Author Archives: Douglas R. Satterfield
[January 11, 2022] Growing up, it was a weekly event to play team sports in the elementary schoolyard. Our teacher would choose two (either a boy or girl) as the team leader. The team leaders would take turns picking team members. A basic rule was to pick the strongest first. Likewise, as a leader of Infantry Soldiers, I… Read More »
[January 10, 2022] It’s a fact; I was a wimp before joining the U.S. Army. My upbringing was not at fault. I grew up around combat veterans, had a good formal and religious education, and had plenty of freedom to fish, hunt, and camp. I had plenty of opportunities but not enough challenges. Sure, I had dirty jobs… Read More »
[January 8, 2022] As regular readers of my website know, this is not a medical blog. But I do, on occasion, draw attention to issues within the medical community. Visiting my physician for my annual checkup last month, she told me something everyone needs to hear, especially politicians who set policy on mask mandates. Consensus within the medical… Read More »
[January 7, 2022] An often-quoted rule in combat is to don’t assume nuttin’. As soon as you do, your world will begin to fall apart, and people will know you failed to do your homework. Facts matter; suppositions don’t count for anything. Making assumptions in combat will get you or your buddy killed. “Don’t assume nuttin’ … the… Read More »
[January 5, 2022] A couple of nights ago, I had the opportunity to be on the Veterans Breakfast Club radio show.1 Hosted by Todd DePastino, the show2 features veterans and highlights those who have witnessed war and its aftermath. Todd and his crew are giving us stories that are rapidly lost in our hectic, social media world. His… Read More »
[January 4, 2022] This sounds like advice from my maternal grandmother, Bigmama (yes, that is what we really called her). She was keen on her grandkids not doing stupid stuff (see her advice here and here). Likewise, Jocko Willink, retired U.S. Navy SEAL, tells us the same thing; adopt discipline and stop doing stupid things. Sounds easy. Well,… Read More »
[January 3, 2022] You probably never heard of Bob Reilly1, but you sure missed something in life by not knowing him. During a cold weather snap, Bob rescued a homeless veteran sleeping next to a Wawa convenience store a few days ago. With his own money and time, he gave a helping hand to someone in need. His… Read More »
[January 2, 2022] I’ve always been fond of saying that working under a bad leader is an excellent way of learning what not to do. Conversely, we can learn from the best leaders as well. Successful leaders share similar policies and leadership traits, while failed leaders follow their own path. “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family… Read More »
[January 1, 2022] I believe it most appropriate to look ahead to the future in this first article of the New Year. The year 2022 will bring unexpected challenges to advocates of liberty, self-determination, and prosperity. Those who chose the most challenging way ahead to this end will be rewarded as we find our next mission in life.… Read More »
[December 31, 2021] Reading is essential for reasons that are too well known to discuss. But I will make an observation about many younger folks I’ve worked with over the years. Many say to me, “I don’t read.” And I believe them because I also see them falling behind their peers in work, family, and social settings. At… Read More »