Retired Major League Baseball player David Eckstein and Lt. Col. Terry Tillis, commander, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat team, 4th Infantry Division, speak to the U.S. Air Force Academy baseball team about leadership prior to a March 5, 2016, game against the University of Nevada. (Photo by Maj. Kevin Boyd)
By Maj. Kevin Boyd
1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs, 4th Infantry Division
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY — The U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons baseball team filled the locker room anxiously awaiting the arrival of a group of mentors from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, before a game against the University of Nevada Wolf Pack March 5, 2016.
Part of the Cadet-Athlete-Soldier Training and Leadership Exchange (CASTLE) program between the 4th Inf. Div. and the academy, Soldiers from the 1st SBCT mentor Air Force cadets in leadership while learning about athletics.
“The 1st SBCT really is ‘First to Fight’ as (it has) already made quite an impact on my team and players early in the season,” said Mike Kazlausky, Falcons baseball team head coach. “This partnership is really important to us as my guys are just getting started in this leadership business.”
Retired Major League Baseball shortstop David Eckstein, a two-time World Series champion and 2006 World Series MVP with the St. Louis Cardinals, arrived alongside the Soldiers to share his wisdom and experience with the team.
U.S. Air Force Academy catcher Jordan Hanlin, left, walks with 2006 World Series MVP David Eckstein after the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Air Force game against University of Nevada March 5, 2016. (Photo by Arnie Spencer)
“Whether it is the field of dreams or field of battle, it is leadership that counts,” said Eckstein, who extended his stay after a childhood friend’s change of command ceremony to take part in the CASTLE event.
“Never waiver from that which is right, true and just; and your team will follow your lead,” said Lt. Col. Terry Tillis, who recently took over as commander
of the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 1st SBCT, 4th Inf. Div. “Leadership isn’t only about how good your unit does but how you gain the respect of your Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors or Marines and rise up to the challenges that come with leadership —the good and the bad.
“When you first enter the service as young lieutenants, you carry the added burden of being a leader athlete, and the men and women in your formation will hold you to a higher standard. Now is the time as a cadet to set your bar high and aim for it,” said Tillis.Falcons pitcher Trent Monagham said it meant a lot to the players to hear from experienced leaders.
“Since I graduate soon, I was real nervous about going into the Air Force as a leader, so I really thank you guys for coming and talking with us,” said Monagham. “After hearing your stories, I’m more confident that I can make the transition from cadet to leader.”
Soldiers with positions from battalion command to team leader shared their perspectives on military leadership.
“As a young leader myself, I wanted to share what I expect and need from my lieutenant, so that these cadet leaders can get themselves ready to lead,” said Sgt. Kenneth Rickelman, military intelligence team leader, Company D, 299th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st SBCT. “I want to let them know that their men will follow them if they set an ethical standard and follow it.”
Air Force catcher Gabriel Martinez said the CASTLE program offered him a valuable experience.
“Meeting with these Soldiers and, of course, Dave Eckstein, means a lot to me as they have a wealth of experience and knowledge, and I especially liked hearing about how they recovered from a bad decision and still led and learned from it. It gives me confidence,” said Martinez.
The partnership continued to pay off as the Falcons baseball team went on to defeat the Wolf Pack, the defending league champions, 18-4.
“And that is what CASTLE is all about—leading and winning as a team,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Cutchin, civil affairs officer, 4th Inf. Div.