been my favorite wartime poster, and I had a huge framed copy of it on my wall long before I ever enlisted.

WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
 
Commissioning Photo
I went from BCT to infantry (11C) AIT, jump school and Special Forces school, qualifying as a Special Forces heavy weapons sergeant. Three years later, I was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Signal Corps after completing OCS, and then served for over 24 years with the Signal Corps being my only basic branch. Along the way, I served three years as a qualified psychological operations officer (then part of the Foreign Area Officer functional area) and four years as a detailed inspector general.

IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN COMBAT, PEACEKEEPING OR HUMANITARIAN OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH WERE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TO YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY.
 
Droit et avant is French for right and forward
I did not participate in any actual combat, peacekeeping or humanitarian operations. However, I did serve as a detailed deputy inspector general for almost four years. Even though the primary function of the office of the inspector general is to ensure the combat readiness of subordinate units within the command, we also acted as ombudsmen for those soldiers that could not obtain relief through the chain of command for their unique situations. Most were simple issues and easy to remedy, but some were complex and required a great deal of work. I derived great satisfaction in being able to provide relief and assistance to our soldiers, especially those who deployed during the first Gulf War.

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH ONE WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?

My best assignment was serving as Commander, Detachment 1, Signal Company, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne). The leadership, experience and technical abilities of the SF non-commissioned officers assigned to Detachment 1 were extraordinary.

I also served as Commander, HHC, 15th Psychological Operations Battalion. My first sergeant was simply the best. He
Remington Hall (Officers' Club), Fort McClellan
was experienced beyond his years and he was an excellent sounding board. Both commands were rewarding because I could see the results of decisions, training, etc. almost immediately. Again, I was fortunate to always work with excellent non-commissioned officers and each assignment was a great learning experience.

Serving as an OCS tactical officer at Fort McClellan, AL was another great assignment and Fort McClellan was the most beautiful post. We worked hard and the soldiers I served with then are still my friends today. The topography and architecture of the post was simply spectacular. Unfortunately, the Defense Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) process resulted in its closure as an active Army post, although parts of it are still utilized and quite active as a National Guard training site.

Parachute jumping was the most fun activity I had in the Army. I enjoyed it so much that I took up skydiving after leaving Special Forces so that I could continue parachuting. I became a USPA licensed parachutist (C-Advanced) and obtained USPA Jumpmaster and Instructor ratings. I also obtained an FAA rigger certificate to pack reserve parachutes, which is valid to this day.

Special Forces school at Fort Bragg was my least favorite. The training was difficult and hard, the weather was brutally hot and humid, and Fort Bragg and Fayetteville were simply less than desirable places to be, in my opinion. Ironically, and not surprisingly, it was also the best training I got while in the Army, especially the weapons training. By the time I went to OCS, the challenge had been significantly diminished because I was so familiar with many of the subjects like map reading, land navigation, unit tactics, etc., because of my SF training.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE SERVICE, INCLUDING COMBAT, DESCRIBE THE PERSONAL MEMORIES WHICH HAVE IMPACTED YOU MOST?
 
Caisson Platoon, HHC, 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard)
There are so, so many, but this event simply exemplifies why the U.S. Army is the best in the world. In May, 1997, while working at the National Communications System headquarters in Arlington, VA, I drove over to nearby Fort Myer about lunchtime.The Caisson Platoon was rehearsing at the Old Post Chapel. They were dressed in BDUs (including combat boots with spurs!). After loading the (empty) coffin on the caisson, rather than continue east through the gate onto Arlington National Cemetery, they made a U turn in the chapel parking lot to remain on post. I was in uniform at the edge of the parking lot about twenty yards away, almost hidden under a tree. I was the sole observer. As the caisson rolled by, the NCOIC (individually mounted) rendered a slow hand salute. It took me a second, but I realized the salute was for me and quickly returned it. The Old Guard NEVER MISSES, even when rehearsing! It was most impressive and I've never forgotten it.

WHAT ACHIEVEMENT(S) ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
 
Officer Candidate School
I was most proud of my assignment as a Tactical (Training) Officer at Officer Candidate School. It was grueling, but rewarding work. Many young officer candidates that I helped train went on to serve as excellent officers and leaders, many later becoming general officers. It was gratifying to see the results of all the hard work of officers, cadre and candidates alike, and I was most pleased to have been part of such an organization.

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, QUALIFICATION BADGES OR DEVICES YOU RECEIVED, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE ONE(S) MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
 
Special Forces Tab
I'm most proud of the Special Forces tab. Many soldiers try for it and don't succeed. Many soldiers are assigned to Special Forces units and even wear the SF SSI on their right sleeve, yet still never earn the tab. It's a small group, and I'm proud to be part of it. When I finished Special Forces school in 1970, the tab did not exist. Being awarded the Green Beret with a group flash signified SF qualification. I was glad when the Army created the SF tab though, because once you left an SF unit, there was no way to recognize SF qualification until creation of the SF tab. Although I had almost no occasion to wear the blue infantry cord, as I spent most of my Army career as a Signal Corps officer, I was also proud to have qualified as an infantryman, been awarded the blue infantry cord and served as an Infantryman.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
 
Colonel Alton R. Barnes, USA Retired
COL (ret) Alton R. Barnes was the most influential man in my life outside of my father. He was awarded the CIB in World War II and I trained under him and served with him. He is the quintessential soldier, officer, leader, instructor, mentor, Southern gentleman, father and husband. As the founder and first commandant of the Alabama Military Academy (Alabama State OCS) in 1957, he created an organization of excellence that still produces some of the best officers in the Army to this day. When he retired, he was the Deputy Adjutant General for the Alabama National Guard. His demeanor always fit the situation perfectly. When it was time to be calm, he was calm. When it was time to drop the hammer, he dropped it and the likelihood was, you deserved it. I've seen him in conversation with many general officers, and they ALL called HIM "sir". He celebrated his 91st birthday on 27 DEC 14!

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?

There are so many funny stories, that it's impossible to recount them all. Here are three.

1. I was at Fort Jackson, SC for basic training from 11 November 1969 to 16 January 1970 (we had leave for Christmas). Wintertime in the south means cold weather with lots of rain.
BCT, Fort Jackson, SC
We were in final formation for the day and headed to the M-16 range the following morning. A naive trainee (not me) actually asked the Senior Field Leader what would happen if it rained. SFC Freddie Lockwood responded with the often quoted Army maxim, "Son, it don't rain in the Army!" Sure enough, it rained cats and dogs all the next day! In fact, it rained so hard that the rain beat the food out of our mess kits more quickly than we could eat!

2. We had to come to attention and sing SSG Barry Sadler's "Ballad of the Green Berets" every morning (that we were in a classroom setting) of Special Forces Phase 1 at Camp Mackall in April-May 1970! The song had been a number one hit in 1966 and was still fresh in the minds of all the SFTG instructors.

3. I finished jump school in April 1970 and after SF training at Fort Bragg, I returned to the 20th SFG(A), where traditional airborne traditions simply weren't practiced that I remember. Thereafter, I went to OCS and was commissioned in June 1973. One afternoon soon after, I was walking down a street at Fort McClellan, AL and a grizzled old airborne sergeant first class passed me, saluted and said, "Airborne, sir!" I wasn't used to being saluted and I couldn't recall the airborne greeting. I was three steps passed him before I remembered, "All the way!" and threw my hand up. I can still hear him laughing!

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?

As a reservist, I was a citizen soldier. My civilian career for twenty five years was in the sales of group health insurance and employee benefits. For the years following, I've been working as a financial and retirement planner.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
 
20th Special Forces Society Insignia
I've been a member of the National Guard Association of the United States (Alabama), the Association of the United States Army, the Special Forces Association, the Signal Corps Regimental Association and the Reserve Officers Association of the United States, although I'm not active in any of these organizations now. Currently, I'm active in the Military Officers Association of America and the 20th Special Forces Society. Staying active in these organizations allows me to keep in touch with fellow soldiers and keep abreast of current military activity and legislation.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER?

I learned to be prepared mentally and physically. Being prepared physically allows one to deal with the mental aspects (stress, fatigue, etc.) more readily. Organizational and presentation skills learned in the Army help me to this day. I learned to finish what I start.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE ARMY?
 
BCT, Fort Jackson, SC
Get in and stay in good physical condition. It allows you to deal with the mental issues more readily. When you decide to start something (training school, ruckmarch, etc.), complete it. Be on time for formations, etc.! Learn all you can from your non-commissioned and commissioned officers. I learned something from them even when they weren't purposefully giving out teaching points. If nothing else, you learn how NOT to behave and what NOT to do and how NOT to treat soldiers. Allow your drill sergeant to teach and mentor you.

SFC Richard Deslauriers, my drill sergeant at basic training, was one of the best men I ever knew and he was sincerely interested helping us all succeed. He was in the business of mentoring before the Army formalized the process and was worthy of emulation. I think the Army is filled with non-commissioned and commissioned officers that feel this way.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
 
TWS and The US Army
It has allowed me to put my entire Army career in chronological order and I've remembered things about my time in the service I had completely forgotten. For what it's worth, what I've put down is now there for all to see. It's allowed me to reconnect with those I haven't communicated with for years, meet and communicate with soldiers I never knew. Most importantly, Together We Served has allowed me the opportunity to honor, recognize and memorialize those no longer with us.

 


LTC Stephen Douglas Curlee
 
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TWS Voices are the personal stories of men and women who served in the US Military and convey how serving their Country has made a positive impact on their lives. If you would like to participate in a future edition of Voices, or know someone who might be interested, please contact TWS Voices HERE.
 
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