Our Ranger Squad

Here is a brief snapshot of each soldier highlighted in No Excuse Leadership to give you a picture of each person as you begin into their tale. The men in these stories represent many different backgrounds. They are anything but cookie cutter infantry soldiers and officers the way you might expect.

Robert "Tex" Turner: After a West Point briefing I wrote, "He is a broad built individual. From stage he did not look very big but he always talked loud and had a permanent flat-top haircut. He was something of a legend at West Point partially because of his Ranger manner and partially because we knew almost instinctively that he had accomplished some great things in his career and was respected throughout the Army as an authority."

Eric Faulkner: Eric lives the ‘No Excuse’ motto. He is a revved up 500 hp engine in neutral. It only takes a small decision to get him working full bore towards a goal. Eric’s concentration makes you notice his eyes and their intensity. With a high and tight haircut you can almost miss his red hair, but you can’t overlook his solid six foot frame and military posture.

Mark Chandler: Mark is a philosopher in training and takes pride in accomplishing a wide range of goals not normally seen on one resume. He often commented on being the first Vassar College graduate to finish Ranger School. He's now gone from Army Ranger to Medical Doctor.

David Stockwell: Immediately you notice Dave’s white hair. The first time I saw him I thought, ‘His face doesn’t look that old.’ He is a thin man of average height and with much more strength per pound than average. Dave is a driven and compassionate leader who puts his soldiers first.

Lance Bagley: Lance is six feet tall and constantly wearing a smile. He is an optimist, encouraged by a belief that he can innovate and turn any negative situation into a positive. Lance is full of life and excites people through his excitement.

Eric Werner: Eric is 6’5", 250 lb., a bear of a man who stands out wherever he goes. Eric’s size makes it impossible for him to hide. As a result of living life as a point of interest, Eric has gone with the flow and had fun with the attention. Eric continually does the unexpected, not to gain attention, but because he knows it is there, he teases the onlookers with intentionally different behavior. No matter what he undertakes, Eric does it with confidence and positive anticipation.

John Hutt: John is easily the quietest of the bunch. He is just over six foot tall and built like an infantryman, thin and fit. He is noticeably confident in the way he talks and walks, and impressively alert when conversing with you. He truly listens to your words, looking for how he can help you get what you want.

Scott Sharp: Scott has a casual, confident manner. He is just over six feet tall, built to wear the crossed rifles of the infantry. He has a common sense approach to missions that makes him fun to be around. Scott emphasizes substance over style, preferring something that works over something that only looks good.

Steve Adams: Steve is a serious man with business in his eyes and intent in his broad shoulders. He is solidly built – a younger Tex Turner. Steve goes full speed ahead no matter what he is doing, working or playing. People naturally respond to his enthusiasm and focus. Steve is ready to lead but also willing to follow and learn.

Brace E. Barber:...

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