George Atwater Jr.

A candle was lit by Larry Allen on September 2, 2018 7:33 PM

Message from Moulton, Alabama

Sometimes it doesn’t pay to track down my old Army friends. Today was such a day. Here is the back story about my Platoon Sergeant George Atwater Jr. March 14, 1937 - November 4, 2017. A soldiers soldier.

SFC George Atwater was a giant of a man. By my guess at least 6’ 5”, 250, barrel chested, a militarized version of Rosie Greer the LA Rams football legend...He was my very first platoon sergeant and he met me at the Main Gate of Suitland Army Annex, Maryland on a cold January morning in 1976.

“Welcome to Suitland Annex Sir!” “Your quarters are down the road. Follow me!”

I was instantly struck by the sheer size and impressive military bearing of this man. And for the first time I realized that he was a black man. I’d had a number of phone conversations with him since receiving my orders, but had never picked up on this fact. I was worried how an inexperienced Alabama kid was going to get along in this situation. I had never before worked so closely with a black man. What’s he going to think about having to mentor a green lieutenant from Alabama? This was going to be interesting and promised to be a new phase in the evolution of my development and growth as an Army officer.

My wife and I followed SFC Atwater a short distance to a plain small brown brick house. Apparently this humble dwelling was to be the first of many Army quarters we would occupy. SFC Atwater climbed out of the MP sedan and immediately turned to a group of men standing around my brand new yard. He shouted FALL IN! They scrambled like a bunch of disturbed fire ants and were instantly transformed into two rstraight soldierly lines. Then he turned back to toward me to flash a salute and the biggest smile I think I have ever seen.

He whispered to me, “Sir, These are some of your troops and they are here to help you unload your truck and move in your quarters. You’ll meet the rest of your platoon tomorrow morning at 0600.” He then directed the soldiers to open the truck and begin carting our few worldly possessions into the empty house.

My first impression of SFC Atwater was a indeed a lasting one. He was at once tough, physical, aggressive, demanding and stern. This same man with the broad easy smile had a heart of gold. He loved soldiers. He loved soldiering. He loved the Army. I came to learn that he had a young daughter in Baltimore who suffered a paralyzing disability. He drove home to Baltimore on most weekends to be with her and his wife. That is if he wasn’t working as a private security guard at a local hotel to supplement his Army pay.

George Atwater was my very first platoon sergeant and he was more than good. He was a soldier’s sergeant, competent in every soldier task, and a leader of stellar quality.

I had learned an important lesson before arriving at Suitland; the development and training of lieutenants mostly falls to their platoon sergeant. Platoon Sergeants make or break a budding Army officer’s career. Good ones will shape and mold a young officer guiding him safely around the mistakes all new inexperienced lieutenants are prone to.

George Atwater gently tamed and focused my energy. He pointed me in the right direction and helped mold me into a confident young officer.

He knew exactly when it was time to come to my office, close the door, and give me the benefit of his experience and wisdom.

Not long ago, I read a Facebook page littered with stories written by soldiers and sergeants about the mistakes they had seen young lieutenants make. In each one the lieutenant had done or said something incredibly stupid - not uncommon among lieutenants fresh out of college. I realized that George Atwater would have never contributed to this kind of journal. Because George Atwater believed that I was a reflection of him and his professionalism. He believed my mistakes were his mistakes.

In the span of two short years, he taught me more about human and race relations than I could have ever gained from cultural awareness classes, diversity training, or college sociology.

George Atwater taught me to think Army Green, to focus on mission accomplishment and most importantly to take care of and love soldiers regardless of their color.

My Army career is a fading memory but the lessons I took from George Atwater are stuck in my soul. Thank you George. RIP my dear friend.

Larry Allen, LTC, US ARMY, RETIRED

Message from Richard l Perdue

After reading this it brought pride and tears to my eyes. the LTC Allen is spot on, George Atwater was my Fist Sergeant . He was the epitome of an NCO. Loved his soldiers, guided the in the right direction. Molded up all into being soldiers and better NCOs. So sorry for his loss. Richard. Perdue USA,MSG retired

A candle was lit by Thomaston, Georgia on November 11, 2017 7:02 PM

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Lamandia Atwater and family wish our deepest condolences to Lavern Atwater. You are in our deepest thoughts and prayers. Lamandia Atwater and family wish our deepest condolences to Lavern Atwater. You are in our deepest thoughts and prayers.

A candle was lit by FMarlene Jones on November 10, 2017 10:29 AM

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LOVING PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU NOW AND IN THE DAYS TO COME. MAY GOD'S LOVE SEE YOU GENTLY THROUGH THESE DIFFICULT DAYS. WITH HEARTFELT SYMPATHY.
JONES FAMILY