3 Lessons in Humility: It’s the person not the title

I entered military service as a direct commissioned Army Captain. I had neither prior military experience nor ROTC experience, simply “book learning experience.” After 8 weeks of officer training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas I reported to Fort McPherson, GA. One of my first assignments was to do a hospital survey at Fort Stewart, Georgia. I was accompanied by an enlisted person from the Fort Stewart Hospital.

Something seemed odd about this solider. For one thing he was very accomplished. I learned at the “Army charm school” that a soldier’s resume was sewed on the uniform. There were airborne, ranger, and air assault patches on this soldier’s fatigues. Yet the accomplishments and the persona seemed incongruent. He appeared older than one would for his rank. Moreover, his BCGS, the black army issued glasses reminded me of my former professors (BCGs: short for “Birth Control Glasses”; you wear them and never have to worry about getting someone pregnant). I asked questions. His answers were precise, accurate, and provocative.

My curiosity was building and finally mid way through the first day I asked him about himself. With some prodding the soldier acquiesced. He referred to himself as a “Renaissance Man.” His goal was to become an Army physician. He received an undergraduate degree from Washington University, a medical degree from the University of Chicago, and a doctorate in neurobiology from Cal Tech where his advisor was a Nobel Prize winner. After completion of his studies he enlisted to understand first hand the soldier in the field. When his enlistment was up he would apply for a residency at one of the Army Medical Centers. .

I was dumbfounded staring at this man and wondering if I was being set up. It was all true. “Are your superiors aware of your credentials?” Yes sir, he said. I offered to assist in the ER when I am off duty.” The answer was very “by the book” but the lesson has stayed with me for almost 28 years.

How I applied this lesson to the ballpark is for the next installment.