Hayes embodies 'can-do' attitude

By Delawese Fulton, Fort Jackson LeaderJuly 23, 2009

Hayes embodies 'can-do' attitude
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Rank, name

1st Sgt. LaShan Hayes

Unit

Company D, 3rd Battalion,

34th Infantry Regiment

Military Occupational

Specialty / Job title

42A, human resources specialist /

first sergeant

Years in service

12

Family

Single

Highest education

Bachelor's degree

Hobbies

Putt-putt golf, volleyball, reading

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- First Sgt. LaShan Hayes said that when she first became a Soldier, her leaders' get-it-done attitude motivated her to leave excuses behind.

"I had two leaders in the past (who) did not give me an option as to whether I wanted to be successful or not," Hayes said. "As a junior Soldier, I was not given an option to attend the Soldier of the Month/Quarter Boards. I was given the (Memorandum of Instruction) and told to study.

"As a junior NCO, I was not asked if I wanted to be a platoon sergeant; I was put out front and told to do it so I executed. If those leaders would have given me an option I might have chosen other paths and not be where I am today," she said.

In her 12 years in the military, Hayes has served at Fort Lewis, Wash.; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Camp Red Cloud, Korea; and Travis Air Force Base, Calif.

Hayes said the most memorable part of her military experience was the training she received at Drill Sergeant School and her becoming a drill sergeant.

"The school was very challenging, but at the end, I felt a sense of accomplishment. It felt good to be able to go out there and train the newest members of our Army. I also had a different perspective and a higher level of respect for the NCOs before me who were drill sergeants."

In addition to her bachelor's degree, Hayes plans to pursue a master's in psychology with a specialization in family therapy.

Hayes said she believes good leaders are also good followers. And, she advises junior Soldiers to seek and learn from positive examples of leadership.

"Seek proper guidance and knowledge from current leaders to succeed because you are the Army's future NCO Corps. Seek out challenging jobs/tasks and do your best to be successful; it will pay benefits in the future," Hayes said.