[May 31, 2021] Memorial Day is not about honoring our living Veterans; it is honoring those who lost their lives. Veterans like me had the good fortune of coming home. For us, that’s a reminder that we still have a responsibility to serve when we come home. It’s this continuation of service that honors our country and those… Read More »
[May 30, 2021] Yesterday, I attended an early Memorial Day event at our local county Veterans’ Cemetery. The wind was cold, yet it was well attended. I was happy to be there and see that the deference to those we honor was conducted in a respectful, thoughtful manner. However, I often have folks say to me, “Happy Memorial… Read More »
[April 13, 2021] To do your duty is an admirable trait. It helps hold us together as humans and creates social bonds that allow trust to develop. To highlight this fact may seem a bit obscure in the age of “evolving values,” but it is necessary to understand the significance of Prince Philip, a man who epitomized “duty… Read More »
[April 10, 2021] Yesterday was the 79th anniversary of the formal surrender of the U.S. Army and Filipino forces at Bataan to the Japanese under the command of Lieutenant General Homma Masaharu. More than we may know, this event was one of the momentous acts of World War II. Bataan featured prominently during the war. Before the Japanese… Read More »
[April 9, 2021] We hear every day that the leading civil rights issue in America is the fight against racism. We are told, no greater problem exists, and our failure to stop racism is an existential societal crisis. I disagree. The greatest civil rights issue of the 21st century is saving babies that otherwise would be legally and… Read More »
[March 25, 2021] Jim Livingston is a U.S. Marine combat veteran. During the Vietnam War, he was awarded the U.S. Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life. Why do we honor those who go beyond the call of duty when in combat against enemies of the United States? Why do we… Read More »
[March 23, 2021] A couple of days ago, I wrote about WWII hero Hershel “Woody” Williams. He was awarded the Medal of Honor at the Battle of Iwo Jima. Woody told me of the importance of education in developing today’s youth. And, fortunately, Woody’s mission is similar to that of the Sergeant York Patriotic Foundation (SYPF). Occasionally, I… Read More »
[March 21, 2021] It’s unusual to have the honor to speak with a true hero. Yesterday, I was on the Joe Griffies’ Welcome Home Show. The show had a fantastic lineup of real heroes. One of the radio show guests was Herschel “Woody” Williams, one of only two living Medal of Honor medal winners of World War II.… Read More »
[March 9, 2021] Jonathan “Jonny” Hancock spent his first year in the Army as a cook. He said it was a good time; plenty of food to eat, no forced marches, and the top brass left you alone. But it left him wanting more. When I interviewed Jonny, he was turning 75 but still had the vigor and… Read More »
[March 4, 2021] One thing we should learn growing up is to help our neighbors. Good leaders encourage such volunteerism. I was scared of failing my freshman year of college, but I remembered that giving back is just what you do. This drove me to seek out a local soup kitchen in 1970 Lubbock, Texas. My plan was… Read More »