Retired Col. Ray Sartain, an Army veteran with an impressive 43 years of federal service, continues to make a significant impact in the Aviation and Missile Command Logistics Center Field Maintenance Directorate, where he currently serves as a program integrator. With a diverse background and unwavering dedication to serving his country, Sartain's journey is a testament to his commitment and leadership.
Throughout his extensive career, Sartain spent 20 years in the Alabama National Guard and 18 years in the Army Reserve, initially enlisting alongside his high school football teammates. He then transitioned to officer roles, serving as a medical service corps officer, as an engineer, a transportation officer and culminating his career as a logistics officer. In his final military assignment, Sartain was called to active duty and assigned to the ALC Field Support Directorate, where he excelled in overseeing operational readiness and support.
"I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work for AMCOM for 12 years on active duty while being close to home," Sartain said. "Providing support to the warfighter was a priority for me, and this was an opportunity to do just that."
Hailing from Florence, Alabama, Sartain's passion for military service and his innate desire to serve others have always been at the forefront of his actions.
"For me, service is not just a job but a way of life. I've been doing this since I was 17, in the military and in my community, so you could say it's in my blood," Sartain added.
Sartain's commitment to his country extended beyond borders, with a total of 30 months spent deployed and three tours in Southwest Asia. One of the highlights of his deployments was his role as an air operations officer in Kuwait, where he efficiently coordinated the movement of personnel and equipment from the Aerial Port of Debarkation to forward locations. During that time, his attention to detail and exceptional leadership skills made a significant impact on the war effort.
“That was one of the things I’ve never done before, but it was something that was really important, something that I enjoyed, and something we did really well as a team,” Sartain said. “Taking care of the Soldiers and ensuring they had the right resources in the right place at the right time.”
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Sartain attributes much of his success to the guidance and support of his mentors. Their mentorship and guidance instilled in him a deep appreciation for the importance of serving others and the impact that a true leader can have on their team.
"Having mentors like Ms. Alisha Adams, Mr. Keith Roberson and Mr. Don Nitti was invaluable. They taught me the significance of serving others and the profound impact a true leader can have," Sartain said with gratitude.
Sartain's heart is that of a servant leader, ready to step up and contribute whenever and wherever needed. His desire to make a difference and serve his country has remained unwavering throughout his career. As he looks toward the future, Sartain aims to continue serving the military community in various capacities, ensuring that his wealth of experience and dedication make a lasting impact.
"I am grateful for the opportunities I have had, and it drives me to seek new ways to support and strengthen our military, even after my retirement from federal service. I am honored to have served my country for so many years. It has been a privilege to work alongside such incredible individuals and contribute to the mission of supporting our warfighters.”