FCW Insider: Thoughts about Marty... and 'community'

It has been a tough week in the government IT world. Of course, we have been closely following the status of Marty Wagner (, who fell off the roof of his two-story Arlington, Va. home on July 6 sustaining serious head injuries... While I'm on the subject, there isn't anything new to report. I will not get into the habit of doing updates for the sake of updates, particularly when there isn't anything to report. That being said, there isn't much new to report. As far as I know, Wagner is still in the intensive care unit at George Washington University hospital. My suspicion is that we are in the waiting period as doctors do everything they can. As we noted , and friends who have spoken to his wife reiterated to me this morning, the situation was essentially unchanged and that it could remain that way for several days. As I told somebody, "Waiting sucks!" Just keep sending good thoughts toward .But there have been other ripples through the community this week. In case you missed it, Sandy Bates' father passed away last week. Bates, of course, was the former commission of the then Federal Technology Service. Here is :All of this has made me think about "community." Whenever we hire new reporters for FCW, I almost always tell them that FCW is a community publication. The difference is that our community is defined by the work people do, rather then on where they live. And in all my years covering the government IT community, it is a community of people who are very focused on helping the government do its work better. Yes, the vendors in this community are in it to make a profit, but they also work along government employees -- often for years.Communities are interesting. Yes, communities can be gossipy. And yes, communities can form cliques. But they are also like extended families. The response to Marty's incident has, frankly , been heartwarming. People have been chomping at the bit to do something to help him and to help his family. They aren't doing it because there is something to gain. After all, this is a retired government person. They are doing it because... this is a person in need and a community rallies around those in need.A personal note, I have mentioned a few times that I went through a very different trauma earlier this year when . Of course, it doesn't compare to what Marty is undergoing because, in my case, it is just stuff, and stuff can be replaced. That being said, Marty was very kind to call me and offer whatever help he could. At that point, I didn't know what I needed. I'm sure Wagner's family is having similar feelings. But the thoughts do help.Of course, part of the reason people are rallying around Marty is because it is Marty. I've had many conversations with FOWs this week -- friends of Wagner -- and it is remarkable Marty has touched so many people.Here is one comment that somebody sent me: "Chris, thanks for posting well wishes for Marty... Marty is a special person. He's infectious. People get it as soon as they meet him and that's very rare."Wagner has a remarkable combination of talents and skills -- he is remarkably honest, and yet never comes across as arrogant, prickly, or in people's face. That gives him a remarkable ability to question people on issues, and yet not make them defensive. Yet through his questions and by pressing them, he spurs people to go beyond where they could have gone otherwise. He thinks, ponders, and he puts those thoughts into action. Heelicits loyalty, and he builds teams. In most quarters, all of that seems like a pretty good definition of leadership.So... not much to report at the moment.I'm out of town this weekend for the wedding of Adam Tuss and Caroline Baker. Many of you will know Tuss either because he does our and, if you are here in Washington, you definitely hear his voice on DC's all-news station, , where he covers the .  Both Tuss and his wife have become good friend. In fact, FCW as we kicked off our second season of the radio show and they talked about their engagement. Well, the wedding is finally here. So I will be in Nashville this weekend.That being said, I will be tethered to my Blackberry and will make sure to break away if there is anything urgent to repo t or if there is any way that we can help Marty or his family. (People have been kind enough to offer to mow the lawn at his house -- how kind is that?!)Again, Wagner's family knows that people are ready to help however they can. Unfortunately there just isn't that much we can do right now. Rest assured, there will be an opportunity to help later during Marty's recovery, I'm sure. But just to reiterate, there are ways you can get in touch with Marty. If you want to send him a card, we are collecting them and we will make sure that they get to the family. You can send it to:You can also leave a note on . And we created a , where there are almost 41 people at last count.