This article was first published in Volume 1, Issue 4 of the Owensboro Times newspaper.
For Chad Alward, service has always been more than a word. It’s been a way of life.
Now living in Owensboro and working for Owensboro Public Schools, Alward balances his career in education with a distinguished military role as Chief Warrant Officer 4 and commander of the 100th Army Band at Fort Knox.
Raised in Central City, Kentucky, Alward said his parents instilled in him the value of helping others and contributing to his community.
“My parents always stressed the importance of service to others and the importance of supporting others regardless of our or their background and circumstances,” Alward said. “The emphasis was not necessarily on military service, but on how to serve and support our community, neighbors, and causes.”
His parents, both small business owners, set the example through involvement in civic organizations and schools.
“Everything from owning a business, the Shrine Club, PTO, being a classroom mom, member of the board of education, Family Resource Center, and PVA for Muhlenberg County,” he said. “Everyone from my grandparents to my parents stressed the importance of helping others and serving in any capacity we could.”
That deep-rooted sense of service eventually led Alward to the U.S. Army Reserve, but not until later in life.
“I joined the military when my children were very young,” he said. “I wanted to be a good example for my children and not just talk about the importance of serving and supporting our military. It may sound corny, but that was it. I wanted to set a good example.”
At 30 years old, Alward enlisted in the Army Reserve and headed to basic training in 2004. Twenty-one years later, he continues to serve while leading the 100th Army Band at Fort Knox.
He’s steadily climbed the ranks — from Specialist to Sergeant, then Staff Sergeant, before becoming a Warrant Officer in 2011 and earning his current title earlier this year.
Across more than two decades of service, Alward said three moments stand out above the rest.
“The hardest job in the military is being married to someone in the military,” he said. “Being able to see my wife, kids, and parents at the end of training — that was one of the most impactful moments. My wife, Karen, has had to do so much and sacrifice so much for our family to be an Army family.”
Another defining memory came in 2024, when Alward and the 100th Army Band traveled to France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
“We supported U.S. and allied troops, foreign military and government dignitaries, ambassadors, and royalty,” he said. “Most importantly, we supported many World War II veterans who were there and honored for their sacrifice. To be there and have the opportunity to speak directly with the veterans who served our country and the greater world during that time was an honor for all of the soldiers of the 100th.”
He also recalls the emotional power of troop redeployments from Iraq and Afghanistan.
“It was an honor to see the soldiers coming directly off the plane and being reunited with their families,” he said. “Some of them had never seen their newborn children until that moment.”
Beyond his military duties, Alward said his experience in the Army has shaped his worldview and teaching philosophy.
“The military has given me a larger worldview and perspective about how one action can significantly impact others,” he said. “The military consists of a lot of systems, but all should support people and the mission. When one system is not supported or working well, it impacts the rest.”
He draws a parallel between the Army and the classroom.
“In every part of training in the Army, we connect things to our core values — Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage,” Alward said. “It’s ingrained in us how important it is always to have integrity and do the right thing even when someone is not watching.”
He continued, “As an educator, it is very similar. We have multiple systems all working toward the same goal or mission — preparing our students to be great at whatever they choose to do after school. It’s our mission as educators to provide them with the right training, at the right time, so they can go and be successful in life.”
For Alward, whether in uniform or at school, the mission remains the same: serve others with integrity and purpose.
