Red Cross Honors a Lifetime of Service
Roscoe Pouncey Sr. has received the Salute to Heroes award from the American Red Cross Piedmont Triad Area chapter. The honor recognizes both his groundbreaking military career and his decades of law enforcement service in Winston-Salem.
Pouncey’s journey began with the U.S. Army, where he became Fort Bragg’s first Black drill sergeant during the Vietnam War era. Later, he carried his discipline and leadership into local policing, serving more than 25 years with the Winston-Salem Police Department.
“It’s good to be recognized for your service,” Pouncey said. “By serving my country and serving my community, it makes me a hero.”
First Black Drill Sergeant at Fort Bragg
Pouncey enlisted in the Army after starring as a football player at Atkins High School and North Carolina College, now North Carolina Central University. He trained in Korea before returning to the U.S. for drill sergeant instruction.
After six weeks of preparation, he was assigned to Fort Bragg, where he became the first Black drill sergeant on base. His mission was clear: transform everyday young men into disciplined soldiers ready for battle.
“The highlight was seeing them complete training and march in cadence,” Pouncey said. “That really made me feel proud.”
Facing Hard Truths of the Vietnam Era
Although he thrived as a leader, Pouncey carried the heavy reality of knowing many of his recruits would go to Vietnam. Not all would return. His service ended in September 1967, and he faced hostility after leaving the Army.
He recalled being spat on and insulted, a reminder of the deep racial tensions of the time. Despite these challenges, Pouncey chose to continue serving others, this time through law enforcement.
A Career in Winston-Salem Law Enforcement
By 1969, Pouncey joined the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, and later, the Winston-Salem Police Department. He rose through the ranks to Captain before retiring in 1994. His presence carried weight, especially as one of only a few Black officers in the city during the 1970s.
“I went to a house on a call, and they told me they didn’t want to see me,” he remembered. “It hurt, but you keep going.”
Former police chief Pat Norris praised him as a mentor. “He was tough on the outside, but giving on the inside. He was a role model for all of us.”
Legacy of Service and Recognition
Even in retirement, Pouncey’s impact continues. In April 2024, he joined a Triad Honor Flight with his son, visiting war memorials and receiving a hero’s welcome at the airport. The experience helped heal old wounds from his service years.
Now, the Red Cross award adds another chapter to his legacy. For Pouncey, the recognition is not only about his past but about the values of discipline, teamwork, and resilience that shaped his life.
