Never lose sight of what’s important

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Ed LaGrou
  • 35 Medical Support Squadron commander
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  A few years ago, I wandered into a lunch line behind a soldier who was clearly having a great day. He was in line with a friend, and he was excited about being released from the hospital. He had apparently been there long enough and was ready to go -- after lunch anyway. As we stood there waiting, we began to talk. His name was Garret, and he had a message for us.

Like myself, Garret joined the military directly out of high school, not sure what else to do with himself. Life at home was not headed anywhere productive, and his supposed friends were just helping him find trouble. Jobs were scarce, and Garret just wasn't ready for college. The military simply presented opportunities he couldn't find in his hometown.

This remarkable young soldier talked about the military giving him a sense of purpose for the first time in his life. For Garret, the phrase,"I will never leave a fallen comrade," was more than just part of the U.S. Soldier's Creed. It was something he had kept in the forefront of his mind while he was deployed to Iraq.

"I'm part of something bigger than myself," Garret said.

I smiled, understanding his sentiment fully.

"I can't even begin to describe it to my family, but it's like I have this overwhelming sense of purpose now," Garret added. "My fellow soldiers are more than friends, they are brothers, and my country means so much more to me. It is an honor only those who serve can understand."

Again, all I could do was smile as he spoke.

As we reached the front of the serving line, Garret continued.

"The Army has given me so much," he said. "I can't imagine where I would be today had I not enlisted. I'd probably be in jail," he laughed.

I must have stared at him for several minutes, unsure of what to say. You see, Garret was blind. He had been horribly injured months before in Iraq and was now terribly disfigured. Not only would he never see again, he was being medically retired from the Army. You would have never known that by his attitude and clear, continued sense of purpose.

Leadership comes in all shapes and sizes. What is your contribution? Do you inspire your fellow Airmen like this young soldier? Are you leading, or being led? Positive attitudes are infectious whether you know it or not. Garret is proof.

The importance of perspective, attitude, and a sense of purpose cannot be understated. Consider your own unit for a moment. Regardless of rank or position, who do people look up to for advice, mentorship, or assistance? Who do they avoid for the same, and why? Most importantly, where do you fit in on that spectrum? Think about that, and then ask your fellow airmen where you fit. You may be surprised.

Never lose sight of what's important. Garret didn't.