In addition to his many other responsibilities and commitments, the one commitment Cromer holds above all others is his commitment to his country. After serving for 30 years in the South Carolina Air Reserve National Guard, Cromer retired in 2000 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Cromer is a veteran of the first Persian Gulf War and served in Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1991. He has received several distinguished honors including: the US Army Meritorious Medal, US Army Commendation Medal, Southeast Asia Campaign Medal, Kuwaiti Defense Medal, and SC Meritorious Service Medal.

Cromer is proud to be counted among the men and women who volunteer to defend our country and protect the freedoms and liberties that have been gained through the sacrifice of so many.