May 15, 2014

A ‘major’ achievement for decorated war veteran Motto ’04

Major Patrick J. Motto '04 and his wife, Michelle Leahy Motto '04, with their children, from left, Ryan, Leah, and Sean, at the promotion ceremony.
Major Patrick J. Motto ’04 and his wife, Michelle Leahy Motto ’04, with their children,
from left, Ryan, Leah, and Sean, at the promotion ceremony.

He’s deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan three times in the U.S. Army’s field artillery branch.

He’s overseen hundreds of millions of dollars in equipment and machinery, led a 24-person defacto infantry unit during Operation Enduring Freedom, trained the Afghan army, and supervised training and resources for 3,500 soldiers.

He’s served as a platoon leader, executive officer, battalion logistics officer, battery battalion plans officer, squadron fire support officer, and brigade operations officer.

It’s an understatement to say that Patrick J. Motto ’04 — who, by the way, also has received nearly 20 Army commendations — earned his promotion to major. A second-year assistant professor of military science at PC, Motto was elevated from captain to major by Lt. Col. Kevin R. Kugel, professor of military science and department chair, in a campus ceremony attended by family, friends, and members of PC’s Army ROTC Patriot Battalion family in January.

While Kugel noted that Army promotions are based on leadership potential, he emphasized that Motto has shown his value as an officer on the training field and on the warfront.

“Pat has consistently demonstrated his potential,” said Kugel. “This promotion signifies monetary and rank upgrades as an officer, but more importantly, he’ll now be involved in policymaking affecting thousands and be an organizational leader. Reliable and dependable … that’s what Pat is.”

Motto, who was commissioned as a second lieutenant on Commencement Weekend in 2004, said his promotion is satisfying because he’s continuing a family tradition. His grandfather, a colonel, served in World War II, and a cousin was an Air Force captain.

“It just feels I’m doing what’s right,” said Motto, whose father (John D. Motto ’76), uncle (Vincent J. Motto ’71), and cousin (Amy Motto Jensen ’03) all graduated from PC.

Challenge becomes an opportunity

Though not having the formal title, Motto said his service as a captain at Fort Campbell, Ky., for seven months in 2012 gave him significant insight into the responsibilities of a major. After serving as the battalion plans officer and battalion assistant operations officer for the 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, he took command of its headquarters and headquarters battery.

After command, he acted as the “chief operating officer” of 3,500 troops, leading training and combat preparation exercises under a tight deployment timetable. The role is one traditionally filled by a major and put Motto in conferences with lieutenant colonels and other high-ranking officers.

“My leadership style had to change immensely,” said Motto, who majored in history as an undergraduate. “I had to have greater forethought. Instead of a three- to six-month plan, I had to look out 12 to 18 months in advance.”

His decade of Army service, particularly the three overseas deployments and other long stretches of time away from home, have been difficult for his family and him, conceded Motto, whose commendations include the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. Married to the former Michelle B. Leahy ’04, whom he met at PC, he vividly recalled meeting his wife and three young children after returning home from one of his deployments. One of his two sons embraced him and the other ran away frightened, not recognizing him.

Family welfare is the primary reason he will leave active duty later this year, though he will not retire from the Army. Motto is taking classes in the College’s MBA Program and hopes to graduate in 2016. He expects to join either the Rhode Island or Massachusetts Army National Guard on a reserve basis and continue to pursue his goal of becoming a colonel.

“It’s not something I’ll give up,” he said. “I still have an intense desire to serve my country.”

                                                                                                                        —Charles C. Joyce