Equal Opportunity Publications - Article Page - African-American Career World

FOR THE FOUR INDIVIDUALS SPOTLIGHTED BELOW, JOINING THE MILITARY OR WORKING FOR THE GOVERNMENT WERE NOT INSPIRED BY A DESIRE FOR A BIG PAYCHECK. INSTEAD, THEY FOLLOWED THEIR CALLING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, WHETHER ON THE HOME FRONT, LIKE DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS FOR THE U.S. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ANTON J. GUNN, OR ON A GLOBAL BASIS, LIKE JORDAN, A COUNTER TERRORISM EXPERT WITH THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY. U.S. MARINE 1ST SERGEANT SEAN HYMAN AND U.S. ARMY SERGEANT MAJOR MICHAEL BYRD, LEADERS IN THEIR OWN RIGHT, HELP ENSURE OUR SOLDIERS ARE READY FOR THEIR DIFFICULT TASK OF PROTECTING OUR COUNTRY. WHILE THEIR CAREERS ARE VERY DIFFERENT, EACH OF THESE FOUR HAVE FOUND THAT WORKING TO SERVE A GREATER GOOD—NOT THEIR OWN PERSONAL REWARD—IS ULTIMATELY VERY SATISFYING.

“WHAT I DO EVERY DAY IS CHANGE SYSTEMS TO IMPROVE LIVES ON AN INDIVIDUAL LEVEL,” STATES ANTON J. GUNN, DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. GUNN EARNED A BACHELOR’S OF ARTS DEGREE IN SOCIAL WORK IN 1994 AND A MASTER’S OF ARTS DEGREE IN SOCIAL WORK IN 2001, BOTH FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

As director of external affairs, Gunn is principal advisor for cultivating and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders for U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius. He represents the Secretary in official dealings with national, state, and local external organizations.

Previously, Gunn served as regional director in region IV office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, covering Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Before working directly for the federal government, Gunn represented District 79 in the South Carolina House of Representatives, which consists of Richland and Kershaw Counties. Elected in 2008, Representative Gunn was the first African American in history to represent his district, and served on the Medical, Military, Public, and Municipal Affairs Committee, which handles healthcare-related legislation. Rep. Gunn was the author and lead sponsor of legislation creating the General Assembly’s first and only Joint Electronic Health Information Study Committee to examine the feasibility of increasing the use of Health Information Technology in South Carolina.

“I grew up in a time when hip hop music was not only entertaining, it was also social and politically conscious,” explains Gunn. “I became conscious about poverty, racism, and exploitation from listening to hip hop music. Whatever bad was happening to people in communities in America, I learned about it from listening to Public Enemy, XClaim, and Poor Righteous Teachers. They opened my eyes to the world around me, which was not necessarily a world where people could live out their goals and dreams.”

Gunn became passionate to do whatever he could to improve the world. “For example, I was interested in how to help African-American boys become good, strong men and to help African-American women in relationships and ensure they weren’t being abused,” notes Gunn. “I wanted to find ways to make sure people were healthy and safe.”

His first job with nonprofit organization South Carolina Fair Share focused on ensuring that impoverished communities understood what was changing in the healthcare system so they could benefit.

“I made sure parents knew how to find good doctors so their kids could be healthy and learn in school,” details Gunn. “You don’t always know why a kid is failing in school. Children need dental checkups and health screenings.”

To ensure that children would be able to visit the doctor, Gunn focused on getting families access to insurance coverage. “My first campaign out of college was the consumer healthcare bill of rights,” adds Gunn.

He credits Lenore Reese, his first boss, as the woman who inspired him and still does to this day. “She invested in me as a young professional,” says Gunn. “I thought she was super woman. She had a master’s of arts degree in social work and she made great contributions to our community. I wanted to be just like her.”

Along his career path, there were always challenges to overcome. “Ageism was something I came up against initially,” states Gunn. “I was the youngest in the room and it was a challenge to be taken seriously by those who had been doing this work for 10 to 15 years. They assumed I was too young to know anything and didn’t have anything to contribute. I had to demonstrate my work ethic over and over again. I had to prove myself and overcome the challenge of being young in a complex world. I had great ideas to solve problems.”

However, the greatest challenge was a personal tragedy that occurred in the middle of graduate school in 2000. Gunn’s 22-yearold brother was killed in a terrorist attack aboard the U.S.S. Cole. After that, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to continue his social work career, wondering if he should forget about saving the world and focus on his own family.

“My brother’s murder in a terrorist attack led me to be a better and more effective leader, the kind of leader who could make a difference in the world,” states Gunn. “I wanted to help others who were affected by poverty, anguish, and frustration in this world. And it inspired me to move forward, to do more, and to be more than I ever thought I could be.”

To members of minority groups who might want to pursue a government career, Gunn’s first words of wisdom are borrowed from Gandhi: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

“It’s important to stay connected with community,” details Gunn. “If you’re in a government career, the decisions and policies you are making have a real impact on people’s lives and so you should understand wholeheartedly what that impact will be.”

Making a difference is critical for Gunn. “Our schools get built because government decides they should be built; people get affordable healthcare because government decides that people should have quality affordable healthcare,” he says.

Gunn also enjoys working in an environment where people share the same mission. “I work with people who care, who believe in something greater than themselves,” he affirms. “They aren’t doing this work just for the paycheck.”

But, Gunn also sees a drawback to government. “It’s slow, like a big ship that is hard to turn around,” he adds. “Things happen in this world and sometimes the bureaucratic process makes it hard to respond quickly. And there’s a reason for that, since you don’t want to make any irrational decisions. It’s important to make decisions based on sound knowledge, research, and training.

“But I sometimes want to see change happen quicker than it does. My impatience with suffering makes me want to relieve it as quickly as possible, and sometimes government doesn’t allow that to happen.”

Gunn’s greatest career achievement is in process right now. “Soon it won’t matter who you are, you will not be discriminated against by an insurance company and not be able to get access to health insurance coverage,” states Gunn. “It’s the biggest domestic policy change in America in 45 years since Medicare and Medicaid and Social Security. I’m a part of making history and changing America for the better. Healthcare will be a right, rather than a privilege.”

“AT THE AGE OF 17, I WANTED TO CONTINUE MY EDUCATION, VISIT DIFFERENT COUNTRIES, AND EXPERIENCE CULTURES WHILE HAVING A SALARY TO SUPPORT MYSELF,” STATES SERGEANT MAJOR MICHAEL BYRD, SENIOR ENLISTED ADVISOR TO THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE ARMY (MANPOWER), U.S. ARMY. “MY OLDER BROTHER ETHEN, WHO WAS SERVING IN EUROPE AT THAT TIME, WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN MY DECISION TO COMMIT TO MILITARY SERVICE. HE NOT ONLY SERVED AS A ROLE MODEL BUT ALSO EXPLAINED HOW EXPERIENCE IN THE ARMY COULD ASSIST WITH PERSONAL GROWTH AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.”

SGM Byrd earned his associate’s degree from Central Texas College and a bachelor’s of science degree from Excelsior College of New York. He is currently a graduate student studying business and organizational security management with Webster University.

“I believe education and continued learning is a lifelong process,” states SGM Byrd. “I always sought self-improvement through courses or hands-on training. Once attained, education, training, and knowledge will serve as a catalyst to greater social and economic positions in life.”

SGM Byrd enlisted in the United States Army in 1982 and attended Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN, becoming senior enlisted advisor to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs in 2009. He holds the most senior enlisted position in the Adjutant General’s Corps, providing advice, guidance, and recommendations on policies that affect the total force for all components (Active, Guard, and Reserve).

According to SGM Byrd, while there are always career challenges, what important is how you handle them. He offers advice to other members of minority groups who want to pursue a career in the Army. “First, conduct research on the type of career opportunities the Army offers, and then have a detailed discussion with a local Army recruiter,” advises SGM Byrd. “Second, have a plan regarding terms of service and goals you wish to obtain while serving. In the Army, you will only be limited by your aptitude, abilities, and character.”

SGM Byrd enjoys many aspects of his military career, especially the travel to foreign countries. “I have had the distinct privilege and opportunity to serve with the world’s finest special operations forces, learn a foreign language, jump out of planes, help shape foreign policy, advise senior Army leaders, walk through the old city of Jerusalem, ride a camel near the pyramids in Egypt, and visit six of the seven continents,” remarks SGM Byrd.

He also finds it very satisfying to help soldiers, veterans, and their families. “It is amazing how your own problems seem insignificant when you lose yourself in the service of others,” explains SGM Byrd. “It’s nice to work in a structured environment where everyone honors and lives by the same set of values such as loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.”

He cites his greatest career achievement as the two years serving at the American Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as an operations coordinator with the Defense Intelligence Agency. “The knowledge and experience I obtained while working and living in the poorest country in the western hemisphere will remain with me for the rest of my life,” says SGM Byrd. “I encourage everyone, especially members of minority groups, to study Haiti’s rich history.”

Throughout his military career, SGM Byrd has held a variety of leadership positions, including squad leader, platoon sergeant, and first sergeant. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (4OLC), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4OLC), Army Achievement Medal (1OLC), Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Royal Australian and Canadian Parachutist Badges, Army Staff Badge, and the Noble Patron of Armor Medal.

“I ALWAYS WANTED TO JOIN THE MILITARY,” STATES 1ST SERGEANT SEAN HYMAN, A MARINE WITH SERVICE COMPANY, COMBAT LOGISTICS REGIMENT 17, 1ST MARINE LOGISTICS GROUP. “MY DAD WAS IN THE AIR FORCE AND GROWING UP AS AIR FORCE BRATS WE EXPERIENCED THINGS THAT THE AVERAGE KID IN THE U.S. DID NOT. SO FOR ME, MY MIND WAS ALREADY MADE UP, AND ALL I HAD TO DO WAS JUST CHOOSE WHICH MILITARY BRANCH—THE NAVY TO BECOME A SEAL, OR JOIN THE MARINE CORPS INFANTRY.”

Hyman graduated from Parkview High School in Little Rock, AR, and is pursuing a degree from American Military University (AMU) in Home Land Security. Seeing the discipline involved and the challenges of becoming a Marine inspired him to choose that branch of the military.

The challenges didn’t stop once Hyman became a Marine. Leading and mentoring other Marines is an effort that continues to be demanding. “Our young Marines come into the Corps with a different mindset from when I enlisted and addressing their challenges never ends,” states Hyman. “But just being a Marine is a challenge in itself. Not everyone can be or become a Marine, and even for the few that do make it through recruit training, many fail to complete their first four years of service honorably.”

For those interested in joining the Marines, Hyman suggests going to school first and getting your degree. “I would rather see Gold or Silver on your collar and call you Sir or Madam,” adds Hyman. “You must do your homework and make sure this is what you want because the Marine Corps is definitely not for everyone.”

But, Hyman also acknowledges there are many difficult parts of his job. In particular, he is hard hit when a Marine commits suicide. Hyman takes his role of guardianship very seriously, understanding that parents are entrusting him when their son or daughter joins the Marines. “I was supposed to take care of their baby, and I take that very personally,” adds Hyman.

He also finds it difficult to read a Marine his or her article 31 rights because of something foolish they did. “After reading article 31 rights, I have to process the individual out of the Marines before the end of active service (EAS),” details Hyman.

“When I joined the Marines, my goal was to become a Sergeant of Marines,” notes Hyman. “I never thought that I would achieve my current rank of First Sergeant. I have had many road bumps in my career, and, at times, I thought my career was over before it even started. Becoming a First Sergeant of Marines is my greatest career achievement.”

“I HAD ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN CURRENT EVENTS AND GEOGRAPHY, EVEN AS A CHILD,” STATES JORDAN C., A COUNTERTERRORISM ANALYST WHO LOOKS AT TERRORISTS SPECIFICALLY IN AFRICA FOR THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY (CIA) IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA. “I WAS FOCUSED ON INTERNATIONAL CRISES, CHERNOBYL AND THE HOLOCAUST. I STUDIED ABROAD AND TAUGHT ENGLISH IN TOKYO, AND SWITCHED FROM A PRE-MED MAJOR TO POLITICAL SCIENCE TO BE TRUE TO MY INTERESTS. I NEEDED TO BE TRUE TO MY PASSION, WHICH WAS TO BE ENGAGED WITH WORLD POLITICS.”

The CIA recruited Jordan, and the job made perfect sense to her since she was following her interests. “I believed I would be making a contribution and being true to myself and my experience,” she adds.

Her greatest challenge was the learning curve. “You don’t know exactly what working at the CIA is like until you get here,” explains Jordan. “There’s no academic program that prepares you for what to expect or how to become an expert at a job you can’t talk that much about. It seemed overwhelming at first. But there’s a lot of emphasis on training and education. I sought out mentors early on who have been critical to my success.”

Adds Jordan, “If you want to work for the CIA, seek guidance early on in your career. There are no shortcuts for learning the intricacies of what you’re focused on in this type of career.”

Jordan is familiar with the challenges of being a member of a minority group in an environment where you standout among your peers. “You look above you and there’s no one who looks like you either,” notes Jordan. “I have faced this scenario most of my life, even though I went to a historically black college.”

Jordan earned her bachelor’s degree from Stillman College, a historically black liberal arts college founded in 1876 and located in the West Tuscaloosa area of Tuscaloosa, AL, and a master’s of science degree in international affairs from Georgia Institute of Technology. She has been with the CIA for seven years. The position of counterterrorism analyst requires the analyst to assess the leadership, motivations, capabilities, plans, and intentions of foreign terrorist groups and their state and non-state sponsors. The counterterrorism analyst’s key mission is to identify specific threats, warn of and preempt attacks, disrupt their networks, and eventually defeat terrorist organizations. The position requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in international affairs, national security studies or related subjects, preferably accompanied by specific regional expertise.

“I have become more comfortable through the years because I have a solid network of minority officers who came before me and understood my challenges,” adds Jordan. “I had to do my part and seek them out.”

Jordan C. says you must also pay it forward. “Use your challenges and failures as a teaching tool for those who come after you,” she continues. “Learn your trade, have mentors to give you the confidence to use your expertise, and the training to make the tough calls when it’s appropriate.”

What does she enjoy the most about her career with the CIA? She has the opportunity to directly impact what policy makers think and do. “To see that on the world’s stage is astonishing for me,” states Jordan. “I marvel that I can have that kind of impact. I also enjoy the opportunity to have so many different experiences in one place. At the CIA, you can have several careers and be able to explore your passions.”

Jordan finds it extremely rewarding that presidents and numerous senior officials have read, discussed, and acted on analyses that relied on her expertise. “It doesn’t get more gratifying than that,” notes Jordan. “I have also been able to share my background and professional experience with students who are members of minority groups through CIA diversity outreach and recruitment. It’s great to see their eyes light up; they are finally meeting someone who looks like them in a place they want to be.”