Brigadier General John Michel here, I'm stopping by on June 30 to speak with you. What questions do you have for me?

General, who are some historical figures who have influenced you? Why?

Brig Gen John Michel - It is a known fact as you have pointed out in your writing that positive leadership can and will lead to positive results. Often when on the battlefield having someone that is calm and as collected as one can be with bullets flying close to your head has made a difference in that unit's success. A prime example I've used to COL Chamberlin during the Battle of Gettysburg while defending Little Round Top. Never once, even has men were running out of rounds did he say the fight was over. Rather as you know, he shifted his battle plan and lead his unit to a successful defense of the far end of the Union line.

Now as a Veteran, I find myself trying to maintain a positive atmosphere about what we are facing. Sure we can focus on what is broken but what do you feel looking back at all your experiences can Veterans do to take this positive leadership into their local community to end some of the negativity that surrounds Veterans' issues?

General, what common themes have you learned about how successful leaders spend "down time?" That is, how do successful leaders relax and recharge their batteries?