I crouched in the concrete foxhole and anxiously awaited the tower’s commands. As a freshman ROTC cadet on my first Leadership Lab weekend, I was eager to try out my marksmanship with the M16A1 rifle I clutched in my sweaty hands.
“Do you have any questions?” a voice asked gently. I glanced up to see the most fearsome soldier I had ever laid eyes on. His spit-shined jump boots sparkled like mirrors, and his olive drab uniform was starched and crisp. A well-worn green beret rested just above his steely dark eyes.
I had just met the man who would have the greatest influence on my military...