Thread by @MarkHertling

In teaching leadership, I’m often asked about great leaders or if I had a mentor. This man fits both categories.

It was 30 yrs ago today General Fred Franks led VII Corps in crossing the line of departure, starting the ground campaign of Desert Storm. 1/12

As a major, I had worked on the staff of Major General Franks - in the G3 - when he was the @1stArmoredDiv commander. He was quiet, smart, demanding, and caring. No one wanted to disappoint him. A true “cold warrior” in Europe. 2/12

A Vietnam veteran, he lost his leg when a grenade landed next to him. He was a major with a cavalry unit, and after being medically evac’d, he fought to stay in the service. He would be the first soldier to suffer such bodily trauma, be retained, and then be promoted. 3/12

When he was promoted to 3-star to take over VII Corps, I left his staff to go to a Cavalry Squadron in @1stArmoredDiv. We were both in our new jobs in Germany when the Berlin Wall & the Iron Curtain fell in 1989. 4/12

Peace was breaking out, and it was obvious to all the forces in Europe would draw down. Then, in August 1990, Saddam invade Kuwait. 5/12

Those of us in Europe watched the development for months. In early November, all of us were told to watch @cnn that night for an “update.” To our surprise, SecDef Cheney announced VII Corps would deploy to Saudi Arabia (we did not get C-Span in Europe) 6/12

A frenzied deployment of 140k soldiers began. European partners were magnificent in helping, but we would all be asked to turn a force that had defended Europe into an offensive force against Iraq’s large army. (You could tell forces from Europe, as we wore green camouflage) 7/12

A complex plan, drawn up by Gen Franks’ planners, envisioned a “hook,” but the mission remained: destroy Iraq’s republican guard divisions. 8/12

The “100-hour war” provided a bevy of lessons. Gen Franks was promoted to 4-star, and shaped the future of our Army as the Commander of @TRADOC. Still a major, I found myself working for Franks on his planning staff over the next 2 years. 9/12

Every year since then, GEN Franks has held a VII Corps reunion/fundraiser. The camaraderie continues and the funds go for scholarship of children of those who served in the Corps. Because of this man. This hero and selfless leader. 10/12

The 30th Anniversary is this week & it is affected by Covid. But next year it will be robust, due to the continued leadership of GEN Franks. A few years ago at the reunion, was lucky to snag this picture of 4x @1stArmoredDiv commanders. 11/12

Anyway, General Fred Franks exhibits all the attributes & competencies of the great of leaders. I hope everyone has a role model/mentor of his ilk. Best to all “Jayhawks” veterans on this 30th anniversary of a formative experience. 12/END