“Army Strong” – More Than Just a Motto
“Army Strong” is more than just a saying for Staff Sergeant Christopher Walker; it’s a way of life. SSG Walker has been in the Army for seven years, currently serving with A Co. 30th AG Battalion, 192nd Brigade in Fort Benning, GA, and he just completed his Online Associate of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies with UA Grantham.
“I never thought I could be this close to receiving a college degree,” SSG Walker said. “As a Drill Sergeant, finding the time to study is difficult.”
With a packed schedule, SSG Walker did a lot of his studying during lunch and over holiday breaks. He didn’t let that get to him, though.
“I tell all of my soldiers that there isn’t any excuse why you can’t earn an online degree while in the Army,” he said. “Take control of your time and lead by example.”
SSG Walker feels passionately about distance learning, and the doors of opportunity it has opened for his soldiers. He only wishes that more of them would take advantage of these benefits before time runs out.
“Getting the most out of education is very important to me,” SSG Walker said. “You always need a back-up plan. Serving in the military will end someday.”
To continue leading by example for his soldiers, SSG Walker has big plans for the future of his education and his career. He dreams of eventually retiring from the Army as either a Command Sergeant Major (CSM) or Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5). To help meet these goals, SSG Walker plans to continue his education, eventually earning a master’s degree in computer information systems.
“Having a degree is very important to me and my future,” SSG Walker said. “It will give me more opportunities and more options. It will definitely set me apart from my peers when it’s time to get promoted.”
“I would like to thank my wife, children, friends, mentors, A Co team, and the staff at UA Grantham for pushing me to further my education,” he said. “Grantham has afforded me the opportunity to become the first college graduate in my family. A quality education can never be replaced.”
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