San Angelo Native Marks 20 Years of Army Service in Europe

In his current role, Lawson oversees daily operations at CATC, ensuring instructors have the resources and support needed to train Soldiers across Europe. 

“I am not going to be successful unless I have a great team around myself,” Lawson said. “I contribute in a more resourcing and administrative way to ensure that everyone at the Combined Arms Training Center is set up for success and can execute the mission given by U.S. Army Europe and Africa at any given time.”

During his career, Lawson has held key leadership positions and said one of the most important lessons he has learned is the value of taking care of Soldiers. 

“Be flexible and be open-minded,” Lawson said when asked what advice he would give to junior Soldiers. “Don’t take adversity as a negative thing. You actually do become stronger once you overcome adversity.”

Lawson said being part of an instructional institution is one of the highlights of his career, giving him the opportunity to help develop the next generation of leaders. At CATC, he works to send Soldiers to courses that broaden their skills and prepare them to be competitive with their peers across the Army.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Lawson said he enjoys the camaraderie of military service and the chance to work with NATO Allies. Outside the uniform, he finds balance with his wife and daughter, enjoys smoking brisket, cheering for FC Bayern, and reading as a way to relax.

As Lawson looks to the future, he hopes to retire comfortably and spend more time with his family. Reflecting on his career, he said effective leadership means “setting a clear vision, modeling strong values, and fostering collaboration within your organization.”