HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Leaders from U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command spoke with the Army’s future leaders as they prepare to begin their military careers.
Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, USASMDC commanding general, and USASMDC Command Sgt. Maj. John W. Foley addressed Alabama A&M University, University of Alabama in Huntsville and Athens State University ROTC cadets on Oct. 2 at Alabama A&M’s Frank Lewis Gym during a professional development session.
“Be committed to yourselves,” Gainey said. “Evolve over time and don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable, because it is good. When you get out of your comfort zone you are going to grow immensely and rapidly.”
Gainey encouraged the cadets to build winning teams, seek mentors from all levels and to be the type of Soldier they will want in their organization.
“As a leader, one of the things I always encourage young leaders to take it upon themselves to push their development and mentorship,” Gainey said. “Always look for opportunities to be mentored from different individuals.”
Lt. Col. Early Howard Jr., ROTC department chair and professor of military sciences at Alabama A&M, said it was important to have Army senior leaders address the cadets.
“Anytime we can get a senior leader in the Army on our campus and speak to the future generation of officers is an absolute win,” Howard said. “Visits like this inspire the cadets. Representation matters and knowing that someone has the same humble beginnings they did, started on the same path and rose to be a three-star general is an absolute motivator. I know the cadets will take everything he said to heart and use that to become better leaders in the future.”
One cadet said he enjoyed the visit and hopes to soon branch into the Signal Corps.
“Having Lt. Gen. Gainey here today was really insightful,” said Cadet Courtney Barrett. “It really opened my eyes to what it means to be a leader and how I can further progress my professional development. I am excited to have the opportunity to lead Soldiers.”
Another cadet said she enjoyed the visit and looks forward to serving in the Army.
“Our program is smaller so whenever we have a senior officer visit it makes us feel we are known and have a presence with the military,” said Cadet Sarah Carter. “Talking with my father, I wanted to join something that is really going to push me out of my comfort zone.”
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