FORT KNOX, Ky. -- The Army's newest and future leaders received the seasoned advice of one of the Army's highest ranking officers.
Army Materiel Commander Gen. Dennis L. Via held a small group mentoring session with 14 newly commissioned second lieutenants and spoke to about 600 cadets from Cadet Leadership Course 8 during a leadership development presentation Aug. 3. Via talked about his experiences and offered advice on succeeding in the Army.
Via began his military career when he commissioned into the Signal Corps from Virginia State University in May 1980. Since then, he made his way through the ranks and many different duties for the Army until he became the 18th commander of AMC in August of 2012. AMC is the Army's provider of materiel readiness to ensure dominant land force capability for the nation's Warfighters.
Via spoke with the second lieutenants about his expectations for the new officers and their careers.
"You will be a qualified leader, and that's what I need you to be -- our nation needs you to be," he said. He then commended the officers on their accomplishments and hard work so early in their military careers. "I want to thank you for your service," said Via.
After the luncheon with the new officers, Via had the opportunity to speak with CLC Regiment 8 and its cadre at Fort Knox's Olive Theater. The general began his address recounting his military background and some of the experiences he has had in his 30-plus-year career.
Via told cadets that good character is what is expected of a future army officer and that is what will become the foundation of their career. He said a positive attitude is what separates a good day from a bad one.
Via advised cadets to keep Army values in mind: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. The standards upheld by officers, he said, is what distinguishes a good unit from a great one.
He continued to give them advice on teamwork, because he believes this is how the Army works well, together.
"You're building your reputation now," Via said. "And your reputation is your resume."
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