STORY BEHIND THE PLAQUE
Service Reflections of MAJ James C Camel, U.S. Marine Corps (1987-2006)

Early in life, I was always drawn to superheroes and men wearing military uniforms. One of my favorite television shows growing up was the G.I. Joe cartoon. My imagination grew from watching soldiers in action. It was the best characterization of good versus evil. However, I suspect my true inspiration for joining the military originated during my childhood. You see, I was the eldest of four siblings and the only boy. Therefore, I was tasked with providing for, defending, and leading the four of us in accomplishing daily chores. In grade school, I was chosen to be a road guard and performed flag detail. My teachers always saw leadership attributes within my actions. Therefore, I was always given tasks to accomplish or duties to complete. I excelled in sports and exhibited leadership skills among my peers. In high school, I competed in several sports. This exercise in competition taught me discipline, teamwork, and winning and losing. It also provided me with a sense of belonging and a desire to challenge myself to stronger levels of mental fortitude.

During my grade and high school career days, I was introduced to members of the armed services. They dressed nicely and looked very sharp in uniform. They provided a narrative on the many careers available in the armed services; I was interested as I knew without a scholarship, college would be difficult for my siblings and me. My family and I would watch or attend the Birmingham Veterans Day parade every year. This was an awesome experience for me. It brought G.I Joe to real life for me. So, I decided to attend college on scholarship or opt for a path that included the military. Fortunately, I did attend college on aid, loans, and scholarships. However, I was still drawn to serving in the military. So, I did. After college, I applied to the Fort Benning School for Boys (Officer Candidate School). I was accepted and completed all training requirements to become a United States Army Reserves Second Lieutenant.

Needless to say, no one in my family was in the military. No one in my immediate family had completed college, and no one pushed or encouraged me to join the military. Therefore, my sense of duty, a moral conviction for strong values exhibited by members of the armed services, and early memories of G.I. Joe all contributed to my decision to join the military. I genuinely appreciate my journey and loved every moment of my military career. Well, most of my military journey… OCS was no joke! Hoo-ah! to OCS Class 5-88.

My official PEBD date was 11 November 1987. I reported to the Montgomery, Alabama, MEPS station in the spring of 1988. After that, I was shipped to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, to begin basic combat training as a PFC (E-3). This process took several weeks and introduced me to the realities of being in the military. It was known that I was a candidate for OCS and a college graduate. Therefore, I received special attention during training. It became a blessing and a detriment upon completion. I was promoted to SGT (E-5) and transported to Ft. Benning, Georgia, for my next phase of military training (OCS).

I arrived at Ft. Benning two weeks before OCS Class 5-88 took place. This allowed a little downtime and a mental reset prior to class beginning. The twenty-two (22) week course began April-May 1988 with the following as a prerequisite:

Mission
3rd Battalion 11th Infantry Regiment (OCS) trains, educates, and commissions officers to provide the Army with leaders of character who live by the Army Ethic.

Vision
Provide the Army with a scalable commissioning source to achieve the annual commissioning mission by producing officers to meet the challenges of future operational requirements.

Welcome
Congratulations on your selection for Officer Candidate training. It is highly admirable that you chose to pursue a commission and serve your country as a member of its officer corps. I look forward to your arrival at Fort Benning, Georgia, “Home of the Infantry,” and to the 3rd Battalion, 11th Infantry (Officer Candidate School).

The Battalion’s mission is to train and commission 2d Lieutenants for the Army. A competent cadre will instruct you on the fundamentals of leadership and basic military skills, instill Army values and officership, and evaluate your leadership potential. We will commission only those who meet the challenge and succeed.

The Program of Instruction (POI) is 22 weeks long. You will be challenged physically, mentally, academically, and emotionally. Make sure you are physically prepared. Come here in shape, not to get in shape! Ensure your personal affairs are in order. Once enrolled, there is little time to tend to personal affairs.}

Completion of this experience shaped my life going forward. I later reported to AGOBC at Ft. Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, for branch-specific officer training. After that, I completed AGOAC, SIGOAC, and CASC3.

As an AG Personnel Officer, my first official duty station was at the 679th Personnel Service Company. This assignment was short-lived as I was reassigned to the HR Personnel group. Immediately after that, I was ordered to the 87th Division Exercise Group under Support Exercise Group B for combat service support missions. This duty assignment allowed me to understand how the entire military structure works during peace and wartime. The travel and training were tremendous as we trained combat and combat support military units from Mississippi up and throughout the East Coast. We performed several joint training exercises, including MEDCOMS, etc., in CONUS and OCONUS.

In 2005, I deployed as an individual CENTCOM personnel asset to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. My duty assignment was to serve as a team member of CSTC-A in support of the development of an Afghanistan National Military Academy to mirror that of West Point. We were tasked to train soldiers and promote nation-building through our work with and through the Military Office of Defense, Minister of Education, Minister of Public Health, Kabul Military Academy, and the Afghanistan National Military Academy Officer Leadership Group. My primary mission was to recruit, test, and select the first class of cadets for the academy. We recruited more than 1,000 future officers for the Afghanistan military. Our goal was to develop a modern soldier, indoctrinate new values, and instill a sense of pride in defense of Afghanistan. This effort would lead to a new generation of Afghan Officers and leaders. This experience was indeed a life-changing event in my life.

In August 2006, I returned stateside and tendered my release from military duty; this, in effect, ended my commitment to the military and returned me to civilian status full-time. My journey in the military was rewarding, challenging, inspirational, and selfless……. NO REGRETS!

During my deployment, I recall two situations that gave me cause for concern:

Situation one – My team was located at our work site at the Afghanistan National Military Academy when chaos broke out concerning an incident involving an American soldier. This led to an all-out city-wide threat to all US military personnel. The CG ordered all soldiers to report back to Camp Eggers. Unfortunately, we were miles away and advised to stay at the current location and protect in place. MPs eventually rescued us and the CG security detail using armored vehicles.

Situation two – I served as House Commander (OIC) for the Star House (soldier barracks). We were attacked by those sympathetic to Taliban/Al-Qaeda using RPGs. This occurred on several occasions. We sustained unfortunate outcomes in some of these attacks. I recall one vivid night when a round exploded only 100 meters from our living quarters, leaving a massive crater in the street.

Since my team traveled throughout Afghanistan, I consider us lucky to have met minimum injury from IEDs and/or RPGs.

My fondest assignment included being assigned-attached to the Foreign Military Studies Office (FMSO) under the World Basic Information Library (WBIL) via Fort Leavenworth. That assignment was exciting and adventurous and allowed me to stay active in military service while researching foreign countries and leadership. This research allowed me to develop and analyze different areas of the global society and make them available in open-source platforms.

The OCS training at Fort Benning was by far the most demanding and challenging life experience I have ever attempted. Yet, it made me the officer I am today. I am forever grateful (Hoo-ah). I will never forget the journey I shared with my comrades, friends, and other parties.

Second to that experience was the deployment to Afghanistan. There, I met my battle buddy (COL Robin Smith). Never before have I put so much trust into a battle buddy and depended on him for personal security, professional growth, morale, and mental support. That friendship remains intact today. My bond with the Afghans will always remain special, memorable, and historic. My work exposure and relationship with other allied nations was enlightening, gratifying, and educational, yet essential for overall mission completion. Lastly, I would like to offer my endearing gratitude to all the employers who support the Guard and Reserve.

Duty: Honor: Country

OCS Class 05-88 Motto: “Strength in Reserves”

The Afghanistan Minister of Defense recognized me for performing above and beyond on recruiting 1,000 Afghans to the newly established military academy known as the National Military Academy of Afghanistan (NMAA). Second, my departure reception was very well attended, followed by words and gifts of inspiration for which I am very grateful. This level of appreciation far exceeded anything my team could have done.

However, by far, the proudest achievement from my military career has to be the completion of OCS and becoming a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.

The welcome home medal was by far the most meaningful medal I received—many thanks to those involved in Alabama leadership for this recognition.

I would like to recognize my first recruiter, SGT Carolyn Handley. She introduced me to the military and gave me my first opportunity to attend Fort Benning Officer Candidate School. Captain Bedard, OCS Tact Officer, was a huge inspiration at OCS. He served as my OIC. He was assisted by 1LT Boston (Hooo-ah)—and lastly, my bond and relationship with COL Akbar of the Afghanistan Army. Our work relationship was a great mesh of military and culture that worked in concert to advance the mission of developing future military leaders of Afghanistan through NMAA. Qais, my interpreter, was very helpful and inspirational during my tour. I could not have succeeded without his assistance.

Most importantly, I give thanks to the relationship developed with my battle buddy COL Robin “Smitty” Smith.

My military career began as a US Army Reservist. This allowed me to work as a civilian during the week and serve my country on the weekends. After my tour in Afghanistan, I tendered my release and returned to my civilian career as an Executive Administrator at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. After 31-plus years, I retired. Now, I focus on Self, Family, Church, Grandbaby, and Life!

I am a member of the American Legion Post 347, Officer Candidate School Alumni Association, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Department of Veterans Affairs, and Founding Sponsor of the National Museum of the US Army.

My service in the military has greatly influenced my total being. It provided me with the foundation of self and selfless service. It gave me a sense of purpose and national pride. I view the formation of this country entirely differently and stand on the principles and morals that define it as a nation. I consider myself a patriot who took my oath of office very seriously. As an officer in the armed services, I value leadership and those who exemplify those values. and traits. To that end, I am confident that my service in the military has contributed strongly to the person I am today.

As to what I miss most about my time in service……….. it is quite simple: my comrades who trained and served with me along the way. We are eternally bonded by that journey. Thanks.

The oath of office is the binding contract we all take to support our freedoms: Duty – Honor – Country.

I am grateful to the creators of “TogetherWeServed.com” for this platform. This platform is the most advanced and organized medium that allows veterans to capture and chronologize their military service. It also provides a forum for veterans to research lost battle buddies and re-establish connections. Thanks so much for creating and maintaining this platform.

Major James C. Camel
Veteran, US Army Reserve

“Strength in Reserves”