Published: October 06, 2008 12:34 am            

Ricks shares Army experience

Palestine native comes home to be recruiter

When U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Leigh Ann Ricks joined the army 12 years ago, she was looking for an opportunity to get great job training, a chance to travel and a stable future.

The Palestine native now has all that and more, and is sharing the opportunities she has received with others as the newest commander of the Palestine Army Recruiting Office.

“I came back to Palestine July 4, and started my new assignment at the end of August after some leave time,” Ricks said.

SFC Ricks joined the active Army in October 1996 and completed Basic Training at Fort Jackson, S.C., where she also did her job training in human resources.

From there Ricks served in Germany, working in a Judge Advocate General’s office there. She also has served her country in Missouri, doing human resources at a hospital; and in Ft. Stewart, Ga., working with a rapid deployment support battalion.

“I also completed a few short missions in Central America,” she said.

Ricks then landed the assignment that led to her current position — working at the Oklahoma City Recruiting Battalion as a station commander going to Texas and Arkansas and then Texas again.

“I was selected to be a recruiter because of my great record with the Army,” she said. “I love recruiting — to help people make a change for the better.”

While her job involves a lot of footwork, local recruiters also rely on the community to lend them a hand, Ricks explained.

“We work for the community — knocking on doors, visiting schools and colleges and spend more time outside the office than in,” Ricks said. “We talk to as may people as we can, visiting businesses and asking if we can leave information.”

“It takes a community to fill America’s foxholes, and people talking to people who talk to more people helps make that happen.”

According to Ricks, the Army has a lot to offer its recruits, with jobs and financial stability as well as an opportunity to pay for college, topping the list.

“The Army trains soldiers in over 150 career fields — from public affairs and administration to multi-intelligence, engineering and mechanics,” she said. “Financially, the Army provides a guaranteed paycheck and full medical and dental benefits.

“And those who want to go to college can receive up to $80,000 to pay for their education.”

What Ricks enjoys most about her role as recruiter is seeing the transformation from civilian to soldier that takes place in each person that enlists.

“When they enlist, they are often untrained and undisciplined, but return after Basic Training having undergone an almost 180-degree change,” she said. “They are ‘Army Strong’ and ready to defend our county.”

Ricks is a graduate of Palestine High School. Her family, which includes her mother, siblings and a daughter, has been very supportive of her military service, she said.

“I do plan to make a career of the Army,” she said. “After eight more years I expect to retire and will likely live in the East Texas area.

“The Army has given me life experience, an opportunity to see different parts of the world and an appreciation of the freedoms we have here in the United States.”

The Palestine U.S. Army Recruiting office is located at 321 W. Spring St. Suite 135 in the Kroger Shopping Center. For more information about the U.S. Army call 903-729-6189 or 1-877-417-2324.

        

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