Warrior of the Week: Sergeant First Class Emilio Calzada

Engaging. Personable. Decisive. Good-hearted.

Those are some of the words that have been used to describe this week’s Warrior of the Week: Army Sergeant First Class Emilio Calzada.

Originally from Killeen, Texas, 39-year-old SFC Calzada served in the military for over 21 years.

Steve Thatcher, his father-in-law, and his wife, Alison Calzada, said that they nominated SFC Calzada as a “warrior” because of the pride they have in his accomplishments.

SFC Calzada joined the Army in 1992 and became a specialist as an 88N Transportation Management Coordinator.

He was deployed six times to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Haiti, said Thatcher.

SFC Calzada was instrumental in deploying the soldier and their equipment from their home station to their forward operating bases in Umm Qasr, Iraq, said Thatcher.

He saved his fellow soldiers’ lives by spearheading the rail operations in Iraq, which eliminated thousands of truckload miles and kept soldiers off the road.

“He’s a decision maker. He really knows just how to get the job done,” said Thatcher.

The commanding general of the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command recognized his efforts in Umm Qasr, said Calzada.

In Afghanistan, SCF Calzada and his team were assigned as the Deployment Support Team NCOIC.

They were the lead source of transportation expertise for expediting equipment and soldiers back to their home station, said Calzada.

SFC Calzada also served as the 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade’s Staff Movement NCO in Talafar, Iraq.

He was responsible for ensuring that the long range surveillance (LRS) and human intelligence (HUMIT) had their equipment transported with them as they circulated throughout the battlefield, said Calzada.

Outside of the military, SPC Calzada enjoys supporting his community.

He has volunteered his time with the communities Child Youth Services (CYS) and coached, little league baseball, soccer, and basketball, said Calzada.

SPC Calzada also served as a Boys Scout Tiger Den leader.

While assigned to Fort Monmouth, he volunteered his time at Mahala Atchison Elementary School, said Calzada.

“Emilio truly is a good human being,” said Thatcher. “He keeps everyone in mind.”

SPC Calzada retired from the Army last and is currently working for Universal Logistics as a Terminal Manager and supports the military as a civilian.