[June 6, 2023] Codenamed Operation Overlord, the invasion of German-occupied France had long been coming. Success was an outgrowth of the many leadership lessons from the failures at Dunkirk and other battlefields. Those lessons were hard-earned and cost the lives of tens of thousands of military and civilians. Yet, what did the military and civilian leadership gain from… Read More »
[June 5, 2023] Until recently, a person could relocate to another geographic area, gain helpful employment, and start a family, thereby leaving past transgressions in the past. The permanency of our past is, however, here to stay. Many well-known people have experienced a bit of embarrassment when their past behavior and associations were made public. Things that occurred… Read More »
[June 4, 2023] It is often said that a leader’s performance in a peacetime environment cannot predict how that leader will act in combat. This well-known knowledge of human performance has been recorded since the Roman Empire. Under peaceful, less dangerous circumstances, the military leader has priorities that differ from combat, where death is expected. “Inquiries are… Read More »
[June 3, 2023] Summer jobs, side jobs, and odd jobs. This article is my latest update to letters to my granddaughter. Growing up in the 1950s was good for me. By now, you know that we were rich (by local standards), and that meant my parents were married, my dad had a steady job on the railroad,… Read More »
[June 2, 2023] It looks like the superstore Target failed to get the message from parents. “Don’t mess with our kids.” In support of Pride Month (was this just Pride Day recently), Target put displays of children’s wear in front of their stores that included a line from a Satan worshiper, including tuck-friendly girls’ swimsuits for boys. … Read More »
[June 1, 2023] Did you ever see the face of a troop in a combat zone who sees, for the first time, a young beautiful Red Cross Donut Dolly? That troop is magically transformed from a mentally hardened, physically grubby and weary Soldier, Marine, Sailor, Airman or Coastie into a smiling, joking, happy, jolly, friendly person you… Read More »
[May 31, 2023] By discussing U.S. Army values, selecting an organization that clearly articulates its values is easy. The U.S. Army has seven values that follow the acronym LDRSHIP. They are Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Integrity, and Personal Courage. There is the expectation that every Soldier, regardless of rank, memorizes and lives by those values. The… Read More »
[May 29, 2023] From the stories told by my parents, my first doggie – Rusty – was my forever companion. He was there when I was born and lived with us for many years. I’m convinced our close, very close bond was the reason for many decades of wonderful relationships with animals throughout my lifetime, in particular, pet… Read More »
[May 29, 2023] Memorial Day is a time of recognizing those military men and women who have given their lives for our nation. It is also a time of parades, speeches, cookouts, and the unofficial beginning of summer. Below is the Memorial Day speech that I gave nine years ago, at my retirement from 40 years in the… Read More »
[May 28, 2023] If you don’t have the answer, don’t pretend you do. Yes, I know; the most hated words someone can say is, “I don’t know.” But the shortest way to lose credibility is to claim you do know. Nothing is more frustrating for someone pretending they know something when they do not. No one is expecting… Read More »