Opinions not DoW endorsed.
Northwest Indiana
Joined December 2020
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Dear @DoorDash as a loyal customer of yours, I expected better of you today. I often use your services to provide meals to family and friends in need across the country. Your online CS reps were not equipped to resolve a simple issue. They failed to express care/concern or even basic competency. More than the money and 30 minutes of my time, I grieve the loss of an era when businesses took pride in their name and actually cared about their customers and resolving their issues.
9/11. My core memory: Everyone knew war was our reality and still they stayed.
9/11/2001 was an ordinary morning as a fourth class cadet (freshman) at the United States Air Force Academy, but the world changed while I was sitting in a lectinar listening to the commander of the Air Force’s Pacific Forces brief about 25 of us on events happening in Asia. Midway through the brief, the general’s executive officer stepped onto the platform, whispered something in the general’s ear, and they both left abruptly. I don’t recall receiving an explanation but everyone stayed seated because no one wanted to leave this mandatory formation.
Eventually, as the next class period was about to start, we got up and headed towards our respective classes. I went to English, and my instructor, a captain, had the TV on showing the World Trade Center being attacked. I didn’t quite conceptualize all that was happening, but I know that everything changed at USAFA that day.
As time went on and our country’s leaders declared war, it was more clear that all our training was going to be put to use. Before 9/11, USAFA was a rigorous academic, military, and athletic experience training me to serve as an officer in the Air Force. But now, it had transitioned into a leadership laboratory for our highest calling — supporting and defending the US against all enemies, foreign and domestic. The skills I learned were needful to the fight, and were going to be tested. Every element of my training, by design, was to prepare for the confirmed task which my classmates and I would undertake.
But we each had a decision to make. Would we be willing to lead? Would we do it…if we didn’t have to? You see, before our second class year (junior year), we can attend school and have absolutely no obligation for any military service.
Thus, we each had a tough question on our plates: Am I willing to give everything, up to and including my life, in the defense of our nation?
But, I can honestly say that every one of my classmates stayed.
2,977 people died during the attacks on 9/11. The events of that day cleaved everyone’s life into a before and after. As a service member, we had a choice to make. Stay and fight or go home honorably and choose a different path.
Knowing each of my teammates chose to stay allows me to continue to serve because I get to stand beside those whose mettle has been tested. People who know what difficult means. People who have dedicated themselves to something greater than themselves. People whose self-preservation is not their primary focus.
9/11 was a wake-up call. The military leaders serving today made a decision 25 years ago and have lived it out since. I’m entirely unsure what the next 25 years may bring, but I know my decision as a young 20-something still sticks with me…America is worth all that I have to give. May those who wish us harm know our resolve. May God bless America. #neverforget
Enjoying some much needed downtime and a break from military duty. In London with my niece, and got to experience the British tribute to Dolly Parton as they played “9 to 5” today! I admire Dolly’s push for reading; it’s clear her life’s reach was worldwide. 💂🇬🇧 #royalfamily #dollytribute @DollyParton @RoyalFamily
I’ve been activated. Beyond my uniforms, it’s nice to have a small piece of home. It’s a 5x7 of my parents on their 50th anniversary with an inset of them as newlyweds. I’ll be busy but safe. I’m asking God for wisdom, humility, integrity and protection. If you think of us, please pray for my teammates and me. #WHIP #OpEpicFury
Easter. Evasion and Conduct After Capture. Rescue. #militarymusings
#LastSupper #forgiveness John 13 shares Jesus washing His disciples’ feet before the Last Supper. It’s not merely a story of Christ’s servanthood — rather, it’s a picture of true forgiveness.
Jesus KNEW Judas was going to betray Him (v1) when He washed everyone’s feet. When Jesus tells them that one of them shall betray Him, no one knew who it could be (v23).
Jesus did not wash Judas’ feet in a different form or fashion nor did Jesus treat Judas differently with His words. Jesus did not consider Judas’ conduct while interacting with him; He did not remind Judas of His transgressions; He did not convey Judas’ actions to others.
True forgiveness means that I will not bring the offense up to you, to me, or to others. Lord, help me to exercise true forgiveness.
Dog tag. There are many like it…but this one is mine. #militarylife #prayforourmilitary
Next step: Let Christian military chaplains pray in Jesus’ name. #chaplaincorps
Amazing! But let’s not forget to include “Andy.”
🎶 “Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me, Andy tells me I am His own…” 🎵 #iykyk
Do not be fooled. Operation Epic Fury is strengthening deterrence and positioning America for long-term focus on the Indo-Pacific. @MorganOrtagus
Today is World Down Syndrome Day! My buddy Emma (13) is such a joy! She’s real, she’s fun, and she always makes me smile! As you can see, we’ve been friends since she was little, and she is such a bright light in this world. She’s eating all of her own foods this year and LOVES tacos! Today we celebrate you, Emma! ❤️
"It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag." - Father Dennis Edward O’Brien, Sergeant, USMC
Honored to be invited by Director Markle to tour NILEA’s completed campus. The facility is so versatile and such an asset to developing current and future Hoosier LEOs. Director Markle and Deputy Director Taylor are doing an amazing and important work, and it was my privilege to join them today.
Max is my 1973 VW Bug! He brings a smile to many faces (mine included) when I drive him around the area, and he has lots of memories attached to my Pops. He recently needed some repair work, and my friend, Marion Tolle took very good care of him. I just got him back yesterday, and I smiled the entire trip home from Lake Village, IN.
Also, I don’t condone violence, but we all know #slugbug will never go out of style…😉
