Day 11: What up with that?

For some reason today people would sing snl’s “what up wit that?” For no apparent reason. This is normal behavior for this trip.

Our one full day in Eindhoven is focused on one mission: Operation Market Garden. This the plan by the British to keep the Germans on their heels to push them back into Germany and hopefully end the war by Christmas, 1944. The mission was ultimately a failure as the Germans held the allies at bay. But Easy company was able to achieve some individual victories. Dick Winters led a charge at cross roads that took out 2 German SS companies even though being severely out manned. Many speculate this would have earned Winters the medal of honor if in the post-activity write-up, he had mentioned himself target than the entire company. He only takes about “we” and “us” rather than “me”.

Crossroads sight

Dick Winters is the main figure that we study in this class when talking about leadership. Winters is the definition of a true leader. In the military at the time leaders were urged to lead from the back so they are not in the fish line of fire. Winters felt the opposite of this. He did not view himself any higher than the others in the company. When he lead, he lead from the front. In Operation Market Garden he was the one leading the charge as they stormed across a wide open field in ambush. The courage that it takes to put everyone ahead of you is essential in being a good leader. Never once does Winters think that he is more important than the man next to him.

Often today in life we are shown examples of “leaders” among us, but far too often I have found they are being chosen as leaders for all the wrong reasons. Leaders in sports are often chosen by who is the best rather than who is the best leader. One person that I have been able to work with that I think truly defines the leadership role is Gavin Woodland. He has been our track captain at Bethel for the past 2 years. He is a great runner, but not fastest on the team, but his contribution extends much further beyond the track. He is always aware of his teammates and their needs. He leads by example.