[March 31, 2021] War brings the unpredictable. There are men who, we would least expect, do impossible things. This was the case of the ‘lost battalion’ of the 77th Infantry Division during World War I. The Lost Battalion is the name given to nine companies of the 77th isolated by German forces in late 1918. The allied Meuse-Argonne… Read More »
[March 30, 2021] Spring is here, and people are getting out more, going to work, shopping, and just walking around their neighborhoods. As a leader, if you want to feel better, make your boss happier, and help your family, then being liked will help. Here are five ways NOT to be liked as a leader. We hear about… Read More »
[March 29, 2021] A little off topic, but I thought today might be a time for a bit of humor. Late yesterday, while searching for photographs from my time in the Iraq War, I came upon a list of staff quotes. Some are pretty funny (although the funny bar was mighty low at that time). Combat in Iraq… Read More »
[March 28, 2021] You just gotta love the U.S. military. Once again, the Navy is considering banning their First Navy Jack patch. “Disappointing” is what one Navy petty officer said to me over coffee. I believe this sentiment is common when Navy personnel see their senior leaders as overly concerned about the patch with the motto Don’t Tread… Read More »
[March 27, 2021] In a Military History course mandated by Army ROTC, I asked a question of our college professor he could not answer. I asked, Why do democracies win wars? This idea was an observation I’d made while reading about war during my college days. I was unaware at the time that historians, philosophers, religious leaders, and… Read More »
[March 26, 2021] “Provide for the common defense.” One of the most well-known parts of the U.S. Constitution is its Preamble that contains this phrase. The idea of defense for all is as ancient as human beings inhabiting our planet. It is no surprise that an ancient foot soldier command would be Lock Shields, meaning essentially the same.… Read More »
[March 25, 2021] Jim Livingston is a U.S. Marine combat veteran. During the Vietnam War, he was awarded the U.S. Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life. Why do we honor those who go beyond the call of duty when in combat against enemies of the United States? Why do we… Read More »
[March 24, 2021] My dad knew him as a “badass.” Dougie McDuranty (not exact name due to my dad’s memory) had his picture taken somewhere in the Pacific Theater of World War II. It was after he was part of a U.S. Marine squad responsible for killing many Japanese soldiers on Guadalcanal. Like my dad said, this Marine… Read More »
[March 23, 2021] A couple of days ago, I wrote about WWII hero Hershel “Woody” Williams. He was awarded the Medal of Honor at the Battle of Iwo Jima. Woody told me of the importance of education in developing today’s youth. And, fortunately, Woody’s mission is similar to that of the Sergeant York Patriotic Foundation (SYPF). Occasionally, I… Read More »
[March 22, 2021] In life, I believe one must be prepared for all situations. This idea means being able to handle firearms of all kinds properly. My dad was the first to put a gun in my hand (a 410 shotgun that belonged to my grandfather) and told me to be safe when using it and respect the… Read More »