KILLEEN — This month’s meeting of the local chapter of the Military Officers Association of America included information about an upcoming military history symposium and a talk from Fort Hood’s only senior executive service employee.

Robert Miele, executive director of the U.S. Army Operational Test Command at West Fort Hood, spoke to the club Friday about his service to the country through the civilian senior executive service program.

A 25-year government employee, Miele began his career as an intern with Army Materiel Command.

“I never thought I could serve in this capacity without a uniform,” he said of his various jobs with the Defense Department.

Of the thousands of SES employees, only 280 work with the Army, and Miele is the only one assigned to Fort Hood. He described this civil service title as the level between civilians and political appointees.

“I’m honored to be part of the cast to come and talk to you,” Miele said to the packed room at Yank Sing Chinese Restaurant in Killeen.

Also during the meeting, more than $400 was raised to sponsor six high school students and their teachers to attend the Texas A&M University-Central Texas Military History Symposium in September.