[February 06, 2015] The war in Vietnam was a conflict that most Americans remember. Today I would like to honor U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Jorge Otero Barreto who has been called, “the most decorated soldier of the Vietnam War” having earned 38 decorations, including three Silver Star Medals. Barreto served five combat tours from 1961 to 1970… Read More »
[January 30, 2015] Considered the greatest and most morale-boosting prisoner rescue of World War II, the military raid of a Japanese prison camp near Cabanatuan, Philippines was a demonstration of great leadership, bravery, and audacity. With a mixed force of U.S. Army Rangers and Alamo Scouts, plus Filipino guerillas, a total of 511 prisoners were freed with only… Read More »
[January 22, 2015] Carved in granite for all to see is the West Point U.S. Military Academy (USMA) cadet honor code. It’s a simple description of those things that make for a better leader and is there for all to see. It states that “A Cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do.”1 When followed,… Read More »
[January 19, 2015] Today we pay our respects to Martin Luther King Jr. His leadership through insight and persistence helped pave the way for equality under the law for all races. He used nonviolent means to help bring about fundamental change based on the belief that people should not be judged by their race but by their character.… Read More »
[January 17, 2015] Growing up, all my friends and I talked about what we wanted to be as adults. What was going to be our job? Undeniably, we all wanted to be a fireman … after playing baseball. It is no wonder that we looked up to the men who did those jobs that serve and protect us.… Read More »
[December 28, 2014] As part of the tribute to the 100th Anniversary of the beginning of World War I, we are recognizing U.S. Marine Sergeant Dan Daly. Sergeant Daly is notable because he entered WWI already having received the Medal of Honor twice. The bravery of Daly during his military service is awe inspiring and he is a… Read More »
[December 25, 2014] In a lonely field near the Baghdad International Airport in December of 2010, I found myself handing out gifts to young Iraqi children. The area was under heavy guard by a variety of Iraqi and U.S. troops but the children were excited beyond comprehension. They knew of a gentleman called “Saint Nick” and his bag… Read More »
[December 24, 2014] Exactly a decade ago on Christmas Eve 2004, a little east of Baghdad Iraq, there were handful of U.S. Army Engineers sitting with me; all inside a small, lonely Combat Outpost far from any large troop base, eating a hot meal of turkey and dressing. With their Infantry brethren from the 1st Brigade Combat Team… Read More »
[December 22, 2014] As we approach the end of the year, we would be doing the right thing by honoring those in our military who currently serve and have served our country. To these men and women serving away from home, protecting us, we can freely acknowledge they are doing us proud. While this is a common sentiment,… Read More »
[December 16, 2014] To pay for college I worked on the Missouri Pacific Railroad (affectionately called the “MOP”) in the summer months in the early 1970s. I remember it being a tough, 6-day workweek job that paid well … and I belonged to the railroad union that ensured good pay as well. At the time there were negotiations… Read More »