Called By God, Country, and Service Not To Oneself

These bonds are what made a young boy long to be a part of something. A sense of community and support impacted his decision to join the United States Army. He began to focus on a sense of individual purpose and supporting his country and community. As a proud Army Veteran, his father fully supported Captain Glad. 

Before he was a Captain, he attended ROTC at Weber State University initially for nursing. After a short time in nursing, he changed his major to criminal justice to support his professional goals of pursuing social justice. Later Captain Glad was commissioned in Ogden, Utah, beginning his military journey. His time in service has included serving at many installations including school at Camp Williams, Fort Stewart, Fort Polk, Fort Irwin, Fort Johnson, and even Poland. Challenges surrounding constant moving and deployments can arise in your military career; learning to be flexible, but always being prepared is crucial, Captain Glad shared. His deployment in 2020 to Poland was expected to be a short 3 months, but due to the pandemic, it was extended to 10 months. 

Accepting unexpected change can be difficult during a time of high restrictions, but Captain Glad trusted in God’s plan for him and those he served with. Religion and God’s voice helps to guide him in everything he does.  

Lessons learned are both a blessing and a burden of leadership Captain Gald shared. Every day is a learning opportunity for him, influenced by observing the soldiers in his command and supporting their professional and personal growth. As he learns these lessons, he passes that knowledge to those around him. He pushes his soldiers to succeed and for them to go further than they believe possible because he believes in them. Captain Glad wants his soldiers to positively influence the world, one action at a time, led by his example. 

Leadership though does not come without risk and responsibility either. A former Captain mentored him stating that “No matter how bad things are, they can improve”. In your career, you will see the units of all kinds he shared. Encouraging others to not let the difficult times determine their career is something he wished to share with service members reading this article. A reminder that the call you make today may be a price you pay later is a constant reminder to Captain Glad. His father shared a saying that stitch with Captain Glad: 

“A Veteran is anybody who at any point signed a blank check to the Government, for an amount up to or including my life.” 

Captain Glad has realized that as a leader his choices impact his soldiers. Poland and Germany taught him personal growth and development, personal priorities, and how you take care of yourself directly impacts readiness. Today, Captain Glad carefully considers his actions and how they impact the mission and the service member. Daily he aims to treat soldiers as competent, trusted team members. Captain Glad said he has high expectations, but won’t quit fighting for his soldiers, hoping his example will help them rise as well. He is fair in correction and recognizes that when leaders do well and provide structure where it is needed, a strong team is the result. Thinking back, Captain Glad shared that he independently decided to sign on the dotted line and the Army deserves the best of him, but that soldiers also deserve the best of the Army. 

As a leader in the Army, he feels that the “best of the Army” includes his responsibility to the soldier, their loved ones, and the soldier’s parents; to support their child in the service, ensuring their physical and mental safety, growth, and personal success. 

We asked Captain Glad what challenges service members face in maintaining ties with comrades. He shared that while many truly make conscious efforts to stay in touch, it is often difficult. One of the biggest challenges he faces when trying to keep ties strong is that everyone has drastically different lives. From different living and duty locations, time zones, professional responsibilities, and also maintaining a family, it can be tough to maintain strong ties with those you have served, but he encourages soldiers to keep trying. 

When considering continuing his career in the Army, retirement in the Army is his future goal. He remembers to seek guidance from God, intently listen, and be open to hearing an answer, even if it is one you may not want. At one point, there was a time he considered leaving the Army. He sought direction from God and when including his wife, Catherine Glad, in the decision, asking to stay in the Army or leave, she too prayed for an answer. Together Captain Glad and Catherine both felt God’s call directing him to rethink leaving the Army, urging him to stay in to fulfill God’s plan for his life. Together, as a family, they will go where the Army sends them, trusting in God’s larger plan for their lives. Catherine enjoys being a military spouse and mother to their military children. She loves how their children develop and continue to grow while experiencing new things every day. One day he and his wife intend to own a house in Kansas. They love Kansas for its central location, beautiful sites, and overall great place to live with a family. Captain Glad wants to see his career take him places that a traditional school experience could not. The US Army is full of possibilities and opportunities. God can help you make the decisions that we can’t always make alone. 

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” 

~Jeremiah 29:13

About the Authors

Together Jetta Allen and PV2 Steele were able to collaborate to share Captain Glad’s inspiring story.

Jetta Allen is a Co-Editor of United on the RoK, a writer, and a photographer. She loves nature, travel, and culture, but most of all, making memories with her family. 

PV2 Emma Steele came to Korea in January of 2023. After experiencing the amazing culture and Korea’s beauty, PV2 Steele extended her stay in Korea to continue her adventure. PV2 Steele enjoys mentally and physically challenging activities such as weight lifting and running. She enjoys things that push her as she pursues a bright future. She sets high expectations for herself within her career. PV2 Steele loves dogs and would adopt every dog who needs a home if she could.