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Identity. Spiritual resiliency. While these terms are familiar to those who follow SSO, many are not entirely sure what they mean. Soul Survivor Outdoor (SSO) president and founder Rick Wolf defines them saying, "As Christians we know that we are all created on purpose, and with purpose, by a God that loves and cares for us. However, most people don’t know this, and when one’s identity isn’t firmly grounded in this reality, the consequences are significant and the resultant lost or confused identity contributes significantly to the anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and suicide that is so prevalent in our society and in the military and veteran communities. On the other hand, when we align ourselves with the God that created us, and understand where our true identity comes from, our perspective changes, and often much of what causes these negative issues, is either minimized or may even disappear altogether. It’s the first step in building a firm life-foundation that is the ultimate key to resiliency - that ability to draw hope and strength from your beliefs and values as you go through the ups and downs of life's journey. Sharing the truth of the gospel with active duty military service members, showing them the source of their true identity, and helping them properly align their lives with the Creator… it’s a dynamic combination that not only addresses the issues that so many struggle with, but has the potential to impact the entire world for Christ!" #spiritualfitness #activedutymilitary #outdooradventure #sso #soulsurvivoroutdoor #army #navy #airforce #marines #coastguard #sharethegospel

Identity is a core issue and so important, but where do we find it? Check out some of my thoughts on the subject below.

"Do we truly appreciate our parents before it’s too late?" Naval Ravikant says, "how we often take our parents for granted until we become parents ourselves.Only then do we understand their sacrifices and the unconditional love they gave us. Don’t wait—appreciate your parents while you still can." Watch this insightful episode: https://lnkd.in/dt3e9Rz5 #naval #parents #love #TRSOriginals #BeerBiceps

Honoring Our Fallen Heroes: Memorial Day and Beyond As Memorial Day approaches, I want to highlight the often-overlooked stories behind the names we see on bridges, highways, and cemeteries. These are the names of our fallen veterans, and their stories are fading as the last survivors of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam pass on. My own ancestors served, and I grew up hearing incredible stories of bravery and sacrifice. It's a source of regret that I didn't preserve their words more carefully. We're losing precious first-hand accounts with every passing day. The recent news about the Francis Scott Key Bridge reminded me how little the younger generations may know about America’s past. Let's change that! This May, I'll be sharing stories of some of the places dedicated to fallen veterans. I hope this will inspire others to learn the history behind these names. Is there a national map or resource listing veteran-named highways and bridges? If you know of one, please share! May 2/31 Next time you're on US Highway 12, remember the sacrifices of the Iron Brigade! This Civil War unit, known for its black hats and bravery, suffered heavy losses at battles like Gettysburg. This portion of the highway is also dedicated to such battles as Second Bull Run and Antietam. I was fortunate enough to serve alongside USS Antietam (CG 54), third in name, for four deployments. Learning the history of the Battle of Antietam is well worth the read/viewing (in comments) for those who do not know of this historic battle. While the battle took place in Maryland, there are dedications to those that died in battle all along US Highway 12. Look for historical markers in WI, MI, & IN commemorating these soldiers. #IronBrigade #USHistory #RoadTrip #CivilWarBattlefield #NeverForget #Maryland #lestweforget #veterans #heroes #memorialday

Today, Rick Yarosh and I engage in Circles with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines at Camp Pendleton, CA. Circle is one of the oldest human connection practices in history, stretching back more than 400,000 years. By definition, a Circle is a secure space created to invite the sharing of stories, perspectives and emotions. It is designed so everyone can see each other and hear all voices. It requires mutual consensus to listen and, often in sequence, respond to a central question. The Circle format has no beginning and no end. No one is in a position of prominence, which serves to encourage individuals to speak honestly about their feelings and beliefs. We can tailor our Circle program for any business or civic organization. (https://lnkd.in/gBT8sV9g) #getsome #circle #hope #compassion

MEMORIALS AND MOMENTS A single instance, can last a lifetime. That's what a day like Memorial Day means. Those moments where lives were forever changed, that can't be unchanged. Where lifetimes are cut to their shortest thread. Memorials are personal monuments -- individual reminders of the last and full measure taken. Often, those moments are chosen. The last breath held, before taking the last jump into the fray. Humanity is built and measured on that pause, that space, before everything is taken away. Before the times turn black. But there are also stories of those moments not chosen. Where there was no room for choice -- because the enemy had made the choice themselves. The enemy gets a vote -- & their vote, carries the ultimate & terrible cost. Memorial Day is the moment to remember those who were on the end of both of those timelines. We all hope to measure life in long days and long decades. To look back on our own works & marvel at what we accomplished. But days like these, are where those who can't marvel at their achievements -- must be seen through the eyes of the survivors. It is through these eyes -- upon this horizon -- where we can remember. Where we hope to never forget. Memorial Day is the stark, public reminder to remember what shouldn't be forgotten. While we build upon that past and stand among those souls -- it's a moment to remember, appreciate, and return to what that sacrifice meant. To celebrate today, in a single instance, is to remember the lifetimes lost in singular instances. #memorialday #military #coastguard #veteran

107 during #WW1 years ago today the Battle of Vimy Ridge began. - The Battle of #VimyRidge was fought during World War I from April 9 to April 12, 1917. - The #Canadian Corps, consisting of four Canadian divisions, fought against three German divisions. - The Canadian forces successfully captured Vimy Ridge, which the German forces had held for three years. - The victory was a significant moment for Canada, as it was the first time all four Canadian divisions fought together as a cohesive unit. - The battle was also notable for its innovative tactics, which included the use of creeping barrages and careful planning and preparation. - The victory came at a high cost, with over 10,000 Canadian casualties, including 3,598 deaths. - The Battle of Vimy Ridge is often cited as a turning point in Canadian history, helping to solidify a sense of national identity and pride.

As Memorial Day unfolds, it's more than just a day off or a time for barbecues. It's a moment to pause, reflect, and honor the sacrifices made by those who have served and continue to serve in the armed forces. It's a day to acknowledge the debt of gratitude we owe to those who have given their lives in defense of our freedom and way of life. Memorial Day is a time to remember not only the soldiers who have fallen, but also the families they leave behind. It's a day to recognize the immense sacrifices made by military families, who endure long separations, frequent moves, and the constant fear of the unknown. But amidst the somber reflections, there is also room for gratitude. Gratitude for the freedoms we often take for granted. Gratitude for the quality of life we enjoy, made possible by the dedication and bravery of our armed forces. And let's commit ourselves to ensuring that their sacrifices were not in vain. Let's work to build a world where freedom and justice are not just lofty ideals, but lived realities for all. Let's strive to create a future worthy of the legacy left to us by those who have gone before. This Memorial Day, let's remember, let's reflect, and let's give thanks. But let's also recommit ourselves to the values & lets ensure a brighter future for generations to come. #MemorialDay #Gratitude #RememberTheHeroes #RememberAndReflect

May we never forget that freedom isn't free. Today we give our deepest gratitude to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. As we honor those we have lost, we also recognize the important role our military plays as a conservation partner. Covering approximately 27 million acres of land, our nation’s military bases help support ecologically important habitats. One great example is Fort Riley, a five-square-mile Army base in the Flint Hills of Kansas. In addition to the Army’s First Infantry Division, Fort Riley hosts a population of greater prairie-chickens, which, like other grassland-obligate species, thrive in treeless grasslands. In this Ask an Expert, WLFW-supported researcher Caleb Roberts discusses how spatial targeting can be used to safeguard critical lek locations that become abandoned when pressured by woody expansion. Read more here: https://buff.ly/4dBhSvf

Memorial Day is different than Veterans Day. Please don’t thank a veteran for our service on Memorial Day. Veterans understand and appreciate your intentions; however, #MemorialDay honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation in war and peace. Instead, you might ask that #veteran or #GoldStarFamily Member how they plan to remember the brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, friends and loved ones who gave “the last full measure of devotion.” Some other ideas before enjoying the holiday include: - Learning more about the history of Memorial Day (https://lnkd.in/gnUY3Ky) - Learning more about our Gold Star Families (Home - America's Gold Star Families ( https://lnkd.in/g2SZYb6P) - Observing a moment of silence at 3:00 p.m. local time (National Moment of Remembrance - The Memorial Day Foundation, https://lnkd.in/g-TnNRqq) - Learning more about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Sentinels who guard the fallen (Society of the Honor Guard, tombguard.org or https://lnkd.in/g6PrYXsQ) - Visiting a local #VACemetery (https://lnkd.in/g2YjRyUR) -      Testing your Memorial Day knowledge: https://lnkd.in/g-Apb48u  -      Or come up with your own ideas. #poppies