Potential…
After the first six months of battalion command (2-504 PIR), in October 1976, I began to deal with the inevitable company level changes of command that were going to take place across the battalion. At that time, my best rifle company commander was CPT Jack Reed, from Company B. As Jack was preparing to leave command, I was looking for ways to maximize his potential as a troop leader in his next assignment. He was a graduate of the USMA Class of 1971 and obviously had a very bright future. During our counseling session, I wanted to make sure that he was on a path for continued success in his military career.He said to me, “Sir, Thank you very much, but it has been a life-long dream of mine to be a Congressman,representing my home State of Rhode Island. So, I will soon be leaving the Army, to pursue a law degree at Harvard University.” I wished him well.Fifteen years later, I was at my division tactical command post in the Euphrates River Valley, just after the 100-hour ground offensive in Iraq had come to a halt. I opened my mail and found a letter directly addressed to me, from the Congress of the United States. It was from Jack Reed, telling me that he had just been elected as the junior Congressman from Rhode Island and he wanted to wish me and the 82nd Airborne Division all the best during our deployment to the Persian Gulf. The rest is history. Jack Reed is now the senior Senator from Rhode Island, and a ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services.
Senator Reed is an outstanding leader for our nation. I only knew him after his service in the Army and as an elected official from the State of Rhode Island during the later part of my military career. I always found him truly interested and engaged in what was going on with the soldiers and how we were preparing and equipping for deployment. The mark of a true leader, he cares about the people and the sacrifices that they are making for the nation and he wanted to ensure that the soldiers had what they needed to do the job and win at their level.
Frank Landers
That’s an incredible story, James! It just goes to show the immense potential that lies within every soldier. It’s inspiring to hear how you recognized and wanted to maximize CPT Jack Reed’s potential, even though his path led him outside the military. The fact that he went on to become a Congressman and later a senior Senator is truly remarkable. It’s a testament to the diverse and impactful journeys that individuals can undertake. Thanks for sharing this uplifting example!
Ayoub Jobe Younis
This is great Sir, you never know the impact you have on those you seve with.
Juniors, peers and seniors alike are always watching. As leaders, we can also learn a great deal from our subordinates and leaders.
As an Army recruiter, at times, run into people I helped enlist and they tell me of how much the decision of serving has helped then, and thank me for helping them with the process of enlisting in the Army.
Carlos Pagoada
That’s a great story, sir. And…Senator Reed has been a great supporter of a coherent national security strategy. Thanks for letting him go with grace. ATW!
Bob McAleer
Sure wish a lot of leaders would take this lesson to heart. Great example and well presented. AATW, Jim!!
Phil Hallenbeck