My Story of One…

The countdown is on for our 157th Annual Meeting, Presented by Xcel Energy.  It’s shaping up to be our biggest ever. I truly hope to see you there! The theme, as you know, is the Power of One. And as I reflect on what that means, I keep coming back to the people who have invested in me – one at a time. Today, I’d like to share one of my stories of “one.”  
 
In 1986, fresh out of college and my Officer Basic Course in Indianapolis, I drove across country to ship out for my first duty assignment in Pirmasens, West Germany.  I spent 18 months there as a young “Butter Bar” (Second Lieutenant), before being promoted to First Lieutenant and moving up to battalion staff in nearby Kaiserslautern. It was there that I had the privilege of working with Colonel Chas Marino – a man who would profoundly shape my leadership journey.
 
Col. Marino had been the G1/AG of the 101st Airborne Assault at Ft Campbell, KY, took command of the 90th P&A Battalion within the 21st TAACOM, and became my battalion commander. In the military, care for soldiers is personal. And Col. Marino embodied that principle. He saw me, invested in me, actively coached me. He gave me opportunities to lead, encouraged me to seek command, and even selected me - a young female lieutenant in 1989 - to be our battalion’s lead officer for the Nijmegen March in Holland (look it up!).  And when I got married in West Germany, it was Col. Chas Marino who walked me down the aisle. He passed away 2 years ago now, and I still miss him.
 
Again, Col. Chas Marino personified leadership for me – not just through his authority but through his personal and specific investments in me. Because of him, I’m a better leader. This is the Power of One.
 
I remain deeply grateful. And as we count down to our Annual Meeting, I encourage you to think about “one” who shaped you, helped you become the leader you are today.
 
See you in the trenches,
B