Veteran spotlight: Command Sergeant Major Nicholas M. Curry

As part of my continuing efforts to honor veterans, I recently interviewed Command Sergeant Major Nicholas M. Curry.

Curry has spent the majority of his career in communications, advancing in the field from radios to computers and networks these days.

Here is his interview:

Where were you born? (And/or what was your hometown?)

Augusta, Ga.

When did you serve and where? Also rank attained.

I joined in 1999 and have served at Fort Bragg, NC; Fort Gordon, Ga; Fort Drum, NY; Fort Bliss, TX, and Camp Red Cloud, Korea. I am a Command Sergeant Major.

Sergeant Major Nicholas M. Curry

What caused you to stay in? Some leader talking you into it or what? Because I think many get out and regret it.

Each time I re-enlisted was based on where I was at. My first reenlistment I got stationed in Korea and in order to get back, I had to reenlist or stay longer and have to get out from Korea. So I re-enlisted. The next one I was in Iraq and needed to reenlist because I made the promotion list. lol

Each time I had leadership from mentors that saw something in me and convinced me to stay. The last reenlistment I did because I loved being with Soldiers. The mentorship and servant leadership I was able to provide for them.

Who was your childhood hero?

My mother has always been my childhood hero to me. I learned my strong work ethic and values from her.

What made you want to join up?

I joined the Army to be able to provide for my family.

Tell us some of the big lessons you learned from serving.

I have learned about diversity and team building. I learned how having a diverse group helps to aide in mission accomplishment.

What was your most harrowing experience, that you’re willing to share? (This can be a training event, as I think most civilians aren’t aware of how dangerous even peacetime service can be.)

It would be the IED attack during a convoy on my first deployment. We were traveling to a distant base in the middle of the night when the vehicle in front of me was blown up by an IED. We were stuck about midway between the base we had departed from and the base we were headed to. We had to pull security while awaiting support and medical coverage.

What do you wish those who have never served better understood?

How PTSD isn’t tied to only combat experience. There are many other forms of trauma that affect Soldiers.

Curry being promoted to Sergeant Major by Sergeant Major of the Army Daily. At right, his wife Master Sgt Shauna Curry.

Are there any service members that you know, or served with, that you’d like to honor their sacrifice by naming?

My beautiful wife, Master Sergeant Curry. Being a military spouse is a challenge if you’re on your own, but to be dual military with children requires a special person.

Tell me the most heroic thing you ever saw, if you can.

It would be during the IED attack on my first deployment. To see all the Soldiers pull together to maintain security and provide assistance to the casualties.

Share with us a story of a leader who inspired you while you served.

1SG Smith. He was my first Platoon Sergeant arriving to Fort Bragg, which was my first duty station. He was the epitome of a servant leader. A truly engaged and invested leader. From day one, he laid out a career map for me to follow.

What do you wish for the country?

I wish the country could embrace its diversity and pull together. Understand how our country is the land of opportunity and truly a melting pot of numerous cultures that could all benefit from learning from each other.

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I wanted to thank Sergeant Major Nicholas M. Curry for sharing his story.

I really enjoy the veteran interview posts for several reasons. First, I feel the public remains mostly unaware about the sacrifices military members have made (and are continuing to make).

Secondly, veterans aren’t good at sharing their experiences, and I’ve had vets tell me afterward that they had direct family members express surprise after reading the interviews at some of the places the veterans had been and some of the things they had done.

Finally, I appreciate the opportunity to put a fallen vet’s name into the internet world so that their names are always searchable and less likely to be forgotten. (This is something I try to do with a Marine my company lost during a training exercise.)

Enough about the interviews. If you know a veteran that I could interview, please reach out to me at stan@stanrmitchell.com. I would love to feature them on my site. As a general rule, one that HASN’T been broken yet, they will NEVER ask for themselves. So, please, consider nominating someone that you know, if you have a friend or family member who has served. I’ll be happy to reach out to them and twist any arms.

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Semper Fidelis,

Stan R. Mitchell

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my books. I write fast-paced military and mystery thrillers. You can find all ten books here: amazon.com.