Impressive Governor Fletcher

Governor Ernie Fletcher of the Commonwealth of Kentucky impressed me greatly yesterday! No, he didn't capture any new business for Kentucky (that I know of) or made any sweeping legislative changes, he did something incredibly simple that reinforced my support for him as a man, a politician and as a leader. He made a simple phone call to my 21 year old son who serves in Fletchers' National Guard, personally requesting him to accept a domestic mission.

I have to say that this is one of the most impressive acts of leadership I've seen from a politician in all my years. Oh, I've shaken the hand of a US president, talked to countless congressmen and even flew Speaker Hastert of the US House of Representatives, but this simple act of support and kindness to a low ranking Airman ranks as one of the most powerful demonstrations of leadership I've ever been privy to.

My son joined the Kentucky Air National Guard and is a qualified Load Master on the C-130 aircraft. I'm very proud of him as I have posted in the past. He has already been to Europe and the Caribbean as well as flown countless missions including relief missions for Katrina. He could have easily been notified of this new mission by a phone call from his flight chief or other NCO, but no, he received a call from Fletcher himself.

I'm not posting what details I know of the mission intentionally because I am careful about things like that, but also because this isn't about the mission, it's about how a leader leads through small acts of kindness to even the lowest ranking Airman on the list. It's about how the Governor of a state in the most powerful country in the world took the time to speak to a young man and request his participation. This almost routine mission could have easily been assigned and accepted by anyone, but instead it was assigned by the Governor of Kentucky himself to my son.

Yes, I'm impressed Mr. Fletcher. I voted for you and even through the din of political posturing and critical opinion, you know how to lead. Thank you.