The Somme: a Safe Place on the Western Front?

By | December 21, 2020

[December 21, 2020]  I never was a big fan of watching television or going to the movies.  To me, it was a waste of time.  However, readers of my leadership blog will note that I occasionally refer to films because of their value in understanding leadership.  One such documentary, The Somme (2005), is one of them. Are movies… Read More »

Christmas in World War II (the Battlefields)

By | December 20, 2020

[December 20, 2020]  World War II was the largest and most destructive war ever.  It was a time of great upheaval, chaos, and death.  However, the war was also a time that saw America’s traditions carried forward onto the battlefields, the hospitals, and homes.  Christmas in WWII was given special attention. Our troops did their best to celebrate… Read More »

Leadership and Raking Leaves

By | December 19, 2020

[December 19, 2020]  One of my early attempts at earning money also involved, unintentionally, filling the role of team leader.  Two of my friends and I decided to “make some quarters” by raking up our neighbors’ leaves.  I look back to that time, see my ignorance, and chuckle.  But there were lessons to learn, and I did indeed… Read More »

Political Leadership: Allen West

By | December 18, 2020

[December 18, 2020]  There is an old idea about great leadership I keep thinking about; it is most fitting applied to Allen West.  You may forget what a great leader said, but you will never forget how that leader made you feel.  Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and Congressman Allen West is a steadfast Republican, American Patriot, family… Read More »

Leave Decisions to your Team

By | December 16, 2020

[December 16, 2020]  “Make only important decisions.”  So began my first mentoring sessions by one of the most respected sergeants in the U.S. Army.  I was a new, inexperienced Second Lieutenant; he was battle-tested, senior career NCO.  “Doing so will give your team the power to carry out your orders.” He was originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, and… Read More »

Why I’m an American Patriot

By | December 15, 2020

[December 15, 2020]  Yes … I’m a flag-waving American Patriot.  My 40 years in the U.S. Army did not make me a patriot.  Growing up in a patriotic family did not make me a patriot.  I’m a patriot because I lived half my life overseas in 20 foreign countries, on four continents, which made me a patriot.  With… Read More »

Are We a Flabby, Cowardly, Cynical, Leftist Lot?

By | December 14, 2020

[December 14, 2020]  A Gallup poll in October 1940 found American youth as “a flabby, pacifist, yellow, cynical, discouraged, and leftist lot.”  On the precipice of war, the United States was wholly unprepared militarily or socially.  We were, indeed, a cowardly, leftist lot.  Today, we are no different. We honor and respect the Greatest Generation; those who served… Read More »

Hero: Chuck Yeager

By | December 12, 2020

[December 12, 2020]  It has been said that a hero is somebody who voluntarily walks into the unknown.  That, my friends, describes Chuck Yeager, flying combat ace, and test pilot – a real American hero. “You don’t concentrate on risks.  You concentrate on results.  No risk is too great to prevent the necessary job from getting done.” –… Read More »