Employee remains faithful to call to armsby Cindy AbolePublic Relations Ask anyone within the Institute of Psychiatry’s Clinical Neuroscience Division about former employee Chris Westerberg and the words dependable, patient and faithful come out. Westerberg, the department’s information technology administrator for four years, recently left MUSC for a decidedly greater calling, a return to service for his country. Last November, Westerberg, just weeks shy of his 35th birthday, chose to enlist in the U.S. Army and train to be a combat medic in support of U.S. troops and the country’s continuing efforts against the war on terrorism. A former Marine and Gulf War veteran, Westerberg’s actions follow that of many servicemen and women honoring the Marine’s Semper Fi code of faithful service to God, country, family and the military corps. In the months prior to his official commitment, Westerberg had to devise his own course of action to even be considered for Army service. He had to lose weight and quit smoking. Plus, he had to physically prepare for the military’s physical fitness test. He got a lot of help and support from family, friends and co-workers. “I knew my decision would be a life-changing one that would ultimately affect my wife and family,” Westerberg said. “But, I talked it over with Lisa and the kids and consider myself extremely fortunate in their love and support in me.” “This is an exciting time for me and my family,” said Westerberg, a former Marine avionics specialist who chose the Army for its specialty training opportunities. “Although I’ve been down this road before, it’s still different and exciting because I’ll be involved in different types of action than I experienced previously.” Westerberg is not alone in this venture. His wife of 12 years, Lisa, works at MUSC’s College of Pharmacy. In this decision, she has also taken on several challenges of her own: adjusting to a new family lifestyle with children, Elizabeth, 10, and Nikolas, 6, while working and maintaining a single-parent household. “I knew his life before me was that of a dedicated soldier and Marine,” said Lisa. “I’m very proud of him. He truly feels he is following a calling that is heartfelt and genuine. All of us in the family are ‘gung ho’ with his decision.” Support from friends and co-workers were just as encouraging. On his last day at work, Jan. 28, co-workers gathered and organized a going-away luncheon in his honor. “Chris is a dedicated individual,” said Gwen Jones, administrative assistant, Clinical Neuroscience Division. “He has a great passion for the military. He also has shone us great patience working within our office. He’s a great person and co-worker.” Westerberg is currently attending a four-week physical training course at Fort Knox, Ky. Next, he will undergo training as a combat medic at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas until July. “All of us are proud of Chris and his decision to serve our country
full-time,” said Theresa Killeen, Ph.D., assistant professor with the Clinical
Neuroscience Division. “We’ll miss him.”
Friday, Feb. 25, 2005
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