Get it on and gear up: Inspiration from a former U.S. Army Ranger

Former U.S. Army Ranger Keni Thomas shared his special military-influenced brand of leadership inspiration Nov. 7 with a sold-out crowd of more than 400 people as part of the The Junior League of Sarasota and the Junior League of Manatee County Legacy of Valor partnership event at Dolphin Aviation.

"Get it on and gear up!" Thomas shouted as he prepared the audience for a whirlwind account of the lessons he learned as part of a field task force during the Battle of Mogadishu -- an event that would be immortalized through the Ridley Scott movie "Black Hawk Down." 

Here's a snapshot of his advice:

- Lead, follow or get out of the way

- Assuming is a form of complacency

- You will only be as good as you prepare yourself to be

- We all have the gift to lead -- so lead by example

- You're only as good as your weakest link

Thomas encouraged leadership through partnership, something that resonates deeply with The Patterson Foundation.  As a collaborative, you are only as good as your weakest link.  You must raise everyone up to recognize everyone’s talent.

Perhaps his most poignant message was one that speaks to the heart of TPF's Legacy of Valor campaign: Hire veterans, welcome them back to the community and give disabled and wounded veterans the chance to contribute to the workforce in their home  communities. They lead our country and now it's time for us to give them a chance to lead at home.