Gregory Berger:
CLASS OF 1967
Our Lady of Lourdes SchoolClass of 1967
Raytown, MO
Conception Seminary CollegeClass of 1976
Conception, MO
University of Missouri - Arts & SciencesClass of 1975
Kansas city, MO
Raytown South High SchoolClass of 1971
Raytown, MO
O'Hara High SchoolClass of 1971
Kansas city, MO
Gregory's Story
Life
Life is a journey along many different paths, though seemingly unrelated, they form the pattern and texture of our life.
During my journey, I have studied to be a priest, attended a monastic college, loved and lost many good friends, became a psychologist for the US Army, 1985 to 1992 (best assignment-division psychologist for the 101st Airborne), and went into the field of education.
After being medically retired from the Army in 1992, it was time to again redefine my life. So in 1993, I went to work for the Army Education system at Ft Sam Houston, with the Troops to Teachers program and also worked as a guidance counselor. In NOV 01, I moved to Kaiserslautern, Germany, to become an Education Servicies Specialist assigned to the USAG Kaiserslautern Military Community. I was there until August 2008. During my time there I worked on Rhine Ordnance Barrack, Kleber Kaserne and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.
I truly loved my time in Europe! I got to visit so many of the places I read about as a youth! In the time it would take to go from KC to St Louis I could be almost anywhere in Europe. In so many ways, it was difficult to move back to the US; leaving behind so many good friends, the excitement of European cities, the great food and wine, and as a history buff - the chance to see the places where so much of our common historical experience was shaped.
On 1 Septermber 2008, I accepted a position on the headquarters staff of the Army Continuing Education System in the Washington DC area. As with so many promotions within large organizations, I've gone from dealing directly with Soldiers and their families to running programs and being a "policy wonk!"
In July 2009, I accepted the position as the Director of Education Services as Walter Reed Army Medical Center where I wasresponsible for the educational activities of the Soldiers assigned to the garrison, the hospital and the Wounded Warrior battalion. The new job brings me back into contact with Soldiers, but I spent most of my time supervising the staff as opposed to talking with the Soldiers. (The joys of climbing the organizational ladder). What touched me the most from my time at Walter Reed, was the courage and resilience of our Soldiers, both men and women,...Expand for more
who have suffered so much in our defense and yet remain full of joy and life. It is impossible to convey the impact of walking across the campus and seeing young men and women missing arms and legs, suffering from the emotional and psychological wounds of combat, and yet, smiling and laughing and carrying on with life. It made me realize how small my own wounds and worries are and has allowed me to approach life with renewed hope and joy.
I love living in the DC area; with a great view of the Capital building and the Patomac River from my apartment and getting around on the metro system. So much to do and see, the museums, the monuments, and more activities than are possible to take in! But, work is taking me from DC. It's September, 2010, and I am returning to HQ ACES, now at Ft Knox, Kentucky. I have accepted a promotion and will become the Program Manager for the Army's GoArmyEd system. It is the automated web portal we use to deliver education services and funding to our Soldiers. New challenges and responsibilities and back to the "wonk world" of policies and programs. I will see what Louisville has to offer and begin the task of creating another circle of friends and "family."
It boggles the mind that it is now nearly 38 years since we of the class of 71 graduated from Raytown South HS. Every few years I've come back to Kansas City to visit family and friends, but with the mobility of modern society, lost addresses, the demands of family, and social drift I've lost touch with nearly everyone from my youth!
People come into our lives and we can not imagine our life without them, yet most of these encounters are transitory when seen from the perspective of our life's journey. We transform each other, sometimes knowingly, but usually unknowingly, and the gifts and scars of those encounters give depth and meaning to our existance, alter our worldviews and form the clay of our remembrances.
Leaving KC for the seminary, coming to terms with and accepting the gift of my sexuality, serving in the Army, and living in Europe has severed the contacts between myself and nearly everyone from my youth. Yet, I carry the memories of our encounters with me where ever I am and wish "alles Gute" to everyone who has touched my life.
Register for Free to view all details!
Yearbooks
Reunions
Gregory was invited to the
305 invitees
Register for Free to view all events!
Photos