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For Felix Gregorian, It's Military Service Above Self
by Tom Vartabedian
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2013/04/06/for-felix-gregorian-its-military-service-above-self/
April 6, 2013
CHELMSFORD, Mass. - When Felix Gregorian decided to make the military
his career, little did he realize that he would be deployed four times
to hostile land and promoted to the rank of major.
Army Major Felix Gregorian continues to persevere in Afghanistan
during his fourth tour of duty.
But that's the fate that has befallen this enamored soldier as he
continues to give his time and energy to the country he loves.
As conditions continue to remain hostile in Afghanistan, Gregory bides
his time fulfilling a mission that suits his destiny, while two
military sons and a wife named Candace await his safe return home.
Yet, he's taking it all in stride - a testament to his resilient ways.
`My family is very special to me,' he said. `They went to St.
Gregory's Armenian Church for years and got involved in the AYF. And,
now, in their adult years, the spirit continues.'
Son Greg wrote about the Armenians at West Point Academy. A second
son, Dro, wore the colors of Annapolis and topped his class at the
Navy Squadron School in Colorado, where currently serves as a carrier
pilot. He, too, has kept his Armenian heritage intact. The boys were
honor students and athletes at Chelmsford High.
`I have sacrificed my personal time to look after my family,' he
added. `Just like anything else, it does make a difference. Hopefully,
our experiences have set an example for the children. That matters
most to me.'
The official promotion to major came March 8 on a snowy, blizzard
night after being appointed last August. Military protocol intervened
and caused an agonizing wait for Gregorian.
A commander shook his hand during a ceremony and told him, `You are
not a member of the United States Army anymore. By being a field grade
officer, you are now the army.'
In a touching letter sent to friends at St. Gregory Church in North
Andover, Gregorian said he was doing well in Afghanistan, despite the
deployments.
`Work must go on,' he wrote. `Missions stay on track.'
Major Gregorian works with Afghan security forces and sometimes
interfaces with Armenian contingents at camp.
`I speak Armenian, Farsi, and English in the course of a few minutes,'
he noted. `Time goes by quickly. I am grateful for all your CARE
packages.'
During a previous return home following a year's tour, Gregorian
thanked God and his family for his safety.
`As a soldier, you're prepared to lose your life for a cause,' he said
then. `I could have been taken out by the bad guys at any time. God is
watching over me.'
Gregorian had undergone embedded tactical training with the
Afghanistan National Army while assigned with the Army Reserve 108th
Institutional Training Division. His job was teaching allied forces
medical procedures.
He has spent 20 years with the military and hopes to continue his
service with no specific timetable. He works as a respiratory
therapist in civilian life and has volunteered as part of a medical
team that treats children needing cardiac care in Africa.
Gregory Arabian, the commander of the Belmont AMVETS Post 2008, lauded
his peer for his vast contributions to military service. Gregorian is
a charter member of the post.
`This major promotion comes after his fourth tour of duty in
Afghanistan, where he is training Afghan security forces to take over
the security mission of that distant country,' said Arabian. `Felix
has a long and enviable record, both as a civilian and as a military
officer.'
Major Gregorian immigrated to the United States from Iran and quickly
developed a love and loyalty for his adopted land. He worked
diligently in his military pursuits, rising from the enlisted ranks to
an officer well received by his troops.
`Not only did he excel personally,' said Arabian, `he supported and
encouraged his two children to serve the military. He has proven
himself to be a model citizen and an outstanding member of the
community, and makes his fellow troopers justifiably proud.'
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
by Tom Vartabedian
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2013/04/06/for-felix-gregorian-its-military-service-above-self/
April 6, 2013
CHELMSFORD, Mass. - When Felix Gregorian decided to make the military
his career, little did he realize that he would be deployed four times
to hostile land and promoted to the rank of major.
Army Major Felix Gregorian continues to persevere in Afghanistan
during his fourth tour of duty.
But that's the fate that has befallen this enamored soldier as he
continues to give his time and energy to the country he loves.
As conditions continue to remain hostile in Afghanistan, Gregory bides
his time fulfilling a mission that suits his destiny, while two
military sons and a wife named Candace await his safe return home.
Yet, he's taking it all in stride - a testament to his resilient ways.
`My family is very special to me,' he said. `They went to St.
Gregory's Armenian Church for years and got involved in the AYF. And,
now, in their adult years, the spirit continues.'
Son Greg wrote about the Armenians at West Point Academy. A second
son, Dro, wore the colors of Annapolis and topped his class at the
Navy Squadron School in Colorado, where currently serves as a carrier
pilot. He, too, has kept his Armenian heritage intact. The boys were
honor students and athletes at Chelmsford High.
`I have sacrificed my personal time to look after my family,' he
added. `Just like anything else, it does make a difference. Hopefully,
our experiences have set an example for the children. That matters
most to me.'
The official promotion to major came March 8 on a snowy, blizzard
night after being appointed last August. Military protocol intervened
and caused an agonizing wait for Gregorian.
A commander shook his hand during a ceremony and told him, `You are
not a member of the United States Army anymore. By being a field grade
officer, you are now the army.'
In a touching letter sent to friends at St. Gregory Church in North
Andover, Gregorian said he was doing well in Afghanistan, despite the
deployments.
`Work must go on,' he wrote. `Missions stay on track.'
Major Gregorian works with Afghan security forces and sometimes
interfaces with Armenian contingents at camp.
`I speak Armenian, Farsi, and English in the course of a few minutes,'
he noted. `Time goes by quickly. I am grateful for all your CARE
packages.'
During a previous return home following a year's tour, Gregorian
thanked God and his family for his safety.
`As a soldier, you're prepared to lose your life for a cause,' he said
then. `I could have been taken out by the bad guys at any time. God is
watching over me.'
Gregorian had undergone embedded tactical training with the
Afghanistan National Army while assigned with the Army Reserve 108th
Institutional Training Division. His job was teaching allied forces
medical procedures.
He has spent 20 years with the military and hopes to continue his
service with no specific timetable. He works as a respiratory
therapist in civilian life and has volunteered as part of a medical
team that treats children needing cardiac care in Africa.
Gregory Arabian, the commander of the Belmont AMVETS Post 2008, lauded
his peer for his vast contributions to military service. Gregorian is
a charter member of the post.
`This major promotion comes after his fourth tour of duty in
Afghanistan, where he is training Afghan security forces to take over
the security mission of that distant country,' said Arabian. `Felix
has a long and enviable record, both as a civilian and as a military
officer.'
Major Gregorian immigrated to the United States from Iran and quickly
developed a love and loyalty for his adopted land. He worked
diligently in his military pursuits, rising from the enlisted ranks to
an officer well received by his troops.
`Not only did he excel personally,' said Arabian, `he supported and
encouraged his two children to serve the military. He has proven
himself to be a model citizen and an outstanding member of the
community, and makes his fellow troopers justifiably proud.'
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress