As a young 1SG I encountered a high speed Captain in our Battalion Commo. She was always finding ways to motivate Soldiers and get more out of her Soldiers. I was extremely impressed with her. Eventually we struck up a professional relationship and without knowing it she began to mentor me.
One afternoon the subject revolved around how to motivate Soldiers in an environment with limited opportunities for recognition. She looked at me and asked “Hey 1SG you ever think about writing a letter home to the Soldier’s parents or Spouse?” Naturally being the immature hard ass I was.. my response was something like “And why the hell would I write Mommy and Daddy?” She replied with her usual smile and in her you just don’t get it do you sarcastic voice “How would you feel if the Battalion Commander took a moment to write a letter home to your parents”.
