John R. Hawkins III
On April 5 Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, one of military’s most outstanding leaders, retired from the United States Army with full honors at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, after 41 years of exemplary service. Born in Mobile, Alabama in 1953, he was raised in Thomasville, Georgia and graduated in 1975 from West Point. He eventually commanded troops at every level from Lieutenant to General.
He was the first African American to command an Army division, and then a Corps “in combat” and the first African American to command U.S. Central Command, which operates in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and other hot-spots. According to Gen. Mark A. Milley, chief of staff of the U.S. Army, “…in over 10,000 years of recorded military history, there has never been a military general to command as a general officer “in combat” in each of his general officer ranks garnering the enemy defeats he acquired.”
As accolades and honors were spoken about Gen. Austin it became clear that this was not just another retirement, but a new beginning for one of the military’s greatest leaders. This quiet, unassuming, giant of a man never tooted his own horn to the end. Instead he gave praise to his soldiers and their families for their selfless sacrifices while serving their country. From all of the accolades given at his retirement ceremony, the one that interested me most was when the Chief of Staff of the Army said that Gen. Austin “…raised the general officer leadership of today.” I can testify to that and say that he did it the Army Infantry way: “He led from the front and by example.”
By the time the recognitions of this great soldier began to mount, it was clear to all that what we were witnessing was the retirement of a soldier who could have been the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Given that it was Marine Corps. turn, this was not possible.
The U.S. Army’s Old Guard performed its “Special Retirement Review” with all the ruffles and flourishes due such a great leader of historic accomplishment, which rightfully included full recognition of his dedicated and most supportive wife of nearly 35 years, Charlene Austin.
The Army has many sayings but one is that “We recruit soldiers, but we retain families.” The later part of that charge is not easy but was championed remarkably well by Charlene Austin. She has been recognized by many including Auburn University and the President of the United States for her selfless service to military spouses, families and many family support activities such as the USO, the Military Child Coalition and the United Way.
The retirement ceremony caused me to reflect on the greatness of this family serving side-by-side selflessly for the betterment of themselves, their family and others too numerous for them to know personally. As the accolades poured in from many, including President Obama, it became clear to me that what I was witnessing was the recognition of something we African Americans know widely exists, but is seldom recognized – a completely loving couple who together put “Mission first and people always” (another often used mantra of the US Army). As Gen. Austin repeated more than once in his retirement remarks, “This business of soldiering is all about people.” Gen. Austin also consistently gave thanks to his parents for their love, direction and undying support.
A man and wife, who were always eager to help those by mentoring or whatever means necessary to succeed, clearly practiced what they preached. Gen. Austin talked of being able to see better when standing on the shoulders of others. He and Charlene clearly allowed many to benefit from standing on their shoulders. From my foxhole, they clearly exemplify what is great about the African American family.
Maj Gen US Army (ret) John R. Hawkins III, JD, MPA is President and CEO of Hawkins Solutions Intl., a government relations and lobby company. His last military assignment as a “two star” was Dir., Human Resources Directorate for the Army world-wide and prior to that Deputy Chief Public Affairs for the Army, world-wide.
Correction: Due to an editing error, General Lloyd Austin’s command of a Corps “in combat” was left out of the story. The story has been updated.