“If You Want Something Done, And Done Now, Call Charlie Company”: Three Senior NCOs Reflect On Their Service To The Nation

CSM(R) Eric Crabtree, 1SG(R) Randal Underhill, and 1SG(R) Roy Bruce all served in the same company, C Company, 2nd Battalion, 187th Infantry in 3rd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Eric Crabtree was the First Sergeant, Randal Underhill was the 2nd Platoon Sergeant, and Roy Bruce was the 3rd Platoon Sergeant. The 1st Platoon Sergeant was 1SG(R) Christian Sheffield. Each senior NCO discusses his childhood, path to the Army, and time in service. They comment on key experiences, such as serving as Observer Controllers (Crabtree and Bruce) at JRTC (Joint Readiness Training Center), service in Korea (Bruce), and service as young Soldiers during Operation Desert Storm (Crabtree and Underhill). Much of the interview focuses on their preparation for and deployment to Iraq in February 2003. CSM Crabtree notes that it is “understated how well the 101st deployed” the entire Division’s equipment in only 11 days. They describe their deployment, highlighting interactions with the Iraqi Army and Iraqi citizens, as well as various operations they conducted, including Operation Rifles Blitz in November 2003. Near the end of the interview, they reflect on leadership lessons and key developmental points throughout their careers. They conclude the interview by sharing what their service to the nation means to them.