From humble beginnings to the US Army’s elite

WESTERN BUREAU:

Paul Ellis’ decorated career in the United States Army spans more than two decades. He currently holds the title of operations sergeant major, which is one rank below the top non-commissioned officers’ rank in the army – sergeant major.

Ellis’ deployment includes two tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and two tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

His journey to being one of the most powerful men in the United States of America army was filled with bumps and potholes. He joined the army following encouragement from his elder brother, only to later discover that his father, Owen Ellis, was the true instigator.

Reflecting on his upbringing in St Catherine, Jamaica, Ellis recalled a normal childhood until the age of seven, when his mother, Yvette Rowe, passed away during childbirth, leaving behind eight children. After her death, Ellis and his brother went to live with their aunt Millicent, while their six siblings were sent to other relatives. He said that despite his aunt’s best efforts, it became difficult for her to care for them.

Eventually, Ellis moved to Clarendon to live with his paternal grandfather, as his father was residing in the United States. While in Clarendon, he attended Cross All-Age School and later gained a place at Vere Technical High School after being successful in the Common Entrance Examination.

However, just when it appeared things were working out for the young Ellis, tragedy struck once more. This time around, his grandfather, with whom he had developed a close bond, died. Ellis was 13 years old at the time. Yet again, he had suffered a great loss and had to be uprooted.

“He was my instrumental in my life. He taught me a lot of things,” said a reflective Ellis.

“I went to live with some close friends of the family, Mr and Mrs Douglas. I lived with them while going to high school. They lived close to where I lived with my grandfather,” said Ellis.

His next big relocation came in 1998, after completing high school. However, unlike his previous moves via mini vans and buses, this time Ellis boarded an aeroplane to join his father, stepmother, and brothers in New York in the United States of America. This, he said, was the start of another journey filled with relocation as he was soon introduced to the military life at 18 years old.

“My decision to join was inspired by my older brother who was a Navy veteran. He spent about 10 years in the Navy and then got out,” Ellis said.

“At the time, he was pursuing his master’s degree, and he came over one day and asked if I have ever thought about joining the Army. I said ‘no sah’, but he gave me the recruiter’s number. The recruiter was also a Jamaican guy and I ended up enlisting in the Army in 1999,” Ellis related.

The young migrant Jamaican did his basic military training in South Carolina. He was then sent to do specialised training in transportation management coordination.

He also quickly went up the ranks.

“I was promoted to sergeant in April 2002, and I even spent my 21st birthday in Afghanistan.”

“After Afghanistan, I re-enlisted and got assigned to Italy. I was there for almost five years, and I made the rank of staff sergeant. When I came back from Italy in 2007, I pinned the rank of sergeant first class.”

Ellis further told The Sunday Gleaner that he re-enlisted a second time and was promoted to the rank of master sergeant. He was keen on professional development and would never shy away from earning his stripes. In addition to his college education, Ellis has completed 11 specialised military training courses.

“In 2016, I came up on the list for promotion to sergeant major. I went to the sergeant major academy, which was a 10-month course in Texas.”

The sergeant major position is the most senior enlisted non-commissioned officer in the Army. This person serves as advisor to the chief of staff of the army.

Now serving as operations sergeant major for the Combined Arms Support Command at Fort Gregg-Adams in Virginia, Ellis leads and trains soldiers and develops standard operating procedures for the army.

While sitting on his aunt’s verandah in St Catherine recently, Ellis told The Sunday Gleaner that he is grateful for those who stepped up after his mother’s passing.

“I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve. But as I reflect on my journey from Jamaica to going all over the world, gratitude is foremost because I am grateful for my aunts who took us in. They did not have to do that.

“My whole family has been standing behind me, so I am very grateful for that.”

As for the conversation that sparked his interest in joining the Army, Ellis shared that he has since learned that his father was the architect behind the move.

“When I was graduating from the sergeant major academy, my older brother, Garnett, said to me that dad was the one who told him, ‘Hey, go talk to Paul because it nuh look like Paul have him head pon him body and know wah him want to do with himself’. That’s how he ended up talking to me and I ended up joining the army.

“It was the best decision though. I am very proud of my army career and all that I have been able to accomplish,” said a proud Ellis.

Ellis is married to Iona, and together they have two children.

rochelle.clayton@gleanerjm.com