What are YOU doing...?

There are two types of people in this world. Those that READ history and those that MAKE history. The unique thing about history is that it transcends cultural, racial, and ethnic barriers. Everything and everyone has a history. Civilizations have it, and it encompasses the development of the red ant species. So which category do you fall into? Are you passively existing? Merely watching as your middle school crushes, high school classmates, and college friends scribble the next few pages in the annals of history? Or are you setting high and lofty goals and pursuing them, pushing yourself to the next level, refusing to settle for the "average" life?
Now many of you are thinking, I have no desire to be a corporate CEO or an accomplished Nuerosurgeon at the MayoClinic. There is nothing wrong with that. I'm not prescribing that the only course to achievement is in the spotlight. Living life is done more so in homes with single parents raising kids, and in families where Mom and Dad are busting it just to put food on the table and scrape up enough so the kids can participate in sports, ballet, or play a musical instrument. It's those heroic acts in hellish places across the globe--from the jungles of Vietnam and deserts of Iraq to the streets of D.C., Smalltown South Dakota, or NYC-- that develop the fabric of a nation and bind the history books.
I'm not advocating a humanistic philosophy. Regardless of what you accomplish if you forget that you are empowered only because Almighty God deems it in His good pleasure to do so than you ultimately will fail miserably. The Bible poses the question, " What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses His sole? " The answer is of course nothing. If your relying on accomplishments or accolades to save you, you are attempting to hold water in a cracked pot.
I know in about a month when my boots hit the sand in Iraq, that my unit will be making history. Just like the heroes who saved thousands of lives on 9/11 you will probably never see our names in history books, but we will be there. If you read between the lines you'll see us there. Right beside us you will see single parents who raised kids through anguish and adversity, you will see individuals who rose from poverty to prominence, you will preachers and ministers who have passed on money and fortune to serve Almighty God. Aristotle said excellence is not something you are, it is something you repeatedly do. Therefore greatness is not a single act, but rather a lifestyle. Don't be content for what you have done in life. Be progressive and future oriented. Be passionate and go hard after your desires. When everyone else is satisfied, drive on, insisting on more.In all things keep God at the center of your world and thank Him always for what He has given you. Rely solely on Him for the salvation of your soul. When the ink dries on the next chapter in the annals of history I'll be there, will you? More importantly when we step in the next life, when eternal history begins in heaven and hell, where will you be?

What is it about Marines...?

Throughout churches, city halls, and small town main streets of America patriotic tunes and hymns ring, VFW post gather, and young men in crisp uniforms snap to attention and whip a quick crisp salute as Old Glory passes by. Inevitably in this celebration of our nation's freedom a young man will be seen in his Marine Dress Blues. A black coat, with shiny gold buttons, and red trim, blue trousers with the familiar "blood stripe" running down the seam, shiny black shoes that are as smooth and slick as glass, topped off by a white cover displaying the Marine Corps emblem on a clean shaven, "high and tight" head. Just the mention of the name "Marine" to the average citizen elicits a response of awesome respect and admiration. The everyday civilian may not know the names of battles like Bellau Wood, Soissons, Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal, Inchon, Hue City, Saigon, An Nasiriyah, Basra, or Al Fallujah, but they do know the ferocity and power that has characterized Marine Corps Warfighting since 1775. Marines are considered a different breed, a complete anomolye compared to fellow armed service members. What is it that makes this organization dynamic and elite? What creates such an effective and efficacious fighting force? Why are those that don the Marine uniform respected and feared in countries around the world?
Regardless of who you ask the answer to the question will likely include the amazing and outstanding warfighting history of the United States Marine Corps. The solution to these questions will resonate with how the Marines go willingly and without question to hell on earth at their commanders beckoning to defend freedom and liberate foreign peoples. A recounting of the Marines impressive history begs another question? Why, Why, Why? Why in the Marine Corps is "UnCommon Valor a Common Virtue?" Why do they jump on hand grenades or charge uphill into machine gun nest?
There is no one particular reason to answer those questions. It is due in part to the nature of how Marines are "born" at Parris Island, SC and in Sand Diego, CA. The lifestyle after bootcamp from the condition of the barracks to every Marine being trained as a rifleman, is a major influence on the performance of Marines in combat zones. However, I would submit to you that one often overlooked chracteristic that distinguishes Marines from their peers is the unwavering loyalty and iron brotherhood that links one Marine from another. From 4 Star General to a Private fresh out of boot camp the Marines are linked by a code of honor, courage, and commitment. Marines do seemingly crazy and insane acts with each other in mind. Marines will do anything and everything for their fellow "devildogs" , because Marines are instilled and trained that in a combat zone all they have is each other. No one is their to keep them company or comfort them during times of boredom and loneliness, and no one is their to watch their back in a firefight...no one but fellow Marines. The United States Marine Corps is an amazing fraternity whose members value the lives of their fellow Marines above their own.
Relentless training, demanding standards, and an unmatched drive for perfection are all contributing factors to the greatness of the Corps, but all of these attributes are derived from the self-sacrifice instilled from day one in US Marines. The belief that the team is more important than the players is not a fancy cliche'. It's a way of life. It's what makes us The Few, The Proud, The Marines.

Happy Fourth of July. May God bless each of you richly and may God Bless America.

Semper Fidelis
Joe