Story #4252

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One of the most inspiring NCOs I ever had was my Drill Sergeant. 2003, on Sand hill. As we came off of a 6 mile ruck march one of the privates was shaking uncontrollably. Once evaluated he had lied about having Tourettes syndrome to enlist. He was shaking uncontrollably and the drill sergeants just came out laughing. DS Ywalked out with milk in hand and shook it everywhere. Asking if the kid wanted a milk shake.

I thought the entire time “what a dick”. Things did not change while in basic, this guy would blow up like a stick of dynamite at the smallest thing.

Upon completion of basic we of course did our AAR. DS Y gave us free reign to speak out minds. The incident stuck with me throughout basic how he acted so I raised my hand. I stood up and told him that he was in fact a dick head. Every mouth in the bay dropped.

He then told me I better have a great reason for my statement. I reminded him on that incident and he agreed that I in fact had a legit reason for my statement. He told me to sit down the asked me one question. “would you want that guy in a fox hole with you?”. I was like “Hell no”.

It did not dawn on me til that time that we are the reasons our buddies come home. And vise versa. This has stuck with me throughout my career and I imagine after I retire. Although his leadership style was brutal, he was an effective leader and a great Soldier.

Wherever he may be I hope his career went as well as he taught all of us to be.