Author Archives: Douglas R. Satterfield
[November 18, 2019] The day I met Hal Moore was more thrilling than speaking with all the Hollywood stars in California. There sometimes comes a time in your life when you get to meet someone who is truly uncommon. Hal Moore, who distinguished himself at the Battle of Ia Drang Vietnam, was that person. “In the American Civil… Read More »
[November 15, 2019] Let’s be direct about this idea from the beginning. The phrase pursuit of happiness is probably the most widely known in the U.S. Constitution and a popular catchphrase with American citizens. But it is not what leaders do. Leaders don’t pursue happiness, and they don’t pursue it on behalf of others. The closest idea I… Read More »
[November 14, 2019] Since the beginning of human existence, people have been trying to figure out what makes us mentally tough and prepared to meet the toughest challenges. The world sends us the unexpected and she will test our good judgment, wisdom and readiness. A warrior mindset is essential to maximize performance and ensure victory, especially when the… Read More »
[November 13, 2019] We all know a good idea when we hear it, but stupid ideas seem to linger much longer than they should. Stupid ideas are those that are silly or illogical or unworkable. Stupid ideas can get you killed. For those who study the history of World War II, one of Hitler’s ideas to attack the… Read More »
[November 12, 2019] Lost but overlooking the inner German border wall, my platoon of Military Policemen was trying to reconnoiter a new laager site. Our mission had been to find an alternate location to put troops in case of a Soviet invasion from East Germany. Our Platoon Leader had good common sense, but in this case, he had… Read More »
[November 11, 2019] Today is the 101st anniversary of the end of World War I, also known as the Great War. Since that time, military veterans are thanked for their service to the nation and help keep us free from tyranny. Veterans also owe the American people a great sense of gratitude for their opportunity to be part… Read More »
[November 10, 2019] On a few occasions here at my leadership blog, I mentioned that as a young man, I had difficulty following orders. Several times, caring NCOs took me aside to provide me with the sage advice that good NCOs do with those in their care. ‘Get your act together’ was a common counseling point but the… Read More »
[November 9, 2019] Today, for the first time, I have three (yep, a big 3) guest bloggers on my website. I consider a special treat because these young folks are writing about “leadership” … something that I didn’t put pen to paper on until I was a Colonel. Here they are with links: 10 Valuable Tips for Introverted… Read More »
[November 8, 2019] Earlier this week, I was invited to a local High School in an open forum. The idea was to give young students a chance to ask questions about military veterans. I’ve done this before and given speeches on veteran issues. To my surprise, a young teenager asked me a question that I’d never encountered; she… Read More »
[November 7, 2019] The young man, called “Pat” by his friends, was sitting in the darkness of his apartment while he contemplated what he would do. Pat had a serious problem. No money, illegal drug use, and overweight, he had to do something that would pull him out of his spiral downward. Pat had a creative talent that… Read More »