Veterans Service Officer Speaks to Rotary Club

McKENZIE (November 4) — Retired Army Sergeant Major Renee Myers delivered a speech to members of the McKenzie Rotary Club, recounting her 27-year military career and explaining the significance of Veterans Day. She detailed her journey from enlisting in the Army against her family’s strong Navy tradition to becoming a senior non-commissioned officer, highlighting key leadership lessons learned through formal military education, mentorship, and challenging assignments, including deployments to Iraq.

Myers also explained the history of Veterans Day, clarifying its distinction from Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day. She defined a veteran as anyone who has received a DD-214 and encouraged them to take advantage of the many benefits. She concluded by discussing her transition to civilian life and her current role as the Carroll County Veterans Service Officer, urging the audience to help connect veterans with the benefits they have earned.

Originally from Bufferton, Alabama, she graduated from Deacon Free High School in Chester and enlisted in the Army in September 1988, completing basic training in Alabama. She trained as a medical specialist at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Myers is married to retired Sergeant Major Carl Myers from Washington, D.C., and they reside in Yuma, Tenn.

Coming from a family with a strong Navy tradition, Myers faced initial skepticism from family members when she chose the Army over her father’s hopes for her to attend the Naval Academy. Nevertheless, she quickly rose through the ranks, retiring as an E-9 after 27 years.

Myers’ achievements include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and numerous other medals, including the National Defense Service Medal and the COVID Air Assault Badge.

Myers emphasized that leadership is learned, citing her own experiences and lessons from mentors. Her first lesson came when her First Sergeant held her accountable for a subordinate’s mistake, teaching her the importance of responsibility.

Myers graduated with distinction from several military education programs, including the Primary Leadership Development Course and Drill Sergeant School.