Who was your Favorite Battalion Commander and/or Mentor? Why?

Col. David Hunt, a magician in the field, a soldiers officer in garrison, all around inspiring leader, if he had said we had a mission, we knew without asking to a man that he would bring us through, we loved the guy, Samurai sword and all.

LTC (now selected for COL) Keith Pruitt, Squadron CDR for 1-1 CAV from 2012-2014. LTC(P) Pruitt is one of those leaders who inspires his men and officers to the point that we would gladly follow him anywhere. Best mentor was MAJ (Ret.) Matt Savoie. He always took the time to teach his subordinates and equip us to succeed.

When I was a 2nd Lieutenant my mentor was Lt Col Ernie Liddle, my Flight Commander. He was a Mustang officer as well, long time physical therapist, and encouraged and allowed me to spread my wings as an officer and physical therapist. His support allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, and opened assignments not usually available for junior officers. I will always be eternally grateful to Lt Col Liddle.

LTC Russell Reiter. The former Commander of the 172nd MMB. While he was the commander, he was cool, easily approachable, funny, and a no bullsh*tter and didn't take any bullsh*t.

LTC Jeanblanc is to date one of the best BN CMD I have come across in my 12 years of service. He was the BN CMD of the 108th STB on our deployment to Kuwait in '14. I wish I could be half the Soldier he is, or at least be looked at like people look at him. He has a stern face and at first appears unapproachable. The truth is, he is a fair and deep man. Still waters don't do this man justice.

I'll go you one better... my favorite division commander was MG Lindsay M. Freeman. He is a personal friend from a neighboring town. He came to see me when I returned from Desert Storm. Great story but too long to post.

Samuel D. Whitfield, Captain at the time, but promoted to Major after I left Pirmasens, Germany. Major Whitfield had been written up in the Overseas Weekly and Stars & Stripes as the "Toughest Battalion Commander in USAREUR. I worked directly under him as his Clerk handling Article 15, Court Marshals, Orders, all separations from the Service, etc. When his Driver was off, I was his Driver. He was the inspiration for me to go into Law Enforcement.

That's easy. That was LTC Guadeloupe Martinez, CO of the 13th Psyop Bn at Ft Bragg in 1967. Hard nosed, no BS guy. First saw me through a window as I was walking up the sidewalk to his HQ and watched when I dropped a troop for push-ups because the kid failed to salute me. Greeted me at the door, stuck out his hand & said "Lt Smith! Welcome to my battalion! Come into my office & tell me about yourself while I get us some coffee!" It was like I could do no wrong. He put me in his S2 shop as an intel analyst and three months later made me his S2. Gave me a chance during an Operational Readiness Test to demonstrate my leadership & subject matter skills, which exposed me to the Group CO, an O-6. The next thing I knew, I was the Group S-2 while still a second balloon. LTC Martinez made that possible. God bless him!