Here's a hurrah to Dick Winters

[Obrecht]

I'm Active army infantry (airborne qualified) and i'm about to become an officer cadet. it has been Dick Winters inspiration that has provided the best example of what kind of person an infantry officer needs to be and needs to do to accomplish the mission and bring his men home. Pointing out his own mistakes and the constant hard work towards self improvement and group improvement that will do this. Caring utmost for his men even more so than himself, never slacking in his duty to keep himself ready as well. Leading by example from the front. Understanding what made his men tick, making them feel that someone cares for them. Although I am but a private at the moment, I should hope that one day a compilation of all these leaders thoughts, ideas, and leadership styles can one day be incorporated into the regimen at all US military officer training programs.

The war style may have changed and army with it. but the basic message is the same. I hope that one day I can earn the right to be half as highly thought of by my men that Winters, Nixon, and Compton earned from their men. And I thank you Dick Winters, though I'm sad I will never be able to say it in person, for your influence. And once again I hope that one day I can feel that I've done my job as well as you did.