MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- When children are asked what they want to be when they grow, most invariably reply an astronaut, fireman or professional athlete.
Not so for Col. Stephen Pomeroy, who recently took over as Marine Aircraft Group 12's commanding officer.
The Torii Teller recently sat down with Pomeroy to discuss his new command, Desert Storm, fatherhood, college life, what it takes to be a good leader and boyhood dreams.
So, when you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be in the military. My older brother did three tours in Vietnam as an enlisted Marine and I respected what he was doing. This was the 1960s when draft dodging was common, but there were some good people like my brother putting their lives on the line.
For college, you chose The Citadel, a military university made infamous for its hazing in Pat Conroy's book, The Lords of Discipline, which was later made into a movie. What was it like going to school there?
The Citadel was never as bad as the book or movie made it out to be. Going to an all-male military school isn't the same as going to a co-ed liberal arts college. But I have fond memories of The Citadel. If you talk with Marines, some of their fondest memories are of boot camp, where discipline is tough and they are expected to perform at a level many thought was not possible beforehand. That was kind of like what The Citadel was for me - just for a longer period.
How did it feel when you took over the MAG-12 command in July?
First off, I was very happy to be coming back here. Iwakuni was just about the first place I went overseas as a young lieutenant. I was here on and off under the Unit Deployment Program from 1982 to 1987, and I can't believe how much it has changed. It has been a true Team Iwakuni effort to get this station in the type of shape it is today. From Marine Corps Community Services and the Exchange and Commissary to the professionalism of every shop here, I am just astounded at the positive changes. I am very proud to be the commanding officer of MAG-12 and I hope to continue the success we've had in the past providing regional peace and stability to the Pacific Theater. We are a deterrent against aggression in the Pacific Rim and are the first responders if there is trouble. That's an important job and one we take seriously.
You flew combat missions in Operation Desert Storm and proved you could handle the pressure. What advice would you have for Marines who haven't yet been in a similar situation?
It's hard for Marines to imagine, especially Marines who've been in less than 10 years, that they may be in combat someday. I was in the Marines for 13 years before I flew an actual combat mission. Basically, no matter what your job is, you've got to be ready both physically and mentally for that day.
I understand you have seven children ages 6 to 22. What's it like having so many children?
After the fourth child it's actually really easy because you can't tell if there's five, six or 10 kids in the house. During my career there has been many times I've had to be apart from my wife and family, so when I do get a chance to be with them I really appreciate it and I tend to savor the moments more.
What makes a good leader?
A good leader sets the example and leads by that example in all ways. Period.
When it is all said and done, what would you want your fellow Marines to say about you?
I'm not looking for accolades like innovator or trendsetter. My most memorable moments have come doing the little things to make a difference in an individual Marines life. I think it would be good enough for me if they just said, "He was a pretty good Marine ... did his duty as best he could and most importantly, he took care of his Marines."