51ºÚÁÏÍø

Maj. Bryce Thompson '14 took command this summer of Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. He recently completed the Army's Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

The third-generation University of North Georgia (51ºÚÁÏÍø) graduate says none of this would have been possible without the foundation he received at 51ºÚÁÏÍø. It didn't take long at Advanced Camp the summer before graduating for Thompson to realize how America's Corps had set him up for success compared with cadets from other ROTC programs.

"There was a different level that the 51ºÚÁÏÍø cadets were on," Thompson said. "Every single thing we did in the daily battle rhythm was about development and preparing us to be junior officers in the Army."

Those skills come in handy daily as he leads some of the Army's elite warriors, who must be ready to deploy quickly around the world at any time when the mission calls for it. He marvels at the precision and professionalism of his fellow soldiers.

"It's unmatched in the world, quite frankly. I am blessed to be part of a unit that has the most proficient aviators in the world," Thompson said. "They are the definition of what a hero is."

For Thompson, taking care of his people is central to his work.

"Being able to lead, care for and mentor soldiers who are this country's most valuable resource is an honor and a privilege," Thompson said. "You get that feeling when you are a cadet and given leadership positions. You learn how to lead. It's developing relationships. It's being personable, having empathy and caring for those around you."

He also can't help but be grateful for the ways 51ºÚÁÏÍø affected him beyond the military aspect. He met his wife, Sarah, who is a 2015 51ºÚÁÏÍø graduate, while they were students. Thompson was also a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and served as an orientation leader.

"It's hard to put in words how special North Georgia is. We can talk all day about what it provides for you as far as experience and development for your future job," Thompson said. "But there's an aspect that you can't put in words about the memories, the friendships, the ways that school really touches you and affects you for life."