If you could thank one leader that directly influenced who you are today, what would you tell them?

2015-02-07T17:14:31-05:00

We have all had them in our military service. They are the leader that we met along our career path that impacted us in a big way. They may never know it and may even look back on us as the "frustrating" ones that tried them at every turn. But in the end they made us a better leader, service member and person. I am who I am today because I had leaders who believed in me and gave that tough love that I desperately needed while learning to evolve into who I am today. As we go on in life we may have lost contact with them but if there was one thing you could say to them what would it be and why?

Edit: Updated thread picture

Response by LTC Stephen F. made May 5 at 2015 3:13 PM

2015-05-05T15:13:59-04:00

1st, I would thank Wayne Downing who retired as a full General commanding SOCOM. I first became acquainted with him after he became commander of 3rd Brigade, 1st AD at Warner Barracks, Bamberg. He was a leader who always lead by example and never asked his subordinates to do anything that he would not do. He was an inspirational leader who demanded and received high standards of performance from the soldiers under his command.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 3:23 PM

2015-05-05T15:23:26-04:00

First I feel I have been pretty successful in my career, and have been congratulated on my success by my leadership and former supervisors.
I often thank them for their examples they have set and how they have helped shape my career and pushed me in the right directions and given me the right feedback. I also often consult them on decisions I was going to make in regards to some of my airmen and how they may have handled the situation. Leadership classes give the foundation but being able to consult good leaders for their opinions and take from all of them to create my own way is priceless and I think that will help me out more than anything!

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made May 5 at 2015 3:28 PM

2015-05-05T15:28:40-04:00

Then Maj (now Col) John R. LaPore III, as my unit commander, he did so much for my wife and my family in what as been our darkest days, that he is the type of leader I hold up as a model. I do still keep in contact with him. Top notch leader/mentor/officer!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 5 at 2015 5:12 PM

2015-05-05T17:12:06-04:00

I had a many mental issues and was making numerous mistakes as an O-4 that were incredibly stupid in my personal life. My Brigade Commander who is a member of this site showed tremendous compassion and sent me to the WTU. He pointed to the direction of travel and set me free. For that I am eternally grateful.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 8:36 AM

2015-08-26T08:36:03-04:00

Since this was my first thread as a new member, I wanted to come back and post my own response. Thank you for always seeing the potential in me to be better than I was. I'm still not sure what it is that my leadership saw in me, but I am glad they constantly went to bat for me (even against myself). When I finally became an LPO, I really saw the other side. It is like when you finally have children and you understand all the sacrifices that your parents made. It humbles you and you finally really understand those tough love lessons.

There are many that influenced who I am today (almost too many to list), but the ones that were there during those "fork in the road" milestones, to help guide me in the right direction through great mentorship and always pushed me to be better: LNC Bryan Garringer, YN1 Jennifer Ball, CMDCM John Cordero, LCDR Witherspoon, LSC Jeremy Comer, CDR Dom Pastorin, BMC Mick Schwartz and YN1 Tobias Terrell.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 26 at 2015 12:42 PM

2015-08-26T12:42:47-04:00

I served under COL now BG Bosse at Ft Campbell. My PTSD went full swings and I was making huge mistakes after another. He used tough love on me, and let me go to the WTU so I could get therapy and retire from the Army. He gave me a second chance in life.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 23 at 2015 4:15 PM

2015-11-23T16:15:49-05:00

Sir, thank you for mentoring me, giving me pep talks, and thank you for looking over the welfare of me and my family.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 29 at 2019 1:05 PM

2019-12-29T13:05:55-05:00

I wish every SM has a mentor. Mentors will conduct the deep fight for you. They will inspire, paint the picture, and paths for you to follow. Mentors also can pick up the SMs, dust them, and push them into the right direction.

If I were to thank a leader/mentor I would like to convey my love and respect for him without sounding corny.

Thank you for the question as I have forgotten how much my mentor meant to me.