New HHC Commander Brings Experience, Plus a Bit of Fun

By Sgt. 1st Class Darleen G. Adkins, Public Affairs NCO 104th Training Division (Leader Training)

JOINT BASE LEWISMCCHORD, Wash. – He smiles a lot. He’s friendly and easy to engage. He has no limits when it comes to optimism. Those are first impressions one might have of the new commander for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 104th Training Division (Leader Training), Maj. Luke Faul.

But who is he really behind that amused look?

He began his military career in 2004, attending Basic Training at Fort Benning, Georgia; joining because he liked “…solving complex human dilemmas that arise in this profession,” Faul stated. He also looked forward to the camaraderie he would enjoy with his battle buddies.

Faul’s parents were also instrumental in his decision to join because of “their unconditional love, guidance, and support”, he shared, as well as having, “a natural

Comprehending the power of nature

enthusiasm about being a Soldier.”

Faul was a sergeant when he decided to attend Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning. And prior to his joining the military, he attended Cal State Fullerton, becoming a teacher along with two of his best friends. “Every day throughout college was memorable,” Faul reflected. He remains in contact with both of his buddies who still coach and teach today.

Before arriving at the 104th, Faul was an active-duty paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, deploying to the Middle East

with them. He was also a platoon leader with the 555th Engineer Sapper Battalion at JBLM, an I Corps company executive officer deploying to the Middle East and a civil affairs operator deployed to Africa.

Besides being equipped with leadership and deployment experience, he credits his parents Floyd and Linda McKeehan who set the foundation for his drive as well as his four nieces (Syd-10, Dally-7, Nova-3, and Electra-1) who he said “have figured out how to order stuff from my Amazon account and they don’t care one iota about a statement of charges.”

Family has been an important part of his success, but also what joyfully lightens the demands too. When the mood strikes him and there’s an opportunity, he throws mom, sisters, and nieces all in their pool, he disclosed with a mischievous look.

Faul traveled extensively through the years, having been to over 50 countries and 49 states, so home, he says, is wherever he goes. Now more settled, he enjoys officiating soccer matches in his free time and competes in break dance contests, he adds jokingly.

“My main goal as a Timberwolf is to be the best teammate I can be to all others” he stated emphatically. Establishing a healthy work environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity so everyone can be themselves and excel is a very important part of his approach. Faul’s leadership style for collective success, “is

Nerd alert...First day teaching at university

one that leads by example, is solutions orientated, combined with servitude” he asserted “as it’s my reasonability to be competent, personable…so we all win at the end of the day.”

An important mindset for the new commander is to “think right by living in the moment” and a mantra he employs, “nature is the timeless and universal mentor to me.” The new commander is candid about his inner thoughts.

“I am very grateful and honored to be the 104th Training Division HHC CO,” he stated humbly. “I’m a diplomatic and kind human at my core and I love to see others winning at life as I will always try my best to help others in any form or fashion. Unless they have really bad fashion.”

Hey official...wear your contacts!

And lastly, to keep it all in perspective with a nod to the importance of resilience, “I’m floating in the universe on an organic spaceship aka earth and good sleep.”

NIGHTFIGHTERS!

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