2012 MG Keith L. Ware Public Affairs Competition had 588 total individual entries submitted this year. Their outstanding efforts tell the Army story.
Category K: Human Interest Feature Article – civilian (individual award)
1st Place: "From USAREC to the White House," Vernetta Garcia, Columbia Recruiting Battalion (TRADOC)
From Recruiting to the White House
By Vernetta Garcia, Columbia Recruiting Battalion
He’s accomplished far more than he ever imagined eight years ago when he was working at Dairy Queen and a home reconstruction business in his hometown of Clinton, IL. A small inspired act will soon take him to the White House and lead him on a journey of a lifetime. An Army medic, Staff Sgt. Kyle Busby, wanted a change after his three years of Recruiting duty at the Dentsville Recruiting Station in Columbia, S.C. and he set the wheels in motion that led him down the path he was meant to take.
The medical office of the White House doctor is a "mini urgent-care center" containing a physician's office, private examination rooms, basic medications and medical supplies, and a crash cart for emergency resuscitation. Air Force One is equipped with emergency medical equipment, an operating table, and operating room lights installed at the center of the presidential plane for emergency use by the White House doctor.
The unit consist of the White House Physician, who is often selected personally by the President; five active-duty military physicians, nurses, and physician assistants; three medics; administrators and one Information Technology Manager. The medical unit protects the chief executive by guarding his day-to-day health or even performing emergency surgery.
“This will be an outstanding opportunity, serving back in the medical field, working with the most prestigious doctors in the country,” said Busby. “I have a passion to help people and there is no better field for me than the medical profession.”
Although his inspirations initially lead him to pursue the Criminal Investigation Command (CID), he said God was in charge and had other plans. Through the CID application process he had to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance. His Top Secret Security Clearance was granted and he waited not so patiently for a CID school date.
One afternoon, Busby received a call from Human Resources Command and asked if he was interested in White House duty. The criteria -- be an E-5 promotable, sergeant (medical) with a Top Secret security clearance. Without the clearance he could not have even been considered for the position.
After an enthusiastic discussion with his wife, Busby decided to pursue this intriguing opportunity. There were 250 other sergeants whose records were reviewed but only 7 were selected to be interviewed. In February, he was invited to Washington DC for an interview. “Two days and seven interviews later, I was called an hour after my last interview stating that I was selected,” explained Busby. Soon after returning from D.C. he was promoted to Staff Sergeant.
“My family is very proud of me and extremely excited about the new career and lifestyle we will start in D.C.,” said Busby. “My oldest daughter (Briana) thought it was the coolest thing when I got a letter from the White House stating that I was selected for the position.” She took it to school to show her friends. He has two other children, Gracelynn 4 years old and son Kaleb Busby 2 years old. He says his wife; Alicia is the backbone of my family. “She stands behind me in everything that I do and always motivates, encourages, and inspires me,” said Busby.
Busby’s in-laws, James and Cindy McPartland who reside in Beaufort, SC have truly supported our family throughout his endeavors in the military. James retired from Marine Corps and worked at Parris Island for many years, and understands the military life. “I am truly lucky to have gained these two when I married my wife, Alicia,” said Busby. “They are always there to help out in any way possible.” And I give extreme thanks to them!"
He was inspired by his father who served in the Army as a military policeman, and had a passion to follow in his footsteps. “I wanted to make something of myself,” said Busby. “I have always had a calling to do something more and have taken that throughout my entire career.”
In 2004 he left Clinton, IL for Basic Combat Training (BCT) at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. After Advanced Individual Training he was assigned to Fort Stewart, GA, and three months later he deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, for a 12 month deployment with tankers. “I drove tanks, commanded tanks, gunned tanks, and served as the combat medic for my 15 fellow tanking brothers.” He deployed again to Baghdad, Iraq, in 2007 for a 15 month deployment, where he served as a squad leader and was responsible for all medical supply ordering, maintaining, inspecting and distributing for his entire battalion. “I always set goals for myself at whatever I do,” stated Busby. On his last deployment he and his Section Sergeant made a goal for Busby to be inducted into the prestigious Audie Murphy Club. He was inducted in 2008 as a Sergeant.
While on his last deployment in Baghdad, Iraq he volunteered for Recruiting. “I needed to share my Army story with others to inspire them,” said Busby. “I felt as though I have served as a medic and done my job well and plus. . . I saw my daughter, Grace, when she was 3 weeks old while I was home on R & R leave; the next time I saw her she was 9 months old.” He wanted to ensure he came home every night and had the ability to tuck his children into bed.
He has been a Recruiter for over three years. “I feel that I have served my purpose on recruiting duty -- to inspire many Future Soldiers,” Busby remarked. He led as his Recruiting Station’s Future Soldier Manager and has received numerous notes of appreciation from Soldiers who have shipped to BCT about how his training program has helped them tremendously.
“He is excellent at constructing action plans that replicate the rigors of BCT in order to provide realistic training,” said Cpt. Karen Roxberry, commander of the Columbia Recruiting Company. “I adapted our company Future Soldier program from his plan.”
“For the past two years, I have observed Busby do some amazing things. If you ever have the opportunity to observe him while he is training our Future Soldiers or delivering presentations at our schools, you will be captivated,” said Roxberry. “His training style demonstrates the passion that he has for the Army and his extensive knowledge as a Combat Medic. As he competed for selection to the White House Medical Staff, I was not surprised that he came back selected. I am thankful to him and his family for their 100 percent dedication to our recruiting mission and the Army and I am confident that he will excel in all his future assignments. I am honored and proud that he was assigned to Columbia Recruiting Company.”
He is very proud of the impact he’s had on young Soldiers. “The ability to take a young kid that has no parental guidance or role models out of a lifestyle that they believe is ‘normal’ and introducing them to the Army lifestyle where they can really appreciate how the Army takes care of its own,” explained Busby. “I have had numerous individuals in which no running water in their apartments or stuck in a cock roach infested house surrounded by drugs, and the child has a good head and knows that this lifestyle is not going to set them up for success. After going through the Army process they can look back and learn from that and strive to always help society and not bring society down.”
He not only affected Future Soldiers, but also hundreds of educators. He was instrumental in the success of the 2011 Military Career Pathways MCP 101. He was one of the primary presenters at Moncrief Hospital during a tour of Fort Jackson. The purpose of the tour was to highlight military careers. Since health sciences are among the most popular careers, he was able to showcase the many health related careers the military offers. “He was clearly a subject matter expert, his presentation was impressive and was the most popular session of the day,” said Martha Daniels, Columbia Battalion Education Specialist.
He says he’s very excited about this next chapter -- three years of duty at the White House, he will continue to set goals. He is 32 credits from finishing his Bachelors of Arts degree in Health Sciences. His long term goal is to get accepted into Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and become a specialized doctor.
“I give thanks to God for everything,” Busby said. “My mother and father, Harold and Judy Busby set the foundation for my principles and values that mimic that of the United States Army’s core values. They have been hard working parents their entire lives, and strive for the best at everything they do. They are my truest idols.” He will continue to make them and his entire family proud. He also has been inspired by his first platoon sergeant, now 1st Sgt. Martyn Pauwels. “He taught me the fundamentals of Army leadership and to never accept anything less than perfect,” stressed Busby. Along with Pauwels, one of his best friends, Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Motley deserves credit as well. “Motley and I grew up in the Army together and no matter where our assignments take us, we continue to share stories and help motivate one another.”
Busby is a humble person and takes on every challenge with open arms. He is excited about this opportunity and will take the experiences of Recruiting duty with him on all of his future assignments. “I never stop trying to learn more and achieve more,” said Busby.
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