TOM CONNELLY: Appreciating our military

Some time ago, as I was paging through The Albany Herald, out of the corner my eye I saw a picture of three distinguished-looking gentlemen. One I recognized: this was Dr. Anthony Parker, president of Albany Technical College. The two other individuals with him, in their dress military uniforms, also looked very impressive, with rows upon rows of medals displayed on their uniform shirts. I sensed that they were the new VIPs in town.

Of these latter two gentlemen, the first individual, with two stars resting on his shoulders, was Maj. Gen. Craig Crenshaw. According to what I later learned, this sterling individual has accumulated a long list of work-related achievements.

Initially, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 1984 through the Navy Reserve Officers Training Corps Scholarship Program. And during his career, which has spanned more than three decades, Gen. Crenshaw has served in various positions, such as platoon commander and Assistant Logistics Officer; Support Manager and Deputy Director Joint Logistics Program, Joint Logistics Directorate; commanding Officer of a battalion in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and later as Vice Director J4 Joint Staff, at the Pentagon. In addition, he has completed numerous tours in Okinawa.

Prior to coming to Albany, Gen. Crenshaw served as Assistant Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics Command at the Pentagon.

Regarding education, Gen. Crenshaw earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Southern University, Baton Rouge Louisiana; a Master’s degree in Procurement and Acquisitions Management, and a Master’s degree in National Resource Strategy from National Defense University. He also is a graduate of the Senior Acquisition Course and the Program Manager Course from Defense Acquisition University. Gen. Crenshaw has garnered many personal awards and decorations. Among them are The Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster in lieu of second award, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star.

The other uniformed individual in this picture was Col. James C. Carroll III. He, too, has an impressive resume. Initially serving in the Marine Corps Reserve in the enlisted ranks, this McGregor, Texas, native ultimately attained the rank of sergeant. Then, after completing officer candidate school in 1992, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

After completing the Basic School the following year, he served in various positions, including Repairable Management and Consumable Management Division Officer at the Marine Corps Air Station New River, Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Col. Carroll has also served as Marine Corps liaison officer at Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center San Diego, Assistant Supply Officer at Camp Pendleton, Aviation Supply Officer at Ali Al Salem, Kuwait, Director, H – 53/H – 3 Integrated Support Team and Director, Retail Allowance Department.

After being promoted to lieutenant colonel in 2008, Col. Carroll served as Aviation Supply Officer, Aviation Logistics Department, 3rd Marine Air Wing, MCAS Miramar, CA.

Col. Carroll has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from National University, San Diego, Calif.; a Masters degree in Procurement and Acquisition Management, and a Masters degree in National Resource Strategy. He also is a member of the Defense Acquisition Corps. In addition, he maintains a level II certification in Lifecycle Logistics.

Dr. Parker has served as president of Albany Technical College longer than any of his four predecessors. The main role of this institution, which was founded in 1961, is to promote and train the area’s workforce of today and tomorrow. Thus, since one of the primary employers in Albany is the Marine Corps Logistics Base, and almost 40 percent of MCLB’s workforce are employed at the Maintenance Center, ATC has created a program to support this area.

ATC has partnered with MCLB and the Marine Depot Maintenance Council Albany by creating a Comprehensive Associate of Applied Science in Business Logistics Management program.

Also, under Dr. Parker’s leadership, ATC has instituted other new programs, including LEAP (Leveraging Education for Advancement Program). This program is directed towards students with special needs to help them experience college and realize their potential by becoming productive individuals.

Too, under his leadership, ATC has added a new Logistics Education Center in 2011.

Dr. Parker earned his undergraduate education and his M Ed. from South Carolina State University, his Ed.S. from Augusta State University, and his Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina.

Best wishes gentlemen, on this Military Appreciation Day, July 12. Thank you for what you and those who work for you do to keep the nation strong and out of harm’s way.

Tom Connelly, an occasional contributor to the Perspectives page, is a public affairs specialist for the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency.