WASHINGTON –
U.S. Army Reserve Capt. Troy Catterton, the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) collective training program officer, received the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award, today, at the Pentagon.
The General Douglas MacArthur Foundation established this award to promote, recognize, and sustain effective junior officer leadership in the U.S. Army. This prestigious award is presented annually to outstanding company grade officers who demonstrate the ideals for which General MacArthur stood: Duty, Honor, and Country. Competition is open to company grade officers in the rank of warrant officer 1, chief warrant officer 2, second lieutenant, first lieutenant, and captain in the U.S. Army.
Catterton was one of only 30 receiving the award for their exceptional leadership in. He said he was overwhelmed with the honor of being recognized for his leadership and service to the U.S. Army.
“It’s the highest military honor I’ve ever received,” said Catterton. “I just go to work, do my best and improve my organization the best I know how. It validates that I’m leading the way that we’ve been taught.”
Catterton has been the U.S. Army for 20 years. He first enlisted as a military police officer and then commission around the ten year mark. He says that the Army gave him the direction and structure he needed to be the man he is today.
“The Army saved my life,” said Catterton. “It gave the discipline that I needed. The challenges made, and still make me a better man, and I appreciate all I have been given.”
As part of the award process, Catterton had to be nominated by his leadership. U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Alex Fink, the commanding general of the 4th ESC, nominated Catterton based not only on his talent and performance, but also on his potential to continue excelling in future leadership roles.
“Troy is an incredible leader and this award is really well deserved,” said Fink. “He has a lot to offer our Army and I’m looking forward to watching him advance in his career.”
Catterton is dedicated to being an influential leader in all aspects of his life. In addition to his career as an Army officer, he volunteers regularly at his church and in the local community as well as mentoring young people in and out of the military. He values the mentorship he has received over his life from family and church leaders in addition to his military mentors.
“I encourage [young leaders] to continually conduct and focus on critical thinking,” said Catterton, “to set realistic expectations for their week, and to seek mentorship regularly.”
With or without this honor, Catterton loves being a leader in the U.S. Army Reserve. He is proud of his service and finds fulfilment in the service he provides.
“It means the world to me,” said Catterton. “Being a leader has provided me the opportunity to impact people and makes me want to the uniform on a wear it with pride.”
The 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) is made up of Soldiers, civilians and their families in units headquartered throughout Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. As part of America’s Army Reserve, these units are trained, combat-ready and equipped to provide military and logistical support in any corner of the globe.