HRC deputy G-8 bases life on Scripture

By CATRINA FRANCIS
Gold Standard Senior Staff Writer
catrina.s.francis2.civ@mail.mil
This is the third in a four-part series about African-American women.
Survivor.
Army brat.
Devout Christian.
These names and titles best describe Deborah Murphy, the Human Resources Command deputy G-8.
The doctoral candidate, who is working on her dissertation, has broken through the proverbial glass ceiling in the 35 years she has worked for the government. Like her predecessors who paved the way, Murphy is the only African-American-male or female—on Fort Knox to hold her current grade.
Murphy is humbled because she never thought she would be a GS-15.
“The Lord has elevated me to this position,” she said. “I try to be the example I’m supposed to be. I never dreamed I would be a GS-15. To be a (GS-) 12 was huge.”
She was thrilled to become a GS-12, and ecstatic when she was promoted to GS-13. She said, “It was a dream come true when I became a (GS-) 13.”
For the past 35 years, Murphy has let Christ guide her in whatever decision she has made. In fact, she said her favorite Scripture is Jeremiah 29:11. The Scripture states, ‘For I myself well know the thoughts that I am thinking toward you, is the utterance of Jehovah, ‘thoughts of peace, and not of calamity, to give you a future and a hope.’”
“I am who I am because of my relationship with Christ,” explained Murphy. “Without Christ as my Savior, I would not be here and my future would not look as bright as I think it is.
“My whole being and my essence (are) based on Scripture, prayer and God’s direction in my life. Before I move out on anything I’m always seeking the Lord’s guidance in my life, whether I’m in a meeting (or) the decisions I make at work.”
Murphy’s early life lessons would also shape her into the woman that she is today. She has a wonderful role model in her mother. Murphy said her mother was the only girl in a family of eight boys. She was a school teacher and went to college as a black woman when most weren’t getting a college degree.
“Having a mother as a school teacher always keeps you focused,” she said.
Her late father was a retired Soldier, and she grew up on Fort Knox with her four sisters and three brothers.
‘My mother, (Joy Boulware) is still living, she’s 88. I come from a very large and very close Family.”
“My father is no longer living. When he passed away that’s the most significant thing in my life. I have four children, three girls and a boy. They are all adults now, and they have their own children which my husband (Ray) and I stay very involved with.”
Deborah and Ray met while she was in college and he was a young sergeant stationed at Fort Knox. Both are native Kentuckians and were happy to return to the area when Deborah was hired by HRC.
Although Murphy moved away from the area after she married, she admits that was a great thing for her personally and professionally.
“I really think that the idea of holding various positions within different organizations has really helped develop me professionally,” she said. “Not just professionally, but having a true appreciation for working with people and what they bring to the table and impart their knowledge.
“I like diversity. I like being around different personalities, people with different thoughts and how they do things. Above all, I like to see people progress. If I can be of any help or part of their progressions (by) just encouraging them or mentoring them, I’m there. I just love it.”
Murphy has enjoyed working with the staff in HRC and G-8. They are—in her words—bright and professional. She said it has been an honor to be in her current position. Working for the organization has also provided Murphy with an opportunity to work with a few inspiring women such as the current HRC Commander, Maj. Gen. Gina Farrisee, her deputy Brig. Gen. Margarett Barnes and Col. Debbra Head, her chief of staff. She added that she has also loved working with the enlisted Soldiers on post such as Sgt. Maj. Evy Lacy, the former Accessions Command equal opportunity sergeant major. She said it has been exciting working with these women.
“I (also) had a chance to work with (Maj.) Gen. Marcia Anderson, (she’s) another strength” she said about the first African-American women to wear the rank of major general. “I’ve had some wonderful bosses.
“I worked with (retired) Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré. He (is) a believer in diversity. I am who I am because of my surroundings, what the Lord has brought my way, and who he has exposed me to.”
Although Murphy has attained a high position, she understands that over the years there may have been a few detractors who believed her promotions were not earned. In the last three decades she has worked during an era of change for women and minorities.
“I know leaders are human, and leaders sometimes can’t rise above their biases,” explained Murphy. “You are cognizant to it and remain who you are, and you do what’s right along the way. Things tend to work out, but I have to make sure I’m right as a person and I’m not being biased.
“That’s all you can do. You can’t make others do what’s right, but you can do what’s right yourself and set the right example. Personally that’s what the Lord called me to do. I can only answer for me.”
Even though the military and the federal government have been the catalyst and at the forefront of change before the rest of society, Murphy admits to being disappointed in the past by those who didn’t accept diversity.
She said, “Unfortunately that happens, but it’s gotten better. Both my parents grew up in a time when you had to walk to the back of the bus and drink from a different water fountain.
“When I talk to my mom she said, ‘things have gotten so much better.’ She’s encouraging and we continue to try and stand up for what’s right.”
Being a pioneer in her field hasn’t been the only obstacle Murphy had to overcome. Three years ago during a routine health exam, her doctor noticed that something didn’t feel right in her breast. After undergoing a mammogram she learned that the lumps were cancerous. She would eventually begin the fight of her life. Murphy endured rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. She did this without missing any significant time at work. She would undergo chemotherapy on Thursdays and return to work by Monday morning.
“I have to give the command credit for hanging in through this, people I worked with in this office and outside this office,” she said about the support she received while going through chemotherapy. “That speaks volumes for the command. They didn’t have to do that.”
Murphy has been cancer-free for the past three years and she is appreciative that God gave her the strength and resilience to not only fight the disease, but also become a survivor.
She is also a firm believer in mentoring and helping others reach their full potential. She tells others not to miss an opportunity to grow and it’s important to make sure you are prepared.
“(I tell them) get your education, take care of yourself,” said Murphy. “(I’m) not a believer of putting (all) your eggs in one basket. Your future is more than work.”

Staff photo by Catrina Francis

DEBORAH MURPHY