U.S. ARMY
mittee reports and the brothers held me accountable, those lessons made me a better Army officer. I paid attention to detail from those lessons learned. I also had the great opportunity to serve as the Polemarch of Alexandria-Fair (VA) Alumni Chapter as a Lieutenant Colonel. I learned a ton and had to work with all personalities, develop a vision for the chapter and maintain my full time job.” On Mentoring “It is imperative that we engage in talent management for the next genera- tion of Service Members. At all levels we need to have mentors give back. For example, if you are a Major, your mentor should be Lieutenant Colonel or a Colonel. At that stage you don’t need a General Officer to serve as your mentor, you need someone a little closer to where you are trying to go and would have experienced the type of jobs & opportunities that are next for you. Mentorship played an enormous role in my success, and I had several officers that I could turn to for advice and coun- sel. The conversations in some cases ranged from assistance with my job, to how to handle an unfair boss/superior. In all cases my mentors would take the time to assist by giving me guidance on how to handle the situation. The men- tors I had have played a huge role in my assuming duties as the Army Materiel Command (AMC) Commanding Gen- eral. Many years ago, as a Captain, I got to spend time with General Johnnie Wilson the 3 rd African American se- lected as a 4-star general and he served as the 13 th AMC Commanding General. I also had the opportunity to have 72 nd Laurel Wreath Recipient Dennis L. Via, 18 th AMC Commanding General come see my unit in action prior to deploying my Brigade to Afghanistan, he gave me some sage advice and has continued to mentor me and many others over the years.”
been made. We are in the process of modernizing sustainment warfighting capabilities to build the Army of 2030 and sustain the Army of 2040. We have a great workforce of well over 150,000 personnel and manage over $50 Billion budget. I have had great opportunities and superb mentors that have prepared me for this opportunity. I’m riding on the shoulders of many that have paved the way for me.” On Being Promoted to General In reflecting on his promotion he stated, “My faith, family and fraternity are what have been the driving force that shaped everything I have accom- plished in my life. There have been some challenges presented over the years and some triumphs. My faith has kept me spiritually grounded, focused and sound in terms of my duty, role and responsibility as a husband, father, officer and Kappa man. My family is my anchor, inspiration and source for living a very meaningful life which also keeps me very grounded. We all have had a calling to serve our Nation at some point in our lives. My wife Regina served and she is now a retired U. S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, my son Reg- gie is a U. S. Army Captain and Kappa man serving in the 82 nd Airborne Divi- sion as a Company Commander. Collec- tively as a family for many years, our
children were growing up and prior to them opening their presents on Christ- mas day, we would volunteer at local shelters through the Alexandria-Fairfax (VA) Alumni Chapter where I have been a member for more than twenty-five years. Kappa Alpha Psi and service to our country & communities often inter- sected annually during the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday Season.” Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity “My Kappa brothers has always been there for me. From day one, it was about achievement, leadership and mentorship. I had the opportunity to work with and observe some outstand- ing leaders in Kappa from all fields of human endeavor. All were great achievers who worked hard, prepped and ensured that when called they were ready to answer. In addition, I got to watch leaders from Kappa up close and personal to include a few Grand Polemarchs. The one thing that probably stood out the must was their courage in the toughest of times. I also watched them lead grass root programs that later became national programs that infused thousands of dollars into their communities and provided oppor- tunities for young men to learn and have opportunities to attend college. Lastly, the mentorship I received personally is priceless. I can remember giving com-
Today, our Armed Forces are more diversified than they have ever been in
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