You wouldn't think an old, grizzled Marine could learn anything about leadership from a seven month-old baby girl, but my granddaughter - Hannah - continues to teach me new lessons in life. This week she taught me to recognize my first Semper Fi Leader.

I must preface this piece with that fact that I have two other beautiful granddaughters - Emily and Chloe - and a handsome grandson - Dylan. Unfortunately, they live hundreds of miles away and I only get to see them occasionally.

Hannah, however, I get to see almost daily and do the whole "Pappaw" thing - feeding, changing diapers, rocking, playing, etc. Although my wife and daughter discount it, I did hear her try to say "OOOOrah!" the other day.

With a library of countless books on leadership and having had the privilege to learn from the very best leaders from the military, religion, academia and business, it was interacting with Hannah that made me realize my first Semper Fidelis Leader was my Mom.

There is probably no greater example of the selfless servant-leader than a Mom.

The Marine Corps values are Honor, Courage and Commitment. It was my Mom who first taught me these values.

Honor

The United States Marine Corps Non-Commissioned Officer's Creed says in part, "I am forever conscious of each Marine under my charge, and by example will inspire him to the highest standards possible. I will strive to be patient, understanding, just, and firm. I will commend the deserving and encourage the wayward." With a brother a year younger than I and another brother two years younger, my Mom spent plenty of time "encouraging the wayward." My Mom taught me the concept of honor and respect. "Yes, Ma'am" and "No, Ma'am" were part of our vocabulary as soon as we could talk. (NOTE: These words have also served me well in my marriage!)

Courage

"Encourage" literally means to give courage. From my earliest recollections, I remember my Mom telling me I could do or be anything I wanted - if I worked hard for it. Is there a greater gift you can give a child?

Commitment

My Mom is the living embodiment of commitment. She has been Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful) to my Dad for five decades. She has been Semper Fidelis to God. She has been Semper Fidelis to my siblings, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And she has been Semper Fidelis to me.

Throughout a rebellious youth, during business failures, while constructing 2000-foot towers and in the midst of a combat zone, my Mom - my first Semper Fidelis Leader - has been on her knees in prayer imploring God to protect me.

All the leadership development in the world cannot match the leadership taught by a Semper Fidelis Mom.

Measureless (Author Unknown)

There are miles to measure countries
There are bushels, too, for wheat
There are fathoms for the oceans
Degrees to measure heat

There are years to measure ages
Light years for stars above
But no way has been discovered
To measure a Mother's love

I love you, Mom.

Copyright 2006 Gene E. Blanton All Rights Reserved