Army, Love 'em and Leave 'em

Kersting has Mad Leadership Skills,
still workin' on the Snowboard Skills

And so it was another one of those moments where alligator tears well up in my eyes and in this case, I had to blink them back. I introduced my Soldier as a well-rounded individual who posesses and displays all the Army values and how proud I was to have served as his NCO. I take a seat in the back and watch him march into the conference room where the board is conveneing. He reports to the Sergeant Major as the board members scrutinize his uniform and posture. He is finally told to take a seat and begins to answer the barage of seemingly trivial Army related questions that will, in the end, determine if he is ready to become a Non-Commissioned Officer or not.

The first question fired... SILENCE... I'm holding my breath, knowing he knows the answer. Knowing this is a question I asked him just minutes before. Still, nothing. SILENCE... And then it's spoken, with confidence and ease. "Sergeant, the three types of courts-martial are Special, General and Summary". As each question is asked and answered with effortlessness and simplicity I have to hold back the tears. They are welling up and resting just inside the corner of my eye just waiting to burst forth, run down my cheek and destroy my military bearing. I sit quietly behind my Soldier and listen intently to the question and answer portion of the board. All the while trying not to vomit, cry or think about how I have to let this one go in just two days to embark on a new adventure in Japan. Not being able to have his energy and charisma to fill the work days with laughter and fun... My thoughts are interrupted by the SGM, "SPC Kersting is there anything you have for the board?" His reply, "Yes," he wants to go back to a question he missed. "Sergeant, a Field Grade Article 15 is an Article 15 imposed by an O-4 or above". Again, the right answer. He is then dismissed. SPC Kersting stands at a position of attention, salutes the President of the Board and moves out smartly. Finally, I can breathe. The SGM compliments me on my Soldier's accomplishment, although it happens to be all his own.

He is recommended for promotion. He will soon become a Noncommissioned Officer. He is already a leader of soldiers.