Content has been removed to align with the President’s executive orders and DoD priorities.

Unshielded Bravery

CPT Jackson describes being in Iraq and conducting a vehicle recovery when his unit came under enemy fire. He looked over and saw that his Company Commander and First Sergeant had both been hit. He makes the decision to expose himself to enemy fire to provide aid to his First Sergeant. Even after CPT Jackson is hit, he continues to render aid. He looks over and sees SSG Newlin taking charge of coordinating fires and evacuating the wounded. He draws the strength to continue to fight and provide aid to his fellow Soldiers because of this. CPT Jackson pushed through his wounds in order to carry his First Sergeant to safety. He then collapsed from his own wounds. He was confident that SFC Newlin would continue the fight and find the insurgents. As CPT Jackson recovered from his wounds, he drew strength from his First Sergeant's progress.

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Mindy Clasing, Thursday, July 18, 2024

Turning Point

"My first assignment was as a platoon leader. It was a very difficult time for me in my young career. (I) was faced with a lot of challenges that I didn't think I'd be faced with at that particular time. My Battalion Commander called me into his office one day and offered me a new job and I asked him if I had a choice. He said no I don't, so I was assigned as the Battalion Signal Officer."

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Mindy Clasing, Thursday, July 18, 2024

Trusted Counsel

A few months back a friend of mine had recently returned from deployment. When I first got here - brand new to the Army; never been to a post before - I relied heavily on him just simple for things like, 'Where's the PX?' 'Where's the shoppette?' 'Where can I go for this?' 'How do I clear this?' He also helped me get my uniform squared away on my ASU's and things of that nature. So as far as I was concerned, he was somebody I could trust and follow.

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Mindy Clasing, Thursday, July 18, 2024

To Act or Not to Act

As an instructor for an academy, 1SG Godkin said he had a female subordinate who was flirtatious but never crossed the line verbally or physically in an inappropriate way. An "old-fashioned kind of guy" with his own set of morals and values, he struggled with the situation and whether he should act and file a report or not take action at all.

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Mindy Clasing, Wednesday, July 17, 2024

The War Came to Her

The firefight was between the Taliban and the Afghan security forces 70 miles north of CPT Maxwell's position. The available helicopters at the scene had already been in the air for six hours, and the pilots and crews were fatigued. CPT Maxwell had a decision to make.

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Mindy Clasing, Wednesday, July 17, 2024

The Mantle of Leadership

Great leaders are the backbone of the Army Profession, and their decisions negate the success or failure of every mission. Having served under General Ray Odierno and COL (Retired) Jim Hickey, LTC (Retired) Russell said he was fortunate to have great leadership that allowed him to independently lead, but also knew when to "pull in on the leash."

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Mindy Clasing, Wednesday, July 17, 2024

The Honorable Service Sector

Justin Watt served in the 101st Airborne Division's 502nd Infantry Regiment and deployed to Iraq in 2005. During this deployment, members of his platoon raped a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and executed her and her family. Justin not a witness to this act, but once told about it by a fellow Soldier he reported the incident. He is sharing his story to help others understand the importance of serving honorably.

The following video is an excerpt from Stand Strong: Serving Honorably in Combat.

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Mindy Clasing, Wednesday, July 17, 2024

The Best Soldier

After his deployment to Iraq where he was a sniper team leader, SGT Powers noticed his attitude and the way he responded to the ins and outs of daily life had changed. The Soldiers in his unit and his leadership noticed, too. With the unwavering support from his chain of command, SGT Powers was able to work through the issues and says, "I'm better now."

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Mindy Clasing, Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Tarnished Coin

My team leader and I caught an HVT (high value target). We were not part of the raid element, but we were assigned as the outer cordon element and my squad leader was pretty upset about it. So, he was sitting in the humvee sulking and getting all upset. Instead of saying, "It's the mission, we need to do the right thing" - he was upset about it. So, my team leader and I were out in the courtyard and caught the guy (the HVT) coming over the wall. It was kind of the right place at the right time. And at the end of the day, the Squad Leader has to report to the First Sergeant and he tells him, "my guys were sitting in the humvee sulking, and I was on the other side of this wall and caught this guy. He landed in my lap and I caught him." "He was decorated and given a coin by General Petreaus. That's wrong. The fact that he would lie about it. So, you were put into a situation of - do you lie to cover up for this guy? Where do your loyalties lie?

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Mindy Clasing, Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Taking Leave, Wintrich

Fred Wintrich was a battalion executive officer just before the surge in Iraq. His unit operated in a hotly contested area, averaging 11 direct fire contacts a day over the entire deployment. Before taking leave, he handed his responsibilities to the S3, MAJ Rob Salome.

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Mindy Clasing, Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Standing Strong: Confronting Unethical Conduct (Leader Version)

CDT Kelly Kingma reported her tactical NCO for unprofessional conduct. After several investigations, it was found that he photographed and filmed females without their knowledge and consent. He pled guilty to one charge and eight specifications of a violation of Article 120 of military law for "indecent acts." She is sharing her story to help leaders understand the importance of supporting those who come forward with an allegation of wrongdoing.

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Mindy Clasing, Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Standing Strong: Confronting Unethical Conduct (Cadet Version)

CDT Kelly Kingma reported her tactical NCO for unprofessional conduct. After several investigations, it was found that he photographed and filmed females without their knowledge and consent. He pled guilty to one charge and eight specifications of a violation of Article 120 of military law for "indecent acts." As a two time Ironman finisher there is no doubt Cadet Kelly Kingma is "tough." Throughout this two year ordeal the harsh criticism she received from her peers for reporting a competent and well liked career NCO for these unprofessional acts bothered her most. She is sharing her story to help leaders understand the importance of supporting those who come forward with an allegation of wrongdoing.

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Mindy Clasing, Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Stand Strong: The Effects of Combat on the Army Professional

Justin Watt served in the 101st Airborne Division's 502nd Infantry Regiment and deployed to Mahmudiyah, Iraq which was one of the three corners known as the Triangle of Death. The Triangle of Death was arguably the most dangerous region in Iraq. It was patrolled by just 1000 U.S. Soldiers who coped with more than a hundred attacks against them each week. He is sharing his story to help others understand the importance of being equipped to leverage mental, emotional, and physical skills in order to overcome adversity.

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Mindy Clasing, Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Stand Strong: Serving Honorably in Combat

Justin Watt served in the 101st Airborne Division's 502nd Infantry Regiment and deployed to Iraq in 2005. During this deployment, members of his platoon raped a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and executed her and her family. Justin not a witness to this act, but once told about it by a fellow Soldier he reported the incident. He is sharing his story to help others understand the importance of serving honorably.

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Mindy Clasing, Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Stand Strong Stewardship: An NCO's Perspective

SSG John Diem served in the 101st Airborne Division's 502nd Infantry Regiment and deployed to Iraq in 2005. During this deployment, members of his unit raped a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and executed her and her family. SSG Diem was not a witness of this act, but was told about it by a junior Soldier. He reported the incident to his higher headquarters. He is sharing his story to share his thoughts on the role of an NCO as a Steward of the Army Profession.

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Mindy Clasing, Wednesday, July 17, 2024

SSG Spaid

Part 1: SSG Spaid describes one of his Soldiers who was having a hard time after deployment. The Soldier has resorted to drinking. One night SSG Spaid receives a phone call that he had tried to jump off a balcony while drunk. Someone needs to go to the ER to sit with him and the MPs until he sobers up. SSG Spaid has already signed out on leave.

Part 2: SSG Spaid relates back to his actions, for him, it was an easy decision. He describes the conclusion of the evening and how the Soldier needed help and counseling. SSG Spaid discusses the impact on his wife and how sometimes the family has to "come second."

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Mindy Clasing, Wednesday, July 17, 2024

SSG Miner

Part 1: SSG Miner talks about the importance of doing the right thing as an Aviation mechanic, and about the trust pilots have in the mechanics to do the right thing. There is a lot of pressure to make sure that aircrafts are up and running. As a result, many people take shortcuts. At one point, SSG Miner comes across another mechanic who DID take a shortcut.

Part 2: SSG Miner talks about why it is so important to do the right thing and give an honest report. He discusses the implications of making a mistake and the burden of reporting and keeping proper records. He says that the job should be done right the first time.

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Mindy Clasing, Wednesday, July 17, 2024

SSG Miner

Part 1: SSG Miner talks about the importance of doing the right thing as an Aviation mechanic, and about the trust pilots have in the mechanics to do the right thing. There is a lot of pressure to make sure that aircrafts are up and running. As a result, many people take shortcuts. At one point, SSG Miner comes across another mechanic who DID take a shortcut.

Part 2: SSG Miner talks about why it is so important to do the right thing and give an honest report. He discusses the implications of making a mistake and the burden of reporting and keeping proper records. He says that the job should be done right the first time.

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Mindy Clasing, Wednesday, July 17, 2024
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