Author Archives: Douglas R. Satterfield
[December 10, 2020] Not all fights on the battlefield are with guns. Yesterday, I spoke with a battle-buddy of mine from our first unit’s deployment in the Iraq War. You know the conversation … old war stories, what happened to us, and how it made for something to tell the grandkids. Scotty, at the time a U.S. Army… Read More »
[December 9, 2020] It has been said that success is not measured by our accomplishments but by the size of the obstacles we overcome and the courage we show. William “Bill” H. Gates III is an American business magnate and philanthropist. He is best known as the co-founder of Microsoft Corportation.1 It’s hard to argue with the success… Read More »
[December 8, 2020] The life of a Soldier is one of both honor and hardship. Therefore, it is understandable that all relationships with their comrades must be via unconditional honesty. This is why, today, I write about a man called Diogenes of Sinope, for he spent his life looking for an honest man. Most have heard the story… Read More »
[December 7, 2020] December 7, 1941, at 7:53 a.m., Japanese warplanes attacked the U.S. Naval fleet at Pearl Harbor.1 Much has been written in America about the attack – the lessons learned from it and how a weaker yet innovative enemy can blindside a large and powerful nation. In a famous speech, U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt declared the… Read More »
[December 5, 2020] Over the past several decades, there has been a decline of veteran identity. This is reflected in falling membership across all organizations like the VFW, increased suicide rates, and unemployment. This is a problem that has national-level and societal implications, none of which are good. The Decline of Veteran identity. This unfortunate decline of identity… Read More »
[December 4, 2020] The U.S. has experienced an anti-military ideology since the 1960s. This kind of thinking has become a key component of Progressive dogma. In the city of San Francisco, this line of Progressive thinking is strong. Recently, community leaders in San Francisco saved their JROTC program from school board members’ intent on removing the program. Those… Read More »
[December 3, 2020] A piece of sage counsel was given to me many decades ago. Sergeant First Class Owen Roberts said, “Sir, please allow me to give you some advice. Every order you give your men will create action, and every action they take will have consequences.” It took me years to figure out what he meant. He… Read More »
[December 2, 2020] Is this good advice? Of course, it is. The problem is that we generally ignore it. An old psychology professor I especially liked told me that we could analyze the human mind all our lives, but the easiest way to get to know a person’s heart is through a simple compliment. “Give me enough ribbons… Read More »
[December 1, 2020] Sixty-five years ago, the moral courage of Rosa Parks, a visionary for Civil Rights, helped write racial equality into the mind of all Americans. On this date in 1955, coming home from work, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white person. For that reason, she was arrested for… Read More »
[November 30, 2020] “I’m giving you an opportunity to excel.” The Infantry Battalion Commander welcomed me to his unit with dry wit and a bit mysteriously. A commander is a special duty, one of great trust and honor. This particular commander had a reputation for perfection and was very conscientious about doing his job correctly. A command selection… Read More »