“I wish I had come across Jeff Buchanan about 20 years earlier in my career. He is simply the best leader I ever worked for and learned from. He was the one person I could return to again and again for advice, both professionally and personally. He knows his business like no other and knows how to get the job done while sincerely caring about the people around him. I have found this trait all too rare in leaders, whether they work in the war room, the board room or elected office. We need a lot more people like Jeff in charge. As a PR professional, I particularly appreciate his ability to connect with people and media anywhere in the world, getting his point across clearly with just the right touch of humor. There is a reason he was picked time and again for some of our military’s toughest jobs. When in uniform myself, I would ascribe his success to being the consummate professional who exemplifies what it means to be a selfless leader. These days I just say he’s a great person who has dedicated his life to serving our nation. And what he experienced along the way makes his voice worth listening to.”

Jeff Buchanan is one of the most inspirational leaders I’ve known in my 36 years serving in and for the U.S. Army. He is the epitome of someone whose “video matches his audio.” He can provide motivation and encouragement to vastly different audiences in a wide variety of settings with little to no notes because he speaks from the heart. He lives and breathes the Army values that he frequently illustrates in telling a story about a great hero or recognizing an outstanding member of his team. He is a leader who can make hard decisions when needed and one who genuinely listens to those who express opinions counter to his. He puts the needs of his team before his own, and he treats everyone with respect regardless of their rank or status. He never seeks recognition for himself but has nevertheless amassed a sizeable group of individuals who have served with or for him in the past that would jump at the chance to serve with him again. A true Soldier’s Soldier.

LTG (R) Buchanan’s charisma, compassion, dedication, and love for his duty to country, especially while leading humanitarian assistance operations in Puerto Rico, was evident every time he traveled to a municipality, personally delivered food and water or when he spoke with an individual or group in need. Puerto Ricans are inherently joyful people, but I’ve never seen how accepting, appreciative, and truly happy people were to see him – he was a rockstar when he walked through a neighborhood, everyone wanted to shake his hand, give him a hug, take a picture and speak with him, which he was more than happy to do. If these are not leadership traits, what are… 

I served with LTG Jeff Buchanan during the devastating hurricane season of 2017. Operating as the senior DOD leader in the U.S. Virgin Islands, I experienced an environment perhaps more challenging than any of my combat deployments. Throughout the response to Hurricanes Irma and Maria, LTG Buchanan was a model of calm leadership while under intense pressure and a steadfast supporter of Mission Command. Remaining patient, allowing time to better understand the situation, and trusting subordinates to exercise disciplined initiative is a true test of a senior leader’s character while facing national-level scrutiny. LTG Buchanan more than rose to the occasion, and there’s much to learn from his leadership example. 

Jeff Buchanan and I served as Lieutenants in the same company in the 82nd Airborne from 1983-1985.  As I got to know him, I was impressed with the quality of his character in all he did.  Regardless of consequences, Jeff could always be counted on to do the right thing.  He took great care of his troops and accomplished all assigned missions.  He always worked to ensure those around him, subordinates and peers, had every opportunity to achieve their goals.  He went out of his way to assist others.  Jeff’s word was his bond; if he told you something would be done, it was done.  It is an honor to call Jeff Buchanan my friend after all these years and enjoy visiting with him when he comes to town.

I had the privilege of attending Jeff Buchanan’s leadership seminar in 2022 during an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) Executive Leadership Academy. This year, 2023, I was able to listen in on another session during the Academy’s second delivery. Prior to this, I had already benefited from his exemplary leadership both while responding to Puerto Rico for Hurricane Maria and my time working in the fire service on military installations overseas in Iraq. His service to our nation unarguably provides comprehensive “street” credibility not only for leading ideas and programs at the highest level but also leading the people that execute them; the “boots on the ground”. During his presentations, however, what I found most surprising was his humility and ability to reinforce transformational leadership concepts. Not just generic ideas of what profound leadership may look like but hard lessons learned of what is, and sometimes what isn’t effective for inspiring cohesion and excellence in staff. I have since applied some of his guidance for positive effect in relationships with supervisors, subordinates, and peers