THE WALL OF FACES

The first West Pointer I ever saw was George, the "Man in the Red Sash".... as a scared Plebe he was my 1st detail squad leader. The eptiomy of a leader. He became my friend. I think of George virtually every day and try to live my life a little bit for him. In our silent conversations, I ask him to push me to excellence in my life, in my relationships, in the lives of my children that he never got a chance to have. In our family his name lives on. At West Point, George and I are 'infamous" for jelly bean races, mooning contests, but mostly for a sense of humor in C-2. We had an old saying that "Any success I have had in life I owe to my 1st detail squad leader." How true. Rest in peace George !!

From his plebe's perspective, George was the grossest firsty in company C-2. I did his shoes and brass for two reasons: to save him from the wrath of wierd harold, and because I wanted to. He had a way of inspiring me more than any of the leadership in my company. He was my boxing coach. I was his security guard when he and Denker did jelly bean races. Why he chose me to council and mentor, I don't know, but moreso than any other influence at West Point, he molded the way I lead during my 26 year career. Thanks sir, I remember you often.