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NCO Academy, JB MDL remember fallen Soldier

  • Published
  • By Wayne Cook
  • Dix Army Support Activity Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  The staff of the Army Reserve Noncommissioned Officer Academy joined with the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst community to pay tribute to a fallen comrade May 4 at the Dix Main Chapel.

The chapel was packed to capacity as the academy cadre said farewell to Sgt. 1st Class Mary Russell, who died as a result of injuries sustained in a vehicle accident April 20 here.

"Sgt. 1st Class Russell died doing what she loved most: riding her Harley. We can't bring Sergeant Russell back, but we can remember the good times we shared with her," Deputy Commandant of the NCO Academy Sgt. Maj. McClinton Brown said.

Chaplain Randal Johnson, Army Reserve Readiness Training Command at Fort McCoy, Wis., shared a few remarks.

"Sgt. 1st Class Russell walked the walk of the Warrior Ethos and embodied the backbone of the Army. She is now promoted to the highest rank she will ever hold. She is at peace with God," he said.

After the academy commandant, Command Sgt. Maj. Peter Brooks, shared words of encouragement with those in attendance, he called 1st Sgt. Roy Waters to conduct the last roll call.

Waters called out names of Soldiers assigned to the academy. They acknowledged their presence as they were called. He finally called out, "Russell ... Sgt. 1st Class Russell ... Sgt. 1st Class Mary Russell."

When the first sergeant made his final call for Russell a bugler sounded "Taps".

The Soldiers from the NCO Academy approached the altar where a folded flag lay on a table behind the traditional Soldier's Battle Cross - an inverted rifle, a pair of boots and the Soldier's helmet. They rendered a last salute as "Amazing Grace" was played on the bagpipes.

Russell was a Soldier in the U.S. Army and a professional who gave herself selflessly to her unit, the Army and her country, Brooks explained.

Russell served in the Army for nearly 30 years, touching countless lives. She left a lasting impression with her students and all that she served.

"Her optimism was remarkable. She always saw the glass as half full instead of half empty. When we had students fail the land navigation course, she would tell me, 'It's okay Command Sergeant Major, we will recover tomorrow,'" said Brooks.

"As the test and control officer for the academy she improved program processes," said Waters. "As a riding buddy, I noticed she had a great rapport with many people around the joint base and Army Support Activity. She genuinely cared about people."

Those closest to Russell remember a determined and compassionate NCO and friend who would not let anything keep her from accomplishing her goals.

"Sgt. 1st Class Russell was always sincere. She never let her diminutive stature keep her from doing anything," said Sgt. 1st Class Dwight Crutchfield, the NCO Academy operations NCO. "Whatever challenges came her way, Sgt. 1st Class Russell attacked them with vigor and determination ... She always remained calm, even in the toughest of situations."

Russell built a lot of friendships during her time in New Jersey. One of her closest friends was Sgt. 1st Class Jennifer Wright, a NCO leadership instructor.

"When I first met Sgt. 1st Class Russell, myself and another female instructor had been involved in a pretty demonstrative argument in the hall. She called us into her office and told us to lock it up ... She became a mentor to me," said Wright. "She stepped up to the plate, took me under her wing and straightened me out.

She was my dear friend. Not only have I learned a lot professionally from her, but she taught me a lot about life. She was always motivating. She endured a lot on her own, yet was always there for me and others. I will never forget her. Her Soldiers will always love her."

Brooks closed the memorial service with instructions to those present.

"Follow Mary Russell's example; respect the lives you touch, the legacy you leave in the Army and with your family and friends. As did she, live well and enjoy life, decently and with purpose," he said.

He concluded, "Farewell Sergeant Russell, you were a true NCO and have accomplished your mission. We are certain yours was a life well lived. In your uniform and with that smile on your face, rap loudly now on the door to heaven, and report to your new Commander-in-Chief."

Russell was a medical logistics Soldier who served in locations around the world, including California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Germany and Saudi Arabia. A veteran of Desert Storm, she is a recipient of the Kuwait Liberation Medal, Saudi Arabia/Kuwait Liberation Medal and the Southwest Asia Service Medal.