USTRANSCOM commander talks with JTRU members

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. – Gen. Paul J. Selva, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, addressed more than 100 members of the Joint Transportation Reserve Unit (JTRU) Aug. 2 during the start of the units’ drill weekend.

“We can’t do our job without all of you.  It really is a team sport,” Selva said.  “Helen Keller said, ‘It’s distressing how little we can do by ourselves, it’s amazing how much we can do together.’

“This team, this team,” Selva continued, “can do just about anything inside the distribution and transportation enterprise, in large part because of your contribution…Thank you for what you do, all the time.”

Selva also thanked the reservists’ families.  “If you forget to thank your families for supporting you, shame on you.  I do it every day when I leave the house.”

After a short question and answer period, Selva went on to address the building blocks of trust.

“Every one of you, every person in this room is owed the dignity and respect that comes from being a professional in our military service,” Selva said.  “And if you’re not getting it, I want to know about it, because dignity and respect are the fundamental components of trust.  And I will tell you, on any given day, I am willing to put my life in anyone of your hands, no matter what.  That’s trust.

“I’m here because a second lieutenant risked his life to save mine when I was three years old,” Selva continued.  “He could have died saving my life.  He never asked for a thank you. He put himself between me and what was certain death. And walked away and never asked for anything. 

“I’ve grown up with that expectation that anybody in a uniform, anytime, is prepared to put their life ahead of their brother-or sister-in-arms life.  That’s trust.  But it only happens if you fundamentally respect one another.”

Selva again thanked the reservists for their dedication and hard work, noting that without their unique abilities the command could not function.

 “God Bless you all,” Selva said.  “And thanks for the work you are doing.”

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