I knew very little about leadership, or what it truly meant until I ventured into a library many years ago. I pulled a book from the biography shelf that seemed interesting. That book was written by a former prisoner of war in Vietnam, Gerald Coffee. “Beyond Survival-Building on the Hard Times” was the story about how Gerry Coffee, a fighter pilot, was shot down and held as a prisoner of war for seven years and nine days. I encourage you to take just a moment to think about those numbers. How much of your life can pass by, how many special occasions will you attend and how much can you learn and grow in seven years and nine days?
Captain Coffee and so many other American patriots went off to fight an unpopular war, and far too many were either captured or killed for their efforts. 591 US Prisoners of War were returned to the United States during Operation Homecoming in 1973. As I turned the pages of Beyond Survival, I couldn’t help but visualize the torture, isolation, and desperation that these men were forced to endure within the walls of the infamous Hanoi Hilton…as it was affectionately called.
I was so moved by the story that Gerry Coffee told that I wrote him a letter thanking him for his service and suffering. I was beyond excited when he took the time to write back to me thanking me for my service as a police officer…which clearly paled in comparison to his sacrifices. He also sent me 10 copies of his book in paperback, all of which have long since been given to friends and family. I will never forget his humility and kindness.
I learned so much about how those prisoners of war overcame adversity by using their ingenuity, and finding a way to communicate, though the punishment would be severe if they were caught. They used the “tap code” to encourage each other and pass orders through the cement walls of the prison. They maintained their military bearing and vowed to survive their ordeal and “Return with Honor” to America when the war was over. I went on to read many more books written by former POW’s and there is no better way to gain appreciation for what we have…than to learn about what so many gave of themselves to allow us to have the freedoms that we do.
Close to 20 years after reading Beyond Survival, I decided to continue my education. I was a different person by that time after wearing a badge for so long. My views on the world and humanity had changed considerably, but I tried to maintain a positive outlook. Those in law enforcement deal with trauma, death, and destruction on a daily basis, but it is a calling rather than a job. I was always in search of self-improvement and felt that finally completing my college degree would help in some way. I was well into my 40’s when I applied to a Master’s Degree program and I chose the course that intrigued me the most…Master of Arts in Leadership.
I had the pleasure of working with some exceptional leaders during my career. I also worked with some that fell well short, in my opinion. I wanted to improve as a leader and let the management take care of itself. There are some incredible leaders who aren’t great managers and also managers who couldn’t lead an Army of one! My job as a detective required me to focus on the psychological aspects of human nature. I wanted and needed to know what made people tick. I felt if I could be a better leader, I could be a better person. In turn, that would make me a better investigator!
What is leadership? You can find many definitions if you search hard enough, but being a simple man…I feel that leadership is guiding an individual or group towards the accomplishment of a defined goal. Having said that, you can see how there could be good or bad leaders. As the saying goes, “It is about the journey, not the destination”. You may get the group to accomplish that goal, but if you use threats, coercion, or negative motivations, was it really worth it? I wanted to find a way to empower those around me. Find a way to want them to succeed and find the finish line. I knew that furthering my education probably wouldn’t make me smarter (I’m a realist), but I thought that it might make me wiser moving forward.
One requirement of most master’s programs is what they call a thesis. You basically write one statement and then provide documentation supporting that statement. My statement was simple, yet concise. “American Prisoners of War in Vietnam maintained leadership under extremely adverse conditions”. I had the privilege of personally interviewing more than 10 men who had endured the hardships in Vietnam. I was lucky enough to meet a true friend of the POW’s named Lee Humiston. Lee was the curator of The Maine Military Museum and Learning Center in Maine. He had a large collection of POW artifacts and his knowledge of the subject was unmatched by anyone that I know. Lee connected me with some former prisoners of war and they all agreed to speak with me. One was a very young helicopter pilot who was shot down and held in the jungle for years…and one was Jeremiah Denton, a high ranking and senior pilot who endured unimaginable torture for his leadership and direction. I was so moved by what these men had to tell me, and I will be forever grateful that they chose to tell me their stories. The admiration I had for them only increased after hearing their stories firsthand. All gave some and some gave all.
My thirst for knowledge only increased after interviewing these American heroes. I am still constantly striving to improve how I interact with others. Life is about opportunity in my view. We can seize it, or let it pass us by. Giving people that opportunity is a huge part of being a good leader. As my leadership journey continues, I hope you’ll take the time to read about it and share your thoughts.
