In 1899, Elbert Hubbard wrote “A Message to Garcia”. The essay is actually based on the true story of a young Lieutenant during the Spanish-American War. The 1st Lieutenant, Andrew Summers Rowan, USA, was sent to Cuba alone with an extremely important mission: to carry a message to Garcia. I encourage you all to look it up and read the full version.
From history, Garcia was the leader of the Cuban insurgents. President William McKinley and his advisors felt that America needed Garcia’s help for the war effort. Not knowing how to win over the insurgents, it was suggested that someone deliver a message to Garcia personally. Army 1st Lieutenant Rowan was the individual suggested to deliver the important message, because of his courage and tenacity. From an intelligence perspective, the only thing anyone knew, was that Garcia was stationed somewhere in the Cuban mountains. That said, knowing that Garcia’s assistance was vital, and despite the fact that he had nothing to go on… Rowan accepted the task without question. He took the letter personally from President McKinley and headed to Cuba in an attempt to deliver the President’s message.
The young soldier journeyed alone, took a boat to the coast and trekked through jungles, intent on his mission. In time, through hard work and undying persistence, he did in fact find Garcia’s hideout in the mountains and delivered the President’s letter. Rowan’s sheer determination and seemingly superhero drive to get the President’s message to Garcia no matter the cost is an example to us all. Rowan’s acceptance of his task without question, his attention to his duty and his desire to carry out the mission without faltering are traits that all men and women should follow and/or strive for… to this day!
Rowan (like the Unconquered) knew the mission’s success was paramount. Similarly, the Spartans of Invictus will also never shirk from the task at hand. The client’s mission success is also our ultimate goal. In addition, trustworthiness was as important back in President McKinley’s day as it is in ours. 1st Lt Rowan’s actions can be transplanted from the Cuban battlefield to modern-day duties and responsibilities. There is true virtue in hard work and commitment, there is true virtue in devotion to duty, and doing the right thing no matter what the penultimate achievement is. It is certainly what sets the Spartans of Invictus apart from many others.
For those of us in the business world, Rowan’s initiative is the stuff of dreams for an employer and it is that initiative and dedication to duty that a healthy work force values, especially in this day and age. To me that is what we should all be, beacons of light for all others to follow. I hope you are with me as I guarantee, I am with you. Take no prisoners, protect the client and the mission, and as always Defend the Gates of Freedom for this great country of ours.
Remain Unconquered,
Jim