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An up close and personal interview with U.S. Army Service Member and Togetherweserved.com Member:
LTC Pete Tingstrom U.S. Army (1985-Present)
PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE ARMY?
My father, an Army veteran himself, is what influenced my decision to join the military initially. I tried college right out of high school. I quickly found out that I was not ready for the academic rigor and enjoyed my social life too much. I had a full 18 credit
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| My Father (LTC Ray Tingstrom) swore me in. |
hour schedule (when I went to class), and failed horribly, ended up with a whopping 0.51 GPA and was placed on Academic Warning. My parents stated that they were not going to throw money away with that kind of commitment. I stayed one more semester to retake many of my failed classes and I ended up with a 2.4 GPA.
That summer my dad asked me what I was going to do with my life and how was I going to finance my education. He recommended that I go talk to some military recruiters. I visited each service recruiter in Oceanside, CA. The Army and Air Force had the two best college programs going. I did a lot of research into this next step and the major reason I joined the Army was the maturity I needed and of course money for college. I enlisted for 3 1/2 years, then I served in the Army Reserves for 4 years. Upon going back to college, I missed the military life. I ultimately joined Army ROTC at Washington State University. I loved everything about the Army, so I completed college and went back on Active Duty.
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?
When I first enlisted, I really didn't know what I wanted to do. I watched all kinds of videos, read all kinds of literature, and couldn't make up my mind. I knew I wasn't going to make it a career, it was just something that sounded exciting, something where I
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| Event on the USS Missouri |
could get some maturity, and eventually some money to go to college. I picked 11B Infantryman and the brand new 10th Mountain Division, it also came with a $4,000 bonus. In 1985 I enlisted and first served as an Infantryman (11B) with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Benning, Georgia. I ETS'd from the Army as a Sergeant and went thru an in-service recruiter to be a Special Forces Weapons Sergeant (18B) with the 12th Special Forces Group at Fort Lewis, Washington, and eventually attained the rank of Staff Sergeant.
On completion of my enlisted service, I decided to further my education and accepted a ROTC scholarship at Washington State University where I graduated Cum Laude and Distinguished Military Graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. In May 1994, I re-entered active duty at Fort Rucker, Alabama, where I completed the Aviation Officer Basic Course (Distinguished Honor Graduate), Initial Entry Rotary Wing Course, the Scout Platoon Leaders Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and the OH-58D(I) Advanced Qualification Course back at Fort Rucker.
In October 1995, I was assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina where I served as a Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, and Battalion S-1 with the 1st Battalion (Attack), 82d Aviation Regiment, 82d Airborne Division. In July 1998, I attended the Armor Officer Advanced Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky, followed by the Combined Arms Services Staff School at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. In March 1999, I was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Carson, Colorado. I initially served as the assistant S-3 before serving as the Squadron S-4. As the Squadron S-4, I deployed the Squadron to Fort Hood, Texas, Fort Rucker, Alabama, Fort Polk, Louisiana, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and multiple NTC and Pinon Canyon rotations. I took command of Pegasus Troop in December of 2000. I deployed my troop to the National Training Center and multiple field training exercises. In April 2002, I assessed and was selected to serve with FCD at Fort Eustis, VA, where I served as the Assistant S-3, the Deputy Operations Officer, and Executive Officer. During this period I completed the UH-60A Advanced Qualification Course, and volunteered to deploy numerous times in support of different Task Forces involved in the GWOT to both Afghanistan and Iraq. In July 2006, I was selected to attend the Naval College of Command and Staff at the Naval War College in Newport, RI, where I earned a Masters Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
In July 2007, I had to make a decision on what was best for my career (go to the 101st Airborne Division, serve as an XO/S-3 and deploy for 15 months) or a job that would keep me home with my family and receive a fixed wing qualification. I chose the latter. I accepted the job at the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) in the Special Operations Aviation Directorate. I first served as a Special Operations Aviation Plans Officer. I then attended and graduated from the Fixed Wing Multi-Engine Qualification Course at Fort Rucker, AL, and then a CASA 212 transition with the USASOC Flight Detachment. Then, in 2008 I moved over to serve as the Chief of Operations. In June 2010, I was selected to serve as the Air Operations officer for CAG. In June 2012, I moved to serve in Hawaii at Special Operations Command - Pacific (SOCPAC) where I serve today.
IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH WERE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TO YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY.
I have deployed in support of SFOR in Bosnia-Herzegovina with the 3rd ACR, OEF and OIF/OND in Afghanistan and Iraq with USASOC. However, I think the most significant deployment for me was my time as the Chief of Staff of JSOTF-P in the Philippines (OEF-P). I was responsible for the
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| Presenting a JSCM to a deserving Marine |
synchronization of all activities, and was second in command within the Joint Operations Area. I directly supervised all operations, support activities, and resource management over all the contracts and services for a Joint Special Operations Task Force consisting of over 550 personnel (joint military, contractors, and inter-agency) at 13 austere forward operating locations spread across a 174,613 square mile area.
I served as the commander most of the time, since he was out of the JOA over 70% of the time in Manila working with the Embassy and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) HQs. This mission was unlike all the missions in OEF/OIF that I had been a part of previously. Our JSOTF supported the comprehensive approach of the AFP and Philippines National Police (PNP) in their fight against terrorism in the southern Philippines. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, we worked by, with, and thru the AFP to defeat terrorists and create the conditions necessary for peace, stability and prosperity. This operation will be studied upon on how a long-term persistent partnership with a smaller force can be highly successful even with restricted authorities and limited resources. Lastly, it was an incredible experience working closely with senior Philippine leaders, and I felt like I left a big impact on the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines with whom I worked with during this deployment.
OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH ONE WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
This is a tough one, but I would have to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed my assignment to SOCPAC in Hawaii. What an incredible place to live and work. The memories and experience are endless: Scuba-diving at the USS Arizona Memorial, attended as guess for Charles Hagemeister (MoH recipient from Vietnam) at the MoH Convention, was invited to the Hawaii 5-0 wrap up party, visited all the other islands, scuba-diving at all the hot spots including the night dive with manta rays, made some lifelong great friends (military and civilian), was able to ride my motorcycle all year long with breathtaking views to/from work, hiking the stairway to heaven (Haiku Stairs) and other gorgeous trips, kayaking around the island, great eating, fantastic surfing spots, outstanding golf courses, the memories and experience here was amazing.
I would have to say my least favorite assignment was attending the Combined Arms Service and Staff School (CAS3) at Fort Leavenworth. I was TDY there during the freezing time time of year, was unaccompanied, and I worked very long hours. It is hard to pick a least favorite because I have thoroughly enjoyed all my duty locations, assignments, and the folks I have met along the way.
FROM YOUR ENTIRE SERVICE, INCLUDING COMBAT, DESCRIBE THE PERSONAL MEMORIES WHICH HAVE IMPACTED YOU MOST?
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| Riding high |
How do you pick just one? I would have to highlight a few:
1) Freezing my *ss of at the Northern Warfare Training Center in Alaska laying on the snow waiting to ambush the enemy.
2) The pride I felt when they pinned on my Ranger tab.
3) The joy when I was one of a select few to earn the Expert Infantryman Badge, back when it was hard :-)
4) Being selected for Special Forces training after SFAS and donning the Green Beret for the first time at graduation from the SFQC.
5) The exhilaration and fun flying helicopters all around the US and world.
6) Being selected to serve in some of the special units I served in.
7) Deploying to combat in two different theaters at two different times with each of my brothers who were also serving.
8) Standing beside and working with the finest warriors and patriots this world has ever seen.
WHAT ACHIEVEMENT(S) ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
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| LTG Mulholland promoting me to LTC |
Another tough question as there are many achievements/awards/accolades I have received throughout my career. I am proud that I started my career as an E-1 Private and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Along that route I have been recognized numerous times from Bronze Stars to Meritorious service, to dozens of special skills badges and tabs (Special Forces, Ranger, Master Aviator, Jumpmaster, Expert Infantryman Badge, etc). Every award on my uniform was earned thru blood, sweat, and tears around the globe. This has been an experience I will never forget.
OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR ANY OTHER MEMORABILIA, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH ARE THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
Earning my Special Forces Tab (and Green Beret), Ranger Tab, and the Expert Infantryman Badge. The were all difficult to achieve for a variety of reasons. They each were a goal of mine, a goal that took a lot of hard work to attain. None of them happened overnight. It took dedication, perseverance, and intestinal fortitude to complete.
WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
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| My father LTC (Ret) Ray Tingstrom |
Wow, another hard question. Well, I would have to say, my father. I would not have joined the military if it was not for him. I went Infantry because I wanted to do some of the same things he did and make him proud. I wanted to go to Airborne school, Ranger school, and go Special Forces. I then realized that there is something about leading soldiers too. So then I became an officer like my father. I have always looked up to my father, he has been a great example of what hard work can deliver. The Type A personality in me took over, and I wanted to do anything and everything I could, to become a more proficient Soldier and leader. Thanks to my father, I found my calling in life, serving others, and serving this great nation of ours.
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?
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| AV Officer Basic Course presents a Tail Rotor Blade to Small Group Instructor |
Hmmm, I'll have to really ponder that one. I laughed so hard at so many stories and events over the years. But, there was one night I'll never forget. This picture was taken that night, but is not what was funny about it. We were at our Graduation from Flight School and the Aviation Officer Basic Course at Fort Rucker, AL. We had a big party at the O'Club that night. We were drinking, dancing, and having a great time. Out of the blue, some of the guys starting heading outside on the pool deck with a look on their face that something was up. All of a sudden some of the guys stripped down to their boxers, some butt naked, took the patio furniture umbrella, climbed the ladder of the high dive, and jumped off with the extended umbrella into the pool. In the aviation world, we call that an "autorotation". It was a great time, no pictures to show though, sorry :-)
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?
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| SOCPAC Graduates/JCWS(JPME II) |
I am currently serving as the Chief of Current Operations at Special Operations Command, Pacific (SOCPAC). Although I am a 15B (Aviation Officer), I continually get pulled to work Branch Immaterial jobs in this command where they typically use Special Forces or Navy SEAL officers. I will PCS this summer to Fort Bragg (Center of the Universe for Airborne and Special Operations) for one more assignment.
WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
Army Aviation Association of America - Supports the Army Aviation Soldier and Family. The convention every year is a superb professional development experience. It keeps me up to speed on what is going on and the art of the possible in the future. I have kept in touch with many
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| Attending the AAAA Convention in Nashville, TN |
friends, made professional contacts, built a reputation, fostered the exchange of ideas, promoted our profession among the public, and have had fantastic fellowship and entertainment, the bottom line is, you get out what you put in. Veterans of Foreign Wars - The VFW strives to do good things for deserving people; particularly veterans, their families, and their communities. I have enjoyed the fellowship at VFWs around the US, to be with like minded great Americans is awesome. In many instances their drink prices are cheaper than other watering holes. 82nd Airborne Division Association - I enjoy the reunions (although I've only gone to one). American Legion - Love the fact how patriotic they are and how they spread Americanism.
There are a lot of programs that benefit kids. They support National Security Issues in Washington DC. They support all kinds of Veterans Affairs programs and rehabilitation. Lastly, they do a lot of things in every community. Again, you get out of it what you put into it. 10th Mountain Division Association - Sharing experiences, catching up with old friends, and sharing the stories/experience from those of us who were there when the Division was reactivated in 1985. Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) - Founded in 2004 by an Iraq veteran at a time when there were little to no resources available for post-9/11 vets, IAVA has quickly become the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization representing new veterans and their families. Over the last decade, IAVA has become the leading advocate for its community. It pioneered historic changes, like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, VA funding reforms, the VOW to Hire Heroes Act, and more. IAVA is now leading the charge on combating veteran suicide, improving support for female veterans, ending the VA disability claims backlog, and defending veterans education benefits.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER?
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| Talking with MoH Recipient Ronald E. Rosser |
The military is a Profession. It has influenced me in many ways by honoring such concepts like "The Army Values": Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. We have the "Warrior Ethos"; The "Soldiers Creed"; the "NCO Creed; the Ranger Creed; and of course the "Oath of Enlistment" or "Oath of Commissioned Officers". Living up to those codes, creeds, words just make you a better person. Additionally, the kind of people I have surrounded myself with throughout all these years have also influenced my life and career. I would not change a thing, and I plan to continue serving this great nation of ours as long as I can, and as long as my wife lets me :-)
BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE ARMY?
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| Have fun, make the most of it, even in the mud! |
Gain experience, take advantage of every opportunity you have to learn and grow. Learn time management. Get in the best physical shape you can. Read and further your education. Look for opportunities to lead. Increase your writing and speaking skills to better communicate with others. Teach other people the skills you have to share. Apply those values, creeds, and oaths I talked about earlier and you can't go wrong. I've always told folks, OK, you have to be at PT at 06:30 and work out with the team/squad/platoon until 07:45. I've seen too many folks give less than 100%, and try to get over.
You are already there, you might as well give everything you can, why waste an opportunity? Trust your leadership. Always think safety. Keep your chain of command informed. Be a problem solver and be part of the solution, not the problem. Have initiative, make on spot corrections where needed. What ever you do, NEVER QUIT! Good luck and God Speed!
IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
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| Honored at CHS Lancer Parade 2013 |
It has enabled me to catch up and stay connected with old friends. It has enabled me to pay tribute to those friends of mine that are no longer with us because they paid the ultimate sacrifice. This site is a great way to save and treasure those memories you had, and a means to pass it on to your children and grandchildren. Lastly, it may inspire others to greatness because they see something that someone else has done and they would like to aspire to do themselves. We all need someone to look up to, it is nice to have mentors, friends, and even strangers to help push us a little harder in life. Both parties benefit from it. God bless you, my military family, and may God continue to bless America! "Duty, Honor, Country".
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TWS VOICES
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