Chief Tim Reyna never quits

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Eutimio “Tim” Reyna, our senior technical advisor, provides advice about industry innovations to PEO EIS senior executives.

Reyna has more than 20 years of Army service, including combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. He started his Army service at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as a signal system support specialist and S-6 (communications) non-commissioned officer in charge. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in information technology system management from Webster University. A native of McAllen, Texas, Reyna enjoys barbecuing with his family. He is the proud father of three children and one in the oven. Reyna, today’s #PEOEISTeammateTuesday, answered 10 questions about his career and life.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up on a five-acre farm in Texas, 10 miles away from Mexico. We raised cows, horses, pigs, goats, sheep and chickens. Growing up on a farm taught me to be responsible for someone besides myself. Every morning before going to school, I fed the animals. One day in tenth grade, my bull escaped and I had to bring him back to the farm. When I showed up late to school, my math teacher asked me why I was late. I told him my bull got out. Everybody laughed at me. My math teacher, a city slicker, thought I was lying and sent me to the principal’s office. My dad verified that, yes, I had to get the bull back inside the fence.

Why did you decide to enlist in the Army?
I was working at AutoZone as a sales clerk when a gentleman came into the store to repair our point-of-sale system. I asked him where he learned to do that. He said he developed those skills in the military. That sparked my interest. In the fall of 1999, the Army was offering a $20,000 bonus to anyone who enlisted. I learned about the bonus on Thursday. I talked to a recruiter on Friday and took the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test on Monday. I shipped out 30 days later.

Why should a young person enlist in the Army?
I don't know of any other organization besides the military that will fly you out of your hometown, give you three meals a day, medical care, an education, training, clothes and a paycheck. The Army is here with open arms to anyone qualified to join our ranks.

I enlisted in the Army when I was 20 years old. To this day, I regret that I didn’t join the Army right out of high school. Before I joined the Army, high school was my finish line.

Did you experience any challenges during your Army service?
During my first 20 years of life, I never left Texas or boarded an airplane. My first four years in the Army were the most difficult. I went from being at home surrounded by family to not having any family around me. Traveling across the states from Texas to North Carolina was great, but challenging. My family is everything to me. Having a big family support system keeps me going.

What did you learn during your Training with Industry (TWI) rotation?
The program gave me valuable insights about commercial business practices. I participated in the Army’s TWI program with General Dynamics in Taunton, Massachusetts. Spending one year with General Dynamics gave me the opportunity to see how companies prototype and field new technologies for the Army.

A lot of smart engineers in Taunton make complicated communications systems easier for the Army to use. I worked with Tom Guay who leads a team of more than 600 General Dynamics employees. I provided Tom and his team feedback about training documents, prototypes and user interfaces.

What soft skills have helped you succeed in the Army?
I am honest even when it’s not popular. Sometimes difficult conversations are required.

If you could have coffee with anyone, who would it be?
Lt. Gen. Stephen Fogarty, the head of Army Cyber Command. As a warrant officer, I would like to understand how he analyzes cyber and networking challenges.

How would you describe your leadership style?
I am aggressive and direct. When I am given a task, I attack it as if tomorrow’s not going to come and I have to get it done today.

What is the best advice you received?
Never give up. In 2007, I was completing courses to obtain a master’s degree. A lot of naysayers thought I was going to fail in school. I failed one test in my military career, and that's the last one because I never wanted to fail a test again. I earned my master's degree because I never gave up. I would work during the day, spend time with my son in the evening and study until midnight. Those late nights got me my master’s degree. I never quit.

Who inspires you?
My parents inspire me. They showed me that as long as we have love and family, we are good.