The True Meaning Behind the U.S. Army’s Motto of “Be All That You Can Be”
By: Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
Adversity comes knocking at all our doors at one point or another within our lives. How we choose to face adversity shapes us into who we are. For some of us, adversity breaks us down, yet for others adversity strengthens us as we rise and face adversity head on. This is the lesson students at Paul G. Blazer High School learned on Friday morning during a special assembly led by Lieutenant General Daniel L. Karbler.
It’s not every day a three-star general of the United States Army comes to town and speaks. On Oct. 20, 2023, Karbler, who assumed command of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command and Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense in 2019, spoke to the students at Ashland’s Paul G. Blazer High School during an assembly.
The United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command is a critical element in today’s army and an essential component in the development of solutions for the conflicts of tomorrow by supporting the United States Space Command, United States Strategic Command, and the United States Northern Command.
As stated in LTG Karbler’s online bio., “LTG Karbler most recently served as the chief of staff, United States Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. He was the principal adviser to the USSTRATCOM commander and deputy commander and directed the activities of the command staff by developing and implementing policies and procedures in support of the command’s missions. He chaired numerous boards, oversaw the command's corporate process, and served as the director of the commander’s staff. LTG Karbler also served as the commanding general of the United States Army Test and Evaluation Command. Prior to that, he served as the director, Joint and Integration, Army G-8 at the Pentagon.”
During the assembly held at Ashland Paul G. Blazer High School, Karbler talked to the students about the importance of standing strong in the face of adversity. He included a visual demonstration that left quite an impact on the students. “We all know that the theme of the United States Army is ‘Be All That You Can Be,’ but what does that really mean? In order to be all that you can be, you must first understand two things… two very important things. You must consider WHAT and WHO you can be,” Karbler explained to the student body of Paul G. Blazer High School.
The first of being all that you can be is understanding just what it is that you can be. LTG Karbler shared, “You can be anything that you want to be in the United States Army. If you want to be an astronaut, you can do that! You want to jump out of airplanes, you can do that too! What if you want to fly helicopters, be an engineer, build stuff, work on computers, or become a doctor? You can become all of those things with the United States Army.”
To help students understand this concept further, Karbler walked over to three tables set up in the middle of the gym. The first table had a large rectangular box filled with sand. The second also held a large rectangular box, except this one was filled with pebbles of all shapes and sizes. The third table held a single cinder block sitting in the middle of the plastic box. Beneath each table was a bucket and inside that bucket was water.
LTG Karbler approached the first table, looked around at the students and said, “Up on these three tables we have some sand, some pebbles, and a single cinder block. These three items represent you and how you will stand in the face of adversity. The water in these three buckets will be the adversity that will try to overtake you.”
LTG Karbler took the first bucket and poured it over the sand, which ultimately sloshed sand everywhere until it was flattened out within the box. Again, Karbler looked around at the student body and asked, “What happened to the sand when the water hit it?” Karbler paused for a moment to allow that statement to sink in and then said, “It washes away! Are you the type of person whose personal being is like sand and washes away when adversity hits you?”
He immediately proceeded to the second table, poured a bucket of water over the box of pebbles and stated, “What happened to the pebbles?” He answered, “Some of the pebbles were washed away while some of them stayed in place! Are you the type of person that when adversity hits you, you get washed away a little bit, but you still have a little resolve left in you?”
Finally, LTG Karbler came to the third and final table, which held that singular cinder block. He poured the bucket of water over the cinder block and water splashed off it and ran around the sides. Karbler looked around at the student body once again, and this time with a bit more tone in his voice, he asked, “Or, are you the type of person that when adversity hits you, you are unphased, and it’s as if you become a brick in your resolve?”
The student body remained quiet. LTG Karbler went on to add, “Remember that the second part of ‘be all that you can be’ is consider ‘who you can be?’ In the United States Army, you can be anyone you want to be. The Army can make you stronger and make you a better person than you were before.”
After a rather impactful speech and presentation, the students at Paul G. Blazer High School got to witness one of the most selfless acts of bravery, dedication, and compassion that anyone can give. They had the privilege of being witness to seven new recruits being sworn into duty right before their very eyes in the middle of Anderson Gymnasium. To say it was an emotional experience, was an understatement. Witnessing those seven selfless individuals dedicate their lives to the sole purpose of serving and protecting others was truly a humbling experience. The recruits are ready to be put to the test and be all they can be.
LTG Karbler continued his service in Ashland by participating in two other events throughout the weekend. After visiting students at Paul Blazer High School, LTG Karbler met with a group of veterans at the popular Bombshells and Ales restaurant located at 739 Carter Ave. in Ashland and had the opportunity to have lunch with them and share stories of their service. This was a great honor for both the veterans and Karbler to share with one another and support one another.
On Sat., Oct. 21, 2023, LTG Karbler had the opportunity to speak at the highly anticipated Cosmic Holler Film Fest, which was held at the historic Paramount Arts Center. LTG Karbler shared that it was an honor to have been asked to speak at this event. The Cosmic Holler Film Fest celebrated all things science fiction while bringing together filmmakers and fans from all over made for a truly otherworldly experience. The Cosmic Holler Film Fest featured films in the following categories: animation, feature, documentary, music video, experimental, and short film. Those in attendance at the Cosmic Holler Film Fest spent the day watching a total of 14 movies made by the most talented up-and-coming filmmakers.
Ashland was honored to have LTG Karbler visit our city and demonstrate just how we can be all we can be. Adversity may come our way, but together we have a bright future. The city continues to plan wonderful events and bring guest speakers who challenge us and help us determine what we want to be. We are Ashland…Come create with us!
