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Marcus Aurelius
Roman Emperor from March 7, 161 - March 17, 180
Aurelius ruled Rome during a turbulent time as the empire was constantly under attack from foreign invaders, its own political structure and a plague. He was a Stoic philosopher that used his mental awareness and discipline to rule Rome successfully when times were tough and events did not go his way. He was able to navigate these times by knowing himself and what he could handle and knowing when to ask for help. I chose him due to his character. -
Mar 25, 1306
Robert the Bruce
King of Scotland from March 25, 1306 - June 7, 1329
A charismatic leader during the Scottish War with England against both Edward I and his son, Edward II. He used his wits and leadership ability to rally the citizens of Scotland and successfully defeat the English army for Scottish Independence. He stood up to adversity with courage and accepted his role with grace and humility. He was not afraid to lose to successfully fulfil his vision of a free and independent Scotland. He's humble & brave. -
Nov 17, 1558
Elizabeth I
Queen of England from November 17, 1558 - March 24, 1603
Elizabeth overcame her half sister taking English thrown over her and putting her in the tower of London. She worked diligently to gain the support and love of her citizens during the reformation of England. She was fair to all regardless of their religious affiliation and she defeated the Spanish Armada, becoming the worlds most powerful Navy. She remained unmarried and committed her heart to England. She overcame bias/sexism with grace. -
George Washington
President of the United States of American from April 30, 1789 - March 4, 1797.
He was chosen to be the first president of a democratic republic after defeating the British Empire as Commander in Chief for the Continental Army in the American Revolution. He navigated the Articles of Confederation and helped establish the U.S. as a recognized country. He continuously fought against old habits and ways to maintain structure and stability that would last. He sacrificed everything for his vision. -
Theodore Roosevelt
26th President of the United States of America from September 14, 1901 - March 4, 1909.
He assumed the presidency after the assassination of Pres. McKinley. He remains the youngest president in history at 42. A progressive, he implemented changes in America that he saw as improvement upon the establishment and counter to "old ways". He never gave up on political goals and improving society as he saw fit, with many changes still in effect today. He was one of the most significant leaders in US. -
Winston Churchill
British Prime Minister from May 10, 1940 - July 26, 1945.
Churchill was appointed PM during WWII after Nazi Germany successfully controlled the majority of Western Europe. He used hope and passion to lead Great Britain and maintain resilience against the enemy. He used his voice and charisma to lift the spirits of the world against an admirable foe and bring unison to the fight against good and evil. Churchill remains one of my favorite leaders for his personality and grit, while standing alone. -
Chester Nimitz
Admiral/Fleet Admiral United States Navy from December 31, 1941 - December 15, 1947.
Nimitz was skipped over as Vice Admiral and promoted quickly following the bombing of Pearl Harbor ultimately bringing the U.S. into WWII. Nimitz utilized good communication with his subordinates as well as his Army counterpart (Gen. McArthur) in order to win in the Pacific Theater. He struggled with new technology and strategy, overcoming recidivism from his sailors. He's an example hard work and determination. -
Angela Merkel
German Chancellor from November 22, 2005 - December 8, 2021.
Merkel was the first female Chancellor of Germany, as well as the first East German born elected to a unified Germany. Merkel was elected in the wake of political scandal and controversy as her progressive ideas were not popular at the time. She leaned on outside support and successfully challenged current policies that were becoming unpopular with citizens. She used her intuition and moral character as a platform for decision making. -
Dan Crenshaw
Congressman began serving in Texas January 3, 2019. Dan is a former Navy SEAL and achieved the rank of LtCom before departing military service. During his service he lost his eye in 2012 after being hit by an IED. Overcoming adversity, he continued serving for four more years. He has been a member of Congress representing Texas's 2nd district for the past four years and continues to be an influence in the Republican Party. He has suffered great setback and conquered through determination & grit. -
John David Baker
Offensive Coordinator, University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) since 2021. JD has surpassed all expectations as a boy from small town San Angelo. He succeeded in college as a quarterback and leader, ultimately setting records at ACU. He has moved up in the collegiate ranks quicker than most his age and his maturity and attention to detail allow him to succeed when others fail. He is humble and never shies away from hard work. He loves his job and the players that he coaches with all his heart.