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Reginald B. McFadden  1977

Cullum No. 35155-1977 | December 30, 2020 | Died in Woodbridge, VA
Interred in Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, VA


Reginald Bernard “Reggie” McFadden was known to his classmates simply as Reggie. Those of us who were blessed to know him got to know him quickly by simply being around him for just a few minutes. Reggie was a kind, thoughtful, and generous man whose personality and character were absolutely aligned to all he did, said, thought, accomplished, and, most of all, for those he loved in this world. Reggie was more than just a man of his word; he was a man of his heart. The stories about Reggie will never do justice to the man and his legacy, and yet all who knew him know that they are all better human beings, better friends, husbands, soldiers, and parents because Reggie shared his authentic self with each of them. 

Reggie arrived at West Point, NY in the summer of 1973, just like the rest of the Class of 1977. He was the son of Willie J. and Gloria (Chandler) McFadden, and, with three brothers (Harrington, Willie, and Howard) and two sisters (Cassandra and Jonell), there was never enough quiet in house; but always enough love in his West Palm Beach, FL home. He was born on September 14, 1955, so he was just 17 when he reported to Beast Barracks, the grueling summer training at the then all-male Military Academy, whose graduates were facing the possibility of deployment to the war in Vietnam. Although the war ended before Reggie was commissioned in 1977, he and his classmates faced the uncertainty of war during their initial years at their military post on the Hudson River.

It was during this stark reality that Reggie was assigned to Cadet Company E-4, whose motto at the time of “Go Naked” reflected a shift from the prevalent physical harshness and mental hazing that occurred throughout the Corps outside of company E-4’s safe hallways. There was a universal power at work that brought 32 wet-behind-the-ears, awkward and naïve (some say immature) young men together in E-4, and Reggie brought his dry wit and a sense of civility and intellect to the group. From day one Reggie flourished in this cadet company environment that emphasized strong academic success. His physical prowess enabled him to validate plebe boxing, and his keen hands and eyes earned him a spot on the Pistol Team for four years. His sharp mind enhanced the Contemporary Affairs and Behavioral Science clubs as well, and his voice harmonized beautifully with the Gospel Choir and Glee Club. Reggie’s quiet confidence and assured competence improved in these extracurricular activities, while in his cadet room Reggie’s intellectual skills were maturing in ways that made many of his “E-4 Star Men” classmates marvel. Companymates claim Reggie’s tutoring kept them academically proficient enough to graduate, with most attesting to Reggie’s quiet brilliance. As a result of Reggie’s proficiency in cadet endeavors, he excelled in the leadership portion of the USMA whole person concept. 

One non-academic subject that Reggie would be introduced to and soon excel in was “Romance 101.” As a cadet, he started his journey into this lifelong learning with Rebecca, a young college student from Massachusetts. Though from Florida, Reggie soon discovered that Becky, a New England lass, was his soul partner, and, for the next 43 years, he and Becky’s lives would be a romance novel lived well and fully. 

After graduating in June, Reggie and Becky drove off to Fort Sill, OK, where, among friends and classmates, they married before Reggie began his Field Artillery Officer Basic Course. Their wedding vows, said in a Fort Sill chapel, were just a sample of Reggie and Becky’s lifelong communiques of love. That Reggie adored Becky was obvious to everyone, and, in kind, all knew their love was something special that the world needed. 

Reggie volunteered for and completed Ranger School during the winter of 1977-78 at Fort Benning, GA, and then Becky and Reggie headed to Germany for their only active-duty assignment. Having fulfilled his military obligation, Reggie continued to serve the nation with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is not hard to imagine with his quiet, low-keyed, and even-tempered personality, combined with his sharp, brilliant, and insightful mind, Reggie’s leadership skills would soon be recognized at the IRS. Reggie was promoted quickly into the IRS’s Senior Executive Service (SES), where he continued to flourish as a mentor and friend to many. Reggie and Becky’s romance novel was being written in places like Texas and Virginia, where he eventually retired from the IRS.

Reggie’s true calling was in the private sector as a business leader and owner. In 2006 he established Freedom Systems, a consulting company specializing in project management, information technology, and training services to government agencies and commercial customers. As President and CEO, Reggie continued his service to country by securing contracts with the Departments of the Army, Homeland Security, and State to name a few. 

As much as he loved his work, nothing came before his family. His boast to West Point classmates was not about his work accomplishments, as easy as that might be. The glint in his eye was because he loved his Becky and his large family of four children: Benjamin, Pamela, Nathaniel (who preceded Reggie into heaven in 2013), and Elizabeth; eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. 

Reggie’s passing was unexpected, and the closing chapter of his romance novel ended abruptly and unsatisfyingly. We gripped hands for Reggie much too soon, and we will remember him as handsome, talented, and charming—a romance novel co-author who we should each attempt to emulate.

— SAB

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