101: Dr. Chevy Cook — On Leadership Lessons from the Secretary of the Army, Finishing a PhD in Character Development, and How to Manage Energy
Chaveso “Chevy” Cook and his wife Ashley are from Columbia, SC. She is his high-school sweetheart and a University of Pennsylvania employee. Their most important triumphs are being together for over two decades and their beautiful daughters London and Lola.
Chevy commissioned from the United States Military Academy (USMA). His career began as an Air Defense Artillery officer in 3-4 ADAR, 82nd ABN DIV, Fort Bragg, NC. After selection and training he branched Psychological Operations (PSYOP), remaining at Fort Bragg, and spent his initial special operations career in 8th PSYOP Battalion. Afterward Chevy returned to USMA as a Tactical Officer. Fortuitously he also became an instructor at USMA in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership. Returning to Fort Bragg afterward he commanded D Co, 3rd PSYOP Battalion and then served as S3 for 7th PSYOP Battalion. He also previously served as the speechwriter for the 25th Secretary of the Army, the Honorable Christine Wormuth, prior to his current role as the Battalion Commander of Headquarters Command Battalion at Fort Meade, MD.
During his career Chevy has deployed during “The Surge”, the “Arab Spring”, and the fight against ISIS, in various positions including Battery XO, Detachment Commander, and Special Operations Task Force J3. These and other operational experiences span Iraq (x3), Qatar (x2), Niger, Jordan, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Tajikistan, and the United Arab Emirates.
Chevy’s civilian education includes degrees from USMA (BS - 2004), the University of Texas-El Paso (MA - 2008), Columbia University (MA - 2013), and Tufts University (PhD - 2021). He has fulfilled all the military education required of a PSYOP professional, including SERE-C (High Risk), Jumpmaster School, the Military Deception Planners Course, and the Tactical Information Operations Course. Of his professional memberships, his non-profit role as co-founder and Executive Director of MilitaryMentors.org allows him to uniquely serve others outside of the uniform. He also is fortunate to be a guest speaker and a writer on topics of character, organizational change, diversity, mentorship, leader development, and other professional topics.
Regarding his awards and decorations, Chevy is most proud of his three Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals, his branch’s Major General Robert McClure Medal (Bronze), the 2016 Secretary of the Army Diversity and Leadership Award, and the 2021 Tufts University Presidential Award for Civic Life.
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