What leader changed your life for the better?

2015-04-13T23:18:42-04:00

What leader changed your life for the better? You know, that man or woman who was a true leader of courage and character ? Who cared about those under him or her. The leader you would like to emulate? The one who was humble but commanded the respect of all around him or her? Could be an officer, an NCO, or any MOS.

Mine is COL Andy Hilmes and CSM Alan Hummel . Both were my command team when I served 3-1 Cav, 3ABCT , 3rd ID as Squadron Chaplain. I saw that team care deeply about all Soldiers, even the dirtbags they were releasing. It was amazing. I will say that Hilmes was more 'pastoral' to me than all of my civilian pastors I ever had . That leader continues to be one I would follow anywhere. And he and CSM Hummel are cut from the same cloth. I am an officer but I silently refer to Hummel as 'Sir.' The guy can be tough as nails, but kind as a teddy bear. Both of these men have wives who are dynamic leaders in their own right. These two showed me what is RIGHT with the Army and what is RIGHT with America. I am blessed to know these two leaders.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 14 at 2015 12:53 AM

2015-04-14T00:53:03-04:00

SFC Ernest Young, my PSG when I was young PV2 Dog Handler, told me to always do my very best on every task given, whether the task mattered to me or not. Second, that education (military and civilian) was key to success in and out of the military. Third, you have to manage your own career, and not rely on the Army to look out for you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 3:09 AM

2015-04-14T03:09:03-04:00

Mine have been Sgt Rafael Peralta 1/3rd marines, and sfc micah wellintukonis. There's also a ltcnel, that I only remember his call sign, and it was suicide six. Imagine the stories. He really made us push the envelope come November 8,2004

Response by 1LT Brian Yang made Apr 14 at 2015 1:03 PM

2015-04-14T13:03:38-04:00

SSG Jeff Vaughn. He was my very first platoon sergeant. He took me under his wing and taught me what it meant to take care of soldiers. He made me into the officer I am today.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2018 11:46 AM

2018-03-27T11:46:24-04:00

Chaplain Ross was my one leader. I am in a fantastic unit and I have amazing leaders. Ross was always supportive of a lower enlisted like me, I wasn't like by anyone and he did everything he could to help me. Pushing my ranking ceremony, helping people feel comfortable to come talk to me. He went above and beyond and I will never forget him. HE EVEN DID PT WITH ME. He motivated me to be a HUA soldier I hope everyone finds there own leader.

Response by SFC Keith Frain made Mar 27 at 2018 2:06 PM

2018-03-27T14:06:28-04:00

(Then) 2LT Jeff P. Godwin, our PA; as a prior enlisted Soldier, and Special Forces operator, he believed everyone had potential to become something great. He took me under his wing and pushed me to insane heights in my career. When I began training to go to SFAS (he made me do it); the night before I was to leave he came to see me off, his wife and kids were there, so I had to act like I was stoked beyond reason....He said, "Frain, your going to f'n rip through that school, your an F'n STALLION!" I didn't think he was listening, but I whispered under my breath..."I don't feel like a damn stallion, I feel like a damn pony!" LOL....He burst out laughing and 20 years later he has never let me forget that I said I was a pony!

Response by SMSgt Keith Klug made Apr 10 at 2018 12:34 PM

2018-04-10T12:34:33-04:00

I honestly cannot say just one. I worked for so many great people that helped shape my career and my life, TSgt Cllifton Chilcoat, MSgt Tyrone Watson, MSgt Mark Guest, Lt Col Christopher McClaughlin, SMSgt Stu Cox, MSgt Steven Amitrano, MSgt Gary Samuels, CMSgt Monte Tahvonen, SMSgt Charles Blakeman, Lt Col Montgomery Hand and CMSgt Guy Smith. All of them had a hand in my career making it better.

Response by PO1 Andrew Cabral made Jun 3 at 2018 8:19 PM

2018-06-03T20:19:04-04:00

MCPO James Lowery. I returned to 1st Marine Division after being stationed in the Philippines. I was recommended for administrative separation three times! My greeter, a Navy COO, promised me he would get rid of me ASAP! MCPO Lowery saw something in me that I didn’t. He threw in all his chips and I ended up getting promoted, going to a Navy Class “C” School, eventually retiring after 21 years, 2 months and 12 days of Active Duty. I’ll never forget what he did for me. I also used his mentoring method to help my men in my Battalion in Hawaii. Like him, I was firm, but fair. My life is very different today. Wish you well in your future.

Response by Jerry Rivas made Jun 3 at 2018 8:31 PM

2018-06-03T20:31:51-04:00

My late father. MSG German Rivas-Cortes.

Response by PO3 David Mondello made Jul 5 at 2020 4:29 PM

2020-07-05T16:29:06-04:00

As much as I disliked CWO2 Anthony Battaglia he taught me to never cut corners.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2021 10:13 PM

2021-01-02T22:13:59-05:00

I have three.

The first, and most impactful, was CPT(R) Tarpley, who later became CPT(R) Vesselee. She taught me that conduct and attitude reflect leadership. That patience and understanding yield better results in a subordinate, than being a tight ass all the time. But also that leaders have to learn to adapt as well, and cannot afford to be "stuck in their ways." Every subordinate you have is an opportunity to be better.

The second is SFC Odom. He was my Senior DS when I was in OSUT. He set the example for what a Noncommissioned Officer is supposed to look like. He was hard, but fair. Failure was NEVER an option for him, and he knew EXACTLY what to do to get results.

And the third was CPT West. He showed me all the things that an Officer and a gentleman should NEVER be, and the type of leader one should aspire to outgrow and outshine.

Response by MSgt Robert E. M. made Jun 27 at 2022 6:34 PM

2022-06-27T18:34:00-04:00

My mother, daddy who was in the navy, my stepdad who was a marine, every male in my family tree, and every leader under their command good and bad.