Capt. Shaloe Green, left, administrative operational attorney, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, shows Spc. Christian Gmelin, paralegal specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd ABCT, a painting Sgt. 1st Class Christopher LeDuc, brigade paralegal NCO, made for her. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)
By Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor
3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
Many leaders have ways of doing things for others without any expectations — a form of selfless service that quietly boosts morale within an organization.
For one Soldier with the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, the generosity comes in broad strokes.
“Painting is something I enjoy doing,” said Sgt. 1st Class Christopher LeDuc, paralegal NCO in charge, 3rd ABCT. “I am able to escape for a few hours to create an image, an original painting that I can give to a friend, loved one or co-workers.”
LeDuc spends his weekends painting.
“Since moving here, I haven’t painted as much as I would like to,” said LeDuc, who is part of a brigade that has been busy preparing over the past year for a U.S. Army European Command mission beginning in January.
Sgt. 1st Class Christopher LeDuc, paralegal NCO in charge, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, begins a painting for one of his Soldiers at his home in Colorado Springs. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ange Desinor)
“With deployment on the horizon, it’s understandable. Honestly, when I am painting, it’s one of the few times where I can clear my mind of all outside noise and distractions and just focus on the pure enjoyment of painting. The only thoughts are what I want to create, and that usually changes the entire time I am creating a painting.”
LeDuc tries to bring the same sense of peace that comes from painting to those who receive his artwork as gifts.
“I have given my paintings to my Soldiers, friends, Family and co-workers and kept none for myself,” said LeDuc. “One day after retiring, I would love to start a career in art. This will give me a head start by getting my name out there.”
Soldiers in 3rd ABCT appreciate the artist’s talent.
“One day he will be recognized for his talent,” said Capt. Shaloe Green, administrative operational attorney. “I believe he will gain worldwide experience. He is a genuine person, and he takes note of your interests. By doing that, he brings it out through his artwork.”
In the process, LeDuc attempts to increase the morale of his peers through his artwork.
“One of the paintings he did for me was of the Buffalo Soldiers,” said Green. “It really touched my heart to see that he’s creative and very diverse with his creations. The Soldiers, leaders, his peers all stop by his office to admire his work.”
LeDuc has always had a love of art — from drawing to tattooing and everything in between.
“I had been away from doing art for several years and wanted to get back to it, and had never tried painting before, so I decided I would give it a shot,” he said. “I found it to be instantly enjoyable, challenging and relaxing all at the same time. I’ve painted on and off for just shy of two years; about six months in total over the past two years.”
When LeDuc completes a painting the first thing that comes to mind is what he’s learned from his painting, how can he apply it to his next painting and improvements he can make. But he has no expectations when he paints for others, except to make them happy.
“When they see them and show admiration for them, I can’t say no,” he said. “I like seeing my art bring someone else joy. It helps show my art to more people than I would be able to on my own. Eventually, after my Army career is done, I would like to do this as a career.”