Norm the Navigator
I wish I’d gotten to know him better, while he was still around. But then, the same could be said for so many of “the greatest generation.” What I can tell you is how we met, and what little I …
Category: Personal Heroes
Here are people who deserve some positive recognition. With all the negativity these days, it’s about time we acknowledge that the vast majority of people are good, and some are even extraordinarily selfless or helpful.
Worm was right there with us
This Desert Storm memoir outlines our relationship with our Saudi Amn counterpart, and offers both highlights and lessons learned from that tour.
Interview with Angela McQueen
Angela McQueen wrestled a gun out of a wannabe killer’s hands in her high school cafeteria, most likely saving many lives. On 04 Nov 2022, I had the honor and privilege of interviewing Ms. McQueen where the incident took place, at Mattoon High School in Mattoon, IL.
John S: Dragonslayer SRO
This homage to one of the most professional warrior protectors I know also elaborates on concepts and controversies of School Resource Officer (SRO) programs.
Getting Iron for the Bullhorn God
This tribute to my Olympic Arena coach details lessons learned during three 6-month seasons of daily force on force competition, and beyond. It also explains some lesser understood aspects of nuclear deterrence and security, particularly during the second half of the 1980s, the climax of the Cold War.
In Places They Don’t Talk About at Parties: Lessons from STEM School Highlands Ranch
The tragic shooting of 07 May 2019 has several lessons you should learn, paid for in blood. Here are some of them.
Baron von Steuben and Well Regulated American Volley Fire
Most Americans believe we won the Revolutionary war by sniping at the Redcoats from behind trees and boulders. Not true. We did a lot of that, especially in the opening days of the war, when we were losing. Such so-called …
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MSgt Marion L. “Butch” Rupert Jr.
Butch Rupert was a an expert marksman, an exemplary shooting coach, and a wise mentor. Here are some things I learned from him.
Lt John Fox
John Fox was ALL IN. He gave what little he had, and everything he was ever going to have, to save the lives of his fellow American GIs, and to liberate not only his own people, but all of Europe and the entire world, from the yoke of Nazi fascism.
In Praise of Law Enforcement Spouses
“Is George home yet?” It was our friend Ronnie, who was married to one of my fellow agents. It was mid morning. I had gone to work at ten the previous evening, and had not yet come back. But that …
Melissa Brown Eyes
The Patrol Agent in Charge (PAIC) of my old station had two admin assistants, both named Melissa. To avoid confusion, we got in the habit of referring to one as “Melissa Green Eyes,” and the other as “Melissa Brown Eyes.” …
Ray and the Jungle Carbine
One of the most profound turning points in my education as a rifleman occurred with an Enfield Jungle Carbine, under the tutelage of a Marine I’ll call Ray. Ray is one of my oldest and closest friends. We’d been team …