While serving in military, of all the people you worked with, was there one particular person who made a significant impact on you?

SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 11:18:17 -0400

We should be so very thankful for that special person that took time out to help mentor us along. The one’s that left you with the wise words of wisdom and guidance. I’ll say for me I thank sincerely MSgt John Hunter what a wonderful friend and mentor.
Peace!

Response by MAJ Don Bigger made Mar 12 at 2018 12:28 PM

MAJ Don Bigger — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 12:28:11 -0400

Great question. Got me to thinking. You’re asking for one individual, but I can’t narrow it down like that. Fortunately, I’ve had a few. When I was enlisted, Maj A. J. Underwood and Lt L. A. Dillman. For some reason both (different times/commands) went the extra step in guiding me, helping with promotions, etc. As a commissioned officer, I had several really good mentors. Col Daniel Rathbun and LTC Kalunki really stand out, but there were several others. My mistake is I didn’t always heed their counsel. I survived, it just made the road a little bumpier on occasion :)

Still, I’ve been very fortunate with the examples and mentoring I had over 21 years in the military, and always tried paying it forward.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2018 2:19 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 14:19:01 -0400

I was fortunate enough to have some excellent mentors along the way; probably too many to list. My first CO, Captain Bill Valentine, was a "Mustang" who taught me a lot about seamanship. Captain Dennis Fitzpatrick, my second CO, put himself on the line many times trying to help me. Captain Gerald Green, my "Boss" in the 'Stan was not only a great mentor, but close friend. Major Chris Fiacco helped me "grow up" a bit, and my former roommate, friend and Blue Angel, Commander Frank Weisser, has always been an example. The list of NCOs, and SNCOs who guided me from Midshipman to LCDR is much, much longer. Chief Bolton, Chief Neinow, "Gunny" Barrega, and certainly not last nor least, my dad, SGT Dale Gillespie, all taught me a great deal.

Picking one would be difficult, if not impossible.

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Mar 12 at 2018 2:59 PM

SFC Greg Bruorton — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 14:59:49 -0400

SFC E-6 (Korean War era) Ollie V. Hales was my platoon sergeant in the 206th Signal Company at Forts Gordon and Bragg. We became fast friends and socialized with our wives. He quickly recognized the training I held in Drill and Ceremonies and instructor capabilities and meted out additional company and platoon assignments that helped me hone those skills. Unfortunately, one-too-many DUIs forced him out of service with 19 years of active duty.

I lost track of him before my 1966 second deployment to the Dominican Republic when he relinquished his platoon duties to an assistant. One day at Fort Bragg I watched from a window as he walked away toward the Orderly Room to learn his fate. I subsequently learned he had died in Augusta, Georgia, on 30 Sep 1998, long after my military retirement.

Lesson learned: I should have made contact through the years with him to solidify a friendship marred by alcoholism.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 12 at 2018 3:59 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 15:59:21 -0400

My Platoon SGT when I was a Tank Platoon Leader.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 12 at 2018 5:36 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 17:36:50 -0400

My first boss in supply, we worked together like a well oiled machine, if I had any problems with something, he always had the answer for the situation. He passed away about 5 years after I went I R R. SFC Fredrick Haas Sr. RIP. 2005.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Mar 12 at 2018 6:51 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 18:51:53 -0400

The first person to come to mind would be my platoon Sergeant who we met coming off the bus that rainy middle of the night start of Basic training.SFC Aubrey Smith was our training NCO through out the ten months we spent in Ft.Lewis and during the ten months and fourteen days I spent as a rifleman in Vietnam,my mentor’s lessons have lasted long after my departure from the Service,a true professional in every way.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2018 8:13 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 20:13:31 -0400

TOP, he always looked after the men in the company, good or bad, called everyone "John", but we all knew who he was talking to, Everyone. At that time, 1st SGT Gainny had 28 years of service, most of it in an Airborne unit.