Original Iron Mike moves to airborne museum

By Amber Avalona-Butler
Paraglide

	File photo

Five and a half years ago, Pamela Smith embarked on a path of educational development to improve her career options. The Army honored her June 9, as one of 80 graduates at the Fort Bragg Education Services Division College/University Graduation Ceremony.

The ceremony, held at the Main Post Theater, recognized the university and college accomplishments of Soldiers and Family members from Fort Bragg, Pope Air Force Base and Department of Defense civilians. A total of 17 college and university
representatives awarded diplomas to graduates as Family and friends cheered in the packed theater.
For Army spouses like Smith, the ceremony marked the culmination of a challenging and rewarding educational path. Smith is the wife of Sgt. Shawn Smith, who is deployed to Afghanistan as a field medic with Company C, 782nd, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

“Every duty station we went to, no matter if it was just one course, I took it. Even over in Germany at the University of Maryland,” said Smith.

A year and three months ago, the Smiths received permanent change of duty orders to Fort Bragg from Fort Benning, Ga. Smith chose to study at the University of North Carolina Fayetteville State University. She encountered the usual frustrations of a transfer student, losing credits and enrolling in additional classes, but the reward of a degree was worth the wait. She received a UNCFSU diploma for Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature with a minor in Biology.

“I never thought to see this day, but I stuck with it thanks to encouragement from Family and a sea of faces from the universities I’ve attended. Now this one big day, this culmination of everything is just awesome.”

Smith has further aspirations of attending graduate school to study hospital administration. She plans to enroll at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, so she can eventually work closer with her husband in the health care field.

Smith smiled as she considered how the Army challenges spouses to be creative in designing a career path. She encouraged other adults, “Enroll. It pays off in the end.”

It was a sentiment echoed by Col. Charles A. Dunn, commander of the 43rd Mission Support Group, Pope Air Force Base, the graduation’s guest speaker.

“You’re sitting here, having made some very significant decisions in your life. I am proud to be associated with warriors and Families like yourselves,” he said.

The commander encouraged graduates to continue living with a sense of purpose and dignity by making the right decisions. “Focus on where you go next,” advised Dunn. “There are many great things still left in your lives.”

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