College Commencement Speakers

By | May 22, 2014

[May 22, 2014] The most forgotten speeches ever heard are from college commencement speakers. Whether it is from the alcohol hangover from the night before, the cell phone texting, or just the fun of being with your friends and doing something important, those speeches never seem to do us any good. Many are, however, full of very useful… Read More »

Characteristic #61: Understanding Complex Situations

By | May 22, 2014

[May 22, 2014] During the 1980s, the nuclear arms race between the United States and the USSR was frightening, complex, and potentially deadly for millions of people. The stakes were high, the issues multifaceted, and solutions were hard to come by. Ultimately, the U.S. President and USSR leaders agreed to put some controls on nuclear weapon development. U.S.… Read More »

Military Veterans: Combat to College (Update)

By | May 21, 2014

[May 21, 2014] I spoke today to a group of military veterans and college staff about why so many military members fail at making a successful transition from active duty to the college environment. I’ve also written about this transition (see link here). In the past I proposed three key ingredients for a successful transition. Passion – the… Read More »

The Right Degree of Autonomy

By | May 19, 2014

[May 19, 2014] As an Infantry Company Commander many years ago, I received an evaluation that said despite being a successful company, my unit was micromanaged. The criticism I took to heart. Frankly, I was wearing myself out mentally. After meeting with my First Sergeant (the most senior enlisted person), we agreed to give more autonomy to the… Read More »

Battle of Monte Cassino: May 18, 1944

By | May 18, 2014

[May 18, 2014] Seventy years ago today, the final battle for Monte Cassion (Italy) was won by the Allies, by driving German and Italian defenders out of this critical junction and opening the door to Rome and attacking the “underbelly” of Hitler’s empire. The strategic value of the Italian campaign leading to this important series of battles is… Read More »

Core Values: USO

By | May 18, 2014

[May 18, 2014] Before I deployed to combat, I never really gave much thought about the USO. Sure, I saw old newsreels of Bob Hope, Betty Hutton, and many other famous entertainers doing shows for the troops from World War 2 to Vietnam, but I never really understood or appreciated their real value. The United Service Organizations Inc.… Read More »