In a videotaped message to retired Maj. Gen. Donald Storm, Sen. Mitch McConnell may have said it best.

“The general is fond of saying it’s not about the general, but it’s about the soldiers and airmen,” McConnell said. “Well, today is about you.”

Storm was highly decorated in his 37-year military career. Now, the Leadership Tri-County William Hacker, M.D. Leader of the Year Award can be added to his mantel as he was honored as the recipient of the 2008 award Thursday evening.

“I sometimes wonder how blessed one person can be,” he said. “You don’t know how really moved I am tonight. I am thankful and blessed to have these kinds of friends from the area I love.”

Storm began his military career in 1970 when he enlisted with the United States Army Reserve Group in St. Louis, Mo. After retiring from active duty, he enlisted with the Kentucky Army National Guard in October 1972, where he was employed up until his recent retirement in December 2007.

“After all, if not for the National Guard, we wouldn’t be sitting here tonight,” he said. “We wouldn’t have this nation. The National Guard, citizen soldiers, are part of the reason the country is here today.”

The definition of leadership, Storm said, can be best remembered by the acronym LDRSHIP (Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal courage), which he went into detail to explain.

“Loyalty is loyalty to each other,” he said. “We all have the duty to do that which serves the greater cause and greater number of free people. Respect each other and everyone’s unique niches and God-given talents. Put us together and we can’t be stopped. It’s not about me, myself and I. It’s not about the general or the CEO, it’s about the welfare of the people in the organization. We all make different levels of contributions. It’s about we, us and they as we move forward together. It’s about what you do when nobody’s looking. It’s also about what you do when everybody is looking. It’s amazing how many people watch you and will follow what you do. Personal courage is not the absence of fear. It’s about holding onto our values and the love of each other. Personal courage is about holding dear the welfare of all of us and overcoming our fears for the benefit of all.”

He also said true leadership is about not allowing one’s values to waiver.

“Within the elements of power, we all make some level of contribution,” he said. “First, there’s diplomatic power. Secondly, there information power. Thirdly there’s economic power. Fourth, there’s military power. Fifth, and most critical, is the will of the people. What underlines and underpins all these are great values. We must honor those values we hold dear, so we can all go forward to make contributions together for the sake of the greatest number of free people. You never want to let go of those values.”

A native of Lily, Storm said he is proud of this region and sees much potential for citizens to become leaders in the Tri-County.

“I certainly wore that on my sleeve,” he said. “We have the right values in this area. We need to take it to another level. Thank God for organizations such as Leadership Tri-County. They’re out here. One thing we suffer from in southeast Kentucky is a lack of confidence. This is because very few people have publicized the great human resources in this area. We have amazing talents in this area. There is no more potential in the commonwealth than there is right here. These Kentuckians, your sons, your daughters and many of you, have stood up.”

Thankfulness is something Storm possesses an abundance of. He is not only thankful for those around him who honor their values, but for the freedoms all Americans have.

“We have to appreciate the freedoms taken for granted on a daily basis,” he said. “There are people in the country standing up for what’s right and paying the price. Apathy will not work in this high a level of freedom. Leadership in this area will not let that happen. What is absolutely critical is the security of this nation.”

Prior to his receiving of the leader of the year award, Leadership Tri-County board member Donna McClure read a letter addressed to the board from former governor Ernie Fletcher.

“You have made the right decision in giving this award to Maj. Gen. Donald Storm,” McClure read. “In summary, he is a very good man.”

Ed McGrath, chairman of Leadership Tri-County, said the choice to select Storm as leader of the year was unanimous. He said the board for the organization, which started in 1987, meets quarterly but also meets once a year to nominate an alumnus from the organization to become its leader of the year recipient.

“These are people that have somehow improved the lives of citizens of the Tri-County,” he said.

“Like I said, I am blessed beyond anybody’s imagination,” Storm said.

In his videotaped message, McConnell gave his opinion on what so many who have been acquainted with Storm already feel.

“He is one of our best,” McConnell said.



Brad Hicks can be reached at bhicks@the

timestribune.com