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CSM Dave Bruner's Acceptance Remarks
2005 Larry Strickland Educational Leadership Award
I would like to thank Sergeant Major of the Army Preston and AUSA for this incredible honor. Command Sergeant Major Hall – thank you for your support and thinking enough of me to nominate me for such a prestigious award.
I am equally honored to be in the company of Command Sergeant Major Debra Strickland. I never had the pleasure of meeting your husband, but he set an incredible standard – and I am proud to be mentioned in the same company as him.
I really am both humbled and grateful to receive this award because it exemplifies two of the most important qualities that I hold dear, leadership and education.
I have spent my career in various leadership positions, yet I still have a hard time narrowing down a specific definition of what leadership is.
I know it when I see it …and so do you!!!
Leadership only can take us so far in the development of those that will follow in our footsteps, bear with me and I’ll try to define leadership.
Leadership is of the utmost importance in our profession, I can’t stress this enough.
Without front-line leadership at every level, the United States Army would be crippled. Leadership is learned—by training, practice, experience and through mentorship; which is key. Leaders never forget where they come from…. they posses long-range vision, are relentless in their pursuit of information, are able to communicate both tactical and strategic information to their Soldiers and clearly understand change and transformation.
After many years of self-study from their own successes and sometimes failures as leaders, the Leaders NOW understand that he or she is entrusted with our Soldiers’ lives, preserving peace and freedom, and defending democracy and our American culture. The leaders now believe that they cannot fail to fulfill their duty, or fail their comrades, or fail to defend our great country and its people… whatever the cost. The leaders believe that leadership comes from the heart, is very cherished, and comes from the soul. The leaders now understand the true meaning of leadership and freedom!!
On the other hand, education is easier to define.
I believe that education is both personal and what we, as senior leaders, impart on our subordinates, is why we are the best fighting force ever assembled on the face of the earth!
As SGM Strickland said, “If you educate the NCO, you educate the Soldiers they lead”. This quote has never been more true; your our jobs are more important now than they have ever been. We as leaders must pick up the pace… the mission demands it. There isn’t time to take a knee and drink water… or a time out.
We are living in both challenging and exciting times. We are an Army at war; serving a nation at war….. while transforming.
Our profession demands selfless service, honor, courage, personal integrity and living the both the Soldiers and NCO Creed every day. We must remain relevant and stand ready.
In closing, I would like to remind you. Leadership and education go hand and hand. It never stops throughout one’s career and is practiced every day.
Once again, thank you for this honor. I will continue to strive to reach the ideals that the Strickland Award embodies – leadership and education. Thank you. I salute you… God Bless.
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