Who are your Role Models?

Lincsong said:

The guy in my avatar. And Dwight Eisenhower.

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I like them too, but purposely avoided putting heads of state on my list. Did you know Eisenhower never saw combat?

And it was something that chewed on him his entire life--he didn't consider himself a "real soldier" because of it. On the other hand, I think it may have helped him avoid some of the usual command hubris and other things that make grunts hate the brass...

Diamondback said:

And it was something that chewed on him his entire life--he didn't consider himself a "real soldier" because of it. On the other hand, I think it may have helped him avoid some of the usual command hubris and other things that make grunts hate the brass...

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Yep, war is a team sport. Not everybody gets to play out front.

Machievelli....He was an optimist

Ernest Hemingway...I always admired him as a writer and as a "grab life by the throat" kinda guy

"Black Sam" Bellamy...18th Century pirate. Always had style, and didn't like the gratuitous violence like so many of his brethren

Harry Truman...A triumph of the "underdog"; the little guy

Theodore Roosevelt....gun-nut/ conservationist, soldier/peacemaker, cowboy/statesman

MSgt Mike Killian, USAF. He was 75% people and 25% mission. He guided many a young troop through the difficult first year or two of being away from home and in the service.

MSgt Dave Skilton, USAF. He was 75% mission, 25% people. He called it as he saw it, pulled no punches.

At least, that's how it appeared to this young airman at the time. I learned from both, and tried to balance mission and people from their examples.

Judge Alfred W. Dibb. A kind, wise, caring man who didn't say a lot, but what he said, counted.

Louis Corosu, my high school photography teacher. What little pragmatism I have, I learned from him.

Gail E. Yeager, my mother--who has lived a difficult life, yet never, ever gives up.

Regards,
Tom

Well my role models are Winston Churchill, Erwin Rommel, and Dean Martin.

My only fictional one would have to be well, Michael Corleone

My Dad. If I could be 1/10 as good a man as he was on his worst day I would be a tremendous success.

My Role Models change at different points in my life...

I admire different people, at different points in my life, for different reasons. First let me say that I was thrilled to see people listing Joe Strummer and Johnny Rotten (BTW, we named our Dog Joe Strummer as a compromise b/c upon proposing to my wife, I made her swear we could name our first boy Joe Strummer. She changed her mind after our wedding. Like women are allowed to do).

For the most part, my role models and heroes tend to be 'great' people who are just as flawed as the rest of us. For instance, I LOVE George Washington. My office is covered in Washington photos, busts, statues, etc. I read everything I can about the fella. He was a selfish, self-promotor who was very concerned about his image and being famous (if you disagree, research his petitions and relationship to Gov. Dinwidie). He was able to spin failures even as a young military man into great successes with the public (read about his 'massacre' of French diplomats, and you will be quite surprised!). And, my conclusion has been that he was a revolutionary b/c being a British subject hit him where it hurts ... his wallet! He didn't join the fight b/c he felt that all men were created equal, etc. He joined b/c he wanted to make money! As a military leader, he was quite often a failure. When he lost, he lost big. Many of his losses were due to his failure to properly survey his surroundings like a general was expected to do. He obsessed over taking New York City not b/c of it's tactical or political importance but b/c he was run out of the city before, and it was all a matter of pride. But, despite his failures, he always acted as a gentleman. He didn't let what could be career-ending defeats as a young mad keep him from being General. He didn't let otherwise career-ending defeats allow him to be replaced as leader of the rebel forces (it almost happened, several times, but George knew how to wag the dog!). He wasn't much better than the rest of us. Yet he is our national hero. So, there might be a chance for me to be recorded as a 'great' person, right?

Also, as I go from failure to failure in my life, I think about Edison. And Churchill. And Washington. When I'm having a bad day, I remind myself how those fellows and strings of bad days (which lasted years), and had far worse consequences than my bad days. But they still woke up the next day, put both feet on the floor, and tried again. Even during the floods here in Rhode Island this past Spring, I came into work. My partners, who knew my town was flooded and that I had water in my basement ruining quite a bit of stuff, asked me why I was still coming into the office. I reminded them that Churchill still went to work during the Blitz, so a little water wasn't going to keep me from pulling my weight at the office!

Finally, I admire Johnas Salk and George Washington b/c they never lost sight of their humanity or their faith. One was a man of science and another a man of war and politics, but yet they never embarked on any great or important journey without kneeling down for prayer. Science is Science. War is War. But for the grace of God go I.

My Grandmother

My role model is my grandmother. She is 84 years old and is still the strongest woman I know. She was a farmer's wife for more than 60 years, and has an incredible work ethic that she still utilizes, even though she's slowed down quite a bit.

We lost my grandfather almost two years ago, yet she has refused to let grief consume her. She had to have ankle surgery six months ago and couldn't put any pressure on it for two months. She got around on a scooter and persevered, and now she's walking just fine.

In short, she has a can-do attitude toward life and has shown me so much love and support throughout my life that I can never repay her. She is my hero and my idol. You can see her spirit in this photo of her - she's the one on the left.

Oh I don't have role models as whole. Some people influenced me with certain abilities but seldom as a person. I don't think there is such thing as a "flawless character."
Maybe my former drawing teacher comes close to that. He is always friendly, helpful, hard working, creative...great man. He became a father a few days ago. I wish them all luck in the world.
But his clothing style is not my cup of tea. Dreadlocks, carpenter trouser, worn out shirts. Somewhere between worker and hippie.

My humor was highly influenced by monty python and helg schneider.
My work as illustrator was influenced by countless artist. I am not really interested in their private life. For example Picasso or Rodin where both big womanziers...
Currently I'm listening Hank Williams... :eusa_doh:

My mum, my dad, Duke Ellington and someone else I can't think of at the moment.

to admire....

Ernest Shackleton, he knew that it was the journey and not the destination that mattered; and he looked great in a fedora while floating around the Weddel sea.

My Grandfather, he was good soldier, and a tough man.

Stephen Hawking as well, he is one of the greatest minds the world has ever seen.

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/nphotos/sl...ile-photo-astrophysicist-stephen-hawking.html

Chas said:

My mum, my dad, Duke Ellington and someone else I can't think of at the moment.

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He or she obviously made a big impression.

I don't have role models. I have people that I admire greatly, but no one that I consider a role model. People who show enormous courage and integrity I admire, and if I were tested, I'd hope to show the same courage and integrity, but without being tested who can say?

Puzzicato said:

I don't have role models. I have people that I admire greatly, but no one that I consider a role model. People who show enormous courage and integrity I admire, and if I were tested, I'd hope to show the same courage and integrity, but without being tested who can say?

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That's a great answer. I've been struggling with this question for a couple of days, but it seems that's the way I feel also. I prefer to call these folks influences rather than role models. There are so many aspects to consider and so many people that influenced me that to start some kind of list would be futile.

Big Man said:

My Dad. If I could be 1/10 as good a man as he was on his worst day I would be a tremendous success.

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I am glad some one else has the same feeling for their father as I do for mine. :eusa_clap

Jessica Mitford - She was a civil rights campaigner & journalist. She managed to overcome an upbringing of privilege to become a first rate muckracker & troublemaker.
Gough Whitlam - without a doubt the most important Australian Prime Minister. His Government introduced Universal Health Care, free university education for all Australians & Legal Aid. For his troubles he was dismissed from office by the Queen's representative - I can't think of a better reason to be a Republic.

Martinis at 8 said:

I like them too, but purposely avoided putting heads of state on my list. Did you know Eisenhower never saw combat?

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Yeah, I knew he never saw combat. But the reason I admire Eisenhower is that he was dirt poor farm boy who achieved so much in his life. The bootstraps story is something I always look for in people I admire and use as role models. The "never letting up" attitude is worthy of being a role mondel.

To add to the list I'd have to say Senators Hiram Fong and S.I. "Sam" Hayakawa. Two more "up from the streets men who were not only successful but humble.

In different aspects of my life I have people who I respect for various reasons. Including a few people on this forum who have inspired me to try harder to get my living history right.