He came from a rough background, just like me. As we began Episode #3 of Your Next
Mission ®, I was struck by some similarities in his background. Tough family dynamics, no clear direction. The Army saved both of us.
Who is CSM Herman Estrada
Motivator. Social Media Influencer. A recently retired Command Sergeant Major.
Proud, yet humble, CSM Estrada says his motivating factor is being able to relate to Soldiers. He can do that because of the experiences he has had. (When I was young) “I began to realize that responsibility comes with accountability…and what I do and what I say has meaning,” said Estrada. He went on to add that building Super Walmart (stores), being homeless, and riding a ten-speed bike to work every day helped him understand that is not what he wanted to do with his life. “I remember turning the TV on and I saw my first Army commercial. It was Be All You Can Be in the Army…I wiped my eyes a little bit and I said, ‘That’s what I want to do’.” This moment began his personal journey to use negative circumstances to build positive things in his life.
Throughout his career, Estrada says that his mentality was to improve the organization every single day. One way he does that is through his heritage. As he reflected on this year’s Hispanic American heritage celebration, he said, “It’s about paving the way for the many new Soldiers who are Hispanic. It’s about dedication in the service to our country for our families. I want to leave a legacy for my kids and their kids,” said Estrada. He added, “I don’t want to be remembered as the Hispanic CSM. I want to be remembered as the guy who helped and gave back to others.”
Today, CSM Estrada has nine children, 16 grandchildren, and has fostered additional children who have since joined the military. Now that he has built a legacy, he is looking toward the future: transition and retirement. When I asked him what his thoughts were about transitioning, CSM Estrada emphasized that it’s all about leaving the organization better than you found it and giving back to younger Soldiers.
Here are CSM Mega Hooah’s top tips for transitioning leaders:
- Pass on the knowledge and equity to upcoming leaders. All the time, and experience must be passed on to the next generation of Soldiers.
- Build others up. Do this by inspiring and empowering your subordinates to make decisions.
- Fine tune communication. Be clear, concise and to the point.
- Come to work at your best. This helps you to bring purpose and meaning to your work environment.
- Find a mentor. Reach out to someone who has personally transitioned to learn about their experiences and ask questions.
For More Information
Watch the full CSM Mega Hooah podcast episode on our website or on our YouTube channel.
Your Next Mission® video podcast was created to provide a resource to help Veterans and families through their transition from military to civilian life, and to help educate America about the military. YNM has proudly covered topics with some incredible guests ranging from transition, mental health, education, financial wellness, the military family, Veteran Affairs benefits to numerous charitable organizations serving our Veterans and families, a Medal of Honor recipient, Veterans Treatment Court, extraordinary stories of war and eight (8) U.S. Army Installation Commands including U.S. Forces Command and the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command.
My grandpa, you are definitely an inspiration to me and my brothers. I can say that whole heartedly and mean it with all I have. Living with you, getting to know you on another level and understanding your story has encouraged me to want to do better not just for me but for the people around me. Having to grow up in such an environment as yours and being ramble to have the courage to stand up and say you want more for yourself is what’s helped me do more. Knowing your struggles and understanding how much courage it took for you to stand up and say you want more for yourself, including TAKING action shows how strong you were even at your lowest. I want to thank you for your service and for doing everything that you do with your all, for the better of everyone around you. You spread so much positivity, you encourage, you lead, you motivate, you help, you care, you teach. Thank you for the endless advice, I take in all that you tell me. I want to be as good as you when I join the Marine Corps, I can’t say right now that I will be in for as long, but I will say I will go to work everyday choosing to make the right decision, encouraging others around me and teaching them their glasses are half full. You definitely have left a legacy that we can all proudly say not only in our family, but most definitely within the Army and military itself. Many lives will be touched and reached when they see there are others who have struggled as much as them and have made it out. Congratulations on your retirement and for dedicating yourself to the US for the past 29 years!!