The Talking series is a weekly segment that delves into the topics that guests discuss at Men’s Daily Warrior Podcast.
What distinguishes the good from the great? We believe it is a combination of hard work, talent, dedication and leadership. This is reasonably accurate, except when discussing driving. Sure, these traits play a role, but they don’t define traits. Two things define leadership quality: relationships and focus. Good leaders have transactional relationships with those they lead and focus on how best to leverage each person’s skills to achieve success. In turn, great leaders build transformative relationships with those they serve and focus on helping everyone on their team grow personally and professionally, resulting in a more successful team. In short, great leaders are game-changers, innovators, visionaries who lead by example and genuinely care about those under their responsibility.
Those who are lucky enough to have such a mentor know that it is not easy; They are hard on you, they hold you accountable, and they demand the best of you. They do this because they understand that character, accountability, and high standards are essential to long-term success. We often fail to recognize its impact until many years afterward, but are forever grateful once we do. If they have not yet done so, those who have served under Major General Clayton Hotmacher (USA, retired) will one day realize how lucky they are.
If we had to pick one word to describe Hutmacher, President and CEO of Special Operations Warrior FoundationIt would be selfless. Incredibly talented individual. When we added it On the Men’s Daily Warrior PodcastWe discussed leadership, accountability, and more. In this article, we wanted to take a moment to get to know Hutmacher and acknowledge how his post-military mission painted the picture of a truly great and selfless leader.
find a way
After his parents divorced, Clayton’s mother moved to South Africa for work. The youngest of five, his behavior worsened over time until he was placed in foster care at the age of 15. Fortunately, Charlie Williams and his wife opened their home to him. During Charlie’s death ever since, Hutmacher fondly remembers sitting down and listening to his stories about his life as a Marine and his time in Korea. About his decision to enlist, Hutmacher said, “I didn’t know what I needed other than someone to put me straight and narrow…and the Marines seemed like a good option.” Little did he know that this decision was the beginning of an incredible 40-year military career. During those four decades, Hutmacher served his nation with distinction and honor, first as a Marine, then as an Army NCO, and finally as a commissioned officer. He commanded the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, one of the most effective, efficient, and lethal manifestations of combat power and experience the world has ever known.
Honoring the fallen
Losing a Special Operations soldier is hard on the entire community, but it pales in comparison to the tremendous pain that soldier’s family, especially their children, have suffered. While nothing can stop the suffering of such a profound loss, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) honors the legacy of these brave men and women by helping their children prepare for a successful future. Since 2018, MG Hutmacher has provided the leadership the SOWF needs to advance its mission and ensure that every child of fallen Special Operations Soldiers, or Medal of Honor recipients, receives an education. Whether it’s Harvard or a trade school, they cover the financial burden (tuition fees, application fees, computer, etc.), but that’s only part of what they offer. Their “cradle-to-career” approach means providing preschool and tutoring assistance from K-12, academic advising, tutoring, and more. MG Hutmacher explains, “We also have a program for children with disabilities, which I am very proud of. I have expanded the definition of disabilities to [include] Significant behavioral and emotional issues because they are clearly related to the loss of a parent.”
Mission support
Since its inception, they have helped 467 young people graduate from college, and the program currently supports a further 990 children. We wish we could say SOWF will no longer be needed, but we can’t. Those who serve in special operations will undoubtedly be called upon to protect our nation, which means that the number of children eligible for assistance will likely increase. Fortunately, SOWF will be there to help. This is a foundation worthy of support, as it truly honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Could you Go to the site to donate.
Check out our full conversation with Major General Clayton Hutmacher on Men’s Daily Warrior PodcastAnd the Available now.
Discussion about this post