Who is the one person in the military, present or past, that inspires you to greatness?

CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 14:45:33 -0400

As a Chaplain, i feel that my role is to be a role model to those I serve.  However, it is just as important for me to have role models and allow myself to be mentored and developed along the way.  So, who in your military career has inspired you and why?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2014 2:46 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 14:46:40 -0400

1SG Maggard, he was my 1SG for a couple of years sometime ago, 1999-2000ish I think. He was definitely an equal opportunity a**hole, but with that, he held everyone to the same standard, no matter if it was a senior NCO, officer, private, you you messed up, you were gonna feel the wrath.

He's retired now, I think he was the deputy commandant for the DS school.

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made May 18 at 2014 11:11 PM

LCpl Steve Wininger — Sun, 18 May 2014 23:11:26 -0400

Can I use two sir?
My Battalion Sargent Major. He was a Marines Marine. He inspired, motivated, and was looked up to as a leader. Eventually, he went on to become the Highest ranking enlisted in the Marines, which is Sargent Major of the Marine Corps.

Second, my battalion commander, Who also went on to eventually hold the highest position in the Marines as Commandant of the Marine Corps. He too inspired, led by example, and was a great motivator.

Together, these two great men led Americas Battalion, inspiring confidence, Esprit De Corps, and unity.

Response by 1SG Jason Fitzpatrick made Jun 4 at 2014 12:30 PM

1SG Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 12:30:36 -0400

Right after the First Sergeant that looked back at me every morning when I shaved I would say that 1SG Shelly J. Webb and Command Sergeant Major Kevin P. Nolan inspired me the most. 1SG Webb; my first First Sergeant. Showed the unit what a First Sergeant was supposed to be; Present and accountable, Hard but Fair but by no means your friend, and CSM Kevin P. Nolan My last Command Sergeant Major. Anybody who knows him would agree, he takes care of Soldiers! If they need a beating or shoulder to lean on during hard times, he is the one that inspired me to be the best I could be.

Response by Capt Christian D. Orr made Jul 23 at 2018 6:28 PM

Capt Christian D. Orr — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 18:28:40 -0400

CDR Richard "Demo Dick" Marcinko, USN (Ret.) AKA The Rogue Warrior, founding C.O. of SEAL Team 6. 'Nuff said.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Jul 23 at 2018 7:11 PM

MSG Danny Mathers — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 19:11:58 -0400

My Chain of Command! I was fortunate that I served under outstanding commanders and mentored by the competent NCOs. The list would be long and boring but most of which made it to the top of their abilities.

Response by SrA Ronald Moore made Jan 1 at 2020 10:25 AM

SrA Ronald Moore — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 10:25:44 -0500

My oldest Brother -Sylvester E.Moore,GMG 3 is My Inspiration ,He served in Dessert Storm and On Ships like the U.S.S Enterprise,His Career span from like 1974-like 2000,2001,2002,2003,And I gave up His Urn for Burial at The V.A Nashville National Cemetary,My Present Inspiration if I can say is You who is reading this,This inspires me ! AND R.P.

Response by SrA Ronald Moore made Jan 1 at 2020 10:39 AM

SrA Ronald Moore — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 10:39:34 -0500

Giving accolades is awesome but lest Not Forgot to Give God The first acolades

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 1 at 2020 1:33 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 13:33:43 -0500

My Armor Brigade Commander inspired me through acts and words. He was my mentor and helped me paint the picture for me during my career. I was aided by his wisdom and conducted the deep fight for me due to his wisdom, experience, and vision. He also gave me my best ass chewing one day. I was standing at attention in front of his desk. LT Landgren what do you have to say? I spoke, and he said did I ask for your f##king opinion? After the ass chewing, he put his hand on my shoulder told me of my mistake, but I had pure intentions to help the brigade and thanked me. I loved that man. He truly inspired me.