Kappa Journal (Salute to the Military Issue)

COVER STORY

current position as The Inspector General, I have chosen this personal philosophy because I recognize that, while the jobs are tough, I am more than capable of meeting every challenge when I trust in the Lord. Along with my strong sense of faith, I am lucky to have the support of my family who are my biggest fans. While serving in the Army has been both rewarding and challenging, Lt. Gen. Smith knows that his success would not have been possible without the support of his family. “To have a successful life, it is important to have a proper work- life balance. The Army recognizes that when a Soldier takes the step to voluntarily serve his nation by joining the Army, his family, although they do not take an oath, also serve and make sacrifices that many may not fully appreciate. Therefore, it is essential to balance work with family…and it also helps to have an understanding wife.” “I have also enjoyed the camaraderie of my fraternity brothers. Wherever I go in the Army, they are there living the values of service, altruism, sacrifice, and community every day. I am so proud of the stand that Kappa Alpha Psi ® has taken in support of the military and our veterans through the Military Veterans Coalition, and I look forward to seeing Kappa’s outreach at the 2019 conclave in Philadelphia. I think these efforts are positive examples of service to our veterans and our nation.” Lt. Gen. Smith identified the importance of embracing and living the Army profession, attributes that he speaks about during most of his discussions with leaders both inside and outside of the military. “As stated in the Army Profession video in 2012, ‘The United States Army is the greatest force for good

the world has ever seen. Army leaders sustain the profession by having members willing to accept it and a unique set of standards to maintain it.’ Included within the Army values are five essential characteristics of the profession: trust, military expertise, honorable service, esprit de corps, and stewardship that serve as our azimuth. As the Inspector General, I value these characteristics to strengthen our force. Trust is the positive relationship with the American people and serves as the lifeblood of our profession.” “As IGs, we maintain our trust with the American people by striving to improve the Army’s processes and by ensuring that they are fair and equal throughout our enterprise. We empower leaders across our force and we leverage their vast military experience to provide assistance to our Soldiers across the globe. For example, we conduct inspections involving highly sensitive national

interests, ensuring regulatory compliance, mission-readiness and good stewardship of our resources. The agency embodies honorable service because we ensure our administrative actions, investigations, and inspections are thorough and monitored. By protecting our Army, we protect the American people and support Warfighters around the World.” Exposure to kappa Lt. Gen. Smith reflected upon the many ways that Kappa Alpha Psi ® has prepared him for life’s challenges and triumphs in the ever-changing professional world of the Armed Forces. He also stressed the importance of achievement and giving back to the community and the next generation that follows. “As mentioned earlier, Kappa Alpha Psi ® helped set the conditions for my success in college and in my military

On April 20, 2017, then-Maj. Gen. Leslie C. Smith, Deputy Inspector General, U.S. Army, spoke with National Guard Inspectors Generals during the IG workshop, at the Herbert R. Temple, Jr. Army National Guard Readiness Center, Arlington, Va. The NG IG workshop provided an opportunity for NG IGs from the 50 States, three Territories and District of Columbia, to collectively establish future courses of action for program improvements. IGs were also briefed on updated IG regulations, policy changes, and NG specific topics. (Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. David Eichaker/released).

Publishing achievement for 105 years

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