Drew the leader
CPT Jensen, a leader that projected courage, candor, competence, and commitment. His purpose always clearly defined in the respect for the subordinates he served and the mission they were charged with completing.
The time and attention he gave to all Soldiers spoke volumes of his humble “times ten” qualities, securing him in history as a Soldiers’ Leader.
One of Drew’s Warrior Brothers defined Leadership as:
Do not weigh your effectiveness as a leader by the degree to which you are required for your unit to function. Self-importance can only be a liability to the organization and an obstacle to improvement. In fact, consider indispensability as a failure.
Measure your success as a leader by the extent to which you make yourself unnecessary—not irrelevant—but unnecessary. Through the issuance of clear and concise guidance visibly aimed toward the realization of a well thought out and articulated vision; through the absolute empowerment of subordinates to accomplish that guidance; through the foresight to forecast what development and resources your subordinates require to succeed; through the courage to accept all responsibility when your empowered subordinates fail; through the humility to pass on all credit when your organization succeeds; through your ability to constantly provide honest, frank, and timely feedback that inspires and bolsters ownership of tasks; through the creation of a system in which people’s roles and the system’s processes are so clearly defined, communicated and reinforced that turnover does not affect productivity; through your personal example of integrity, combat cool, patience, temperance, and genuine concern for those in your charge; through your honest and fundamental belief that your sole purpose is to serve those whom you have been entrusted to lead; through the earnest pursuit of these charges will you work tirelessly and selflessly to render yourself unnecessary and your organization immeasurably improved.
Written in a special place by CPT Leo Flor, While living the definition.
Putting your finger on Drew’s as a leader is a difficult task, especially when his energy was expelled redefining himself, remaining relevant, and being there for the Men he served. Drew was our definition. Our definition that worked through difficulties every day, remaining “Combat Cool” and coming out ahead. His continuous drive and uncanny ability to wrap his hands around solutions is a piece of what will continue to define him as a top leader within his generation, forever.
Knowing that he gave his entire existence and life to a definition will give us all insight into Drew the leader, I would hope that we all strive and learn to be just like him some day soon.
What an odd and humble profession….to see a Brother gunned down, aid administered, without a thought another Brother step up, and when it’s all said and done heads bow, a tear, an unheard prayer and right back to an unknown future.
Just one thought of many I’ll have over a drink, about a Brother whom I will Love forever. Drew, Tighten your boot laces, it will be a while before I get there but when I do get it on and be ready to train!
Drew you are my Brother, you will lead inside of me forever!
–Written by Sergeant Major James Mapes, who served with Captain Drew Jensen