When you think about your military career, who among all those who made you who you are today, had the biggest impact on you?

2017-11-22T13:24:30-05:00

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Nov 22 at 2017 1:30 PM

2017-11-22T13:30:20-05:00

For me, I don't know that I can narrow it down to just one. I had the honor to serve under several exceptional NCO's who each made lasting impacts each in their own way.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2017 2:25 PM

2017-11-22T14:25:42-05:00

COL Charles Williams My father was a Captain in the Air Force and gave his life for our country. I was seven, but the time I had with my father had a big impact. I was fortunate to have outstanding leaders during the four years that I served.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Nov 22 at 2017 2:26 PM

2017-11-22T14:26:13-05:00

One man that always stands out in My memory is then TSgt Samual Dickens, who was My supervisor/Flight Chief at Hanscom AFB, MA . I learned more about management, supervision how to make people more productive by You support for them while still keeping control. Praise in public, don't over look others achievement, build team spirit. Problems were taken care of at His level and were corrected and once that had been done You were never reminded of it again as long as it didn't happen again. He wasn't out to sink anyone and if You made a mistake it could be corrected. We knew who was in change, He was but We respected Him and He respected us and all of us would not only do what was expected of us but more because We were motivated and wanted to. Through My entire Military career and even civilian jobs later I found what I learned from Him served Me well the rest of My Life. I learned more from Him than any other human being I've ever had contact with. He retired from the USAF as a MSgt. I did learn other things esp through USAF schools such as their Managment School, Senior NCO Academy and other courses but the real basis started with one of the best Supervisors I've ever had, Military or Civilian. Samual Dickens and came at a key time in My upward progress as a Junior NCO. This doesn't discount some other very fine Officers and NCOs I also served with and also proved to be very positive experiences as well and still added to My learning as I rose in position and rank. Sgt Dickens though have paved the way to assist it that climb and I often though of Him when leading people Myself and knew His approach worked well for Him and proved to work well for me and those I worked with or for or supervised. This proves one Man can have a very positive impact on others.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Nov 22 at 2017 3:36 PM

2017-11-22T15:36:51-05:00

Master Sergeant Joseph W Cable.
He also happened to be my father.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2017 3:45 PM

2017-11-22T15:45:26-05:00

In the positive aspect: CSM (RET) Terrance Murphy; SGT (Vet) Mark Casini; SGM Robert Ryan; CSM (RET) Stephen Carroll; 1SG (RET) Howard Arnette; and many others

In the negative aspect (regarding what NEVER to do): Professional decorum declares I not state their names.

Response by 1SG Bill Farmerie made Nov 22 at 2017 4:29 PM

2017-11-22T16:29:14-05:00

It was quite a few of my NCOs during my career. My first section sergeant in Germany (2nd duty station) really took some time with me and truly taught me to shoot. He had previously been on the competition team for the Army. I had some 1SGs that truly led by example which I emulated when I became a 1SG. Even some of the terrible NCOs I dealt with, I learned something from. I tried to learn something from everyone, and it must have worked as I retired after 21 years

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Nov 22 at 2017 4:32 PM

2017-11-22T16:32:57-05:00

The biggest impact was caused by my PSG when I was a PFC. He was by all accounts the worst person I've ever met, but the best NCO I ever had. He expected perfection at work. He was mean to everyone; subordinates, peers, superiors, and even his own family. That being said, he knew more about soldiering than anyone and wouldn't allow outsiders to fuck with his platoon regardless of their rank. We had one standing order with him, "Don't be a pussy!". When I became an NCO, I modeled my leadership style after him. I even mandated that my soldiers be able to break down and reassemble a M2 to the 20 level with a blindfold, like he did with me. He also put more importance on performance and position than rank. I had seen SGTs get relieved on the spot and replaced with SPCs if they weren't up to his standard.

Response by MSG Richard Cooper, PMP, SIPM, CMAS made Nov 22 at 2017 4:42 PM

2017-11-22T16:42:31-05:00

CSM (RIP) David Sims, CSM Joe Dennison, COLs Harley Davis, Krause and LTC Bill Davis. All from 5th SFGA a.k.a. The V Legion.
V/r
Dick

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Nov 22 at 2017 5:45 PM

2017-11-22T17:45:59-05:00

The one person that changed my way, was a CWO3, showed the errors of my ways, and set me on a better path.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Nov 22 at 2017 6:01 PM

2017-11-22T18:01:09-05:00

COL Charles Williams My former Commander John P Edwards (RET) Colonel when I was stationed in Chievres AFB 1977 to 1980 as an E-5 had the biggest impact on me and my career. After spending 9 years enlisted and reaching the grade of SSG/E-6 MAJ Edwards at the time was the biggest influence, mentor, and coach that motivated me to go to OCS and get my commission. After that I sought his guidance up to LTC and Battalion Command. Then I called him when I got promoted to COL and thanked him for his inspiration! That is MAJ Edwards on the reenlisting me for another three years at SHAPE Headquarters, Belgium!

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 22 at 2017 7:32 PM

2017-11-22T19:32:46-05:00

Reflecting on 34 years in serving the various uniforms of the US Army makes it challenging to determine who made the biggest impact on me COL Charles Williams.
Hands down I expect my father had the greatest impact since he imparted a strong work ethic, a love for learning and a respect for each and every other person independent of race, ethnic background, creed, etc.
In the military I served under great leaders including Wayne Downing, R.S. Siegfried, Mitch Stevenson and so many more. I also learned much from the NCOs and soldiers I served with and led over the decades. Here is an image of my dad, Bernard John Ford, who died on October 10, 1995. This image and the others are from an alcove in his honor at the University of Pennsylvania.
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. Capt Seid Waddell Capt Tom Brown Maj Marty Hogan SFC William Farrell SSgt Robert Marx SSgt Private RallyPoint Member TSgt Joe C. SGT John " Mac " McConnell SP5 Mark Kuzinski SPC Private RallyPoint Member SrA Christopher Wright PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SP5 Robert Ruck SCPO Morris Ramsey SPC Margaret Higgins SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Nov 22 at 2017 7:51 PM

2017-11-22T19:51:24-05:00

The first person I met getting off the bus at the reception area Ft Lewis WA.1965 for the first day (really middle of the night) of BCT a certain SFC Aubrey Smith my platoon sergeant during training and in Vietnam ,it would take me pages to fully explain how this NCO changed my life,for the better of course.

Response by CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. made Nov 22 at 2017 10:03 PM

2017-11-22T22:03:23-05:00

My story is a bit different than the ones here. I grew up in a Catholic Orphanage in the late 50s - early 60s with a good work ethic and reverence for truth, honor and respect. (Sister Mary Josette and her cricket bat taught me the respect part on my 3rd point of contact). Because of that I was more than a bit of a loner , a self-starter and a tenacious finisher. At about 9 years service as a SP6 I began looking into the possibility of being a Warrant Officer. Several people encouraged me but my boss at that time, CW2 Giblin and I didnt exactly see eye to eye. When I broached the subject with him in hopes of a letter of recommendation if reluctantly; he said “don’t bother applying. You wouldn’t survive a year as a Warrant.” I put my ambitions away for a while but was more determined than ever to make Warrant. About a year later Giblin was replaced by a CW4 who took a different view if me, encouraged me to apply and even sat on my selection board. Less than 90 days after my board I pinned in WO1 and PCS’ed to my first assignment in Turkey. Ultimately I became my MOSs ONLY MW4, and its first CW5 with 33 years active service and near a quarter century as a Warrant. Giblin retired as a CW3. So you see, it was the challenge to my capabilities that drove me to success. Until you asked this question I really resented Giblin. But many years later he may have been just what I needed at exactly the time I needed it even if it wasn’t Giblin’s intent.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Nov 22 at 2017 10:22 PM

2017-11-22T22:22:42-05:00

I was in my 7th year of service and considering separating but I had a boss who convinced me I could make a difference. I will never forget his faith in me.

Response by SGT Dick Johnson made Nov 22 at 2017 11:53 PM

2017-11-22T23:53:35-05:00

No doubt about it...SSG Cheek, my DI in basic training at Ft. Jackson. He was tough as nails, tough on us, but fair. I will never forget that man as long as I live.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Nov 23 at 2017 12:49 AM

2017-11-23T00:49:50-05:00

Blizzards. It does not take to many Blizzards before it is clear getting an education might help getting away from Blizzards.
If I never see a Blizzard again, it will be too soon. However, it is hard for the enemy to watch you during a ^^^^ing Blizzard.

Response by A1C Ian Williams made Nov 23 at 2017 2:18 AM

2017-11-23T02:18:27-05:00

I would have to say my NCOIC. He and I rarely saw eye-to-eye and it has been a rocky road for the both of us. Nevertheless, that Master Sergeant believed in me and kept pushing me to be a more effective leader. He saw something in me and wanted to polish it up so I would see it too. Thanks to him, I did and continue to grow as a leader.

Response by SFC Dave Beran made Nov 23 at 2017 4:31 AM

2017-11-23T04:31:48-05:00

I would undoubtedly say my first Division Commander. MG Hank "Two Gun" Emerson. 2ID Camp Caseys Korea. He did everything he expected of us. Including running 5 miles everyday. I was proud to have served under him.

Response by PO1 Tony Holland made Nov 23 at 2017 6:12 AM

2017-11-23T06:12:14-05:00

My father, a Navy mustang LDO LT.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Nov 25 at 2017 1:22 PM

2017-11-25T13:22:09-05:00

I'd have to go with my wife by a long shot. She's always been everything I'm not. On the MIL side, there were several that probably nobody else nowadays would know. They all had one thing in common though. They were able to convey that it isn't about you and humility is the feeling you're supposed to have when you're promoted. Got into that habit early. Keeps you focused on taking care of people.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Nov 27 at 2017 3:56 AM

2017-11-27T03:56:12-05:00

I was fortunate to meet one Apollo astronaut while at USAF OTS, and another at a lecture after idmgottem off active, years later. When I'd been in Army ROTC, before USAF, my PMS and sevl of my APMS faculty were Vietnam war heroes, my PMS introduced me to serious military history, I did a paper for him on wargamimg, I got the AUSA Army ROTC mil history award for Spring 78 for my unit due to his direct influence. I also had a chance to sit with the CO of unit for nearly an hour once. I'd read only yrs later that he'd flown 150 combat missions as an O-2 FAC in Vietnam, which, rememnering quite vividly the sheer overwhelming raw power of the man, he was O-6, and had just made O-7, though he hadn't yet pinned on, I was, on reading that, totally speechless, my jaw hung slack for sevl mins, I assure all of you. When I was Army ROTC, my unit also trained a good deal at West Point, which also never left me. Last, I also commissioned one of my brothers when he finished Kings Point. My Dad was Navy in the Carribean during Korea, one of my uncles was a radio operator for Gen. Eisenhower, whom he met later and did in fact remember him slightly, also, which was pretty neat, and one of my Mo!'s first cousins was Army armor in Germany during the Cold War in the late 1950s or early 1960s. My wife's Dad got a Bronze Star in France with Gen. Patton during WW2 for Charing a minefield, he stepdad was Navy destroyer escort combat during WW2 and Korea in the Pacific, and my late brother in law was a KC-135 mechanic and refuel boom operator, I think, under SAC, in USAF, during Vietnam, though we don't think he was in country at all. I hope that gives some idea, hope was of interest, many thanks.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2017 9:46 PM

2017-12-03T21:46:47-05:00

My first company commander...Col. Samuel C. Raines, AUS (Ret.) and CSM Wilbur G. Bivens. I would gladly go to hell and back for either of these 2 Soldiers. They were the epitome of what real leaders are.

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Dec 3 at 2017 10:08 PM

2017-12-03T22:08:59-05:00

The one soldier in my experiences that I was most fond of and having warm memories was SFC E6 Ollie V. Hales of South Carolina. He had been my platoon sergeant in the 206th Signal Co. at Forts Gordon and Bragg for more than four years. He was a Korea War veteran and a soft-spoken and easy-going man who had become my close friend and confidant. Unfortunately, he had a drinking problem and was mustered out of service having 19 years in. I lost track of him and had learned a few years ago he had passed away. It saddens me that I was not in contact with him after he left the service.

Response by 1SG Leon Espe made Jan 7 at 2018 6:27 PM

2018-01-07T18:27:46-05:00

Corporal Alvin Cooper, a survivor of the Bataan Death March during WW2 was our temporary PT instructor at Fort Bliss, TX in 1949 and also my Squad Leader. During a 30 mile hike in the Franklin Mountains near El Paso, TX I fell out at the 28th mile. Coop came over to me and asked me if I could take just one more step. I said I thought I could so he told me to stand up and try it. I took one more step and Coop said, "repeat". I took another step and Cpl Cooper told me to keep on taking one more step as long as I could. I finished the 30 mile hike. The real story came about a year later at the Battle of Chosin during November and December in North Korea 1950. One night in 35 below zero weather (not wind chill) I found myself becoming immobile from the cold. I tried to move around to keep from freezing but I knew I was losing that battle so I started to head for the Aid Station that I had seen about a mile back. I had stumbled about half way when I could no longer stay on my feet. I kept falling and getting back up and each step was getting smaller and slower. My face, hands and bottom half of my body were already froze and staying awake was a major effort. Then I remembered the 30 mile hike back in Texas and Corporal Alvin Cooper with his "take one more step and repeat". That is what I did all the rest of the way to the Aid Station. When I got there I had crawled the last 30 to 50 feet. The Medics put me in a portable rubber tub and hauled snow in from outside the tent and covered me with snow and kept adding snow as it melted. About 6 hours later a Doctor determined my left foot had to be amputated because it was still black whereas the rest of my lower body had turned blue and was gradually becoming pink. Incoming wounded delayed that surgery and when they got back to me my left foot had turned a light blue with pink beginning to show. My feet have given me trouble since that day but at 85 I am still walking on them although it feels like my feet are big chunks of wood I have learned to compensate. Thanks to Corporal Alvin Cooper I still have my feet and my life.

Response by CPO David Sharp made Feb 10 at 2018 11:56 AM

2018-02-10T11:56:38-05:00

I was privileged to have had many outstanding Brother Chiefs and Officers in my career. Three who come to the forefront was a Master Gunnery Sgt. who was an instructor in the school of infantry. Well versed and a great instructor. It was the first time I heard the adage "when in doubt, empty the magazine, better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6". There was much more, but that hit home. Two others were Master Chief Mullholland and CDR. Rios from NMCB 5.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Feb 11 at 2018 4:19 PM

2018-02-11T16:19:44-05:00

I had a Drill Sergeant in OSUT at Ft. Benning named Yves Guillame. He was at least 6’5”, Haitian and the biggest POS. He hated white people, and delighted in calling us from the South “crackers” and “honkeys.” In addition, he played favorites with the black troops. He was very proud of the fact his dad was a General in the Haitian armeee. I swore never to be a clown in fatigues like he was.

Response by SSG Norbert Johnson made Feb 11 at 2018 8:37 PM

2018-02-11T20:37:32-05:00

Drill SSG Armijo, Ft Lewis Washington, 1970. My Basic Training Drill Instructor SSG Armijo, we called him Army Joe and he was a poster child of morality, ethics, perseverance and dedication to a cause. It was his influence that pushed me from a low level high school graduate, bumping on the bottom of academia to the level of Honor Student in College. He impressed upon me the desire to overcome and defeat any obstacle that impaired career progression. Endeavor to succeed is what he taught. Adapt and overcome is the pursuit, and to achieve the objective is the prize. That thought process is what has helped me succeed in each endeavor I attempted in life.

Response by MSG Charles Turner made Feb 11 at 2018 9:27 PM

2018-02-11T21:27:54-05:00

I cannot remember his Name but he was a CSM at the 71st Maintenance Battalion at Merrell Barracks in 1982. He was gruff and growled like most of the old Combat Arms Senior Non Coms did in my day. But this NCO's NCO wore the Congressional Medal of Honor. I was in the unit for quite a while before I discovered this. We had a Command Inspection and he was doing the Class A stand by (you Locker) w/ Full TA50 Layout. I was with my Troops and when he walked up. I was reporting when I Looked at his Ribbon row and THERE IT WAS THE CSM! I Snapped out a SALUTE! He has a sheepish Grin and Sad Good Job Turner, Returned my Salute and said be at Ease Soldier. The Inspection went as it goes, mostly good but items pointed out to correct. At the End, he complemented several soldiers and told me to correct what needed to be. Then he asked where I has seen the CSM before, I told worked with a Vietnam soldier that one. To me, the way he carried himself (His Tact and Bearing) made me want to be like him. The MAN got more done by showing of RESPECT than any I served with in my Career.