Monday, June 9, 2008
The Best America Has to Offer
I was enlisted from 1973 to 1976. The Army in those days was remarkably different than today's. The quality of soldiers was not as high as today's. By comparison, soldiers in todays Army are very willing to receive and complete the mission. Share with us some of the remarkable soldiers you have had the honor of serving with.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
1 comment:
When I was a 1st Lieutenant assigned to 1-319th (Airborne) Field Artillery Battalion, 82d Airborne Division I met and worked closely with then Staff Sergeant Michael D. Bruck. He was my leader counterpart when I was assigned as a Fire Direction Officer. How to describe the man? How about confident, determined, goal oriented, intelligent, technically sound and possessed of superior leadership capabilities. And pressure never seemed to affect him, the tougher conditions, the cooler he was. He was one of the very best at taking immature youngsters and turning them into men! I would say that he was uncompromising, knew what was right, and would not relent when it came to accomplishing the mission. In short, he could be relied on.
Besides his leadership skills he was also an authority in his job. As a Fire Direction Non-commissioned Officer I would say that he was one of the very best, not just at understanding the technical details and theory, but he also excelled at applying that knowledge that resulted in superior live fire results on the ground. And it was a pleasure to work with Michael, he was all about business, but also had a sense of fun as well. I don’t think there was anything about fire direction that he did not know.
Michael Bruck is truly a great American. As he told me later in his career when he served as an Army recruiter; “we have the best that America has to offer serving and joining the ranks.” I believed him then, and I am absolutely convinced of that now.
When I first enlisted in the Army in 1973 I still recall how shocked I was. This was an Army of a different character. The recruiting standards were so different then and it not uncommon to find that there were soldiers that refused to be trained or disciplined. But when I think back on my association with Michael I am proud of the quality military we have transitioned to today. Mike, though I thanked you at the time I consider you a mentor, teacher and a truly great leader that illustrates the strength of our nation! Hank
Post a Comment