Written by Kasey PipittVery recently I was a victim of my own wake up call, one caused by no one other than myself. It was a real “look in the mirror” moment, if you will. I’m going to try and put this as detailed as possible without making this article seem like a “poor me” story because it isn’t.About six months ago I lost control of myself. I had, what I thought, was … [Read more...]
The Things I Carried: A Special Forces Officer Reflects
On October 2, 2015, I gave notice to my boss: it’s time to do something different after ten and half years in the Army. In the spirit of a writer from my Dad’s generation, I look back on the things I carried:A great admiration for then-Captain Craig Whiteside, West Point TAC officer. Our cadet squad was shorthanded due to multiple injuries. He volunteered as a squad … [Read more...]
An American Diplomat, “A Better Life”
Donna Hernandez is a Consular Officer for the US Department of State. This is the story of how she got there. _____ by Donna HernandezMy grandfather moved the Hernández family to California, my father’s first step towards a “better life.” In my father’s “better life” he has been a low-rider, a gang member, a factory worker, a mason, and a provider. Every wrinkle on his … [Read more...]
A Green Beret Leaves the Service: How to Ruin Your Transition in Five Ways
Oh, so you're getting out of the military? I did it a year ago. Here's what NOT to do:Don’t ask for help. Asking for help is a sign of strength because you are self-aware of your weaknesses. Being the person to bring the help is even better. How do you think Patton’s Third Army achieved glory at the Battle of Bulge? Someone humbled themselves and asked for help. The … [Read more...]
I Wish You Could See Your Suicide
I Wish You Could See Your Suicide by Thomas KnightYou didn’t mean to hurt anyone. That’s what the priest told us during the funeral Mass. It sounds good, at least. I’d love to ask what you were thinking, but, well, y’know. That ship has sailed. None of us outside that casket are going to know what was going through your mind right before the bullet. We never got to see the … [Read more...]
Eight New Year’s Resolutions for Veterans
If it takes you a whole year to resolve to do something that could significantly improve your life, are you really likely to stick with it? I’m guessing probably not; otherwise you would have started already and wouldn’t need a major holiday to make you keep with it.Let’s face it, New Year’s resolutions are almost useless. In fact, by some studies the percentage of … [Read more...]
When “Humanitarian” Projects Aren’t
When "Humanitarian" Projects Aren’t by David HartmannEngineers, especially civil engineers, build things. It’s what we do, and we consider each project, large or small, “our” project. Being a civil engineer in the Army engineer branch was especially rewarding. We played with bridge sets, construction equipment, and building parts. Army combat engineering also meant … [Read more...]
“Don’t Ring The Bell:” A Senior SEAL’s Wisdom
Admiral (Ret) William H. McRaven, former SOCOM commander, told graduating seniors at the 2014 University of Texas commencement ceremony 10 lessons from his Navy SEAL experience. The final one: “If you want to change the world don't ever, ever ring the bell.”He’s right, of course. I know what happens when you do.Bad stuff doesn’t start when you ring the bell; it starts … [Read more...]
“Be Good People, Do Wonderful Things:” A World Trade Center Survivor’s Message
"Be Good People, Do Wonderful Things:"A World Trade Center Survivor's Message by LTC Bryan PriceAs the Director of West Point's Combating Terrorism Center, I have the good fortune of exposing cadets at the U.S. Military Academy to a number of experiences that shape their worldviews about terrorism and counterterrorism. Sometimes we even get a special opportunity to shape … [Read more...]
Leading In A Crisis: “Firefighting” In Information Technology
Chances are you know a person at work that is good at cleaning up messes and handling critical situations. in the information technology (IT) community, such people are often referred to "janitors," "cleaners," or my personal favorite, "fire fighters." These are commonly thought of as the first person to go to when technology goes really wrong. I've learned through … [Read more...]