Billy Kimball - US Naval Academy graduate, served 10 years in the US Marine Corps as an Officer with 2 MEU deployments. Today, Billy is the VP of Construction at KCG Companies
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Summary
Billy Kimball, a former Marine Corps infantryman, shares his journey from childhood to military service and his pursuit of attending the Naval Academy. He discusses growing up in a military family and wanting to serve something bigger than himself. Billy talks about his experiences in boot camp, deployments, and challenges. He also highlights the importance of mentorship and the support he received from his platoon commander. The conversation covers the Marine Corps culture, the crucible experience, and the unique opportunity for Marines to attend the Naval Academy. After returning from deployment, Billy attended the Naval Academy Prep School for six months to prepare for the Naval Academy. He initially struggled with the transition and had a chip on his shoulder, but eventually found his place and formed close bonds with his football team. At the Academy, Billy faced academic challenges and worked hard to improve his GPA. He then completed the Basic School (TBS) and Infantry Officer Course (IOC), which were physically and mentally demanding. After graduating from IOC, Billy felt a sense of relief and accomplishment. He was assigned as a weapons platoon commander and later became the executive officer of the headquarters company in the Second Marine Regiment. Billy discusses the importance of having resources and external consultants with firsthand combat experience. He shares his experience with veterans who have gone through combat and how their mindset can sometimes be misaligned with the purpose of the military. Billy also talks about his favorite role as the XO at the headquarters company and his connections with fellow Marines. He emphasizes the need for better support and transition programs for military members entering civilian life. Billy shares his career win of becoming a senior project manager in the construction industry and highlights the importance of discipline and building a positive culture.
Takeaways
Growing up in a military family influenced Billy's decision to join the military and serve something bigger than himself.
Billy's journey to attend the Naval Academy was filled with challenges and perseverance.
Mentorship played a crucial role in Billy's military career; he emphasized supporting and guiding others.
The Marine Corps culture and experiences, such as boot camp and deployments, shaped Billy's character and prepared him for future challenges. The transition from the military to the Naval Academy was challenging for Billy, but he eventually found his place and formed close bonds with his football team.
Billy faced academic challenges at the Academy but worked hard to improve his GPA and successfully graduated.
The Basic School and Infantry Officer Course were physically and mentally demanding, but Billy felt a sense of relief and accomplishment upon completing them.
Billy was assigned as a weapons platoon commander and later became the executive officer of the headquarters company in the Second Marine Regiment. Having resources and external consultants with combat experience can provide valuable insights and guidance.
The mindset of veterans who have gone through combat may not always align with the purpose of the military.
Building connections and a positive culture is important in the military and civilian sectors.
There is a need for better support and transition programs for military members entering civilian life.
Discipline and a focus on the basics are key to success in any career.
The book 'Legacy' by James Kerr offers valuable lessons on building a positive culture.
The VWB Show is Sponsored by: Jet.Build, www.jet.build
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Hosted by:
Adam Stark | Founder at Jet.Build
Special Forces Veteran | 500HR Yoga Trainer | Wellness Author
The VWB Show is Sponsored by:
Jet.Build: www.jet.build
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