Who was the last individual you Mentored/Coached/Inspired? Where are they today?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 10:01:50 -0400

RP Members and Connections who have you inspired lately or in the past, mentored (or still mentoring), or coached to the next level of their Career?

Each of us has worked with many individuals (as leaders) to get them to the next level - Tell us about what you've done and where that individual is today?

I've been mentoring a young Captain since 2005, who deployed with my Brigade in 2005, and who I continue to mentor, be there as a sounding post, and inspire him to reach for the highest levels today. He is now a Lieutenant Colonel and still going strong! There are many others and some here on RallyPoint that I'm workign with today!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Sep 18 at 2016 11:20 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 11:20:31 -0400

Still going on, COL Mikel J. Burroughs. I work in financial services and one of the young advisors is a first lieutenant in the TNARNG. We get together about every two weeks for drinks. Granted, there are a few tall tales told, but that's to be expected! However, he still asks for my opinion on occasion, and sometimes I make a suggestion or two, whether he asks me or not!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Sep 18 at 2016 11:26 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 11:26:53 -0400

Probably the one that had the most impact was a twice passed over for O-6 CDR that I leaned into to exit under his own terms, not the Navy. I then challenged him with critical work. Bottom line, he made O-6 on the third look (pretty much unheard of) and wound up being hand picked by the Army to fill the Oil Sector Chair slot in Iraq. He worked to restore oil production pretty much everywhere. He retired under his own terms and never looked back. And like many before and since, he made sure his translator got a start in the States.

Response by SrA William Giraldi made Sep 18 at 2016 12:10 PM

SrA William Giraldi — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 12:10:56 -0400

By far the best mentor I had was when I was assigned to A Btry, 1-9 FA (2 BCT, 3rd ID) in late spring 2006. SGT Wise was a hell of a great soldier with high ambitions; always urged told me to stick to what I believed in and fight for what is right morally. On his last deployment, he suffered a severe back injury where he sustained 3 herniated discs and 3 or 4 fractured vertebrae and was later recommended for a medical board at JB San Antonio.

I was able to assist him on his medical board since I went through the process myself and worked as a medical board liaison for Human Resources Command at then Fort Dix, NJ. I was able to reciprocate the mentoring of being in uncharted and unfamiliar territory. He has called me up numerous times regarding nightmares and issues with his PTSD. I convinced him to not take his medications as they made him so doped up, he couldn't even function as a parent - I became his support when he needed it most.

Today, SGT Wise is a nursing student at UT-Austin and is on his way to completing his BS in Nursing so as to provide his son with a better life. It's a relief to know that my efforts and his perseverance has gotten him so far.

Response by SFC George Smith made Sep 18 at 2016 1:04 PM

SFC George Smith — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 13:04:09 -0400

My fraternity brothers Daughter...
She went to physical therapy schools ... and in May she will become Dr. Lauren.... Physical Therapist

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Sep 18 at 2016 8:24 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 20:24:08 -0400

My gorgeous autistic (Facebook) daughter-after I had substantially helped her one day-wrote me the following COL Mikel J. Burroughs:
"If mummy could be by my side through thick and thin...to be there for me when I am not doing well...to talk me down to where I'm back to level emotion wise..."
This particular 'daughter' of mine-with whom I have also spoken on the phone-lives on the East coast; whereas I live on the West.
I was unbelievably-needless to say, Mikel-touched: by what my 'daughter' had written.
-Best Regards, Margaret

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 18 at 2016 8:35 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 20:35:36 -0400

Most of the people I have been mentoring over the past 10 years are Christian men walking through financial, health, marital and parenting crises and long-term problems COL Mikel J. Burroughs. Some of these are military veterans and many are not - two military veterans died in the past year in the groups I participate in and mentor.

Response by CPT Tom Monahan made Sep 18 at 2016 9:14 PM

CPT Tom Monahan — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 21:14:10 -0400

I work as a volunteer mentor to students and young adults connected to WVU. I had one young man come up to me after our win over Missouri who told me how much he approximates my grooming him for the "real world". He was a top mining engineering major and is now a small open pit mine GM. He thanked me for teaching him how to lead vs what he learned in engineering. As a GM he sees that leadership is his primary duty. The beer that followed tasted great!

Response by SPC Mathew Brady made Sep 18 at 2016 10:11 PM

SPC Mathew Brady — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 22:11:51 -0400

A local track athlete tore her ACL playing football, days later a scholarship letter came from Yale and she was down and thought her career was over and her life was done. I put her on the phone with a buddy of mine that almost died bull riding and after a lengthy recovery he heads to compete for his second world championship in November to let her know that any things possible if you work hard and let he body heal right. Now she messages me daily updates and wants to go to Vegas to watch him compete too but her surgery won't allow her so we promised to FaceTime her every ride. Veteran or not sometimes you have to just not use your expirences and draw off a buddies willing to talk about his to perk someone up and give them hope

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2016 7:54 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 07:54:43 -0400

There are too many to list. The last one was a shipmate who was re-assigned because she got pregnant, but she still got to 3rd class and has a wonderful time with her hubby and baby. She got orders over in Hawaii and said she's having the time of her life, lol.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Sep 22 at 2016 11:17 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 11:17:04 -0400

I've got a Marine whose previous leaders have failed him. He was deficient in his job performance because of the lack of training. I took him under my wing and gave him every bit of knowledge I could provide. Now he's acting more like an NCO. Teaching his own Marines how to do their jobs. He's got more confidence. He's still a work in progress, but he's shaping into being a leader in his own right.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2016 4:33 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 16:33:29 -0400

Not the last, but, the first of my civilian career. Where is he today? He eventually took the job I left and then was promoted further to hold that responsibility for several other sites at the same time.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Sep 25 at 2016 1:06 PM

Maj Marty Hogan — Sun, 25 Sep 2016 13:06:26 -0400

I try to make this morning everyday thing. Several I served with in my former office are mid career NCOS. Those I am currently working with are about the same. I try to help them navigate their dual status careers and honestly learn from them as well. The ANG has a bright future if we can retain many of them.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Sep 25 at 2016 6:03 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sun, 25 Sep 2016 18:03:08 -0400

Worked with a young lady years ago on taking care of people with handicaps, she now works for a local adult care facility. She is a very compassionate person with these people.

Response by SFC Craig Dalen made Sep 26 at 2016 12:22 PM

SFC Craig Dalen — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 12:22:17 -0400

Still doing it everyday Sir!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2016 5:47 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 17:47:40 -0400

No one military related. In my business, I coach/mentor about 1/2 dozen people right now. My goal is to have 40 and of that 40 spend the most time with 9-10 people.

Response by MAJ Milton P. made Oct 4 at 2016 1:23 PM

MAJ Milton P. — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 13:23:38 -0400

Female 1LT, don't know how much I mentored or inspired her I know she made me a better leader, by not being afraid to tell me to let the troops do more and when I was out of line (had broken wrist that caused a lot of pain an allowed very little sleep at the time). She is now an LTC and BN commander.

That of course does not count Teaching Special Ed Math and Science for 13 years since I retired from the Army and being a Boy Scout Scoutmaster and Venture Crew Advisor. Sever of my students went in to the military and several went on to college and a few have graduated from college. I hope my interaction with them had something to do with those decisions. I am still trying in the class room

Response by Sgt Dallas D'Angelo-Gary made Oct 4 at 2016 2:42 PM

Sgt Dallas D'Angelo-Gary — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 14:42:32 -0400

Not much in the military, since I was just a youngster back then. However, I was Lay Leader of two churches (ten years each), and taught Adult Bible Classes for over 20 years. During this time, I was a Master Automobile Technician. I have several ex-coworkers come back to the shop and tell me that I had inspired them in a life-changing way, simply by my lifestyle (I was surprised and pleased). Two of them have entered the ministry.

Response by Sgt William Straub Jr. made Oct 6 at 2016 11:41 AM

Sgt William Straub Jr. — Thu, 06 Oct 2016 11:41:53 -0400

In my job as a VP there are a few veterans that I have tried to give extra time and effort. I have found that almost without exception, the veteran will give more effort, more interest, and more dedication to the job. It does help that I have worked my way up through the company and also being a veteran gains me more respect for my views. Though they are OEF and IF vets, they still respect an old Southeast Asia vet. I enjoy the interaction and have become the to to man in the organization for the vets.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2016 8:43 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 08:43:08 -0500

My children. They are grown and gone. The World is picking up where I left off but I hope that their Mother and I did our best to prepare them. They both have solid careers; our daughter is a Professor and our son is in Legal Ops with a major national firm. We're just waiting to see which one has a basement for us to move into first and then it's video games and party time.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2016 2:23 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Nov 2016 02:23:06 -0500

I'm a Crisis Interventionist at a Special Education school and Residential Facility. I have mentored thousands of individuals . Many from broken homes or have been in trouble many times. You guide them through knowledge , experience and life experiences. Many are thankful and many are hard headed to the point where incarceration occurs and than realize what I said was true. Some learn the hard way due lack of positive role models in their lives. You have to let them know u are not giving up on them and some
U have just let go.

Response by MAJ Alan Reiter M.A. made Dec 2 at 2016 5:12 PM

MAJ Alan Reiter M.A. — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 17:12:02 -0500

In 1996 I was promoted to Bureau Chief with the NYS Division of Parole. A newly hired young Parole Officer was assigned to my bureau and during the four years I was assigned to Bronx County I mentored this young Officer. I was subsequently reassigned to Kings and Queens county in NYC as a Bureau Chief and then in 2005 I retired. Yesterday I received a FB friend request from this Officer and after reestablishing contact and reconnecting with her she expressed how grateful for the training guidance and help she received while assigned to my Bureau. She further told me that she had thought about working for me through the years and considered her first assignment with my Bureau the foundation of her career. She also told me that she is only four years away from retirement and asked if she and her husband can get together with my wife and myself. We are now in the process of setting up those details.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2016 11:56 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 11:56:04 -0500

My oldest son. Who was diagnosed with high functioning autism/ Asbergers at a year and three months old. I have patented two inventions based of his physical and mental delays. Now he is only six, a jr hacker, speaks fluent in English and Spanish and has picked up German on his own and also is fluent in ASL English and Spanish. I continue his and his brothers basic Artison skills at home on my families ranch with building, basic property chores, growing and raising our groceries, some age appropriate equipment operations. But I still like them to go to public school to gain the necessary social skills as well. When he turns 8 I will teach him muddling (concrete), masonry, and possibly welding. I may till 10 for welding. Depends on his level of maturity at that time.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2016 11:27 AM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Dec 2016 11:27:00 -0500

My reserve unit just got a new soldier who signed his initial contract, and started attending drills as an observer before he ships to basic training.

Unfortunately, motivation in the unit is few and far between. Most soldiers that this recruit would be side by side with carry around an attitude that says what we do here doesn't matter and display a work ethic that says do as little as possible and go home.

I couldn't help but think this is a terrible way to start your military career, and made it my business to be the middle man between him and anything military. I made him shadow me on drill weekends, asked him to refer to me with any personal or professional problems, have frequent discussions with him regarding his goals etc....

I saw an INSTANT change in his attitude. He started out basically just showing up and going through the motions, and wound up aggressively chasing additional MOS training so he can be ahead of the game at AIT, stayed on top of his physical fitness, and even started asking about hooah hooah schools like airborne and air assault, which he previously swore he had zero interest in. This attitude even trickled into his civilian education. He started taking college seriously and showing some serious ambition.

The ending of the story.....he got a promotion to E-2 in basic training, and is currently first in his class in AIT both in academics and physical fitness. A little bit of motivation goes a long way.

Response by LTC Orlando Illi made Dec 10 at 2016 12:50 PM

LTC Orlando Illi — Sat, 10 Dec 2016 12:50:00 -0500

A GS-13 Engineer that was my Chief of Automation Security when I was a GS-15 Deputy Product Manager for the Army Medical Communications for the Combat Casualty Care (PM-MC4) program from 1999 until my retirement in 2014. She is now a GS-15 Product Manager

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Jan 25 at 2017 10:23 AM

SFC Jim Ruether — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 10:23:45 -0500

Honestly I feel that I have been mentored on RP by many of you and I am flattered that you took the time to school me when I screwed up.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Jan 25 at 2017 10:39 AM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 10:39:36 -0500

Trained a Cook who was thrown aside.. they said it was failure to adapt.. "horse apples" I said.. give him to me.. I found out he was dyslexic.. they still wanted to separate him for "good of the service"...
I got him into a reading/comprehension
Program on base at base education. I worked with him toundedstand his CDCs
(Career dev. Crse). Made flash cards..
First asked him the questions and later
Gave answer and he gave me the question... the CDCs end of vol. tests were closed book then like the EoC. It was more dificult, not as many carracature drawings back then.. I thought it stupid they made EoC test open book test.. I got his days to be same as mine so I could work with him better to do the work.. just for a while.
He got better and got his 5 level also before end of enlistment.. on his own, stood back, I was there if he needed me.
Before when I was off and he worked, they had Hume doing grunge details.. scouring burn't pots they burnt.. no cooking at all.. I turned that into a lesson; what they were doing wrong..
and why it burned up.. and I explained
How to prevent it.. he turned into a quick
Study.. he just did 4 yrs. got a job at a VA hospital where he lived, he wrote me back.. he didn't like it he told me.. they railroaded the cooking process and the food tasted like s'thing somebody got at a greasy spoon.. he said he did what he could but they always stopped him and took a short-cut.. got out of there and got a job a nice family restaurant and a chef there seen he had "promise" and worked with him.. he got a job at a resort out west.. it's not owned by the
National parks and does greAt business
In off season also.. I've trained others and I think he turned out being one of the best results..

Response by SSG Robert Spina made Jan 25 at 2017 1:19 PM

SSG Robert Spina — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 13:19:31 -0500

My children they all turned out to to responsible adults I am proud of all 4 of them

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 2:54 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 14:54:02 -0500

Brian Yeager he is a Texas state trooper now

Response by GySgt Melissa Gravila made Jan 25 at 2017 3:08 PM

GySgt Melissa Gravila — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 15:08:14 -0500

When I was still with DOC, at a juvenile facility, I had an inmate and his family had screwed him over royally (relative left him some money and land, he was a minor- parents were drug fiends stole it out from underneath him) he ended up in prison. He told me 1 day he wanted to learn culinary, so I made him a cook, started giving him literature and teaching him different things in the kitchen. That was about 8 years ago now, he got paroled, started doing an internship at a high end restaurant, and is now a soux chef. He made something of himself, I couldn't be prouder! I still hear from him every once in a while. :)

Response by LTC Wayne Brandon made Jan 25 at 2017 5:23 PM

LTC Wayne Brandon — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 17:23:29 -0500

I mentored my daughter through much of her progression in the AF (until her ETS in 2010) and continue to mentor my son, SSG (P) Chris Brandon who is entering his 16th year of service. (4 with the USMC - the remainder with the Army)
The military system for the career service member, is a complex matrix requiring a delicate application of both 'ticket-punching' and 'been there, done that' experiences. The key is knowing what is critical to your career objectives, what is good to have and what is just nice to have on your record, then pursuing that which is of the greatest benefit and provides you with a broad scope of how the army works and your role in each of the levels you wish to attain, understanding that you must seize on and master at least one discipline.
While the Army has changed considerably since my retirement (a fact of which I am frequently reminded) it is still the Army. Programs, policies, practices and procedures may change, but when you look beneath the veneer, one can readily recognize the DNA of old school army and suddenly the new stuff becomes more easily understandable.
With that said, he has followed some of my guidance (some reluctantly) and gone his own way in other matters and that is okay. He was raised to be an independent thinker and in the end it is not about whether he takes my advice and lives every element of it; it is that he gets the idea and forms his own path with the foreknowledge of where the career booby traps and political pitfalls are located so as to avoid them to the extent possible.
I'd like to think that to some extent my input has served him well.

Response by SSgt Clare May made Jan 25 at 2017 9:09 PM

SSgt Clare May — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 21:09:04 -0500

Honestly....I lost count. i recon it also depends on if you count negative mentoring as a positive issue... i.e. Arresting a drunk, removing him or her from the roads wasn't mentoring... it was all me about being the honest bastard that stopped them from killing another human being. I recon you could call it "Negative Reinforcement Via Steel Bars and Fingerprinting" while you slept it off in a concrete cell bed and floor, before you saw the judge the next working day.

In my best year, I grabbed 54 in an agency that had a grand total of 98 for that same entire year. Recon I set the bar far too high on a three month rotation between shifts...meaning only 4 months on graveyard shifts, coupled with only 16 weekends working the Friday and Saturday night fights with a bar closing time at 1:45am... or... 32 working days of high traffic potential and netting 54 drunks.

When asked why I worked so hard... the answer was easy... because they didn't. I did not make any friends that day either... and following it up with, a response to the same question when posed to me "I am only one man, look at what I have done".

You go to your first fatal DWI... if that don't move you to do something... your in the wrong job maynard. I've been to more fatal DWI's in my lifetime to last me 17 lifetimes. If I could stop just one...I did what needed to be done that others neglected to do efficiently and effectively.

It's not the same as the battle field... but the emotional toll it takes is the same...if not even more damaging to a honest person's soul. In the field as a street cop, you're witnessing people you know, killing people... you knew. Grandfathers and Grandmothers, sisters, brothers, husbands and wives and children... schoolmates... Uncles... Aunts... Cousins... killing cousins. All over one too many.

Trust me...few ever walked without a plea deal...and none found innocent. However...the son of one of the drunks became a rookie in my agency, and he told me that that changed his father's perception on family.

While serving one of my troop's at Kirtland AFB, he made E5 before I did, his first time testing. On leave, I ran across him in the BX... he was happier than shit with me for some reason...lol.. I never kept track of them...I did the job as a trainer-supervisor, sometimes setting an example that was over any expectation. Made few friends, (I count them using one finger BTW), I made a lot of car insurance brokers richer tho... never met one of them I liked.

So maybe that's why I'm posting on here COL Mikel J. Burroughs. Maybe...I'm still mentoring from my computer to any potential candidates that want to not only serve our nation as a military patriot... maybe I'm hoping the next rookie street cop will do better than me.

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made Jan 25 at 2017 10:48 PM

SPC Douglas Bolton — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 22:48:36 -0500

My mentoring was done in civilian life. While teaching at a Middle school, and was on lunch duty roaming the outside, I saw a big ring of students gathering around two kids that looked like they were getting ready to fight. One of them was a severely handicapped kid I had in one of my classes. The other kid was a bully and he was pushing my student around. I decided to observe as long as the didn't actually fight. Eventually my handicapped student stepped toward the bully and said, "I am not going to let you control this and let you beat me up. I am walking away." He literally hobbled away while dragging his right leg behind him. The kids went wild and started applauding him. He walked through them, and they patted him on the back as he went through. The bully was booed, and he never bullied anyone after that.

I had him for study hall later in the day, I talked to this little fragile boy and I commended him for his valor. He didn't even know what the word meant, and I explained it to him. He was excited. He said "Mr Bolton, I think you are full of valor, because you help so many kids like me."

That normally would be the end of the story, but many years later I was walking by my old grade school where I went to school, and there was a man walking the other way across the street. He was dragging his right foot. I stopped, and stared, Could this by that student I had way back in middle school?

It was! He saw me and got very excited. He shouted, "Mr Bolton it is me! You inspired me so much I decided I wanted to become a teacher just like you. I am going to Highland school right now to substitute."

This old retired teacher could hardly hold back the tears. I was so proud of him, and proud that I had reached out to him at the right time.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jan 27 at 2017 8:17 PM

COL Charles Williams — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 20:17:30 -0500

The best part of my new career, job COL Mikel J. Burroughs is that I get to do this everyday... I am teacher, and in JROTC, we spend a lot of time with kids. We have 275 kids in our program, and I have all the juniors and seniors... I spend a lot time getting them focussed on life after HS. Our HS has more kids in West Point than any other HS in the USA.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2017 9:39 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 09:39:25 -0500

I still connect with one of my Soldiers who got out the Army. He was a great asset however wanted to do something better with his experience and life. I helped guide him into starting college and setting up a good financial plan while he finished out his contract. He is now a lieutenant working for Jackson County Fire Department. He thanked me about a year ago and told me that my leadership helped him get to were he's at now in life and uses that as a basis for his men now. I felt great knowing I made an impact on him as he would have been an excellent leader within the Army, however, still became that same great leader inspiring men from a different perspective.

Response by MAJ Norm Michaels made Mar 11 at 2017 11:47 AM

MAJ Norm Michaels — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 11:47:50 -0500

We should never stop mentoring young people. I mentor several, a couple in church, and a few that I have met through my job. The young will never forget the moments of guidance that we give them. I have never forgotten my mentor.

Response by SPC Paul C. made Mar 11 at 2017 11:54 AM

SPC Paul C. — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 11:54:31 -0500

The military simply provides the best mentoring and leadership training I have ever experienced anywhere (in my case the Army). I am a veteran who has worked in the civilian world for 25+ years now. I have mentored many young professionals who have since become very succefull, and I use the principles that I've learned in the Army. For those who are new to the military, pay attention, learn as much as you can while you are there, as you will remember it for the rest of your lives. There are many folks in RallyPoint who are still active duty or veterans from many differents era's who have a lot of valuable advice. And by the way, even though I have mentored, I am always seeking new leadership advice. It is a constant learning experience.

Response by SPC Paul C. made Mar 11 at 2017 12:27 PM

SPC Paul C. — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 12:27:37 -0500

I have two kids who are now young adults. As a parent, you are not only a mentor, but also a life coach. I have always given advice and direction when I thought it was needed. Sometimes it was a challenge to keep them out of trouble. But after years of teaching, mentoring, and planting seeds, it is paying off. My son is now a Biomedical Engineer working on medical equipment, and my daughter is on her way to becoming a Physicians Assistant (PA)

Response by SSG Jim Parshall made Mar 11 at 2017 12:40 PM

SSG Jim Parshall — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 12:40:19 -0500

Being honest here, one man in a 12 step program, asked me to be his sponsor. I accepted. We both were recovering, or so I thought. He jumped off a bridge, took his own life. I wonder, daily, how I failed him. I know his death is part of my story and my ongoing recovery.

Response by SMSgt Roger Horton made Mar 11 at 2017 7:23 PM

SMSgt Roger Horton — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 19:23:32 -0500

The individual I mentor and love is my 13 year old Grandson. He spends the weekend with us several times a month . I ask him about school, his interest, and what would he change if he could. I try to be his best friend and guide him on topics he will discuss.

Response by SMSgt Roger Horton made Mar 11 at 2017 7:25 PM

SMSgt Roger Horton — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 19:25:46 -0500

Col. you may not know it but I am one of those. I like what you post and try to garner some wisdom from them. Thank you for all your shares. We're listening.

Response by PO1 Bill O made Mar 11 at 2017 8:29 PM

PO1 Bill O — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 20:29:30 -0500

I have mentored at least 50 people (directly) between military, DOD, and civilian jobs respectfully, and all have turned out just fine. The responsibility of being a leading petty officer and a divisional petty officer, and civilian manager allows rewards for the willing who sacrifice! I know I did my job(s) and there were many, and all mentees were in turn trained. While mentoring all divisional personnel as well plus (100's) of ships complement personnel learning bridge stations and equipment operations, and learning countless new ship system design processes, "teaching" was the force behind mentoring. On 2 ship commands and as a Squad LPO of Security Unit on a master jet base! I was a professional jewelry, and car salesman. I was an LPO as I have said in the past, I never passed along a subordinate without that person being able to do all of my jobs, and all of his or her respected job or rate classifications jobs in order to make rate as well as they progressed forward in their careers. Yeah some folks don't like that type of leadership, but if you would end up having to die for a fellow sailor, I want that sailor to want to have to die for me in turn, and not be forced into that sacrifice, but to do it out of all the tribulations involved with a final decision as drastic as that, a mentors teachings and memories go way beyond the last bell when you are gonged off the brow into the after life! Funny though that trait is hard to find, 78% of after lifers were selfish then, now, still today, attrition nabbed at least 15% and the left overs are still mentoring, even as you read these words, I teach, and mentor!

Response by SFC Don Vance made Mar 12 at 2017 1:55 PM

SFC Don Vance — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 13:55:06 -0400

In the last two years I've reconnected with several of the soldiers that were in my platoon when we deployed to Somalia. Everyone of them that made the army a career retired as an SFC or above and they've all thanked me for the guidance and leadership that I gave them. They also told me that I was instrumental in their professional and personal growth which allowed them to be successful in their careers.
Today, I mentor several veterans as they adjust to the civilian world and deal with their personal demons.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2017 11:21 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 May 2017 11:21:56 -0400

So many inspiring stories here! I remember the great leaders who mentored me. They were all moments rather than long-term, but I think of each of them with fondness. I tried to emulate the situations in which they guided me and be that mentor for my Lieutenants when I was a Company Commander. I made it a point to know every one of my Soldiers' names and speak with as many as I could during each National Guard drill. I miss command.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made May 7 at 2017 12:35 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sun, 07 May 2017 12:35:48 -0400

I mentored a young Police Officer, giving him assignments that required him to acquire skills. When I left he was a Sergeant being promoted to Lt. Then due to domestic problems he threw it all away and went to the east coast

Response by SSgt Terence Crooks made May 7 at 2017 1:42 PM

SSgt Terence Crooks — Sun, 07 May 2017 13:42:52 -0400

Had a young Cpl come to me as a Warehouseman, seasoned but raw, modeled him into a very good NCO and then let him position himself for greater things, he took the bull by the horns as I transitioned on to a different assignment he took what i had taught him and now is a MSgt on his way towards Retirement, i feel honored and have a sense of accomplishments because not only was he a good student at learning but a very dear friend who i will cherish his friendship forever.

Response by SPC Les Darbison made May 8 at 2017 12:51 AM

SPC Les Darbison — Mon, 08 May 2017 00:51:44 -0400

My wife, Son and I have coached over 50 years I would say we made a positive effect on most of the Young man and Women we have coached. Some have come back and visited us saying they now understand the value of commitment, effort, and hard work we tried to engrain in them. One young lady is a Captian in the Air Force. Several are in four-year schools.We've helped some of them get union jobs. We didn't lose one of them to Drugs. We have a family-like relationship with several of them. And that is something that makes our effort worthwhile.