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FORT HOOD, Texas – A role model is often described as someone who
radiates confidence, is highly successful and sets the example for
others to emulate.
Many role models are credited with
breaking through barriers, often known as glass ceilings, to
accomplish their personal goals and dreams.
In the Army, a
positive role model can have a significant impact on life choices
and one's career.
Regimental Engineer Squadron Commander Lt.
Col. Lynn Ray, is described by her peers and subordinates as a role
model. With 28 years of service, Ray has faced several obstacles in
her military career, but she never let those obstacles stop her from
obtaining her goals.
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During the 3rd Cavalry Regiment's National Training Center rotation,
Lt. Col. Lynn Ray, the first commander of Regimental Engineer
Squadron “Pioneer,” 3rd CR, talks to a Soldier about tactical
movements February 14, 2016 at Fort Irwin, California. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Tomora Clar)
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“Of course there are things that I can always work on and
improve, but that only makes me want to strive to work
harder,” said Ray, the first in her position of the newly
stood-up squadron. “With any obstacle, I've just barreled
through them and overcome; as long as you are always
striving for self-improvement, never look at an obstacle as
a stopping point.”
Ray said she instills those same
beliefs in all of her Soldiers. Her presence helps female
Soldiers understand the importance of having a positive role
model.
“As a female lieutenant, I feel very lucky to
have a female squadron commander; I look up to her for not
only guidance but also as my role model,” said 1st Lt.
Ruthie Rosenberger, assistant supply officer for the Pioneer
Squadron. “She is the consummate professional, always
positive and she's very personable, and I know if I work
hard like lieutenant colonel Ray, that's a position I can
obtain as well, regardless of my gender.”
Rosenberger
said she knows she can always talk to Ray at any time for
advice about her career and many times throughout her nine
months in the squadron.
Achieving her current
position is one of her greatest accomplishments and proudest
moments, she said.
“Honestly, I still feel the same
way as the day when I was notified I would command a new
unit – proud. When we activated the unit in June 2015 and
unfurled the unit's colors, we were writing page one of
history,” beamed the Philadelphia native. “I command the
first Troopers, the first troop commanders, the first troop
first sergeants, the first staff officers, and I'm honored I
have this opportunity."
Even in a male-dominated
regiment, Ray said she doesn't feel disadvantaged in any
way.
“As a female commander of combat units, I don't think there are
any differences from my male counterparts,” said Ray. “Yes, some
situations can be challenging as a commander, but that comes with
the territory.”
Ray continued, “In order to feel
disadvantaged, you have to believe you have your own shortcomings,
so I never believed I have shortcomings; I would never use being a
woman as a crutch of why I couldn't get somewhere or do something.”
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Lt. Col. Lynn Ray (right), the first commander of Regimental
Engineer Squadron “Pioneer,” 3rd Cavalry Regiment, poses with
Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney Holloway, senior enlisted advisor, at
Painted Rock at Fort Irwin, California after 3rd CR's National
Training Center rotation February 27, 2016. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Tomora Clar)
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Lt. Col. Robert Jenkins, Field Artillery Squadron
“Steel,” 3rd CR commander, spoke highly of Ray as a leader
and commander.
“I've known lieutenant colonel Lynn
Ray for nine months, and she is the consummate
professional,” said Jenkins. “Whether serving in the U.S.
Senate as a liaison officer or breaching an obstacle in a
[National Training Center] decisive action rotation, Lynn
personifies the type of warrior the Army looks for to
command our sons and daughters.”
Ray also offers her
experiences to the "army" of women under her command in
similar circumstances, she said.
“I think I offer
understanding and empathy, because I've been the only, the
first or even the isolated individual because of my gender;
I've been in their shoes, so I feel like I can help them
navigate similar situations,” said Ray. “Even when they
begin to doubt their work abilities, I feel that I have the
tools necessary to help guide them in the right direction.”
The Army's recent change to full-gender integration
opens more than 200,000 job positions to women in combat
military occupational specialties.
Pioneer squadron
received its first group of female combat engineers in
February, a career field that Ray is very familiar with as
an engineer officer, she said.
“They, too, will hold
a title that no one else can say as the first female combat
engineers of any unit,” said Ray. “I'm proud to have some of
the first female combat engineers within [Pioneer] and 3d
CR.”
Upon the arrival of the first female engineers
to 3d CR, Ray gave them all the same advice she would give
to any new Soldiers arriving to the unit.
“This is
clearly not a sprint. However, the fact you're the only, the
first, or the minority in terms of gender, don't see that as
a negative. Instead, try looking at the situation as a
positive by challenging yourself to exceed your own
expectations,” said Ray. “It's fine to be afraid and to have
some fear, as long as it doesn't control or govern your
performance.”
Jenkins said, “I can think of no
better leader to mentor our newly arrived female combat
engineers, nor of a better example of a leader they can
emulate in their career.”
As for her future in the
Army, Ray said, “I'll stay in for as long as the Army will
have me, because there's so much more that I want to do, so
many young leaders who I want to have impact on and make a
difference in their lives.”
By U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Tomora Clar
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2016
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