Lessons in Leadership, Legacy, and Service
Sitting down with Major General Brian Winski, President and CEO of the Fort Campbell Historical Foundation, was an unforgettable experience. His insights and stories revealed profound lessons on military service, leadership, and the values that define our nation.
Here are the top five things I learned from this remarkable conversation with a truly inspiring leader:
Legacy of Service: A Family Tradition
One of the most powerful aspects of Major General Winski's story is his family’s generational commitment to military service. His dedication spans 37 years, but it’s clear that this spirit of service is deeply rooted in his family’s history. Generational legacies like his remind us of the enduring value of commitment and sacrifice—a core part of what it means to serve and protect our nation.
Entrepreneurial Spirit in a New Chapter
After nearly four decades in the military, General Winski is now taking on a completely different challenge: leading a historical foundation and building a museum on a tight budget. There’s no roadmap for this kind of work, yet his adaptive leadership skills are guiding him through the uncharted territory of fundraising, project management, and community engagement. It’s a reminder that leadership principles, like resilience, strategy, and vision, are transferable across sectors, and they’re helping him build a legacy for Fort Campbell and our military history.
A Living Repository of History
General Winski’s near-photographic memory of Fort Campbell’s regiments, missions, and people was astonishing. His deep knowledge of Fort Campbell’s history underscores the importance of memory and storytelling in preserving heritage. His commitment to documenting and sharing these stories reflects the role history plays in shaping our identity and instilling pride, both in our state and our country.
Upholding the Integrity of the Military
The military has faced its share of criticism—whether it’s perceptions of waste, bureaucracy, or social tensions. But General Winski’s perspective was a powerful rebuttal, embodying the dedication, competence, and moral strength that truly define our armed forces. He emphasized that, while challenges exist, the core integrity and values of the military remain steadfast. His insights reminded me of the depth of commitment held by those in service, and how this dedication transcends any momentary critique or outside perception.
Inspiring a New Generation to Serve
One of the most impactful messages General Winski shared was the decline in the number of Americans choosing to serve in the military. Rather than approach this with worry, he sees it as a call to action. His goal is to “open a new aperture” on what it means to serve by sharing stories, history, and the sense of purpose that comes with military life. He believes that through education and narrative, people—especially those around Fort Campbell—can see themselves in these stories and be inspired to consider service as a path for themselves or their families.
My conversation with Major General Winski left me with a renewed sense of pride in our state, our country, and the values that bind us together. He’s not only preserving the legacy of Fort Campbell but also showing the next generation the importance of courage, service, and resilience. It’s leaders like him who keep the spirit of service alive for all of us.
