[March 5, 2022] There are times when doing the right thing – doing what is moral and honorable – is unpopular. I found myself and those I served with on the end of such unpopular opinions while deployed in the Iraq War.1 Politicians, Hollywood actors, journalists, and other uninformed folks, regularly dismissed our efforts as foolhardy and evil. … Read More »
[February 8, 2022] Growing up, us kids had minimal permission to watch television and were restricted to one 30-minute show per evening. My brother and I chose the TV show Combat!, starring Vic Morrow and Rick Jason.1 This televised war drama series covered the grim lives of a squad of American soldiers fighting the Germans during World War… Read More »
[February 6, 2022] I didn’t know it at the time, but I grew up privileged. As a young boy, my privilege was being in the company of combat veterans from World War II and the Korean War. They were everywhere; being salesmen, pumping gas, farming, raising dairy cows,1 all holding down ordinary jobs you could find in a… Read More »
[February 5, 2022] We hear, on occasion, of heroic deeds of our military personnel; those who put their lives on the line for their buddies in a display of unbelievable courage. We need heroes like that, and for reasons of necessity, we do indeed love our heroes. But, there are also many more stories of ordinary troops who,… Read More »
[January 31, 2022] For years now, I’ve been asked to give advice to young men and women about how to live a successful life. I’m humbled by their requests but like all people, I have a biased view. Now, I am asking my readers to please give me their input. What do you think is important to have… Read More »
[January 22, 2022] A message for men. You have only two choices in life. Be a real man and walk with the Devil or be a wimp and live a life of hatred and misery. There is no in-between. American hero James Megellas of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment decided that walking with the Devil was not enough. … Read More »
[January 19, 2022] Occasionally, I offer some not-so-random thoughts in writing that I’ve stored away in my mental rucksack. My “rucksack” will never be retired. Today, I’m pulling out a number of these for comment. I like them. Regular readers will instantly recognize the list. Some have taken to calling them “Dougisms.” Dougisms: Tell the truth or you’ll… 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 »
[December 29, 2021] The Rogue Warrior is dead. One of America’s greatest military heroes in modern times passed away on Christmas Day, December 25, 2021 … may his legacy live forever. Dick Marcinko played a unique role in Navy SEAL history, making him a legend even in his own time. This article is not an obituary but a… 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 »