KME’s Post

Proud to be affiliated with an organization that values people above everything else. Many service members carry invisible scars that often go untreated due to the stigma surrounding mental health. But it's not just service members who face these challenges. The past few years has been tough on everyone, and it's important to recognize that the pandemic has caused similar stressors for many. Unfortunately, even medical professionals who have been working tirelessly lack the necessary training and support to deal with the mental health fallout. Let's take a step forward and be mindful of those around us. Together, we can create a more supportive and understanding community. #mentalhealthawareness #supporteachother

Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. We often hear inspiring stories like that of AF Tech Sgt. John Chapman, whose heroic actions serve as a testament to the qualities inherent in veterans. I had the privilege of working alongside a veteran from the 10th Mountain Division, whose bravery earned him a medal. Reflecting on his experiences, he vividly recalls the perilous situations they faced and the morale-boosting sight of US air support overhead. Stories like these underscore the invaluable contribution veterans can make to your organization. In times of adversity, veterans demonstrate unwavering dedication and selflessness. John Chapman's actions weren't driven by personal gain or recognition but by a profound sense of duty to his comrades. Imagine having someone of such caliber within your organization—someone who prioritizes loyalty and teamwork, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. The qualities exhibited on the battlefield seamlessly transition to the workplace. Veterans bring a unique blend of leadership, resilience, and adaptability—qualities essential for navigating today's economic landscape. Hiring a veteran isn't just about fulfilling a need; it's about tapping into a wealth of skills and experiences that can drive your organization's success. As we honor the sacrifices of John Chapman, let's also acknowledge the family he left behind. Their unwavering support and sacrifices deserve recognition too.

What a great picture to capture the heart of a courageous warrior. I'm struck by John Chapman's subtle smile and peaceful resolve. This picture reminds me that we in the military can often mistake being tough with being hard. Hardness is easy. It's cold, impersonal, invulnerable and results in disconnectedness. We're tempted to justify hardness when the mission or task is difficult, or when we may or may not necessarily agree with the desired outcome. Put on the blinders, separate the heart from the action, do the task, live for another day. Toughness is connection based (both connected to self and/or a team) and requires selflessness and discipline. Tough, courageous warriors have tenacity, grit, determination, professionalism and most importantly: HUMILITY. I've known plenty of tough people with gentle hearts. Toughness leaves room for the heart to stay connected to your hands and mind. TSgt John Chapman's tenacity, grit and professionalism were on display at the top of Takur Ghar, but his humility, heart and selfless desire to serve brought him to the top of that mountain. I'm not sure you can capture the heart of a tough and selfless warrior any better than this photo of him humbly and gently holding an Afghan baby.

This is not sustainable.

Doctrine for the sake of doctrine is boring Doctrine as a principle set of rules that you can apply creatively against your opponent is how you get results.

Unity of action. Agile and adaptive solutions best gained by industry paired with Government requirements to achieve superior outcomes is key to winning the information war and protect our critical infrastructure.

What is your why for serving? In this video, Major General Carruthers (Assistant Adjutant General, Commander of the Florida Army National Guard) takes the time to explain why he continues to serve in the Florida Army National Guard. We would love to hear your why, so feel free to share it in the comments! #whyIjoined #whyiserve #armynationalguard

Really interesting 5 minutes there. Listening to this it occurs to me that there is so much to be learned from the experiences and successes of the military reserve services by other volunteer centred national service provision organisations like the RNLI, NHS responders, Retained and volunteer Fire and Rescue, local resilience volunteers, Coastguard, and close to my heart, Police Special Constables. Likewise all these bodies and groups have their own successes and learnings that could well benefit others. There is talk of the world entering a pre war era of increased instability, of a public struggling with its mental health and sense of self worth, of the lack of funds available for supporting the fabric of society, that makes me think that perhaps now is a time to move the experience of volunteering and professional parallel employment and take these to another level and lessen risks posed by future conflicts by increasing the sense of purpose and resilience of our population personally and society generally. A multidisciplinary leadership group with representatives across different sectors, including government, military, third sector, healthcare and private sector, would allow all to improve both their own offerings and the services they deliver in the short term and look strategically contribute to a more robust nation. Thoughts anyone?

On this Veterans Day, we pause to honor all who have served in the Armed Forces. This day isn't just about recognizing past service, but about reflecting on the enduring impact of the values instilled in every service member. The Seven Army Values - Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage - aren't just words. They're a code that continues to guide veterans long after they've hung up their uniforms. In my journey from an Armor officer to my current role in the tech industry, these values have been my North Star. Loyalty teaches us to stand by our teams and our principles. Duty reminds us of our obligations to our community and nation. Respect fosters understanding and collaboration in diverse environments. Selfless Service encourages us to put the needs of others before our own. Honor compels us to adhere to our moral compass. Integrity ensures our actions align with our words. Personal Courage emboldens us to face challenges, both physical and moral. These values shape leaders who can navigate complexity, drive innovation, and inspire others - whether in uniform or in civilian life. To my fellow veterans: Your service matters. The values you've lived by continue to make a difference. To those who haven't served: Consider how these values might enhance your own life and work. The spirit of service isn't confined to the military - it's a mindset we can all embrace. Today, let's not just thank veterans for their past service, but recognize the ongoing impact of those with a service orientation in shaping a better future for all. #VeteransDay #ArmyValues #Leadership #ServiceNeverStops