Along your military career past or present, have you met people who made a difference in your military life? Who were they?

2018-08-07T00:05:21-04:00

On board USS Puget Sound AD-38, Lt. Bill Deuring, Dental Department Division Officer, impressed young me that I was more than a "helper". He jump started the successful me buried deep inside of the insecure me. He regarded myself and fellow enlisted personnel as valuable to the success of the Dental Department, and he treated us as such. Also, his then wife, Judy treated all of us department enlisted just grand. We did not know what a lovely holiday in Italy on board the USS Puget felt like.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Aug 7 at 2018 12:15 AM

2018-08-07T00:15:29-04:00

A GENERAL WHO SMILED AT ME; AND, THEN I SALUTED HIM.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Aug 7 at 2018 8:47 AM

2018-08-07T08:47:23-04:00

PO3 Maynard,
Believe it or not, I had several individuals that made some kin of impact on both personal and military life. Some good...some bad to the point where I wanted to knock their head off. I'm going to point out the bad side because they made me take a look at myself on the mirror, especially the individual who was my supervisor when I was an instructor. He told me things that at the time I found offensive to me, but they were the truth. I never liked the guy from the get go...I already knew him from a leadership school we both attended. But, sometimes you need to hear certain things so you can wake up and get yourself back on line. And if I ever see him again, we would have a different conversation, and I probably would throw a "thank you" for the things he said to me.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Aug 7 at 2018 10:35 AM

2018-08-07T10:35:32-04:00

There were two that stand out,my training NCO who I met getting off the bus that rainy night back in 1965 Ft.Lewis Wa. and was my platoon Sergeant in Vietnam,the second was my patrolling range Officer at FT. Polk LA. who saw something in me that I didn’t and promptly sent me off to the NCO Academy FT.Hood TX allowing me to become a better Soldier and instructor for the rest of my short career in the Army,not to be omitted of course were the men I served with for ten months and fourteen days in Vietnam ,those I literally owe my life to,the men of A Company 3/8 Inf 4th Inf.Div.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Aug 7 at 2018 10:41 AM

2018-08-07T10:41:22-04:00

PO3 Phyllis Maynard I was fortunate enough to have the same NCO as my Platoon Sergeant three times and Squad Leader once. I called him my Army Dad. His leadership style was the majority of mine. I really miss him.

Response by SFC William Stephens made Aug 7 at 2018 11:42 AM

2018-08-07T11:42:23-04:00

When I was a part of the WTU and Wounded Warrior Foundation I get my security training while I was at Walter Reed Army Medical Facility by working with Defense Security Team and them guys were super good to me and they will always be a close friend and Mentors in my life. If it wasn't for that training that was provided to me I would not be where I am today. It look really great on resume being there first ever Wounded Warrior working for them.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 7 at 2018 2:02 PM

2018-08-07T14:02:37-04:00

My Armor Bn Co taught me to appreciate support troops and have some fun.

Response by LTC Stephan Porter made Aug 8 at 2018 5:02 AM

2018-08-08T05:02:54-04:00

Absolutely! I have life long friends who were superiors, peers and subordinates at one time. Many in all three categories have given me advice and mentorship in all areas of career, family and life!

Response by SPC Michael Dillon made Aug 8 at 2018 9:39 AM

2018-08-08T09:39:27-04:00

SFC Bill Hargis SGT Jason Danforth (RIP), these two were mentors, friends, and family to me. Much respect not only for rank but as people.

Response by SSG Chris Gursky made Aug 8 at 2018 9:47 AM

2018-08-08T09:47:26-04:00

Most certainly, TM3 Kevin Lee made my life a friggin nightmare until I was transferred to the ASROC crew during the Navy. In the Army Capt. Allen B West was one of the finest officers Inever served under and an inspiration to the whole battery. Lt McKnight was an outstanding platoon leader who led by example but was never afraid tk ask questions and learn from the NCOs. SSG James “Boss Hogg” Terrell was a great plt sgt. And SFC Tommy Arnold was a fine plt sgt, I never actually worked for him but learned a lot about leadership and efficiency just from observing him. All of those people helped mold me into the person I am today.

Response by CPT Ronald Scherick made Aug 8 at 2018 10:20 AM

2018-08-08T10:20:58-04:00

I am glad you had a good experience with a dental officer. Dentistry is a team sport as I am sure you know. I served during Vietnam and most dentists joined the early commission program while in school that is what I did. Some were drafted or joined the program under duress so as not to be drafted out of school . Most of the dentists I served with did their best and treated the patients as if they were family and with respect. Unfortunately there were a few who resented being forced to serve and took it out on the patients. They did it at their own peril as most of us wanted nothing to do with them.