From the Editor: Maj. General Mark McQueen, in advance of his retirement from the Army, accepted the City Manager position in Panama City, Florida. Throwing himself into the job with his trademark compassion, dedication and enthusiasm, Maj. Gen McQueen had only been on the job a few weeks when Hurricane Michael slammed into the Florida Panhandle. Maj. Gen McQueen is all-consumed with the care of his city, and in so, missed his own retirement ceremony, dinner and change of command. Maj. Gen McQueen was able to send a text to his Soldiers to be read at the assumption of command ceremony for Brig. General Leahy, 108th Training Command (IET) incoming commander, and it is those words we have included as his final goodbye to you, his cherished Soldiers:

To be given special trust and confidence to serve as a leader in the United States Army is an honor and privilege. I am humbled to “get to be” the Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the 108th Training Command (IET). It is with great responsibility and passion that I serve and represent the Soldiers, Department of the Army Civilians and Families within our command. I look forward to serving with each of you and appreciate the opportunity to share a few of my operational principles and framework. 

Leadership Principles aka CSM Leadership Rucksack

The Army has an effective time-tested definition of leadership: The process of influencing others by providing purpose, direction and motivation (PDM), while improving the organization.