As a “slick sleeve” co cdr in OEF I, I had an IN bn cdr tell me as I showed up to assist his unit, “Show me what you can do.” He cared solely about my company’s ability to do the mission & was tenacious about making us part of his team. That stuck with me. Be that guy.

Be the guy who remembered the lonely company in theater with no HQ. Who sent his CSM to check on us. Who gave us better body armor, black fleece, calls home, comfort packs, and a damn seat at the table next to his other co cdrs.

Be the guy who didn’t care what mission I was on, what country I was in- as long as it was where the cdr should be. Be the guy that kept giving both resources and responsibility to the mission/cdr that needed it.

Be the guy who saw me first and always as a soldier and a leader. Who, when his people were injured and needed help, had his staff call me, not because I worked for him (I no longer did) but because he knew I’d go to them and take care of them like they were my own.

Be the guy that later helps get a young officer into a program that creates career opportunities & retains her. Nearly 19 years on & I haven’t forgotten the impact of the LTC who asked me to show him what I could do. He is still serving & I hope I’m still showing him all I can do