[January 17, 2022] One of the many advantages of living outside the big city is a close connection to the local government. Early this month, those newly elected politicians are taking their rightful seats. They earned it. Issues in their election were local and will now play a role at the beginning of their tenure. But, there is… Read More »
[January 15, 2022] Shortly after returning from my first deployment to Iraq in 2005 (documented in my recent book), I was notified of another pending deployment. 2006 and 2007 would find me again in Iraq with about a year off for “good behavior.” A good friend told me that I should be happy ‘getting after it again. He… Read More »
[January 14, 2022] Yesterday, I had no post on my blog, something very rare. I make it a point to post each day. Part of posting is the discipline making it so. But due to a sudden medical condition, I spent many hours in my local hospital Emergency Room. I’ll be off-line for a few days. A few… 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 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 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 28, 2021] The image of U.S. Army Gen. Chris Donahue departing Afghanistan will forever connect his actions to America’s ignominious retreat from Afghanistan. Major Gen. Donahue, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, stepped aboard a C-17 transport and left Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul on August 30, 2021. History will not be kind to those in… Read More »
[December 26, 2021] I’m often asked what is more difficult … to stand for what I believe in and do the right thing (moral courage) or to stand against a deadly enemy on the battlefield and fight (physical courage). I have found moral courage to be far more difficult. Leadership is often tested and, I believe we all… Read More »
[December 17, 2021] And I still do. I continue to encourage and promote the most competent people I know. I “go to bat” for those who show promise, those that have the right attitude, motivation, willingness to work hard, and smarts to get the job done. I did this as an Officer in the U.S. Army, and I… Read More »
[December 16, 2021] There’s a saying in the designer world that “you can’t fake fashion.” They are referring to the quality of design, materials, and construction of clothing and accompanying accessories. The same is true of being a leader. You can’t fake it. There is no denying that some people can be fooled when distinguishing good leaders from… Read More »