[December 25, 2014] In a lonely field near the Baghdad International Airport in December of 2010, I found myself handing out gifts to young Iraqi children. The area was under heavy guard by a variety of Iraqi and U.S. troops but the children were excited beyond comprehension. They knew of a gentleman called “Saint Nick” and his bag… Read More »
[December 24, 2014] Exactly a decade ago on Christmas Eve 2004, a little east of Baghdad Iraq, there were handful of U.S. Army Engineers sitting with me; all inside a small, lonely Combat Outpost far from any large troop base, eating a hot meal of turkey and dressing. With their Infantry brethren from the 1st Brigade Combat Team… Read More »
[December 22, 2014] As we approach the end of the year, we would be doing the right thing by honoring those in our military who currently serve and have served our country. To these men and women serving away from home, protecting us, we can freely acknowledge they are doing us proud. While this is a common sentiment,… Read More »
[December 16, 2014] To pay for college I worked on the Missouri Pacific Railroad (affectionately called the “MOP”) in the summer months in the early 1970s. I remember it being a tough, 6-day workweek job that paid well … and I belonged to the railroad union that ensured good pay as well. At the time there were negotiations… Read More »
[December 07, 2014] Today is a day to pay our respect to U.S. service members and civilians who were killed or wounded on December 7, 1941 when the Japanese Imperial Navy attacked the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. I have been fortunate to have spoken to several military survivors of the attack and hear their amazing… Read More »
[November 30, 2014] As a continuing tribute to those involved in World War I, we are recognizing Captain Noel Chavasse of Great Britain. He was part of the Scottish Liverpool Regiment that saw active combat across France, being awarded two Victoria Crosses for action in 1916 – being the highest decorated British soldier in the war.1 Noel Chavasse… Read More »
[November 27, 2014] Happy Thanksgiving!! Do people in the United States (and most of the world) have good reason to give thanks for the good things we have? Yes! Unequivocally, this is true. If anyone from our past were to be transported to our world today, they would be amazed at the level of peace and prosperity. Yet… Read More »
[November 20, 2014] Regular readers of theLeaderMaker.com know that when I see an example of leadership, I’ll let them know about it. Yesterday I had the opportunity to meet some great people in a group called Rivers of Recovery. It’s a non-profit organization that relies on ordinary folks like you and me to help arrange medically-proven outdoor recreational… Read More »
[November 17, 2014] Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller, United States Marine Corps, was one of the most decorated members in the U.S. military. Both his leadership and exceptional bravery stand without question, having been awarded five Navy Crosses – only two people hold that distinction. He saw combat in Haiti, World War II (Pacific Theater), and Korea. If there… Read More »
[November 11, 2014] Our U.S. military veterans have struggled over many obstacles yet they have been vigorous champions of America and successfully established their place in our history. In particular our Vietnam veterans were treated with profound disrespect upon their return from that war. Fortunately our citizens now hold the United States military and its veterans in the… Read More »