Army Reservist returns to active duty
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BROOKFIELD -- Under normal circumstances, a military profile involves an interview and brief photo session with the subject at a nearby location. In the case of Louis Foust III of Brookfield that was impossible as the Army Reservist is on active duty.
Stationed at Fort Bliss, a major United States Army post that spans more than 1 million acres across Texas and New Mexico with headquarters in El Paso, he explained his absence via email.
"I was selected for brigade command this year and found out from my new commanding general that my unit I took command of -- the 643 Regional Support Group out of Columbus -- was mobilizing. My unit is a HQ element that acts as a sort of military town management team."
He added, "Our unit is helping to provide logistical and administrative support to Army Reserve and National Guard units coming through Fort Bliss, as they prepare to deploy overseas and again when they return. This is a regular mission for the Army Reserve with a Regional Support Group like mine rotating out annually to execute."
The military career for the Colonel, Logistics Commander, began in Army ROTC at Slippery Rock University.
While Foust's parents served 22 years of active duty in the Air Force, he reluctantly chose a different service branch.
"I joined the Army because there was no other ROTC program at Slippery Rock at the time. I actually tried to become an Air Force officer, but kept getting false information. One recruiter told me I had to enlist and then apply for Officer Candidate School (OCS). Another university's Air Force ROTC program told me my only option was to join their ROTC program. If your school doesn't have one, you can drive to another school just for the ROTC program, which I was unable to do.
"During my first summer training in the Army ROTC I ran into some friends from high school that told me they were going straight to Air Force OCS after graduating. I had specifically asked both the recruiter and Air Force ROTC program if that was an option and both told me, 'No.'"
Prior to attending college, Foust graduated in 1992 from Ramstein American High School on Ramstein Air Base, where his father was stationed.
"Growing up as a military brat, I never thought I would join the military. However, I liked the structure, discipline and sense of a greater purpose. Probably like most others that joined," Foust said.
After receiving a bachelor's degree in German from Slippery Rock, he was commissioned on active duty as a second lieutenant.
"My first duty station was in Hanau, Germany. This was a happy coincidence as I had mostly grown up in Germany," he said.
After his overseas experience, Foust attended the Quartermaster Captains Career Course in Fort Lee, Virginia.
"My next duty station was with the 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. I was there when 9/11 happened and I deployed with the division to Iraq for the initial campaign of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003," Foust said.
"I met my wife at Slippery Rock. She's originally from Sharon, Pennsylvania. When I left active duty, we first moved to the Minneapolis area where I worked for General Mills before changing to Home Depot. We then moved back to the area with Home Depot and have been here for the last 20 years."
While working for the home improvement and building supply retailer, Foust pursued his MBA at Youngstown State University, which he received in 2015, and returned to military service.
"I joined the Army Reserve after an eight-year break in service because I felt like I had 'left something on the table' and had more to give.
"Many of my counterparts at work as well as customers were military veterans. It was natural to talk about our experiences. One of my fellow store managers was a retired Army colonel that had served two tours in Vietnam. He convinced me to rejoin, thinking I would do well. It seems like he was right as I am now a colonel too."
While he's gaining new memories during his time at Fort Bliss, Foust recalled an unforgettable moment when he was promoted to lieutenant colonel during a tour at the Pentagon.
"I didn't want to have a promotion ceremony, but my peers insisted, saying I would regret it. They were right, it was a great experience, being able to bring my family and friends into the Pentagon, show them around the building, and have them meet the 3-star general that I worked for that conducted my promotion ceremony."
Asked about his feelings about serving in the military, Foust's answer reflects his humble personality.
"I have always been proud to serve and wear the uniform of a United States soldier. However, I never stand at sporting events when they ask the veterans to stand. I know most veterans are reluctant and usually only stand when their loved ones urge them to. We don't do it for recognition."
He added, "I'm glad that first responders are now being recognized for what they do on a daily basis."