Once I was a pro, and I cared for my troops dearly. I am proud that after all these years when I meet anyone who served with me they still have the respect for me that I did for them. And the F**K ups have not shown up here. there were damned few and I suspect they did not make it in life.
In my later Army years, I was proud that I put the troops before career. I had been enlisted as trooper and NCO for some years before I went to flight school. Today,when I shave, I see an old soldier, not an asshole. I did the same thing in Civie life after I retired and had a good life. Thanks to you men who helped me, either as my troops or as my leaders. Sometimes you were both.
Happy New year!
BT
Texas
(cpl R.O Texas Army)