CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Joan was born into a poor common family in the peasant village of Domrémy in the French province of Lorraine in 1412. She grew up during the height of the Hundred Years' War, at a time when the French nation found itself divided with multiple enemies, both internally and externally. Following a series of visions that convinced her she must do something to aid her beloved country, Joan boldly set out to persuade the uncrowned royal French court that she, a selfless leader, should be given charge of the French army so she could defeat the English and then aid Charles, the rightful heir to the throne, to be properly crowned king.
It was a preposterous plea from the most unlikely of would-be leaders ... a young peasant woman in a male dominated, feudal society.
In October 1428, the English began their siege of the city of Orléans, their final obstacle in their quest to conquer France. Four months later, following a series of humiliating defeats that left both the military and civil leadership of France increasingly demoralized, Joan was granted her unlikely wish and was equipped for war and placed at the head of the nation's military.
Immediately, Joan set out for Orléans. Upon her arrival, she proceeded to lead the army to an astounding series of victories that reversed the tide of the war. Her courage on the battlefield, commitment to her cause, and great love for her country and those in her charge inspired others to achieve more than they ever imagined possible. And, in July of 1429, only five months after she took control of the army, she delivered on her promise, leading the rightful heir to the throne at the great cathedral at Reims where Charles received his crown.
However, shortly after becoming king, the insecure monarch began to increasingly fear Joan's tremendous popularity, resenting the deep love and respect the French people showered upon her. So he set out to negotiate with his enemies and, as an act of good faith, choose to disband France's army despite much of the country still being under hostile occupation. But Joan did not give up her cause to free her beloved country and its people from tyranny and chose to become the captain of a small band of mercenaries, where in May, 1430, she was captured and ultimately convicted of heresy and burned at the stake a year later. She was only nineteen.
But her legacy does not end there. You see, one of the unintentional effects of Joan's leadership was that it put into effect the beginning of the end for the passionless practice of feudalism. Her deep love for her nation and all its citizens, rich and poor alike, inspired the French citizens to persist in their quest for freedom. As it turns out, Joan's selflessness lit a spark of hope in those who, for generations, had come to believe there was no other way. And as history reminds us, over time that single spark turned into a burning flame that ultimately ignited a revolution of the people, for the people.
And it all occurred because of a selfless leader who was willing to step up to a challenge others saw as simply impossible -- a leader who by her actions and commitment to others earned the respect of even the most battle hardened of warriors; a selfless leader whose example inspired thousands of soldiers to follow her purely because of her conviction to her cause and deep love for those in her care.
So what's my point in this, my final article to you, the great men and women of Team Charleston? Simply that every day, we too have the opportunity to lead, be it in big ways or small ways where it matters most: our homes, workplaces, worship spaces, and communities. We too have the power to make a positive difference in the lives of those entrusted to our care. And although we may never be called on to lead an army or change the fate of a nation as Joan of Arc did, we too can change lives for the better. We too can inspire others to achieve more than they ever imagined possible. How do I know? Because I've witnessed it every day since I arrived at Charleston AFB. Leaders at all levels doing what they can, where they can, when they can to serve those around them.
To the brilliant professionals who take the fight to the enemy better than anyone I've ever had the pleasure of serving with, and for this and much more, I say thank you and may God continue to bless the selfless leader in each of us.