Hal Moore: Be a 'Tender warrior'

Retired general stresses importance of spirituality

BY BORDEN BLACK - Special to the Ledger-Enquirer --

"A real warrior is balanced in life: in mind, body and soul," said the man who many believe is the embodiment of the real warrior. Retired Lt. Gen. Hal Moore told 5,500 Fort Benning trainees Easter morning that, "there is nothing soft about being tender and loving."

The 32-year Army veteran and co-author of "We Were Soldiers Once... and Young," the story of the Battle of Ia Drang, Vietnam, told the assembled soldiers that he loved his troops and suffered profound grief when they were killed. His assistant, Toby Warren, confirmed that the 86-year-old retired general still prays daily for every man under him who was killed in action.

He also visits the Fort Benning cemetery where his wife, along with many of his comrades who died in Korea and Vietnam are buried. "Soon I shall join them again with my wife in the same grave with her for eternity," he told the troops on Easter Sunday.

Moore further advised the young men not to wait until they are his age to discover their spirituality.

"Don't let the environment you are in right now persuade you out of being a tender warrior," he cautioned. "There is nothing soft about being tender and loving -- and also courageous and tough."

Some advice was offered along with Moore's message: "Always believe the best is yet to come, adopt spiritual giants in your life, set specific spiritual goals for growth by thinking through both your dreams and your discontents, translate your aspirations into action, take on those enemies who will unwittingly attempt to steal your spirituality and be patient."

The words resonated among those in the audience who replied with resounding hoo-ahs and praised the retired warrior's words.

"That we can be loving, tender, courageous and brave in the Army... that is one of the things that I think is missing in a lot of soldiers... . They think to be tough, you've got to be mean. God is also one of love and mercy," Pvt. Andrew Gilmore reflected.

Pvt. Joe Garcia confessed that Moore was one of the reasons he decided to join the military, and the leader's admonition to stick together struck a chord with him. Moore is known for having never left a soldier on the battlefield, either missing in action or as a prisoner of war.

As the son of a military man, Pvt. John Anburgey says he respects Moore's words. "He really touched my heart with what he had to say and what kind of man he is."

Moore seemed equally touched by the soldiers' response. "This is rare experience. I've never seen as many recruits in one place before today," he responded to a question. "I'm very happy with what I have seen in these young men and women." He said that the number of soldiers willing to attend tells him that there is a lot of spiritual belief in today's soldier.

The general, who now lives in Auburn, has spent a great deal of time at Fort Benning, including as a second lieutenant in 1945, as a captain in the Infantry advance course in 1951 and 1952, and as a lieutenant colonel commanding an Air Assault Infantry battalion in 1964 and 1965. He also spent many days in 2000 and 2001 on the installation during filming of the movie based on his book. He was portrayed by Mel Gibson in the film.