Roy Murdock: Respect, honor, gratitude

Meet Roy Murdock, Chief Warrant Officer 4 U.S. Army retired, former Army helicopter pilot, resident of Coeur d’Alene since January 2001, when he returned from U.S. military service in Germany with his wife of nearly 27 years.

Generation: I am a late Boomer.

Career and community involvement:

Lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans DAV Ft. Sherman No. 9; member of the Manuel Schneidmiller American Legion Post 154 in Rathdrum, where I am a member of the honor guard; strong supporter of Newby-Ginnings of North Idaho, where Theresa Hart has done amazing things to create resources for disadvantaged veterans and their families. Board member for Panhandle Yacht Club. Semi-retired now — I do some work as a Realtor for Professional Realty Services Idaho.

Parental status: Parent of two children, Christine and Joshua, who reside in Huntsville, Ala. Grandfather of four — three grandsons and a granddaughter.

1. What motivated you to enlist in the Army and serve for 21 years, and what will you always remember about your service?

Candidly, at the time of my enlistment, I was just an 18-year-kid who was not in a position to go to college. While I had just average grades in high school, I was excellent in mathematics, adept at taking tests and found myself in a recruiting office one afternoon while on my way to work at a local fast food restaurant. I ended up, after a few short weeks of testing, being qualified for and recommended to go to the U.S. Army Flight School and warrant officer course. It was the promise of flying helicopters that sealed my decision to join the military. Flight school was amazing, but I could not have been successful without the input and support of several more experienced classmates, who made a place for a very young and inexperienced warrant officer candidate.

Most significant to my service was my work as a maintenance test pilot. I loved troubleshooting aircraft, expecting the best of them and myself. I was successful because of a huge group of mechanics, support personnel and command staff who provided me the space to get the job done. I will always remember the close calls, my time in the Middle East and the flights in Germany.

2. What are your thoughts and traditions on Veterans Day?

Normally, we would provide support as the American Legion Honor Guard for funeral services throughout the year, providing monthly funeral services as part of a burial detail and rifle squad to honor the passing of local veterans. 2020 has not been a normal year. It has very much limited our ability to participate in community work.

Every year as we approach Veterans Day, I am reminded of past friendships, camaraderie, loss of my fellow veterans both during combat and in peacetime training, of how I was impacted and how the lives of those around me were impacted. I am reminded of how fortunate I am to have served during a mostly peaceful time between the Vietnam War and the War in Iraq and Afghanistan to defeat terrorism. Though I have served in combat and have service-related injuries, I am fortunate. I came home, retired from service and have gone on to enjoy a beautiful community and all the blessings our area has to offer. Many veterans don’t get this second chance at life or prosperity. I almost feel it inappropriate when I am thanked for my service; I am humbled by the level of service others have given and when I know so many gave so much more.

3. How can we honor and make a difference in the lives of veterans in our community?

Thank a veteran. Respect the flag and our country. Honor our community. Help anyone who may be in need if you feel so inclined. There is a greater need at this time of year, especially with the pandemic. Newby-Ginnings is a wonderful place to donate your gently used clothing and furniture. You may reach them at www.newbyginnings.org. DAV does a wonderful job of distributing to and meeting the Christmas wishes of the children of veterans. You may reach out to them at www.dav9.com.

4. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I love getting dressed up for Halloween and scaring the kids! I missed that this year.

5. If you could meet any American hero, from any war or era in our history, who would it be and why?

I would love to meet Gen. Chuck Yeagar. I met him as a kid and while I never reached his level of accomplishment, he was always a hero to me and led me to dream of flying. I’d love to shake his hand and thank him.