Take a deep breath and put your mind in neutral. Yes – Afghanistan has fallen and we left a lot of blood there. No – you and our combat casualties did not serve in vain. You shined a light in some of the darkest places on the globe.
Tag Archives: Nightingale
The Role of Leadership
The Nightingale Series
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What is leadership? It is the role of inspiring, helping and guiding people. It can be direct or indirect and its effect may be largely unknown and unseen by the leader as the true impact lies within the led. It is distinct from management in that it deals directly with people, not issues. The ability to combine both true quality leadership and intelligent effective management is a rare skill and should be nurtured and supported whenever it occurs.
They and There
A Memorial Day Reflection–The Nightingale Series
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Once a year, the nation honors the veterans it has lost. Each day the veteran honors them, and us all, with the fruits of that service. The Veteran internally recalls, reflects and remembers the very personal and unique aspects of that time served There. Together, all the Veterans have a binding thread we honor that only they can know and share–the knowledge that they were part of something larger than themselves, next to others who gave everything, over There.
The Eyes Have It
The Nightingale Series
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The eyes of a soldier have a different caste than others. They penetrate where others can’t see. They hold images we all wish were not there. The eyes of a soldier communicate much to the viewer. They are attuned to a primordial focus and see with great clarity what others cannot perceive. Windows to the soul, they can be wretched, determined, hoping, wishing, fierce, soft or totally blank. They are the ignition mechanism for the body and its continuous operation. This is the face of the experience of war. Once acquired, it never goes away. It may soften, but it doesn’t disappear. It will be recast at a passing sound, sight, or reflection. The images of moments past well-up from deep within and cast a clear countenance. It’s a look that only some can reflect–those that have been there and done that.
‘Two-Thousand Yard Stare’ by Tom Lea