A Lesson In Leadership from CMC James T Conway. "Speak up son!

A lesson in In leadership has to do with time. When I was stationed as a young Marine, on MCAS Miramar, San Diego circa 2008.

During this time, I remember being in the barracks on base and I forget the issues I was having at the time, but I was just doing basic Marine Corps duties. I think that week, I was doing rifle qualifications, on-base so I was going to the Asmit and I was taking aimed shots, All indications of me making Expert at the range.

So I came back to the base, at the time The Head of the USMC Center personnel was CWO5 Fuller, and CWO4 Acuff, both Veteran Marines with over twenty years of experience managing thousands of Marines.

So I came to; and realized that a "Large Caravan". Was approached IPAC, which was headed towards my direction, since you don't see as a Marine. Anyone force their way IN. And since MP's Singal me that they were authorized to enter, It didn't ring any red flags to me. But this was different. Because we never had such a big VIP come to our base. We had VIP before, but we never had over 100 Marine Security Force entries. And over 20 vehicles, and military escorts.

But my MP buddies told me to head in, is clear. So I headed in, but I stayed alert. The funny thing is that I knew it was a VIP either had to be the President of the USA or it had to be a larger than a Senator of Importance for Marines. Because a few MP's I saw. Put on their Sunday best, as I cracked jokes on them. "Why you don't always dress this good huh? What's going on.

But I quickly discovered who had arrived, It was CMC James T. Conway, as I yelled out the words very few Marines get to announce the arrival of the commandant of the U.S. Marines. Attention on Deck Commandant of Marine Corps on Deck, and stood at attention. Along with the duty, as CW05 Fuller the Chief of our division came to great the General. An then everyone was put at ease after what seemed to be one of the longest attention holds on record.

But General James T Conway, was a lot taller than I thought, I believe he stood either 6'5 or higher. I am not short by any means, I stand a solid 6'00 feet, but I seemed really short in comparison.

General James T Conway, was extremely confident and greeted every Marine. But to make a long story short, that's not what impressed me. When I headed out, I had a quick discussion with my GySgt and with a Chief Warrant Officer. I ran outside of the building, as I always did. And this time I heavily complained about something.

To make the story short, this led to one of the most public situations of my career at this time, somehow CMC General heard of this situation. And called me to a podium to make a speech, this had to be one of the most nervous moments of my life. And let me tell you something, I rarely get embarrassed or nervous I was a US Marine for god's sake.

Sgt Major saw how pissed off I was. That no one was listening to what I was saying, as I headed back to the building and he stopped me. And said that General Conway had heard of my comments, and I was asked to give a speech.

Well to get to the point, I was on the podium. General James T Conway at this time, was an older fellow, who was getting ready to retire soon. I stood at the podium, for a minute or two thinking, what I was going to say. But in the Jist of me getting ready, General Convay stood up and said this. Son, speak up.

Those simple words, "Son, speak up". Somehow those simple words. Gave me all the confidence I needed to deliver a very moving speech about the improvement of communication. And living conditions on base for Marines.

I know this is a short one, but all I can remember by Richard Encarnacion, A US Marine- personal circa 2008.

P.s. From that day onwards, I learned regardless of what is happening around me, that I must speak up. And say something, even if it's uncomfortable. To make sure the air is clear, to make sure that their no long held grudges, and speaking is a form of leadership. Not all speaking, but if it benefits all people. Which in this case, my grievance did affect all the marines on base.