Dewayne Andre Roper, originally from Capitol Heights, Maryland, served with distinction in the United States Marine Corps for over 16 years, beginning his career at the age of seventeen in 1999. Rising through the ranks, Roper excelled in various leadership roles. After retiring from the Marines as a Gunnery Sergeant in 2015, Roper transitioned into civilian life, embarking on a successful career path marked by leadership and achievement. In 2017, Roper brought his leadership skills to the Department of Veteran Affairs VA Maryland Healthcare Systems as a Training Specialist. Here, he focused on instructional system design, talent management, and the delivery of specialized training programs. Roper's role ensures national compliance and operational excellence for approximately 17,000 employees, highlighting his dedication to supporting veterans and advancing organizational goals. Additionally, he founded Roper Enterprises LLC and Joint Venture, Enduring Logistics Group LLC, leveraging his expertise in property investment, logistics management, and leadership development. His entrepreneurial endeavors underscore his commitment to excellence and service, bridging military expertise with civilian success.

In July of 2024, I had the privilege of attending the retirement ceremony of a fellow United States Marine and high school classmate, marking the culmination of his remarkable 20-year service in the Marine Corps. The ceremony took place in a serene, rural setting, with a historic home on a farm over 150 years old as our backdrop. Despite being dressed in business attire outside, the warmth of the late afternoon sun and a gentle breeze filled the air with a sense of pride and calm.
The guest list was a diverse mix of people: high school classmates and teachers, family members, current and former service members (the retiree was a Lt. Col.), and local community leaders with whom he was affiliated. This rich tapestry of individuals added to the ambiance and significance of the occasion, fostering meaningful conversations after the formal ceremony concluded.
As the event transitioned into a more informal gathering, I found myself engaged in a compelling discussion with the retiree’s father—a Marine officer and retired Coast Guard judge advocate—and several others about the profound impact our high school Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) had on us. We reflected on how the program had cultivated leadership skills and mentorship relationships starting from the ages of 14 to 17, shaping our character in ways we hadn’t fully appreciated at the time.
It was during this conversation that I was struck by a revelation: I had unknowingly played a role in influencing my peers as a student cadet. My classmates, including a Green Beret and fellow Marine Corps veteran, shared how my example of leadership, character, and dedication had set a high standard for them. I realized that, while I had been largely unaware of my impact, my presence and actions had served as a form of mentorship that created lasting ripple effects within our group.
This moment of reflection caught me off guard. Standing among my classmates and their parents, listening to their stories about the influence I had on them, was both humbling and enlightening. I discovered that I had unconsciously absorbed the lessons from my NJROTC instructors and other mentors throughout my life—from leadership camps to daily engagements—and woven them into my own leadership style.
The Unseen Influence of Mentorship
This demonstrates that mentorship can emerge unexpectedly and often goes unrecognized until later in life. It underscores the importance of leading by example, as our actions can profoundly shape those around us. As noted by Kouzes and Posner in their book, The Leadership Challenge, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” This principle became vividly clear during this gathering.
Mentorship, as described by Daloz in Mentor: Guiding the Journey of Adult Learners, often extends beyond formal structures, arising organically in our interactions and relationships. While traditional mentorship may involve designated roles, the influence we exert on others can be just as significant, if not more so, than the guidance we receive from formal mentors. It reminds us that everyone has the potential to mentor, regardless of their official status.
The relationships forged in the NJROTC program exemplify this dynamic. These formative years were not just about learning military drills and discipline; they were about cultivating an unrealized community of support and accountability. Each cadet played a role in shaping the others, whether through shared experiences in leadership positions or through everyday acts.
The Power of Shared Experiences
Shared experiences, particularly challenging ones, can solidify bonds and enhance the mentorship dynamic. In NJROTC, we faced rigorous training for high schoolers, team-building exercises, and competitions that pushed us to be more than what our surroundings attempted to dictate by influence. These experiences allowed us to witness each other's strengths and weaknesses, fostering an environment where we could learn from one another and learn who we were and could be. As we navigated the highs and lows together, we became more than just classmates; we became a support network and family.
According to research by the Harvard Business Review, peer mentorship has been shown to have significant effects on professional development. The article suggests that when individuals work together and share their knowledge, they often achieve a deeper understanding of their capabilities and potential. This was evident in our NJROTC collectively as a unit or cohort, where we leaned on each other’s strengths to overcome many obstacles, thus enhancing our collective novice level and once again unrealized leadership skills.
The Long-Term Impact of Mentorship
As we shared stories at the retirement ceremony, it became clear that the lessons learned in our formative years had a lasting impact. For many of us, the principles of leadership, integrity, and dedication that we absorbed from each other and from our instructors shaped our subsequent paths. Whether it was pursuing military careers, entering public service, or contributing to our local communities, the foundational skills developed in NJROTC were crucial.
Research has shown that mentorship contributes to professional success. A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that mentees often experience enhanced career advancement and job satisfaction. While I had not been aware of my role as a mentor, it was clear that the influence we exerted on each other had helped to lay the groundwork for our future achievements.
The Ripple Effects
This experience served as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of our journeys and the importance of the leadership lessons we learn along the way. The mentorship we receive and give, often unknowingly, shapes not just our own paths but the paths of those around us. It highlights the profound effect we can have on each other's lives, often in ways that go unnoticed.
In reflecting on these experiences, I hope to inspire others to recognize the power of their influence and the potential for mentorship in every interaction. As we move through life, we should be mindful of our actions, understanding that we may be guiding others even when we do not realize it. By leading with integrity and commitment, we can create positive ripple effects that extend far beyond our immediate circles.
Conclusion
The retirement ceremony was more than a farewell; it was a celebration of the unseen influence of mentorship. It reminded me that leadership is not confined to formal titles or roles but is present in everyday interactions. The relationships we cultivate and the examples we set can profoundly shape the futures of those around us. As we reflect on our journeys, let us embrace the power of mentorship, recognizing that our actions may inspire the next generation of leaders in ways we cannot yet imagine.
References
Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2017). The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations. Wiley.
Daloz, L. A. (2012). Mentor: Guiding the Journey of Adult Learners. Wiley.
Harvard Business Review. (2014). How Peer Mentorship Can Help You Develop Your Career.
Journal of Applied Psychology. (2016). The Role of Mentorship in Career Advancement: A Review and Meta-Analysis.
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