This exciting memoir chronicles the life and memories of SFC Glenn
Powell, a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Army, and 10-year veteran of the
White House where he served under Presidents George HW Bush, President
William J. Clinton, and President George W. Bush.
SFC Powell was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. He says his real-life journey began in 1982 when he bypassed his high school graduation to join the U.S. Army. That journey would take him from Fort Dix, New Jersey, to Manheim, Germany where he met Ronda Holloway, a young, beautiful soldier and fellow Ohioan, who has been his wife and soulmate for 25 years.
Powell’s poignant and inspiring story includes both, his own memories, and memories from some 50 white house colleagues, family members and lifelong military buddies who enriched his life, and made an indelible impact on his journey. SFC Powell’s story is that of a restless young man who grew up in a working-class environment with ample opportunities to journey down the wrong path. Yet, thanks to his childhood village –the many role models whose lives exemplified the best in American values—made all the difference in his journey.
Except for that “village,” of his childhood, Glenn believes his story might have had a different ending. The hardworking citizens living purpose-filled lives, served as a buffer against the discontent and civil unrest plaguing the rest of world. The centerpiece of that village, Glenn says, was his parents who, while they never lived under one roof, both loved him unconditionally.
Margaret Powell was a young single working mother, and a constant reminder of the importance of working toward excellence at one’s chosen career. She would become Kroger Stores’ first African American manager. His father, a prominent entrepreneur in the Toledo area, would remain a constant in Glenn’s life until the end.
Glenn says these lessons sustained him throughout his journey – from the pampered child, to the responsible teen, to the ambitious young soldier, to the doting husband and father; and the loyal and “never say never” Sergeant and aide to the President of the United States of America.
“My Last Baggage Call Aboard AF1” chronicles a most amazing journey that magically transformed Glenn Powell’s life, and so richly impacted those who knew him.
Glenn W. Powell was a featured speaker on The Christian Authors on Tour TV Show. Hosted by Leroy Mckenzie Jr. and Lynn Pinder. Watch the CAOT TV replay of the interview: https://youtu.be/1OfUReG_VAk
SFC Powell was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. He says his real-life journey began in 1982 when he bypassed his high school graduation to join the U.S. Army. That journey would take him from Fort Dix, New Jersey, to Manheim, Germany where he met Ronda Holloway, a young, beautiful soldier and fellow Ohioan, who has been his wife and soulmate for 25 years.
Powell’s poignant and inspiring story includes both, his own memories, and memories from some 50 white house colleagues, family members and lifelong military buddies who enriched his life, and made an indelible impact on his journey. SFC Powell’s story is that of a restless young man who grew up in a working-class environment with ample opportunities to journey down the wrong path. Yet, thanks to his childhood village –the many role models whose lives exemplified the best in American values—made all the difference in his journey.
Except for that “village,” of his childhood, Glenn believes his story might have had a different ending. The hardworking citizens living purpose-filled lives, served as a buffer against the discontent and civil unrest plaguing the rest of world. The centerpiece of that village, Glenn says, was his parents who, while they never lived under one roof, both loved him unconditionally.
Margaret Powell was a young single working mother, and a constant reminder of the importance of working toward excellence at one’s chosen career. She would become Kroger Stores’ first African American manager. His father, a prominent entrepreneur in the Toledo area, would remain a constant in Glenn’s life until the end.
Glenn says these lessons sustained him throughout his journey – from the pampered child, to the responsible teen, to the ambitious young soldier, to the doting husband and father; and the loyal and “never say never” Sergeant and aide to the President of the United States of America.
“My Last Baggage Call Aboard AF1” chronicles a most amazing journey that magically transformed Glenn Powell’s life, and so richly impacted those who knew him.
Glenn W. Powell was a featured speaker on The Christian Authors on Tour TV Show. Hosted by Leroy Mckenzie Jr. and Lynn Pinder. Watch the CAOT TV replay of the interview: https://youtu.be/1OfUReG_VAk
A Soldier’s Story
Shortly after I turned 18, I enlisted in the army. Around that time, I
learned that the young woman I’d been dating was pregnant, so going into the
army would be an opportunity to provide for my child. The army sent me to Fort Dix in New Jersey for boot
camp training on April 22,
1982. It was the perfect enlistment site for me.
Because of the popular television show, Dallas, I had in
mind that I wanted to go to Fort Hood, Texas and meet JR
Ewing. Not only did I meet Larry Hagman, the actor who played JR, but I also
met the entire cast at one of the big Dallas malls. That
was in the 80s when the networks spent money to have cast members show up to
greet their fans, and when fans could easily get a photo with the stars.
Meeting JR had been on my mental bucket list. Later I learned that “Klinger”
from Mash and Danny Thomas were both from Toledo, and so I
added them to the list.
In 1983, I re-enlisted and chose Hawaii as my next
army stint. There for 18 months, I’m convinced that the Hawaii move helped
me look long and hard at myself and my future. In Hawaii, I decided I
needed to better myself. I enrolled at the Wahiawa Community School for Adults and
got my high school diploma. My mother was so disappointed when I didn’t
graduate from high school, so I did it as much for her as for myself.
My long transportation management career began in Wahiawa. I was one
of a large number of applicants who applied for a temporary mission of driving
for the Sergeant Major for the division. He was the senior enlisted man at the
post. I beat out the other candidates for that position. Later, I drove for the
one-star general at the post. After that, I returned to my unit and worked as
the battalion mail clerk until he left in 1985. While there, I met friends and
mentors who would help me decide on my career journey. That same year, I was
asked to re-enlist, and First Sergeant Herbert Harris became a lifelong mentor
and friend. Sergeant Harris recommended that I choose Fort Eustis in Newport
News, Virginia for my
re-enlistment. I remained at Fort Eustis from April
1985 until January 1988.
I became a squad leader, and for the next six months, I managed a squad
of truck drivers in and around the base. After that, I was set on
transportation becoming my specialty, but my career trajectory changed some
when I was appointed to head up NCO Training, where I was responsible for the
training of 270 soldiers.
Around this time, I met First Sergeant Fletcher Walker. He was sent in
to straighten out our company, and he did just that. He would stand up at the
top of the stairs with his hat covering his eyes, but looking down at us.
Sergeant Walker was a ‘soldier among soldiers,’ an airborne paratrooper, a
Vietnam Veteran who had been shot three times. There was no one more surprised
when he chose me to run the training.
I knew he had high expectations, and I was determined not to disappoint
him. He was the kind of leaders for whom soldiers would fight and die. He was a
true hero who taught me how to be a soldier and a man. He shared a lot about
life with me. I imitated him in many ways so much that everyone would call me
“Baby Walker.” I met his family and it was an honor. He retired as a Command
Sergeant Major.
( Continued… )
© 2017 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the
author, Glenn W. Powell. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author’s
written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only.
Sergeant First Class Glenn W. Powell (Retired) is a native of Toledo,
Ohio. He enlisted into the United States Army in 1982 and retired in
2002. During his military career, he served as a heavy vehicle driver, a
squad leader, and non-commissioned officer.
In September 1991, SFC Powell joined the George HW Bush White House as a chauffeur, and in 1992, was promoted to transportation coordinator for the white house Press Corps, serving in the Clinton Administration.
In December 1995, he assumed the duties of transportation supervisor for Air Force One.
In January 2001, during his service under President George W. Bush, SFC Powell was transferred to the White House Military Office, Customer Support and Organizational Development where he served as deputy director.
SFC Powell retired with distinction from the Military in 2002. He received numerous awards and decorations throughout his service, including the Legion of Merit Metal, Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the United States Army Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters. He received U.S. Service Ribbons for both domestic and overseas service.
Glenn and Ronda Holloway Powell have been married for 25 years, and have three sons, Darius, Warren, and Glenn, II. They reside in Virginia.
His latest book is My Last Baggage Call Aboard Air Force One: A Journey of Sacrifice, Service, Family and Friendship.
https://www.facebook.com/GlennWPowell
Follow on Twitter!
http://www.twitter.com/glennwpowell1
In September 1991, SFC Powell joined the George HW Bush White House as a chauffeur, and in 1992, was promoted to transportation coordinator for the white house Press Corps, serving in the Clinton Administration.
In December 1995, he assumed the duties of transportation supervisor for Air Force One.
In January 2001, during his service under President George W. Bush, SFC Powell was transferred to the White House Military Office, Customer Support and Organizational Development where he served as deputy director.
SFC Powell retired with distinction from the Military in 2002. He received numerous awards and decorations throughout his service, including the Legion of Merit Metal, Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the United States Army Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters. He received U.S. Service Ribbons for both domestic and overseas service.
Glenn and Ronda Holloway Powell have been married for 25 years, and have three sons, Darius, Warren, and Glenn, II. They reside in Virginia.
His latest book is My Last Baggage Call Aboard Air Force One: A Journey of Sacrifice, Service, Family and Friendship.
For more information, or to contact Glenn Powell regarding availability for speaking opportunities, please email him at glennwpowell@aol.com. Visit his website at: http://www.gwpowell.com
Follow on Facebook!https://www.facebook.com/GlennWPowell
Follow on Twitter!
http://www.twitter.com/glennwpowell1
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