Author Archives: Douglas R. Satterfield
[July 11, 2021] The U.S. Civil War had been raging for nearly two years. President Abraham Lincoln wanted some way to recognize the heroic actions that helped the Union in its fight. He signed a resolution establishing the United States Army Medal of Honor.1 It was awarded to noncommissioned officers and privates for gallantry in action and other… Read More »
[July 10, 2021] The battle for Europe began on this day, July 10, 1943, as Allies began their invasion of Axis-controlled Europe with landings on the island of Sicily. Today, I want to compare these young men of WWII to those of today. I have some recent poll results that tell a surprising story. I’ve seen many pictures… Read More »
[July 9, 2021] When I come across something said that I find amazing, I rarely publish it here on my blog. Today, I’m making an exception. It’s about kneeling. John McNulty, born May 29, 1968, is an American football coach who is currently the tight end coach at the University of Notre Dame. He is a former player… Read More »
[July 7, 2021] From my early college days, I was intrigued by the writing of various “mavericks”1 who tested my limits of understanding the difference between good and evil. One of these men was Thomas Sowell.2 When I read his 1972 book, “Black Education: Myths and Tragedies,” I was hooked. I have always looked to find different ways… Read More »
[July 5, 2021] I have always believed that leaders think, talk about, and help create solutions to problems that others shy away from. Real leaders know to do so requires working from the ground up, using practical solutions with a knowledge of people – their desires and needs. The beginning of the Salvation Army is a testament to… Read More »
[July 4, 2021] It seems like a long time ago. Eighty-two years ago this day, July 4th, 1939, Lou Gehrig gave his farewell speech, saying he was the luckiest man on Earth. His speech came just after Gehrig was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, Lou Gehrig was a special man, and he recognized that his accomplishments… Read More »
[July 3, 2021] A military study was conducted by the Israeli Army back in the early 1980s. Military leaders wanted to improve their ability to succeed on the battlefield. After reviewing new technologies and supply systems, the most significant improvement was found in better training of its soldiers. They learned an old lesson – train as you fight.… Read More »
[July 2, 2021] The military salute is a sign of respect and recognition of another military member.1 On the flip side, we know that warfare is complex and all about defeating an enemy. We also know the advantage of killing leaders. Such an act can create chaos. Therefore, we regularly discourage saluting in combat environments. It was standard… Read More »
[July 1, 2021] I’ve been reading my notes from 2003 to 2005 on my first combat tour in the Iraq War. Mostly these five notebooks are filled with to-do lists, but they also have poignant messages to me about what I saw and what I thought and felt. Despite this, I am humble enough to know that those… Read More »
[June 30, 2021] I have always had the personal philosophy that if something can go wrong, it will. There is nothing bad about it; the fact is the world is an imperfect place and, well, I like it that way. Challenges are what make us better, force us to adopt responsibility to be more – certainly not less… Read More »