Posted on Feb 17, 2020
Who was your greatest mentor or leader who helped shape your career or future success?
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I always think back to who made me the soldier I was to become. My mentor, who more than likely never knew, was SSG Harry Wimbrough, later to become CSM Wimbrough, a CSM of the Old Guard. As an Army Ranger, he taught me to be technically and tactically proficient. As a former member and later CSM of the Old Guard, he taught me the importance of Drill and Ceremony as it relates to military history. It was a privilege to have been in his squad.
Mentor
Training
Drill
Ranger
Infantry
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 15
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SGT (Join to see) I'd have to Say CW3 Robert Payne, CTOCM Robert "Red" Adams and CTOCM Charlie Walters.
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I've been lucky enough to work with a few:
LTC (now COL) Joe Pishock. Probably the most intelligent guy I've worked for, but extremely humble and self-deprecating. He taught me to look at every leadership problem as a challenge, and an opportunity to develop.
CPT( now MAJ) Tom Silio, my first CO CDR as a new 2LT. Instilled in me a love of learning and taught me to always to improve myself.
CPT (now COL) Sean Lester. Inspired and encouraged me to seek a commission when I was a PVT working for him. At the time it seemed like a pipe dream as I didn't even have a HS diploma at the time.
LTC (now COL) Joe Pishock. Probably the most intelligent guy I've worked for, but extremely humble and self-deprecating. He taught me to look at every leadership problem as a challenge, and an opportunity to develop.
CPT( now MAJ) Tom Silio, my first CO CDR as a new 2LT. Instilled in me a love of learning and taught me to always to improve myself.
CPT (now COL) Sean Lester. Inspired and encouraged me to seek a commission when I was a PVT working for him. At the time it seemed like a pipe dream as I didn't even have a HS diploma at the time.
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CWO3 (Join to see)
Outstanding bootstrap program. Friend of mine went MECEP to Moscow ID and I lost track, prob made 05. He came in as PFC when we were SGTs, and within 18 months he was one. Made CPL and SGT by being Marine of the something or other for the entire MCDEC (now MCCDC) Quantico. Got into Avionics before college. Was also building a Harley in his kitchen aboard base housing. Kudos to you Skipper.
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I had several mentors throughout my 40+ years of military, private, and public sector employment. Here's a brief list (not and exhaustive list because I learned a lot from many people I worked with and for):
Lt Col Browing Wharton (later Brig Gen, USAF) encouraged me to develop my leadership abilities in and out of the cockpit. Exercised tough-love leadership at a time when the Air Force was going though post-Vietnam change
Bruce Gumble (Capt, USAF) taught me how to write good reading.
Bob Steadman (LTC, USA Ret) taught me how private sector business works; understanding profit and competition
John Turquette (Lt Col, USAF Ret) taught me about the importance of interpersonal relations; always treated everybody with respect and kindness
Dave McClean (COL, USA) excellent Army leader; had more confidence in me than I had in myself
Too numerous to name Sergeants who taught me how to work with enlisted people giving them proper respect and effective leadership.
Lt Col Browing Wharton (later Brig Gen, USAF) encouraged me to develop my leadership abilities in and out of the cockpit. Exercised tough-love leadership at a time when the Air Force was going though post-Vietnam change
Bruce Gumble (Capt, USAF) taught me how to write good reading.
Bob Steadman (LTC, USA Ret) taught me how private sector business works; understanding profit and competition
John Turquette (Lt Col, USAF Ret) taught me about the importance of interpersonal relations; always treated everybody with respect and kindness
Dave McClean (COL, USA) excellent Army leader; had more confidence in me than I had in myself
Too numerous to name Sergeants who taught me how to work with enlisted people giving them proper respect and effective leadership.
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