True Leadership

I had an amazing time last week when I was the keynote speaker for an Armored Cavalry Battalion (2-12 CAV, 4^th BCT, 1^st CAV DIV ) event at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. 

I was honored to speak to the 1,000+ soldiers and their loved ones at a formal event, known in the military as a "dining out."  The ceremonies for the event included a receiving line where the commander and special guests personally greet everyone and shake their hand, a detailed history and presentation on the unit, a smoking session where everyone lit up their cigars, and the drinking of the grog (a mixture of about 10 different types of alcohol in a big punch bowl).

I spoke to the group about leadership with an emphasis on Passion, Perseverance, and Planning.  I emphasized that all of the great training at every level they were receiving now had direct applications for the civlian sector, if or when they decided to get out.  However, the true highlight of the event was their commander's, Lieutenant Colonel Jim Nicholas, heartfelt remarks at the end of the evening. 

LTC Nicholas, eloquently and not without a few tears, expressed his pride and gratefulness to all of the soldiers and their families for all that they do in service of this great country.  He quoted Thomas Paine, "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their county; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny like hell is not easily conquered yet we have this consolation with us, the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value."   

The unit deploys to Iraq in December and they only just formed last October.  Most of these soldeirs have never worked together before this.  Yet, their determination, professionalism and the underlying leadership principles have prepared them to go to war.

I plan to stay in contact with 2-12 CAV and post updates on their progress here in my blog.

TAKE COMMAND!

Kelly