Is there a veteran who significantly influenced your military career that you'd want recognized on Veterans Day?

2016-11-03T08:37:41-04:00

We're crafting an email to RP's membership for Veterans Day, and it'd be great to focus it on a tremendous influence recognized by our community. You've shared so many stories over the past few years, it's been incredible to learn from all of you. If you were to think back through your service now, is there one individual you remember who inspired you, and helped make you who you are today?

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2016 8:57 AM

2016-11-03T08:57:24-04:00

I will be recognizing my grandfather and great-grandfather for this as they both brought me to respect the service and become who I am today, and though my father did not serve any time overseas during his service I will recognize him as well.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Nov 3 at 2016 9:28 AM

2016-11-03T09:28:14-04:00

Can this expand out to a veteran who significantly influenced your civilian career as well?

I think with the number of Veterans in the work force, we can all look back and point out one, two, three or more brothers and/or sisters-in-arms that impacted us not only in the military but after as well.

For example, one person that has impacted me is CSM (r) Bart Womack. CSM Womack was the 1BCT, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) CSM in 2003. He was there to lead us when we got attacked from within and held us together. He's leadership and eventual mentorship to me has greatly impacted me to be not only a better person for myself but for the Veterans I interact with and more importantly to serve as a great example to my kids.

This is but one example, I can ramble on for days about some of the great and amazing Veterans I have the honor of interacting with but I will leave it with these last two. Fellow RP admins, SSG Carlos Madden and SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" have really taken on a role within my life that exceeds the limits of this site. These two men have been great sounding boards for ideas on this not only here on RP but in my personal life as well. We continue to work together to help improve this site and the community's interaction while truly supporting each other as well.

Response by SSG Derek Scheller made Nov 3 at 2016 9:52 AM

2016-11-03T09:52:01-04:00

My father SGT Derek Scheller has always been one of the biggest influences in my life and career.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Nov 3 at 2016 9:53 AM

2016-11-03T09:53:43-04:00

I really did not have a Military career only did a three year enlistment back in the 60s,but I have to say the one person that stands out to me was a certain SFC Aubrey Smith who was my platoon sergeant from basic training through my tour in Vietnam ( long story) anyway he was a true professional and his lessons have stayed with me through out my life.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 3 at 2016 10:11 AM

2016-11-03T10:11:03-04:00

all realities who went before me...

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Nov 3 at 2016 12:35 PM

2016-11-03T12:35:43-04:00

There's two guys who really set me up for success early on during my time in the service and I view them as equally important career wise. 1SG, (later CSM) Alfonso Lee and CSM Anthony Weems, for whatever reason they took an interest at a point when I could have either been an absolute shit bird and fallen in with a band of heathens or a good troop (lifer). Tough no nonsense guys that kept throwing challenges out there to meet, Soldier/ NCO boards, PT, training, missions and shooting events. Learned a ton of stuff quickly and that "competition is against the standard not your buddy".

Response by SGT Linda Moss made Nov 3 at 2016 1:59 PM

2016-11-03T13:59:46-04:00

My DAD.. he was 17 and served in South Pacific in the Marine Corp.. He was the reason I joined the national guard.. I would have become a BAM but they did not have medical corp and that was what I wanted to do. He made me every thing I am today. He taught me honor, duty and integrity. No matter what the job was you did it well and gave it your all.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2016 3:59 PM

2016-11-03T15:59:44-04:00

Well one is CTTCM Raymond Young. He was very smart, creative and appreciated someone to talk to, whether it was for debate or generalized conversation. He made me realize that those who are senior enlisted have gone through things that junior sailors have gone through or will go through. They know and understand the frustrations that can come about and that senior enlisted are there for any support or they can guide us to the right answer. He made me believe that it wasn't about being a bad-ass with anchors. He earned those anchors through hard work and appreciating everyone he came in contact with. He never yelled but he would always get his point across when needed. He held me under his wing until I went to my very first command. He even got me involved with my IW pen and helped me study. He wrote my transfer eval and it almost brought me to tears of how much time he put into it. That there is a well-defined leader and a person with heart.

The other one is still serving and he's CTTCS Jeremy Byrd. My first LCPO that helped guide me and took care of me literally. If he saw me upset he would ask questions, let me get out my frustrations and then he would be there to discuss what maybe the issue and possible ways to make it better. Like CTTCM Young, CTTCS Byrd had a way about him that you can talk to him about your personal issue (I trusted him that much) or with work issues. He would be there to listen. He also had a great since of humor and wasn't afraid that he was wrong or he was sorry. He made me his right hand man; I was there to get a task done and completed without having to ask questions. He treated me like I was a chief; giving me difficult tasks but I was always able to complete them. He nominated me for Blue Jacket of the Quarter and I won! He set me up for success every time I talked to him. When I left the command and he presented me with a department token of appreciation, I saw his eyes get watery; almost made me cry.

These two men are inspirations and they provide me a path to take to get my anchors (with due time). I model my leadership after those two senior enlisted.