Student reflects on sobering challenges of leadership

"Did you do something today to help a Soldier or his family?"

Col. Garland H. Williams, Army Management Staff College commandant, often poses this question to Civilian Education System program graduates at the AMSC.

It is a question worthy of consideration - not only in the context of a leadership and management school, but also for those whose profession is to provide care for those who have fallen in service to their country and their survivors.

One of those professionals is Lisa Leppo, Ph.D, who graduated from the CES Intermediate Course Nov. 2.

Leppo, Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Anthropology, is a mortuary specialist at the U.S. Army Mortuary Affairs Center at Fort Lee, Va.

Leppo trains Soldiers and armed forces members in the "... sacred duty of returning our nation's fallen heroes to their families and loved ones. It is a difficult duty that commands the Army values of loyalty, duty, selfless service, personal courage, honor and integrity on several levels. In the execution of her daily mission, the mortuary affairs specialist demonstrates these Army values to peers, mission, Army, family, nation, and especially the fallen hero."

At the end of the seminar, Leppo was asked to talk about the challenge of her profession and how she prepares herself and her students for this solemn and sad duty. It was then that she shared the MAC motto, "Dignity, Reverence, Respect," ensuring each servicemember who leaves the school takes to heart the "why" of their specialty to deal with the inevitable stress of his or her job. It is leadership responsibility - one that Leppo gladly accepts as integral to her duty.

Leppo and her 14 Army civilian colleagues brought 207 years of leadership experience to the Intermediate Course, combining a variety of professions and outlooks in their examination of leadership.

"Our seminar group of 15 diverse individuals from all walks of life formed a cohesive team very quickly and the bond strengthened during the three weeks. We became comfortable with each other, we helped each other, we supported each other, we respected each other, and we learned from each other. We left the course with honed leadership skills, Army proud, and ready to serve our Soldiers," Leppo said.

The Army's definition of a leader is, "anyone who ... inspires and influences people to accomplish organizational goals."
Army Civilian Corps leaders like Leppo and her seminar colleagues epitomize that definition. The AMSC faculty is honored to serve with them, gaining additional insights into leadership through their perspectives.