Lessons in leadership, community and sacrifice: Reflections from a military spouse and sister on Veterans Day
By Allegra Driscoll
My husband, Mike, and my brother, Alex, both served in the Marine Corps, each seeing multiple deployments overseas. Their service introduced me to a close-knit community of military families whose resilience and support of one another were extraordinary. The community was there at every homecoming, sharing both joy and relief, with an unmatched strength. Being part of this group was humbling as well as a reminder that military service isn’t just an individual choice, but a family commitment.
Our time apart during Mike’s deployments presented its own challenges. Mike was a part of the initial invasion in Iraq, and we had to manage through months of inconsistent, indirect communication. Letters, often written on the back of food containers, would reach me weeks after he sent them, while my responses, often dropped out of helicopters, would be delivered to him a month or two after. At the time, Mike and I had not started our family, and the long stretches between our letters gave me a profound respect for military families with young children. These families equally embody what it means to serve the nation.
The military is also excellent at developing leaders and listening to Mike and Alex’s experiences through the years helped me reevaluate what effective leadership really means. The Marine Corps instills in its young officers – some barely out of college – a sense of responsibility and authority that is rare in other fields. These young Marines are given significant autonomy and trusted to make life-and-death decisions. They are not told how to execute every step; they are simply given the mission: “Take the hill.” How they achieve that goal is left up to them, with help of extensive and grueling training, and on-the-ground perspective.
Pictured here with my brother, Alex, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Alex served a tour in Iraq and also deployed to Africa.
The autonomy and trust found on the front lines influenced the ways I think about empowerment in civil society – or the corporate world. How can we, as leaders, equip our teams with the vision, resources and freedom to make real-time decisions? The Marines’ approach showed me that the people closest to the action often have the best view of what needs to be done. By giving them the tools and trust to make decisions, we allow them to be more effective and to feel more invested in the outcome.
As we celebrate Veterans Day, it’s important to keep in mind how we can support veterans and their families. I make a point of participating in initiatives like letter-writing campaigns to active-duty personnel. I remember the impact that simple letters from a kindergarten class had on Mike while he was deployed; these notes became a powerful reminder that people at home were thinking of him, even when he was far away. Taking just a few minutes to write a letter can bring genuine comfort to service members, and I encourage everyone to participate in such efforts.
Another important way to support veterans is by creating accessible career opportunities. Transitioning back into civilian life is often challenging, especially when service members have apparent “gaps” in their resumes. Many companies have programs to help bridge this gap by offering training and support tailored to veterans. These programs recognize that, while veterans may lack specific industry experience, they have been rigorously trained to adapt, learn quickly and overcome obstacles in high-pressure situations.
Veterans Day is a reminder to honor those who serve and to remember that their journeys do not end when they return home. It’s an opportunity for all of us to acknowledge the resilience of our veterans and their families and to find ways to support them. Through actions big and small, we can honor their commitment and ensure they receive the appreciation and opportunities they deserve.
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Author
Allegra Driscoll
EVP & Chief Technology Officer
