Ltrepeter2000 AMA #5

Good morning.

Going to nominate Horseonatreadmill to follow me. If he doesn't take it I have a couple backups.

I am a 99 grad in political science with several minors including history and leadership.

I was an Army brat and moved 7 times by the time I was in the 5th grade. It made it easy to talk to new people but hard to get close to anyone. I came to Tech by way of Morgantown, WV as my dad finished his career responsible for all of ROTC in West Virginia, western Maryland and parts of Ohio. I had a full ride to WVU available but knew that I would probably be drunk more than sober (we were drinking in the frat houses at lunch by 11th grade, probably why the county moved the high school about 5 miles out of town) and likely not graduate so I chose Tech over West Point to give me a military discipline while in school while still having ladies around to pursue.

While at Tech I was a brother of Alpha Phi Omega , the co-ed service fraternity. I also worked downtown as a bouncer, barback and bartender at Mike's, Sharkeys, The Library and TOTS. I started in Charlie Company and moved to Hotel Company. The flaming VT is one of my favorite events at Tech since getting to help do it my last two years.

After graduation, I commissioned as a 2LT in the Army Engineers. I was sent to Fort Leonard (Lostinthe) Wood in Missouri. I learned how to handle explosives and create combat obstacles while also learning socially what a redneck yacht club is (if you ever get a chance, go to Lake of the Ozarks and find party cove on a boat.)

After that I went to Fort Stewart, GA and lived in Savannah. That was a great party town for the limited time we were home. I was deployed or in the field for nearly three of my four years there. I unfortunately buried quite a few friends and Soldiers which has had a dramatic impact on what I have done professionally.

I got out after my initial four year stint as the pace of deployment wore on me mentally. My family had returned to NOVA so I came home. I built houses that first year out of the Army using my construction experience from the Army. I saw the housing crash coming so moved over to an Army contractor job at Fort Belvoir.

After a year in that job, I was approached by Home Depot to become a store manager. I did that for about 18 months before figuring out combat retail was not for me. I returned to a different Army contractor role at Program Executive Office Soldier in 2007 and have been in this organization ever since.

I completed my MBA in 2013 from George Mason which led to a move to be a Department of the Army Civilian in 2014.

I am now the Director of Business Management, Operations and Logistics for the APEO internal to PEO Soldier. PEO Soldier website. My office is responsible for future planning of combat equipment, digital engineering of the PEO Soldier portfolio, technical scouting for new equipment and providing a test and integration platform to ensure Soldier equipment works together to ensure Soldiers have the best equipment possible to survive in combat situations. The improvements we have made since I wore the uniform are pretty incredible.

I have two kids, daughter 9 going on 21 and a son 7 who can't seem to go three days without an email or call home from the school. My wife is an angel in disguise for putting up with us.

I cherish my family more than anything especially after surviving a 35 day coma as an impact of Covid combined with other factors, which has left me partially disabled. I have recovered the majority of the use of left arm and legs although I am still unable to drive.

Covid did help me in that it completely changed the view on teleworking which has allowed me to continue working without putting too heavy a burden on friends and family that help me get around. Not being able to drive is something that frustrates me daily as it's something you take for granted.

Ok enough babbling, on to your questions....