Who or what drives you to be an outstanding leader?

I have been in my unit for over 4 years now. Being there for so long I have had some terrible leadership. From them I have learned what not to do and the type of leader I didn't want to be. However, I have also had some outstanding leadership. My battalion CSM, CSM Veney, was a remarkable leader. From him I learned exactly the type of NCO I wanted to be. With him there was black and white when it came to the rules and regulations regardless of rank. There was no gray area. If you were right, you were right and if you were wrong, you were wrong. It was that simple. Knowing that there are leaders out there that care so deeply for the well being of their Soldiers motivates me to be the best I can.

I was first inspired by all the wrong reasons. Some of my background is that I was a PFC, E-3, on the Active Duty side and then went to the National Guard to where I rose to being a SSG, E-6. I will say that I say some horrible leadership. I expected so much more. I recall a line in the NCO creed that states "All Soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership." The issue was that I wasn't getting it. I was getting nothing. I hated it and I turned in a very destructive force that challenged everything my leadership tried by calling them out. I went about it the wrong way completely. I got out of the Army after a second tour of Iraq. Then I came back in to be an officer. I wanted to be that leader that I always wanted. Some days it is harder than others. You really have to put out your best everyday for so many. But when I see a light come on in one of my junior leaders and I seen him take the charge and be that outstanding leader I feel like I am on the right track. I am not trying to be a leader for myself. I am trying to be a leader for the sake of my soldiers. They are entitled to it and I will provide it.

This is an easy one, my father. Always lead by example, took me aside to let me know what i did (right or wrong) showed me how to teach and demonstrate to my siblings. Taught me about truth and how omission was the same as a lie. The regs were a guideline but don't break them. And I can go on and on. My dad taught me the most, everyone else just built on his foundation. I miss you dad.