Sergeant Robert Charles (Chase) Wells IV has been preparing for his new role as the Director of OVLS for a long time. His military career began early in his life, as he transitioned from attending college on a full-ride scholarship to serving our country for six years. Born in Orlando, Florida, Sergeant Wells grew up in nearby Kissimmee until the age of 11, when his mother took a position as an elementary school principal. He vividly remembers being a junior in high school when the World Trade Center was attacked on September 11, 2001, reflecting that “9/11 heavily influenced the trajectory of [his] life after high school, as [he] felt a call to serve.” While Sergeant Wells went on to earn a Bright Futures Scholarship to Tallahassee State College and excelled academically, his desire to serve remained strong: “My parents were understandably concerned about [me] leaving behind free education, but the call to serve was too great,” he recalled. Sergeant Wells explored several recruitment options before finding himself in the office of a Florida National Guard recruiter. There, a recruiter outlined the benefits and opportunities of serving, ultimately convincing him to enlist in the Florida Army National Guard in 2006. Sergeant Wells attributes much of his professional development to his experiences, beginning with boot camp at Fort Benning, GA. “I grew up playing competitive sports—wrestling, football, and baseball— but nothing prepared me for the way a drill sergeant would shape me. I remember hoping I had made the right decision,” he reflected. Sergeant Wells credits Drill Sergeants Fry, Reynolds, and Wise with significantly shaping who he is today. “Their influence on my life was so impactful that I will never forget those guys.”Sergeant Wells credits multiple influences but emphasized that “the Army afforded him the most opportunity at the phase in life he was in at the time of elistment.” Sergeant Wells was stationed with the 779th Engineer Battalion as part of the Florida Army National Guard. During his service, he deployed to Mosul, Iraq, from 2009 to 2010. In Iraq, Sergeant Wells served on a protective services detail, where he provided protective services for a battalion-level colonel and sergeant major as they navigated the battlefield. His role was critical in ensuring their safety during highrisk missions, further solidifying his commitment to service and the skills he developed throughout his military career. “There was a sense of pride in serving that began to develop even before I enlisted, and it grew deeper the longer I served. It was incredibly meaningful to me because the boots I was filling weren’t just my own—I was also walking in the footsteps of those who had served honorably before me,” he reflected. “I felt a duty to honor them by continuing the service and carrying the torch forward.” Sergeant Wells’ military service concluded in 2012 when he received a new call to serve—supporting his wife who was pregnant with their twins. His passion to serve led him further to attend the police academy and become a sworn police officer where he served for 13 years prior to accepting his current position. For Sergeant Wells, the lessons he learned in the military continue to influence his everyday life, especially as he volunteers as a youth sports coach: “I try to instill in the young men I coach that being part of a team means you’re no longer just an individual. You’re there to serve the person to your left and right, and they’re relying on you just as much as you’re relying on them to achieve a common goal.” Sergeant Wells is prepared to bring his vision for OVLS to life, drawing on the lessons he learned in the military while pursuing a master’s degree in organizational leadership at Grand Canyon University. “I’m happy to be here, and I’m proud to serve,” he affirmed. Introducing Executive Director of OVLS Chase Wells PAGE | 05 2024 FLORIDA VETERAN HEALTH HEROES
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