These 4 Men Are Selfless, Inspirational Leaders

Margaret O'Connor
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I grew up going to Catholic schools and being surrounded by a pretty religious family.

I remember my grandmother praying to St. Christopher before my family would make the long drive from Massachusetts back home to Maryland.

She told me he was the patron saint of travelers and that praying to him would ensure our safe journey home.

Once, I lost a necklace that my great aunt had given me. When I called her to tell her how sorry I was, she told me to say a prayer to St. Anthony, the patron saint of lost items.

My great aunt said, “Pray, then go retrace your steps, you will find the necklace.”

I prayed with all my might, mostly because I did not want to disappoint my great aunt. To my surprise, I found the necklace. Was it the saint answering my prayers or was it a young girl actually opening her eyes for the first time and looking in all the right places? Maybe it was a little of both.

I have been waxing nostalgic about saints lately because of a presentation ceremony I attended on Fort Bragg last week. I watched as four Special Forces soldiers were awarded the Order of the St.Philip of Neri award. it is an honor presented annually by the command on behalf of the Special Forces Association to deserving Special Forces soldiers. These soldiers embody the characteristics of a selfless and superb teacher and inspirational leader, as demonstrated by the patron saint of Special Forces, St. Philip of Neri.

Maj. Gen. Thomas R. Csrnko, commanding general of U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne), and Mel Smith, executive director of the Special Forces Association’s national chapter, were the presenters for the ceremony. They presented the St. Philip of Neri Bronze award, which is given to active-duty and National Guard soldiers who have contributed in a significant way to the Army Special Forces regiment.

The four soldiers receiving the award were Command Sgt. Maj. Donald A. White of 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Command Sgt. Maj. Mario G. Vigil, formerly of 5th Group and now Special Forces Command’s top noncommissioned officer, Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Zets of 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and last year’s recipient and my husband, Master Sgt. Brendan W. O’Connor of 7th Group.

All four of these men have shown dedication to duty and exceptionally meritorious conduct and achievements throughout their many years of service to their country. It was I, and the other members of the audience, who were honored and humbled to be in the presence of men who have dedicated their lives to serving their country. All of these men had at least 23 years of service in the Army, some had 30. It should be a reminder to us all that selfless sacrifice and devotion to duty are traits that we should attempt to emulate and always be thankful for.

It is written that St. Philip of Neri made himself available to everyone at any hour to guide his followers. Philip believed humility is the most important virtue, and he strived to achieve it in himself and others. It seems clear why there could be no other patron saint for Special Forces. Special Forces soldiers are, after all, the “quiet professionals.” They are forever professional and always humble. Thanks to all who serve us so proudly. Peace to all.