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<p><em>Reginald Antonio Grant</em> was born on April 25, 1956 in Woodland, NC, the first of four children to Floyd and Elaine Grant. His family then moved to Poughkeepsie, NY. After seeing cadet parades at age 9, Reggie announced that he intended to attend the U.S. Military Academy. When Reggie was 12, his family moved to Los Angeles, CA. He graduated from Westchester High School, where he played football and sang in the chorus. His experiences as a Boy Scout, sea cadet, and a youth leader at the YMCA reinforced his desire to go to West Point, and he received a congressional appointment from the Honorable Yvonne Brathwaite Burke of the 37th District of California.</p>
<p>In July 1974, Reggie joined the Class of 1978 for Cadet Basic Training. After Beast Barracks, he reported to Company H-1, notorious at that time for being especially tough on plebes. Reggie endured this stressful time with a ready smile and sense of humor. Trusted and dependable, he helped classmates throughout the company and maintained a calm and upbeat attitude in the face of adversity and tough situations. He joined Company H-2 for his final two years and continued to show classmates there was joy in life, even in trying circumstances. Reggie navigated the academic and physical challenges of his cadet time with the same positive spirit. The highlight of Reggie’s cadet time was meeting and falling in love with his future wife, Carole, in 1975. They became best friends for life. Reggie graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in General Engineering and was commissioned as a Field Artillery officer. Reggie and Carole married after graduation.</p>
<p>Reggie’s first assignment after the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course was to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment, a Lance missile unit in Hanau, Germany. Reggie served as a Lance platoon leader, the battalion supply officer (S-4), and as the commander of C Battery. He was known as a tough but caring and approachable leader who took care of his soldiers. After the Field Artillery Officer Advanced Course, Reggie reported to the Artillery Center’s Directorate of Combat Developments at Fort Sill, OK. He served on the staff developing requirements for and integrating rocket and missile artillery capabilities.</p>
<p>Reggie left active duty in 1988 and served in the Army Reserve while pursuing his civilian career. Reggie commanded at the battery, battalion, and brigade levels, along with serving in key staff positions in the 95th Infantry Division. He culminated his service commanding the 4th Brigade, 95th Infantry Division, headquartered in Grand Prairie, TX, with subordinate units across nine states. He was revered by the soldiers of his brigade, which received the highest and best ratings on inspections in its history. After 27 years of service, Reggie retired in 2005 as a colonel with a reputation as an effective commander who supported, developed, and empowered his subordinates, thus building successful teams.</p>
<p>Developing weapon systems to support soldiers in combat remained his passion throughout his civilian career in the aerospace and missile industry. He worked for LTV Aerospace and its successor, Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control, and earned an MBA in performance management. Reggie worked as a system engineer, manager, program manager, and finally, starting in 2001, as director of program management for diverse programs, including naval munitions, compact kinetic energy missiles, UK launcher programs, future intelligent vehicles, advanced programs, and enterprise performance. The National Defense Industrial Association recognized Reggie with a Distinguished Service Award in 2019 when he retired after 31 years in the industry.</p>
<p>As busy as Reggie was, he always made his family a priority. Reggie and Carole were blessed with three beautiful daughters: Elizabeth, Sarah, and Susan. He taught them faith and values. He set the example for his girls as a gentleman, husband and father. He listened to and mentored them but also spoiled them by taking them shopping often. Reggie also cherished time with his three grandchildren: Roman, Samantha and Anna Grace, who all affectionately called him “Colonel.” Reggie enjoyed sailing, skeet shooting, golfing, and ballroom dancing. He was an accomplished dancer who learned steps quickly and loved to dance the foxtrot with Carole to their song, Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to The Moon.” After the girls graduated college, Reggie enjoyed traveling and going on ocean cruises with Carole. Upon retiring, he liked to drive on the open road in his red Miata with the top down listening to Jimmy Buffet and country music.</p>
<p>Reggie was diagnosed with leukemia in August 2007. He received a life-saving bone marrow transplant from his brother Ronnie. Over the next 14 years, Reggie was diagnosed with four more cancers. Reggie persevered in his will to live. He faced all challenges with a smile. Reggie’s faith in God gave him the strength to fight. He liked to quote FDR: “When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” Reggie routinely started meetings and prayers with “What a glorious day!” He remained a great listener who put others at ease and made them feel like they were the most important person in the room. Reggie often mentored business colleagues, family, and friends. He was immensely proud of being a West Point graduate and serving his country. His over 40 years of service and leadership left a record of success. Reggie possessed an indomitable spirit and lived life to its fullest. Remembered as a man of faith, a generous and loving family man, a trusted friend, and colleague, he left us too soon in January 2022. He is and always will be greatly missed.</p>
<p><em>— Dennis Szydloski and classmates</em></p>
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