Just this week on the day after Veterans’ Day, I called to speak to an old friend of mine, Jim Hamilton, who was the First Sergeant of the Special Forces Company I commanded in VietNam. Jim and I had formed a life-long bond of friendship and respect. Our work together was never forgotten by either of us. Over the years we connected by phone and also had the opportunity to spend time together when Jim came out to WA for a few days. I was so happy to have him stay in my home and we shared what was going on in our lives.
This time, my conversation with Jim was not to be, as I was informed by Ruth, his wonderful wife of 68 years, that he had passed away after a short battle with cancer at the age of 89.
Our country has lost a truly remarkable leader whom I was honored to have known. Jim served in the US Navy as a young man and after his enlistment, he returned to Pennsylvania where he worked in the steel mills until he was stricken with polio at the age of 23. He was told by doctors that he likely would never walk again. Jim defied all of the odds and with his will and determination, won the battle and enlisted in the Army at the age of 32 and became an Airborne, Special Forces soldier, who was on his third tour of duty in VietNam when we met. He went on to serve until 1979, when he retired as a Sergeant Major. Jim’s motto for everyone was,“be a leader, not a follower.” He certainly lived that motto and set a standard that only a few can ever match. Jim, Thank you for all you have meant to me and the soldiers whose lives you influenced. You are an inspiration to me every day of my life. I love you and I will never forget you…you are the embodiment of LEAD with COURAGE.
reviews from our clients
This is what our clients have to say about us when asked about their experience
“LEAD with COURAGE assisted the Pacific NW Zone of 7-Eleven, Inc. by working closely with key members of our field operating team. By effectively combining group learning processes with one-on-one coaching sessions, Paul enhanced our team’s capacity to deal with difficult issues, manage change effectively, and build better influence skills. As a result of his work, the zone has enjoyed substantial growth in sales and profitability. LEAD with COURAGE helped our field leaders better understand how building better relationships could accelerate meeting our business objectives. Paul’s work helped catapult our Zone to the top of the performance charts in the 7-Eleven system.”
LAWRENCE HUGHES
“Paul Roggenkamp is a rare leader who leads by his professional behavior, commanding respect of others with his powerful, yet quiet demeanor. He is one of the most respected professionals with whom I have had the pleasure of working.”
RICHARD MUHLEBACH
“Paul Roggenkamp teaches the missing element for success in today’s culture… Leadership. His superb leadership training changed my life and prepared me to be successful in every environment: government, industry, military, and in my personal life.”
MARK “SANDY” MORRISON
“Your insight and coaching have enriched my life.”
H. LAINY BEITLER
“If you are looking to bring yourself to a whole new level in the area of leadership, I personally recommend Paul R….The practical application of his teaching will be put to work immediately by your team to create a synergistic team approach to tackling even the toughest challenges. I cannot begin to express the respect and admiration our team has for this man and his program. Our company has created a Paul Roggenkamp Leadership Award presented annually to an employee whose leadership most exemplifies Paul’s standards. ”
BOB MOATE
“I am continually impressed with Paul’s determination… and his willingness to give of his time and effort to make opportunities possible for others. The emotional enthusiasm evident in his voice and his attitude that “no challenge is too big” combine to inspire those around him to believe that they can accomplish their goals.”
MARK RUSSO
“Thank you again, I really appreciate the insights and learnings that have come from each of our sessions…I’ll work daily to apply the lessons learned.”
DAVE STRACHAN
“Paul’s incorporation of personal experience brings his training to life for those attending. He has a passion for developing leaders and a sensitivity to people rarely found in the corporate world. I strongly recommend his leadership training.”
TIM DUST
“Currently as a Controls Project Engineer, I excel by applying the principles of caring for the people I lead, setting the expectations, communicating effectively and being courageous in adverse situations as the example for others to follow. I have used these principles in my career and in my personal life. LEAD with COURAGE is the best for anyone seeking to be a leader.”
OSCAR VAZQUEZ
“Paul Roggenkamp, of LEAD with COURAGE is without peer in coaching and teaching leadership. His experience, diligence, care and patience in teaching the principles of leadership enable people to confidently approach life and career from the perspective of an effective leader.”
OSCAR VAZQUEZ
“As a Controls Project Engineer of Hispanic descent, I had expertise in my field, but no knowledge of what leadership was. Through the individual teaching and coaching of LEAD with COURAGE, I was able to move forward in my career and life with a leader’s mindset. I was personally taught and guided by Paul through 2 years of a Master’s degree program in the Management of Technology at the University of Minnesota, while also working part-time as an independent software designer and raising a family.”