[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 »
[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 25, 2021] At the end of 1950, the Korean War was not going well. China entered the war in October of that year, pushing United Nations southward. By December, refugees from North Korea were streaming toward the south to avoid the North Korean and Chinese armies. Christmas in Korea was looking grim. On December 22, Captain Leonard… Read More »
[December 24, 2021] America’s bumbling withdrawal from Afghanistan will forever remain a stain on our nation’s history. There are, however, honorable people today who are doing the right thing by helping protect many Afghans who assisted and helped us. The private organization Ark Salus is doing the work necessary to help those who helped us. A small group… Read More »