Terri's Tuesday Tip of the Week - November 9th

When you become a leader you give up the right to think about yourself. – Gerald Brooks

 The most important thing I learned is that soldiers watch what their leaders do. You can give them classes and lecture them forever, but it is your personal example they will follow. - General Colin Powell

On Monday morning, the author heard a snip-it about John Pershing in a podcast and decided to do additional research.  General John “Black Jack” Pershing is known for commanding the American Expeditionary Force during World War I.  However, Pershing also served in the Indian Wars, the Spanish-American War, the Philippines and the Mexican Intervention. 

Through his military service, he worked his way up the ranks and became an O-1, which is a general officer.  While General Pershing was commanding the 8^th Infantry Brigade, he was transferred to Fort Bliss, Texas due to increased tensions in the area.  On August 27, 1915, tragedy struck at the Presidio of San Francisco where Pershing’s family was.  Hot coals spilled from the fireplace onto the waxed floor.  Pershing’s wife and three daughters perished in the fire.  The only survivor was Warren Pershing who was 5 years old at the time.  Shortly after this horrific event, he returned to work and less than 2 years later would lead the American Expeditionary Force in World War I. 

Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller is another great leader and a Marine.  By the time he retired, he had achieved the rank of Lieutenant General.  In The American Story podcast titled “One More for Chesty”, Flannery said his biographer John Hoffman noted of Puller, "What endured him to his fellow marines was his leadership…His marines knew that he would ask no more of them than he was willing to put forth himself and that was everything he had." (6:50)

Both of these men were great leaders that showed dedication and resilience just like the many men and women that have served our great country. 

ACTION:  As we approach Veteran’s Day on Thursday, ponder what our soldiers have done and tell one of them thank you.

 

Resources

·       https://www.nps.gov/prsf/learn/historyculture/john-pershing.htm

·       https://home.nps.gov/prsf/learn/historyculture/john-pershing-world-war-i.htm

·       https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_J._Pershing

·       https://www.military.com/marine-corps/5-reasons-why-chesty-puller-marine-corps-legend.html#:~:text=Puller%E2%80%99s%20legend%20preceded%20him%20and%20served%20him%20well,who%20didn%E2%80%99t%20abide%20with%20BS%20or%20political%20maneuvering

·       https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-american-story/episode/one-more-for-chesty-88156679