Posted on Sep 5, 2015
SGT(P) Crystal Marie Gray-Wallace
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Tonight is another night that I can not rest. My anxiety is keeping me awake. The reason for that is because though everyone of us takes advantage of why we are here, at least once a week in my conscience it haunts me. I am here for one reason really. That is to protect and defend. I know I complain too much sometimes and sometimes I am way too emotional. This is why I am writing this letter to you, my leaders, my mentors. I am not perfect by any means though it hurts that I am not. Today I was inspired by a speech that the senator of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger gave at a college graduation. He said nothing that you accomplish is effortless. He said he had been told all his life that he would never do half the things that he has accomplished. It is all about preserverance. Just like many people in this organization and the world I have dealt with things one couldn't imagine. I do not look for pity nor understanding really. I look for leadership. I need to know how to be a better leader. I want to know how to make soldiers trust me, confide in me. I need to know what I must do to be considered a Leader, a mentor, a Non commissioned officer. One thing I do know is I love being a NCO and that I do not know it all. Effectiveness is probably the most important thing a NCO could posses. I want to empower soldiers, motivate them. I want to mold them. My point is I have let too much stand in my way thus far. I need leaders who will criticize me, who will be blunt and tell me when I falter so that I can mold these civillians into Soldiers, the protectors of our freedoms and liberties. I want to live the creed.
-An NCO
I call it an NCO's request.
Posted in these groups: 5f4d5dbb NCOPD
Edited 9 y ago
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Responses: 7
CSM Michael J. Uhlig
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You want Soldiers to trust you, to confide in you, to be a better leader....lead your Soldiers, do not drive them and by all means - share the hardships, share the risks with your Soldiers, be there when it is most dangerous, when the weather sucks, when it is cold, when it is raining & snowing and during the sand storms.

Get out there when the temperatures climb well above 110 degree, get out of the team room, get out of the office areas and check on them when they are pulling guard duty, when they pull CQ on the weekend....and call the shot, if they are not ready for promotion, talk to them as a person and let them know their shortfalls, but follow it up with a formal counseling so they know what they must accomplish....have you ever recommended a hard decision, maybe someone is not ready for an automatic promotion - in that case pursue a PA flag, when we should not allow a Soldier to reup, pursue a 9C Bar...you gotta call the shot, the hard shot...on the other end of the spectrum, if you have a Soldier that is worthy of a waiver, fight for the Soldier and support your recommendation with documented performance, get your Soldier to the career counselor so they understand options early and get them to ACS so they are counseled (early and often) on financial planning....you want them to follow you then lead them - by example, you want them to confide in you then show them you are worth your salt and be there when it is dangerous or when it really sucks to be there!

It takes real commitment to be a Leader, a Real Leader, one that Soldiers WANT to follow!
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SGT(P) Crystal Marie Gray-Wallace
SGT(P) Crystal Marie Gray-Wallace
9 y
Thank you for that CSM. This is amazing that I can get feedback and advice from Senior NCO's. This keeps my faith in not only the Corps but the Army! :-D
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
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SGT(P) Crystal Marie Gray-Wallace I love it, well said and eloquently conveyed.
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SGT(P) Crystal Marie Gray-Wallace
SGT(P) Crystal Marie Gray-Wallace
9 y
Thank you so much! I miss writing. I use to write a lot of short stories and Poems in college.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
9 y
SGT(P) Crystal Marie Gray-Wallace rest assured, the RP nation could always use poetry to convey a clear, concise word of encouragement.---- Sweet!!!!
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LTC Substitute Teacher
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Edited 9 y ago
Very eloquently worded. Inspiring! It shows pride in being a soldier leading other soldiers! No one person has all the answers. EVERY good leader, officer, NCO or civilian, should be thinking these kinds of thought. If you think you've mastered it all then your going to be too cocky and, ironically just by thinking that you haven't mastered it. A good leader is always seeking mentoring from peers, superiors, and even subordinates. SGT France, not sure if you wrote it or posted, it but even by just posting this letter, I know you have the right stuff to be a top-notch NCO! Just one technical note: Arnold was governor (of California) not senator!
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SGT(P) Crystal Marie Gray-Wallace
SGT(P) Crystal Marie Gray-Wallace
9 y
Thank you very much Sir!
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