Steve Grewell
I was attracted to the Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis program because of its relevance to my experiences downrange and my general interests as a whole.
Q: “Tell us about you as a person, Steve.”
A: “I live with my wife and daughter outside of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. My wife is a competitive cheerleading coach; my youngest daughter (age 13) is a competitive gymnast and cheerleader. My oldest daughter is currently in graduate school. We have a very busy life, but we like to spend time together camping all around the country.”
Q: “What is your current employer and what does your professional life entail?”
A: “I have worked for the U.S. Army for the past 20 years. I am a master sergeant, Special Forces senior sergeant. I have been in the Special Forces since the mid-90’s and have deployed around the world with a special emphasis in Southwest Asia/Central Command Area of Operation.”
Q: “What was your motivation for pursuing your degree?”
A: “My daughters were my greatest motivators in my quest to obtain my bachelor’s degree. As I moved out of the tactical arena, I found that I was lacking in professional development that was needed in order to operate effectively.”
Q: “Why did you choose Norwich and how did you learn about it?”
A: “I attended a briefing at Camp Mackall, North Carolina hosted by our education counselors outlining various educational opportunities available to SOF.”
Q: “What makes Norwich unique?”
A: “I was attracted to the Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis program because of its relevance to my experiences downrange and my general interests as a whole.”
Q: “How have you grown personally or professionally as a result of your education?”
A: “Personally, I have grown much. In my readings and research, I have conducted some introspection into the operations that I was a part of over the years. Professionally, I have tried to motivate and encourage the NCO’s and soldiers I work with to further their own education. Also, I have been able to provide the field grade officers that I work for with a better understanding of the world both through my experiences and my studies.”
Q: “Do you have any examples of putting your knowledge to work in your job?”
A: “I was talking with fellow Afghanistan veterans at work and was able to expound (probably more than they wanted or needed) on the Durand Line, the First, Second, and Third Anglo Afghan Wars and how they have set the stage for our current experiences there in the 21st century.”
Q: “What memories of your Norwich experience will you carry most strongly with you?”
A: “The struggle, night after night, sitting at the computer working diligently on homework. Some nights I was at the dining room table. Other nights I was underneath a poncho in the rain with my laptop hooked to a car battery in the middle of the woods. In the end, it was completely worth the effort.”
