No Greater Love: The Lives and Times of Hispanic Soldiers

No Greater Love: The Lives and Times of Hispanic Soldiers

by Major General Freddie Valenzuela, Jason Lemons, J.D.


Product Details
ISBN: 0979027586
ISBN-13: 9780979027581
Format: Hardcover, 192pp
Publisher: Ovation Books
Pub. Date: September 2008


Table of Contents
Introduction A Love Affair with Soldiering
Ch. 1 The Alpha and the Omega: Honoring the Unsung Heroes
Ch. 2 My Early Years: The Gifts of Mentorship and Family
Ch. 3 Company Grade Years: Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Ch. 4 Field Grade Years: The Crossing Point
Ch. 5 Flag Officer Years: The Road to the Stars and Advice for Future Generations
Ch. 6 Esther's Story: My Adventure of a Lifetime
Ch. 7 Military Brats: The Challenge Toward Our Success
Ch. 8 The Future of the Army: The Significance of Diversity
Epilogue: Closing Thoughts on Our Fallen Soldiers


Synopsis
In March 2003, Major General Freddie Valenzuela presided over the funeral of the first casualty of the Iraq War. The young soldier was not yet a citizen of the United States, and General Valenzuela wondered what motivated him and many others like him to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country. No Greater Love answers this question and many more concerning the dedication of our servicemen and women, specifically Hispanic soldiers, in the U.S. military.

As he explores the legacy of Hispanics in the military, General Valenzuela guides the reader through his thirty-three-year career that spanned the Cold, Gulf, and Iraq wars. He then looks to the future, touching on controversial issues including the war in Iraq and the obligation of the military to improve diversity in order to remain a viable world force.

Biography
MAJOR GENERAL FREDDIE VALENZUELA served thirty-three years in the U.S. Army and was highly decorated for heroism and valor. He served all over the world in three corps and six divisions and commanded in the Cold War and Gulf War eras. He created an educational foundation for at-risk children and families of soldiers killed in combat and was named one of the most influential Hispanic Americans in the U.S. by Hispanic Business magazine.

JASON LEMONS, J.D. holds degrees in English, professional writing, and law. He currently practices law in Dallas, Texas, and consults for the Center for Terrorism Law at St. Mary's University.


From the Publisher
In March 2003, Major General Freddie Valenzuela presided over the funeral of the first casualty of the Iraq War. The young soldier was not yet a citizen of the United States, and General Valenzuela wondered what motivated him and many others like him to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country. No Greater Love answers this question and many more concerning the dedication of our servicemen and women, specifically Hispanic soldiers, in the U.S. military.

As he explores the legacy of Hispanics in the military, General Valenzuela guides the reader through his thirty-three-year career that spanned the Cold, Gulf, and Iraq wars. He then looks to the future, touching on controversial issues including the war in Iraq and the obligation of the military to improve diversity in order to remain a viable world force.

What People Are Saying

Senator John S. McCain
"In this poignant work, Freddie Valenzuela uses his thirty-three years of military service as a canvas on which he paints . . . the moving story of a Hispanic American in service to his nation . . . I commend it to you as a wonderful way to explore the nature of service and the meaning of patriotism."--(United States Senator John S. McCain - Arizona)

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
"From the Revolutionary War to the War on Terror, Hispanic Americans have made enormous sacrifices to protect our freedoms, and I am grateful for their service. In No Greater Love, General Valenzuela highlights the service and dedication of these brave Americans in our military."--(United States Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison - Texas)

Major General Alfred Valenzuela has agreed to write the Foreword for Natalie's book

Alfred A. Valenzuela: 1948(?)—: Major General, Army Officer Biography
________________________________________
Hispanic Magazine said of Alfred A. Valenzuela, "The nation's highest-ranking active-duty Hispanic military officer loves God, his family, the U.S. Army, sports, and birds. He is a walking recruitment center, a loving husband and dad, a church-going Catholic, live-by-the-rules guy, a perfectionist, and a funny man." Major General Alfred A. Valenzuela has served in posts around the world including Panama, Germany, Korea, El Salvador, and Turkey. He has been decorated many times for his service to his country and although known as being a tough disciplinarian, the people who work with him speak highly of him and his way of doing things.

Valenzuela was born in San Antonio, Texas, around 1948. He went to Catholic School, and was in the Cub and Boy Scouts, where he earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. He was interested in the military early in life and joined the JROTC in high school, and the ROTC at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, where he received both a bachelor of arts degree in government and a master of arts in political science with an emphasis on Latin American studies and national security affairs. He was commissioned there as a distinguished military graduate. He continued his education in the military at the Field Artillery Basic and Advanced Courses, the Defense Strategy Course, the Army War College, the National Security Management Course, and the Airborne Course. He also graduated from the U.S. Army Command and the General Staff College, the Armed Forces Staff College, the Air War College, and the Inter-American Defense College.

After serving in many positions around the globe and working his way up through the ranks of officers, Valenzuela served as the deputy commanding general and deputy joint task force Panama commander at the U.S. Army South. After that he served as assistant division commander (Support) of the 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, from October of 1996 until June of 1998.
In 1997, he became a one-star general.

He received his second star in 1998 and in June of that year was made deputy commander in chief of the U.S. Southern Command, based in Miami, Florida, which had relocated from Panama in 1997. The Southern Command oversaw military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, except Mexico, working, in recent years, on anti-drug efforts, disaster relief, preserving stability, and countering threats to vital U.S. national interests, as well as assisting friendly nations within its area of responsibility. According to the Southern Command website, "[U.S. Southern Command] is engaged in promoting democracy and stability while fostering collective approaches to regional threats, and providing the vitality, integrity and strength to our military allies and their support for democracy and their institutions. Furthermore, when required, it responds unilaterally or multilaterally to crises that threaten regional stability or national interests and constantly prepares to meet future challenges in the region." It is one of five regional commands found around the world.


About Valenzuela's work with the Southern Command, Secretary of the Army Louis Caldera called Valenzuela "One of our most impressive officers." Valenzuela's one-time executive officer U.S. Air Force Major Elizabeth Almeida told Hispanic Magazine that he was "people-oriented, approachable, a people's general, a wonderful role model, and not only for Hispanics, but for all in the military. You don't have to be important to see him or for him to make time for you. He makes everyone who comes to see him feel important."


Born Alfred A. Valenzuela, ca. 1948 in San Antonio, TX; married Esther Trevino, 1970; children: Lori, Freddie. Education: St. Mary's University, San Antonio, TX, BA, government, MA, political science; attended Field Artillery Basic and Advanced Courses, Defense Strategy Course, Army War College, National Security Management Course, Airborne Course; graduated from U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Armed Forces Staff College, Air War College, Inter-American Defense College. Military: U.S. Army, 1970–. Religion: Christian.


Career: U.S. Army South, deputy commanding general and deputy joint task force Panama commander; 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, assistant division commander (support), 1996-98; U.S. Southern Command, deputy commander in chief, 1998-00; U.S. Army South, commander, 2000–.


Memberships: Board of directors: Eagle Scout Association; Torres Rivera Institute for Policy; Saint Mary's University; TX Chapter of the Boy Scouts of America. Board of trustees, Tomas Rivera Policy Institute; board of advisors, Uniformed Services Benefit Association, Inc.


Awards: Defense Distinguished Service Medal; Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit (with three Oak Leaf Clusters); Soldier's Medal (for heroism); Bronze Star for Valor; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal (with two Oak Leaf Clusters); Joint Service Commendation Medal; Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster); Joint Service Achievement Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Humanitarian Service Medal; Joint Meritorious Unit Award. Inducted into Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Alumni Hall of Fame, 2001; honorary inductee into the Beta Nu Chapter of Phi Sigma Iota, United States Military Academy, 2001; named one of the "100 Most Influential Hispanics" by Hispanic Business magazine.


In July of 2000 Valenzuela assumed command of the U.S. Army South, at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico. The U.S. Army South is the Southern Command's Army component, one of the five components of the Command that work together to fulfill the U.S. Southern Command's missions. According to the U.S. Army South's website, "[U.S. Army South] is in charge of all Army operations within USSOUTHCOM's twelve million square mile [area of responsibility]." As part of U.S. Army's duties, in 2002 Valenzuela met with Dominican Republic Major General Carlos Diaz Morfa concerning the illegal migrations of Haitians into their country and eventually into the United States. They have begun to work on stopping the flow. At the same time Valenzuela was looking to move U.S. Army South out of Puerto Rico. They considered many locations, but after careful deliberation chose San Antonio as their new home. They were to move there in 2003.


About his life in the military Valenzuela once told Hispanic Magazine, "I've had an American Dream since I was young and that was to be the best I could be. It just so happens that it was to be in the professional military. I knew if I could get up there (in the ranks) then I could turn around, come back, and give back to society, give back to the Hispanic youth who really doesn't understand the opportunity before him." And he has certainly taken that attitude and made an inspiring career for himself, while fulfilling his promise to help Hispanic youths. While in the line of duty, Valenzuela won not only respect and promotion, but also many awards. He has received several decorations, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (with three Oak Leaf Clusters), the Soldier's Medal (for heroism), the Bronze Star for Valor, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award.


Amidst his very hectic and awarded Army schedule, Valenzuela has also managed to live a balanced and healthy personal life. He married Esther Trevino on February 1, 1970, when he was about to enter the Army. They have two children, Lori and Freddie, both of whom are very proud of their father's successes. Fred told Hispanic Magazine, "It's so weird, everybody says, 'Oh look who your dad is.' We just see him as Dad. Yes, we are proud of him, but at the same time, we don't treat him as a celebrity."


Valenzuela was also a prominent figure in a wider military and also civilian society. In 1999 he spoke at a conference about the Armed Forces' ongoing efforts to provide outreach to the Hispanic community. He was inducted, in 2001, into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Alumni Hall of Fame. The Boys & Girls Club was close to his heart because, as Hispanic PR Wire said, Valenzuela "learned about direction and discipline, two words that capture the essence of military service, at the Boys & Girls Club of San Antonio." In 2002 he was the honorary inductee into the Beta Nu Chapter of Phi Sigma Iota, an international foreign-language honor society at the United States Military Academy. He gave the keynote address for the ceremony. He has served on the board of directors for the Eagle Scout Association, the Torres Rivera Institute for Policy, Saint Mary's University, and the Texas Chapter of the Boy Scouts of America. He was also on the board of trustees of the Tomas Rivera Policy Institute and the board of advisors for the Uniformed Services Benefit Association, Inc. He was named one of the "100 Most Influential Hispanics" by Hispanic Business magazine. In 2003 the Texas House of Representatives honored Valenzuela for his exemplary dedication to the Armed Services and his country. And seeing as Major General Alfred A. Valenzuela has not finished his career yet, there are sure to be many more awards in the future.


Sources
Periodicals
Business Wire, April 16, 2002.
Houston Chronicle, December 30, 2001, p. 41.

On-line
"2001 Scout Jamboree," First Army Web Site, http: //jambo.forscom.army.mil/army_eagles_1.htm (June 5, 2003).

"About 500 pay tribute to Jasper," Savannah Now, www.savannahnow.com/stories/031698/LOCjas pertribute.html (June 5, 2003).

"AmericasUnidas to become Bi-Annual Trade Summit," Port of Corpus Christi, www.americasunidas. com/news/PortNews5-30-02.html (June 5, 2003).

"Army reaching out to Hispanic youth," United States Army Public Affairs, www.dtic.mil/armylink/news/Dec1999/a19991215hispaniciii.html (June 5, 2003).

"Army South might move? Why? Says who?," U.S. Army South, www.usarso.army.mil/news/who.htm (June 5, 2003.)

"Army's highest Hispanic joins Hall of Fame," United States Army Public Affairs, www.dtic.mil/army link/news/Apr2001/a20010411valenzuela.html (June 5, 2003).

"Biography," U.S. Southern Command, www.south com.mil/PA/Bios/bioUSARSO.htm (June 5, 2003).

"Board of Trustees," Tomas Rivera Policy Institute, www.trpi.org/mid_trustees.htm (June 5, 2003).

"Boys & Girls Clubs of America Inducts Outstanding Alumni into Hall of Fame," Hispanic PR Wire, www.hispanicprwire.com/release_Boys%20and% 20Girls%20Clubs_ENG.htm (June 5, 2003).

"Cadets inducted into honor society," United States Military Academy, www.usma.edu/PublicAffairs/PVArchives/000512/Cadet-Honor.htm (June 5, 2003).

"The Challenges For the Foreign Area Officer in Army XXI," Foreign Area Officer Association, www.faoa. org/journal/armyxxi.html (June 5, 2003).

"Dominican army tightens watch," Miami Herald, www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/world/americas/4598472.htm (June 5, 2003).

"General 'V'," Hispanic Magazine, www.hispanic magazine.com/2000/apr/Features/

"Key Players," Citizens' Educational Foundation— US, www.cefus.net/background/keyplayers. html (June 5, 2003).

"Puerto Rico Chapter Ups Its Numbers," The Retired Officer Magazine, www.troa.org/magazine/Aug ust2002/chapter_activities.asp

"Resolution," State of Texas Web Site, www.cap itol.state.tx.us/tlo/75R/billtext/HR00972F.HTM (June 5, 2003).

"Soldier's remains taken home," My San Antonio, http://news.mysanantonio.com/story.cfm?xla=saen&xlb=180&xlc=962036 (June 5, 2003).

"Top Guns," St. Mary's University, http://www.stmarytx.edu/sesqui/publication/index.php?go=guns&show-history (June 5, 2003).

U.S. Army Web Site, www.army.mil (June 5, 2003).

—Catherine Victoria Donaldson

Alfred A. Valenzuela: 1948(?)—: Major General, Army Officer Biography

Review by Vincent Bosquez of 'No Greater Love'

osted: 09/21/2008
Review: 'No Greater Love: The Lives and Times of Hispanic Soldiers'
By Vincent Bosquez - Special to the Express-News

No Greater Love: The Lives and Times of Hispanic Soldiers
By Retired Maj. Gen. Freddie Valenzuela, with Jason Lemons

Ovation Books, $18.95

In March 2003, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Alfredo “Freddie” Valenzuela presided over the funeral of Army Spc. Rodrigo Gonzalez-Garza, the first casualty of the Iraq war. Gonzalez-Garza was born in Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, and was brought to San Antonio by his parents as an infant. He died defending the United States while pursuing his dream of becoming a citizen of this country.

Even though Gonzalez-Garza's death was significant on many levels, Valenzuela was especially moved by the fact that the young soldier made the ultimate sacrifice for a nation not his own. His story inspired Valenzuela to research why Hispanic soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines perform heroically in times of war and peace without asking anything special in return.

“No Greater Love: The Lives and Times of Hispanic Soldiers” is Valenzuela's tender, thought-provoking tribute to Gonzalez-Garza and the thousands of Hispanics who have served, and are serving, in the U.S. military.

The book is critical of the U.S. Army and offers advice on corrective measures that Valenzuela believes must take place to achieve true diversity within its ranks.
Valenzuela retired from the Army in 2004 after a 33-year career in which he was highly decorated for heroism and valor. Currently the interim chief executive officer of the San Antonio Housing Authority, the Alamo City native understands better than most that it takes a special kind of soldier to excel in today's fast-paced, global environment, regardless of ethnicity.

While the book is not a history of Hispanics in the military, it does provide guiding principles for today's Latino service members as they embark on their careers in the armed forces.

Valenzuela challenges those who have achieved rank and positions of authority to exercise responsible mentoring so that up-and-coming soldiers can achieve their full potential.

Valenzuela even raises a scolding finger at today's military and political leaders by demanding that diversity not be a token catchphrase but a tenet that the Army strongly adhere to in order to ensure equality to every man and woman in uniform.
Perhaps no one understands the true cost of supporting combat soldiers on every level better than the few selected to wear stars on their collars — and there can be no room for error. Valenzuela wonders why Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez was singled out over the Abu Ghraib scandal and ponders if ethnicity entered the equation. But like a good soldier, he leaves readers to reach their own conclusion.

In the book's introduction, Valenzuela notes that he wants to exalt the achievements and attributes of Hispanic soldiers to properly measure their value to the Army and the nation. Mission accomplished. It's touching to see that he cherishes friendships made in service to his country and mourns every loss of life.

Although Valenzuela feels that no one joins the armed forces with the intent of being labeled a hero, he is proud that Hispanic soldiers repeatedly answer the call to sacrifice even if their exploits remain largely unsung — despite the fact that they stand among the most wounded and killed of any ethnic classification in the armed forces.

“No Greater Love” is one general's unconditional testament of devotion to the men and women he has served and fought alongside. It's a poignant reminder that the freedom we cherish isn't truly free but is paid for through the blood and tears of soldiers, regardless of race, who may never come home again.


Vincent Bosquez is president of the Society of Latino and Hispanic Writers of San Antonio and a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

3rd Annual National KidsDay Celebration

Third Annual National KidsDay Celebrated on August 3

Bow Wow, Hector Elizondo and Major General Alfred Valenzuela Join Kraft Foods, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and KidsPeace to Celebrate Children Nationwide

Kraft Foods to Donate $45,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of America for Playing Fields and Athletic Facilities, Food to Local Homeless Shelters


NORTHFIELD, Ill., July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 3, 2003, rap artist Bow Wow, actor Hector Elizondo and Major General Alfred Valenzuela of the U.S.


Army will join Kraft Foods in supporting the third annual National KidsDay(R), a nationwide celebration spearheaded by Boys & Girls Clubs of America and KidsPeace to honor and celebrate American's number one resource -- children -- through the gift of meaningful time.


Taking place all across America, National KidsDay features fun-filled activities that bring kids and parents together, allowing them to play and rediscover one another. With special events in Washington, D.C., New York City and Los Angeles, National KidsDay also aims to establish the first Sunday of August each year as a national holiday honoring children nationwide.


As part of the ceremonies, Kraft Foods is presenting a total of $45,000 to the local Boys & Girls Clubs organizations in Washington D.C., New York and Los Angeles for the express use of improving Boys & Girls Clubs athletic and active play facilities so that children can maintain healthy, active lifestyles. In addition, Kraft will fill a giant Community Picnic Basket with non-perishable items to be donated to local homeless shelters that benefit families and invites the public to support the effort by bringing canned goods to the event.


"At Kraft Foods, we are dedicated to supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of America because they enrich the lives of America's families," said Deborah Mackiewicz, Senior Brand Manager of Multicultural Strategy & Kids Alliance at Kraft Foods. "To that end, Kraft is honored to sponsor National KidsDay, an annual event that brings families together and celebrates children."


Kraft LalaPLAYlooza
As part of its participation in National KidsDay, Kraft Foods will host LalaPLAYlooza, fun-filled activities fostering healthy living and family unity. Kraft LalaPLAYlooza will kick off with a family walk and continue with series of interactive games, friendly competitions, arts and crafts where children and adults can spend meaningful time together. Kraft LalaPLAYlooza will take place at the National KidsDay Picnic/Family Event on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., at the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club in New York City's Bronx borough and on Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles.


"Kraft Foods has been a generous supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs for many years," says Roxanne Spillett, President of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.


"Their participation in National KidsDay helps us not only touch the lives of more families but also honor the rich diversity and contributions of our kids."
Celebrities, many of whom are Boys & Girls Club alumni and include rap artist Bow Wow, actor Hector Elizondo and Major General Alfred Valenzuela, are joining Kraft Foods and the Boys & Girls Clubs in their efforts and will be making special appearances at Kraft LalaPLAYlooza.


The Annual Meaningful Time Check-up on U.S. Children & Families
As part of this year's National KidsDay, the results of the first Annual Meaningful Time Check-up on U.S. Children & Families will be released. The first of a series of annual "snapshots," this research examines how America is caring for its kids in the areas of health, nutrition, education, emotional well being, parental involvement and key current events. The research was sponsored by Boys & Girls Clubs of America and KidsPeace, with noted child psychiatrist Dr. Alvin Poussaint taking a lead role. The complete survey results along with an abbreviated version for the public to take and compare with the national results is available on-line at http://www.kidsday.net.


About National KidsDay
National KidsDay is supported by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, an official nonpartisan organization of 1,139 cities across the country. An additional Honor Roll of supporters include: American Zoo & Aquarium Association; Association of Children's Museums; Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association; Covering Kids; Foundation for Small Voices; National Association of Elementary School Principals; National Center of Missing & Exploited Children; Search Institute; and Voices for America's Children. Major corporate sponsors include: BLOCKBUSTER; General Mills; The Home Depot; Kraft Foods; Major League Baseball; Party City; and Wal-Mart.


For more information on National KidsDay activities and The Annual Meaningful Time Check-up U.S. Children & Families, visit http://www.kidsday.net.


About Kraft Foods
Over the last decade, Kraft Foods has created new and exciting transcultural initiatives for kids that foster physical fitness, inspire a love of reading and motivate a sense of discovery through programs such as the Kraft Great Kids(TM) initiative, the Annual Latino Book & Family Festival, and partnerships with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.


In more than 150 countries, Kraft Foods manufactures and markets some of the world's favorite food and beverage brands including KRAFT Singles cheese, CAPRI SUN Soft Drink, POST Fruity PEBBLES cereal, OREO cookies, CHIPS AHOY! cookies, RITZ crackers, KOOL-AID Soft Drinks, JELL-O pudding and gelatin, CORNNUTS toasted corn kernels, OSCAR MAYER hot dogs, and LUNCHABLES lunch combinations.


For more information, please visit kraftfoods.com and its Spanish-language sister site comidakraft.com.


About Boys & Girls Club of America
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (http://www.bgca.org) compromises a national network of more than 3,300 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving some 3.6 million young people, primarily from disadvantaged circumstances. Known as "The Positive Place for Kids," the Clubs provide guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Clubs programs emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation.


About KidsPeace
KidsPeace (http://www.kidspeace.org) the National Center for Kids Overcoming Crisis, is a 120-year-old charity helping give America's children hope, help and healing to overcome the kind of crises that can strike any child, such as depression, traumas, family issues, and the stresses of modern life.
KidsPeace has been cited as the "Outstanding Organization" of its kind by the American Association of Psychiatric Services for Children, and "a prototype of what we should have for all children everywhere," by the late great family expert Dr. Lee Salk.

SOURCE Kraft Foods

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/07-23-2003/0001987462&EDATE=

The Challenges for the Foreign Area Officer in Army XXI

Foreign Area Officer Association

By: Major General Alfred Valenzuela, US Army
Deputy Commander in Chief
United States Southern Command

On December 16, 1999, the Department of the Army released the Army Competitive Category promotion list to Colonel. Some 29 outstanding men and women Foreign Area Officers (FAO) were selected for promotion. As a member of that Board, I can attest to the difficulty in selecting tomorrow's senior FAO leadership. It was a tough experience, compounded by the fact that the files of all foreign area officers eligible were strong and merited promotion.


This Board was the 14th selection board that I have had the privilege to serve on. That having been said, I wish to share with my fellow FAOs some observations on FAO professional development and the future of our community.


The establishment of Army XXI positions us for success in the coming century, but it also poses some serious challenges to the foreign area officer. For the first time, single tracking as a FAO will be officially permitted. While many FAOs believe that this is just an affirmation of what has been going on for years in a "de facto" form, single-tracking presents future challenges that individual officers must be aware of. As a result, promotion boards will be especially sensitive for discriminators among FAOs that will set them apart from their contemporaries. In particular it is important for FAOs to:


Manage Your Training: The FAO program offers one of the best training and educational programs in the Army. Overwhelmingly, more officers apply for Functional Area 48 than there are positions. The language training, advanced civil schooling and in-country training experience gives the Army a huge competitive advantage over the other Services. That having been said, don't push the system. If possible, try to shorten your training period wherever applicable so as to increase utilization tours and save program costs. For example, if you were assigned to the US Army South, either in Panama or Puerto Rico, and are designated a Latin American FAO, don't ask for further in-country training. If you already speak French because you were raised in Belgium where your father was an international businessman, don't request additional language training. If you already have a FAO- related graduate degree that you acquired on your own, don't request Advanced Civil Schooling. Like the rest of the Army, we need to do more with less.


Remember, the less time you spend in training, the more time you can spend in challenging assignments thus proving your worth to our Army and Nation. I know of no one who got promoted because of a stellar Academic Evaluation Report or FAO In- Country Training OER.


Manage Your OERs: FAOs must be careful to insure that their manner of performance is appropriately reflected in their OERs. I have seen too many OERs attempt to say something positive about the rated officer but instead having the opposite effect. If you merit distinguishing praise, insure that your rater and senior rater say so. Poor English should not be the reason that you are denied promotion, command, assignments or professional educational opportunities. Along with this, the narrative needs to match the box chosen. Words like "my best officer" or "the best captain in the brigade" and "the finest officer in my Directorate", without the accompanying box being checked, sends confusing signals to the Board.
Educate Your Rating Chain: You need to educate your raters and senior raters, military and civilian alike. The fact that a GS-15 thinks that you have unlimited potential is important but his or her evaluation of your performance must resonate with a military promotion board. Raters and senior raters from other services also need to be sensitized to the important FAO work that you do. Perspectives by non-Army superiors in your rating chain with limited exposure to the Army FAO program may lead to incomplete or distorted descriptions of your performance. Remember that you are a missionary for the FAO community. Your future and that of our Functional Area depend greatly on your projecting a positive image, leaving a positive perception and while performing to the highest standards.


Manage Your Assignments: Now that Army XXI allows FAOs to single- track, a natural reaction on the part of many officers will be to seek repetitive assignments overseas within Defense Attaché Offices, US Military Assistance Groups or Military Liaison Offices. Under the new system, this can be very damaging to your career. Boards will now look more closely at the breadth and depth of FAO assignments. Moving from the Army Section Chief position within the US Military Assistance Group in Venezuela, for example, to the same position in Bolivia is tantamount to professional suicide. Vary your assignments as much as possible and remember that your promotion potential rests on how successful you are in a variety of assignments.


Equally career-ending are consecutive Washington DC or CONUS-based FAO assignments. To a Promotion Board, this suggests an aversion to the region you were so well trained to operate in. Stagger your CONUS and OCONUS assignments so as to demonstrate a variety of talents within different organizations. An non-scientific rule of thumb is to try, at a minimum, to serve in at least one assignment "down range" in your respective AOR, one assignment on a CINC staff and one assignment at the Army or Joint Staff level before you compete for promotion to Colonel. This will demonstrate that you not only know your particular AOR well, but that you can perform in a variety of assignments, which compliment your regional expertise.


If at all possible and if time allows, try to seek an Army assignment in between FAO assignments to maintain currency in your service. Good FAO assignments can be found within the US Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), the Army Staff, and Major Army Commands (MACOMs), to name a few. These Army-specific FAO assignments allow for a vital "re-greening" process to maintain credibility within the Army and currency with Army issues.


An unfortunate reality of our system is that not all officers will be promoted. But our Functional Area more than compensates officers who are not selected for promotion with equally challenging assignments at their grade. But having said that, FAO assignment officers will also be on the lookout for officers holding up the line for other FAOs. At the moment, promotion to Colonel is running at or above the Army average. To support this positive trend, Assignment Officers will monitor assignments to insure that competitive officers are offered equally competitive positions. If you are a non- select for promotion to lieutenant colonel or colonel, your Assignment Officer will work with you to find you a rewarding assignment. But as we "grow" our future FAO leadership, Assignment Officers will also be looking for key assignments for officers with increased promotion potential.


Senior FAOs must also do a better job of guiding, mentoring and coaching our junior officers. What was good for us as we came through the ranks is not applicable today. While officers should continuously undertake rational self-assessments regarding their promotion potential, we senior FAOs must stay abreast of the latest trends and provide our subordinates with accurate and objective information and career development.


Also, wherever possible, we must look out for the greater interests of our community and positively "sell" and promote the benefits of a strong and vibrant FAO program to the Army at large. Good FAOs positively reflect the entire community while substandard performers should be identified early and removed from the program. We cannot afford even one bad officer within our ranks at a time when the Army is giving us the opportunity to grow as a single-track Functional Area. In overseas assignments, we are recognized and highly prized as the professional soldier-statesmen that we are. Now we must become ambassadors for our community within the Army as well.


Overall, I believe that the Army FAO program is healthy and I am proud to serve within it's ranks. That having been said, Army XXI will offer us many challenges as we embark into uncharted waters. Rest assured that there will be bumps along the way. I am working with the senior Army leadership to make the transition to Army XXI as smooth as possible. Work with your assignment officers and listen to their advice. There is no such thing as a bad FAO assignment. While none of us have the right answers all of the time, Assignment Officers will give you the benefit of their experience as FAOs along with their exposure within the inner workings of the FAO community. Nevertheless, remember that YOU are your best assignment officer. Continue to seek the difficult assignments, do well in them, and enjoy what I am sure will be a tremendously satisfying career.



Major General Alfred A. Valenzuela is the senior Foreign Area Officer currently on active duty. A Field Artillery officer and Latin American FAO, he has served in numerous command and staff positions. As a Field Artilleryman, he has commanded from Battery to Division Artillery. As a FAO, he has served in El Salvador, Grenada, Colombia, Panama and Peru where he served as the MilGp Commander. In addition, he has deployed to Somalia and Haiti. Prior to his assignment at the US Southern Command, Major General Valenzuela served as Assistant Division Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Major General Valenzuela holds BA and MA degrees from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas and is a graduate of the US Army Command and General Staff College, the Armed Forces Staff College, the Air War College and the Inter American Defense College.
http://www.faoa.org/journal/armyxxi.html