‘Downrange’ Award – Jim Tochterman (Southeast Territory)
“When I first became involved, I simply wanted to do my part. I didn’t exactly know what “that” was, but as time progressed it became clear, it was “whatever needed to be done.” Shortly thereafter I received a call from my state leader and became a city leader in Augusta, GA and my leadership adventure began. As I became more involved in leadership, and was seeing the organization grow and was being part of its success, I had one goal: to continue to build on the successes and relationships of those who laid the initial groundwork before me (I.e. don’t be the one screws it up). While we are having many successes, we still have a long way to go, but we will get there together. To get where we are now has been a total team effort. From the support and mentoring from the operations leaders, to the all the state and metro leaders who have stepped into the arena, all the way to the individual Greyshirt who deploys on their 1st or 20th op. When we all do our part, whatever that may be, we all succeed.”
Ever since Jim stepped into leadership, he has exemplified each aspect of our cultural tenets. He is fair and recognizes the full potential in each person he meets. To work alongside him is enjoyable. He inspires others to grow and to continue to serve.
Jim is upbeat, supportive, and patient. He always has answers to our questions. He honors his commitments, he makes people feel at ease, and makes each one of us feel at home and part of the family. He is a tremendous resource, who is readily available to the team. He inspires confidence in each of us that we, as individuals and as a team, have what it takes to get shit done, together.
Jim is a member of the Transition Task Force and provides valuable research and insight across the organization. He invests time to explain and educate the team on the impacts of change to our leaders who execute our humanitarian mission. He exemplifies servant leadership. The more we work with him, the more we want to contribute.
A quick word from his team:
“As our State Administrator he ensures we all know how to achieve success in our roles. He keeps our leadership team synchronized with everything going on with COVID and Kick The King. We appreciate him greatly. He is a wonderful example of a servant leader.”
