fromthepresident Lead by Example I

Good leadership never goes out of style — and your association demonstrates that military offi cers carry their commitment to leadership with them long after they leave military service.

I read a new book on Gen. George S. Patton recently. Patton led from the front, inspiring his command through his own personal example. He is quoted as say- ing, “Do everything you ask of those you command.” The book made me think about other laudable leadership examples I have had the privilege to observe over the years. The common thread has been that leader- ship is about people; it carries with it a lifetime commitment to the nation; and it is about setting an example of character. Offi cers begin their careers by taking on a lifelong promise to support and defend the Constitution. Those who make this commitment will never regret it. Service to the nation is a challenge but also a tre- mendous honor. It is a privilege to take care of our country’s greatest treasure, the men and women in uniform and their families. Successful leaders become champions

for the troops by demonstrating a personal and profound interest in their people. This is what distinguishes us from many other militaries around the world. Leaders must earn the trust of people within their organization. Trust is the best refl ection of character. People must know they can trust what you tell them and trust you to have their best interests — not your own — and the mission of the organization in mind when making decisions. And that is exactly where MOAA excels. MOAA advocates for the military community and connects it to the nation we serve. Our service does not end with

successful advocacy. During September, MOAA hosted multiple signature events, from the Warrior-Family Symposium to a Midwest region Chapter Leaders’ Sym- posium and a one-of-a-kind career net- working event at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. In October, we will hold our third and

fi nal spouse symposium for the year. In conjunction with the association’s 2015 an- nual meeting* in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 29-31, we’ll honor our national and regional com- munity heroes, recognize the hard work of our chapters, host a career fair, and provide a number of educational workshops to en- lighten and engage our attendees. MOAA programs like these allow us to

lead by example. They demonstrate the depth and breadth of our care and con- cern for the entire military community. As members, you allow us to lead from the front on your behalf. Your grassroots ac- tivism, your emails, and your personal sto- ries inspire us to work harder to serve you. Please join us in Orlando, where we will

recognize outstanding civilian and military leaders for their service to the health and well-being of our military community. You’ll meet MOAA leaders and other like-minded servant leaders. Together, we will demon- strate that MOAA never stops serving.

— Vice Adm. Norbert R. Ryan Jr., USN (Ret)

*online: Visit www.moaa.org/2015annualmeeting to learn more. 14 MILITARY OFFICER OCTOBER 2015

PHOTO: SEAN SHANAHAN