[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 »
[March 21, 2021] It’s unusual to have the honor to speak with a true hero. Yesterday, I was on the Joe Griffies’ Welcome Home Show. The show had a fantastic lineup of real heroes. One of the radio show guests was Herschel “Woody” Williams, one of only two living Medal of Honor medal winners of World War II.… Read More »
[March 20, 2021] There is an old saying by John D. Rockefeller that good leadership shows average people how to do the work of superior people. He was right. Conversely, weak leaders are those that cannot get their mission accomplished. The result is hard times. We’ve all witnessed this problem of weak leadership. My first assignment as a… Read More »