Esteemed colleague remembered for kind heart, warm smile, laughter

Recently, I had the honor and privilege of saying a few words about a very dear person in my life that was a real trailblazer within the Regimental Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Susan Childs.

My initial introduction to Susan was as I was preparing to assume the role as commandant of the RNCOA in September of 2000. Little did I know that my secretary, Susan Childs would be challenged with having to take dialysis three times a week for my entire 40 months as commandant and the next five years after I changed command.

On Nov. 1 we celebrated All Saints Day and on Nov. 2 respectively All Souls Day. Susan was a saint in my mind and I prayed for her soul by attending Mass at my church. As I thought about my comments to say before her memorial the experiences of her life moved me in such a way that I wanted to relay the importance of Susan Childs being in our lives.

The final commitment for me was being able to write this article in the Signal to offer closure to those that served with her. Susan’s legacy was overcoming adversity. She will forever be part of my life as my secretary and friend that fought a long battle through kidney disease. As the days, weeks, months, and years passed on, Susan became a daily inspiration not only to my family, but also to those who called on my services as commandant.

She was the smiling face that greeted guests and the person that also managed my daily calendar. As I became more educated on what dialysis requires, specifically time spent hooked up to the machine (which is approximately four hours each visit), I quickly came to know the person Susan Childs really was. Susan was no pretender and lived each day of her life like it was the last.

The challenges that Susan went through during the last few months of her life will never be fully understood, but for sure, she taught us a lesson on dying gracefully. Having the opportunity to visit Susan several times before she went into the intensive care unit provided me closure, but others weren’t as fortunate as I.

Susan never led me to believe anything was wrong or out the ordinary as her health was getting worse. She was getting stronger in her faith. Although Susan was a very private person, she would always ask about my family and my two grandsons. She was the person that was so ever kind to everyone around her. She would not accept pity and was full of confidence and grace in the person she was.

There were times early on in my position as commandant that she would ask me how I fit so much into to one day, and I would just smile, not really providing a response. It was clear however, I didn’t have all the obstacles she had and if my secretary could smile and be all that she could be, surely I could do the same.

Susan was not only an inspiration to me, but also to those that worked with her within the Academy. This year will be different without Susan being present with us. I won’t have the privilege of sending her a Christmas card as I’ve done for the past eight years.

I’m sure many won’t easily forget Susan’s legacy of service for she was a Department of the Army Civilian for almost 30 years. But, more importantly she was a great friend who we shared so many laughs and stories with in our daily lives.

May she rest in peace.