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Leadership By Example
(March 11, 2010) |
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| MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (MCN, 3/8/2010) — In boot
camp, drill instructors teach 11 leadership principles that
guide Marines throughout their career. And Master Sgt. Jason
C. Henry, the staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge for
the Advanced Course here, is a leader who follows those
principles and sets the example by balancing his love for
singing and devotion to the Corps.
With an impressive list of accomplishments in his military
biography, Henry has built success on the base commander's
ethos of “balanced excellence.” The ethos focuses on three
things: Profession as a Marine, personal development and
commitment to loved ones.
“Master Sgt. Henry is willing to spend the extra time to
teach, coach and mentor Marines who work for or with him,”
said Sgt. Maj. Anthony Swann, director of the Staff
Noncommissioned Officer Academy. “On many occasions he has
spent the weekend counseling Marines. He shows Marines that,
as a leader, he is straight forward, honest and devoted to
those he leads and to his family.”
Henry, an Indianapolis, Ind., native, also makes time for
the things he loves, such as singing gospel music.
“I wasn't always singing gospel music; I was doing R&B music
initially,” said Henry. “I actually got offered a deal and I
turned it down. I'm Christian and I gave my life to Christ
years ago. What I was singing about wasn't what I wanted to
represent me and my family.”
In 2001, Henry made the decision to begin singing gospel
music.
“His love of gospel singing shows, that while being a SNCOIC,
he still takes time to enjoy pleasures that are not military
related,” said Swann. “This also shows the Marines who work
with him that he maintains a sense of conviction to his
family and his religious ties while being a professional
military man.”
In 2007, while serving as the operations chief with Combat
Logistics Battalion-11, Henry came out with a CD titled, “Godchild,”
where he wrote, produced, arranged and provided all the
background vocals.
In 1994, while aboard the USS Constellation CV-64, Henry
served as the Marine Security Forces noncommissioned
officer-in-charge and filled four additional billets such as
Close Quarters Battle Instructor and Maritime Tactics
Instructor. During this time he was able to balance his
Marine Corps priorities with his love of music.
“When I went to sea duty there was a studio on the ship,”
said Henry. “That was when I was introduced to being able to
produce my own music. So from that point I was like, OK, I
can do this, let's make a CD.”
It is well known that being a Marine is a 24/7 job, but
Henry uses his off-duty time singing and sometimes traveling
out of state to perform.
“It's difficult doing the shows that I try to do,” said
Henry, who has traveled to California, New York and Georgia
for weekend shows. “It takes some sacrifices on some
occasions, and, at the same time, you still have to be
cognizant that you are a Marine. The leadership, the drive,
the initiative and being proactive, all these things will
reinforce what you do on your personal side. That's what's
going to give you the edge,” said Henry.
It's evident by Henry's accomplishments that it's possible
to be a Marine and still take the time for things you love.
“One thing as a leader, you're not going to ask your Marines
to do things that you're not willing to do, so leading from
the front, he's definitely out there,” said Gunnery Sgt.
Andy D. Morley, a recent graduate of the advanced course
here. “He motivates me to up my game. He's definitely one of
those Marines you want to emulate.”
It's always been said that junior Marines are a reflection
of their leaders.
“We as leaders must, and always will be required to lead by
example. Honesty, commitment, trust and concern for our
fellow Marine is contagious,” said Swann.
“Marines will follow those who exhibit these traits and
principles and will, knowingly or unknowingly, pass them on
to others. Master Sgt. Henry exhibits these and more on a
continuous basis.” | |
By USMC Sgt. Judith Willis
Marine Corps Base Quantico
Copyright 2010
Reprinted from
Marine Corps News
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