[March 21, 2026] Here’s a lesson from my early Army days that I learned the hard way. Those who were the best Soldiers, those with strength and character, and those who seemed to always have an easier time in both training and combat, were the ones who had developed deep mental resilience. As an unprepared recruit, I was… Read More »
[March 20, 2026] In Letters to My Granddaughter, I wrote about my childhood in the Deep South during the 1950s and 1960s. That experience was eye-opening, revealing who I was through my thoughts and actions. Ultimately, I was creating something for my granddaughter—and all my grandchildren—to help them understand what their grandfather went through as a kid. Write… Read More »
[March 19, 2026] As a child, I often heard the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I disliked it even then, though I couldn’t pinpoint why, and I still find it unappealing today. Adults usually ask this question as a casual icebreaker without considering its deeper meaning. When I was young, kids might… Read More »
[March 18, 2026] A grizzled, old Army Sergeant once gave me food for thought before I enlisted, though I didn’t grasp it then. He said I’d become a different person as a Soldier, and that would require a lot from me. If you plan on joining the U.S. Army, you’ll sacrifice much of who you are today to… Read More »
[March 17, 2026] I’ll be honest right up front. The U.S. military is a large, complex, unforgiving institution that will tear you apart if you are weak, woke, or stupid. It’s not for those without a strong sense of purpose or self-discipline. Here’s a difficult question, one that I plan to answer by starting a new series: How… Read More »
[March 16, 2026] In the streets of Havana and beyond, the chant of “Down with Communism” echoes a long-suppressed yearning for liberty in Cuba. Recent protests have erupted, which is signaling the crumbling of the socialist regime that has gripped the island nation for decades. What began as rallies against all-too-frequent power outages and food shortages has morphed… Read More »
[March 15, 2026] George Washington and Abraham Lincoln stand as towering figures in American history, with each embodying distinct senior leadership styles. Today, I’m writing about something rarely discussed; how leadership styles differed in these two important figures in American history. Washington, the nation’s first president, led during the Revolutionary era, emphasizing discipline and restraint. Lincoln, the 16th… Read More »
[March 14, 2026] This article is a continuation of my reporting on visits with WWII veterans, striving to convey what they believed essential, echoing wisdom on valuing enduring truths over fleeting moments. My prior visit was about identifying individuals—an introduction. This one, just yesterday, shifted to their inquiries of me as a General Officer. I found their questions… Read More »
[March 13, 2026] As a U.S. Army Flag officer, with duty in the States and overseas, I had the assigned extra duty to deal publicly with civilians who would say they “hated” the military because our military was based on the “oppression” of other countries. What I discovered was that their hatred was fundamentally built upon a lie… Read More »
[March 12, 2026] One of the greatest lessons we can learn as kids is to know what the rules are. Whether it’s the rules at home, in a game, at school, or simply how to play fairly with friends, following them makes our lives easier and better. This letter to my granddaughter shares 55 more lessons for being… Read More »