FORT EUSTIS, Va., –
Sgt. Douglas A. McBroom is a distribution senior forklift operator assigned to the 690th Rapid Port Opening Element, 597th Transportation Brigade, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command. The 23-year old from Corpus Christi, Texas, enlisted in the military in 2006.
When asked why he joined the Army, he replied, "I saw an opportunity to support my family, further my education and see the world - all while defending my country. I enlisted the same day I got married."
His first duty station was at Fort Hood, Texas, where he was assigned to the 41st Fires Brigade as a fire and direction specialist. During his 15-month deployment in Iraq, he reenlisted and then reclassed as an 88H, cargo specialist. He has been stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis since January 2010.
"Sergeant McBroom is motivated, tough, resilient and committed," said Maj. Armando R. Velasquez-Kuppinger, 690th RPOE commander. "He embodies the team-player spirit - whether at the football game, with his family, or on a mission. He's always the one pushing himself and his teammates to do better and accomplish the mission."
Staff Sgt. Christopher W. Cook, 690th RPOE distribution and personnel section sergeant, said Sgt. McBroom is a dedicated Soldier, who has leadership abilities beyond his years.
"He is a 'take charge' NCO - whether with his Soldiers or in front of the company as the NCO in charge during Warrior Time Training," he added. "He has become one of our go-to NCOs because he never shies away from responsibility. He has the right mix of compassion and firmness."
"I love my job," said McBroom. "It's about taking care of Soldiers and keeping them alive. The Transportation Corps moves supplies, troops and equipment. Without it, the Infantry wouldn't receive their ammunition; the aid stations wouldn't receive their medical supplies and the missions wouldn't have personnel."
His short term goals are to obtain the rank of staff sergeant and to win the NCO of the Year title at the upcoming 2011 Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition.
McBroom has won three Best Warrior competitions: the 597th Trans. Bde., Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, and Army Materiel Command. The next competition will be at the Department of Army level, where he is slated to compete with NCOs and Soldiers from Army commands around the world Oct. 2 to 8 at Fort Lee.
Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III is slated to oversee the annual competition for Soldier of the Year and NCO of the Year. These elite Soldiers will compete in physical and mental challenges including Warrior tasks and battle drills, fitness tests, board interviews, written exams, marksmanship and urban warfare simulations.
"The Best Warrior competitions have been physically and mentally challenging - with each level more demanding than the last," said McBroom. "I am ready to compete and represent at the DA level. I continue to train, study, and focus on being the best well-rounded Soldier I can be. It is not only about knowing and applying your skills, but also about being a positive role model. Being an NCO is an honor and a privilege. It gives me the opportunity to lead, teach and mentor young Soldiers. Winning the DA NCO of the Year title would mean that my knowledge, leadership and training have paid off."
"Sergeant McBroom is a force multiplier who demonstrates superior technical and tactical competence," said Command Sgt. Maj. Allen B. Offord Jr., 597th Trans. Bde. command sergeant major. "He's the type of NCO leaders would love to have in their formations. By having a "DOOAH" attitude instead of a "HOOAH" attitude, he brings a high level of motivation to everything he and his Soldiers execute. Sergeant McBroom has excelled at every level of the Best Warrior competition and I expect nothing less from him at the DA level. His best is yet to come. This NCO is the face of our organization, our community, and our Army."
Kuppinger said he couldn't be more proud of the warriors in the 690th.
"Our motto is 'whatever it takes.' We are all 110 percent behind our super warrior, Sergeant McBroom, winning the Best Warrior competition."
Pfc. Francisco J. Espino, transportation management coordinator with the 690th RPOE, said McBroom takes care of his Soldiers, leads them to where they have never been and helps them in their times of need. "He is what an NCO stands for in my book - 'N' for never quits, 'C' for courage and 'O' for outstanding," he added.
When asked who inspires him, McBroom said, "Everyone inspires me in one way or another. It is too hard to pinpoint one thing or person. But the two groups that stand out are my family and my unit. My wife, (two) daughters, mother, father and brother are behind me 110 percent. They're always telling me to push beyond my breaking point and to never give up. My mother is one of my role models. She is courageously battling breast cancer and is a shining example of never giving up - sometimes you have to fight for what you want. Also, my unit has set me up for success with training, guidance and support."
During his down time, McBroom enjoys spending time with his family, completing home projects, playing racquetball, lifting weights and running cross-country.
His future plans include obtaining the rank of sergeant major, getting a master's degree in physical therapy and organizing a coast-to-coast run to benefit breast cancer research.