Western National Parks Association’s Post

Fallen Soldiers March has been approached by Navy Seal Team members to write for FSM's Quarterly Newsletter when inspired, time allows and anonymity is protected. They will use the pseudonym "The Chief". Special Operations is different—and it isn’t. A certain type of man is drawn to the idea of being a soldier in the black ops. This phenomenon—a longing for a tragic amalgam of idealism, vigor, wanderlust, and duty—is as old as time. Across history, tyrants have used and manipulated this inner synthesis for horrifying evil. That yearning to become, to strive, to overcome, even to know true defeat rests in the hearts of young men who were created to serve a king and kingdom. But more often than not, they end up serving themselves and worse: corrupt governments. This pull in my youthful heart led me to test my resolve in the fires of special warfare selection. I thought I was tough, and I wanted to prove it. I wanted adventure; I wanted to do things that mattered; I wanted to be able to rely on the men next to me in life-and-death situations, and I wanted them to be able to rely on me. I didn’t want riches; I didn’t want fame; I didn’t want girls or parties or comfort. I wanted conflict. I wanted to be up to my neck in danger. I wanted to serve my country and rid the world of evil men. I wanted to fight, and, if need be, die for a worthy cause. Men join special warfare communities for a plethora of reasons, but those were mine. I know I wasn’t alone in those desires. Read on below: https://lnkd.in/enPpfdSh #SpecialForces #Veterans #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #BiblicalSoulCare #BiblicalCounseling #JesusChrist

Fallen Soldiers March has been approached by Navy Seal Team members to write for FSM's Quarterly Newsletter when inspired, time allows and anonymity is protected. They will use the pseudonym "The Chief". Special Operations is different—and it isn’t. A certain type of man is drawn to the idea of being a soldier in the black ops. This phenomenon—a longing for a tragic amalgam of idealism, vigor, wanderlust, and duty—is as old as time. Across history, tyrants have used and manipulated this inner synthesis for horrifying evil. That yearning to become, to strive, to overcome, even to know true defeat rests in the hearts of young men who were created to serve a king and kingdom. But more often than not, they end up serving themselves and worse: corrupt governments. This pull in my youthful heart led me to test my resolve in the fires of special warfare selection. I thought I was tough, and I wanted to prove it. I wanted adventure; I wanted to do things that mattered; I wanted to be able to rely on the men next to me in life-and-death situations, and I wanted them to be able to rely on me. I didn’t want riches; I didn’t want fame; I didn’t want girls or parties or comfort. I wanted conflict. I wanted to be up to my neck in danger. I wanted to serve my country and rid the world of evil men. I wanted to fight, and, if need be, die for a worthy cause. Men join special warfare communities for a plethora of reasons, but those were mine. I know I wasn’t alone in those desires. Read on below: https://lnkd.in/eKMUtH_u #SpecialForces #Veterans #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #BiblicalSoulCare #BiblicalCounseling #JesusChrist

Fallen Soldiers March has been approached by Navy Seal Team members to write for FSM's Quarterly Newsletter when inspired, time allows and anonymity is protected. They will use the pseudonym "The Chief". Special Operations is different—and it isn’t. A certain type of man is drawn to the idea of being a soldier in the black ops. This phenomenon—a longing for a tragic amalgam of idealism, vigor, wanderlust, and duty—is as old as time. Across history, tyrants have used and manipulated this inner synthesis for horrifying evil. That yearning to become, to strive, to overcome, even to know true defeat rests in the hearts of young men who were created to serve a king and kingdom. But more often than not, they end up serving themselves and worse: corrupt governments. This pull in my youthful heart led me to test my resolve in the fires of special warfare selection. I thought I was tough, and I wanted to prove it. I wanted adventure; I wanted to do things that mattered; I wanted to be able to rely on the men next to me in life-and-death situations, and I wanted them to be able to rely on me. I didn’t want riches; I didn’t want fame; I didn’t want girls or parties or comfort. I wanted conflict. I wanted to be up to my neck in danger. I wanted to serve my country and rid the world of evil men. I wanted to fight, and, if need be, die for a worthy cause. Men join special warfare communities for a plethora of reasons, but those were mine. I know I wasn’t alone in those desires. Read on below: https://lnkd.in/enPpfdSh #SpecialForces #Veterans #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #BiblicalSoulCare #BiblicalCounseling #JesusChrist

My pet peeve is not flying the flag at half staff. As an Army veteran, I understand the frustration many of us feel when the flag and its symbolism are overlooked, especially on significant days like 9/11. Flying the flag at half-staff holds deep meaning, and here’s why it’s important: Historical Significance: The practice of flying the flag at half-staff dates back to the early 1600s, originating with British ships lowering flags to honor fallen captains. In the U.S., President Eisenhower formalized flag etiquette in 1954, establishing clear guidelines for when and how to fly the flag at half-staff. Symbolism and Meaning: Lowering the flag serves as a powerful symbol for several reasons: - Grief and Mourning: It’s a collective expression of sorrow and respect. - National Distress: A sign of national mourning during crises or tragedies. - Remembrance: Especially on days like Memorial Day or 9/11, it honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice. - Respect: It pays tribute to fallen heroes, including military personnel, government officials, and first responders. Why This Matters: For myself, seeing the flag properly displayed reinforces the sacrifices made by our fellow Americans. It provides a connection to our shared history and values. It’s a simple but powerful gesture that unites us in moments of collective grief and remembrance.

Consider for a moment the metaphors that we are surrounded with… What might they tell us about our narratives? How might they influence the way we see our roles and those of others? Consider the church… Is it a club with members who pay dues, an army with soldiers, or a body with many parts? How about Young Life? What metaphor might you use to describe our eighty-three-year-old mission? https://lnkd.in/gDsMkb5K

Consider for a moment the metaphors that we are surrounded with… What might they tell us about our narratives? How might they influence the way we see our roles and those of others? Consider the church… Is it a club with members who pay dues, an army with soldiers, or a body with many parts? How about Young Life? What metaphor might you use to describe our eighty-three-year-old mission? https://lnkd.in/gKQxSmFN

Consider for a moment the metaphors that we are surrounded with… What might they tell us about our narratives? How might they influence the way we see our roles and those of others? Consider the church… Is it a club with members who pay dues, an army with soldiers, or a body with many parts? How about Young Life? What metaphor might you use to describe our eighty-three-year-old mission? https://lnkd.in/gPaZ-_A7

Celebrating the Unity and Camaraderie of the Navy During my twenty four years serving in the Navy, my life was 💯 in the hands of black, brown, red, yellow, and white-toned people. We were friends, we were shipmates, we were Sailors, and we had each other’s six when the hammer slammed the anvil. We trained, we sweated, and we bled together. We came together from all parts of the country; we came together from all religions. We were a society unto ourselves. We worked as a team, a well-oiled machine. We fought for our brothers through thick and thin. We protected each other; that was what we did. The only color we saw was Navy Blue. Yes, there were some bad apples, but 99% of the sailors were amazing teammates who served the Navy with distinction. The camaraderie, selflessness, and unity we shared were unparalleled. It was an honor to serve alongside such incredible individuals. Our current national climate could learn from this example — the media could report without any biases — the politicians can make a difference in the communities they serve without a focus on their own pockets — the communities and the police agencies teaming up to stop crime, instead of conflict of social & racial views; removing aggressiveness to partner to build strong and safe communities. Leadership is a stalwart of the military that allows leaders to take care of those below as well as those above them to defend democracy. The kind of leadership that could boost and improve businesses, communities, as well as local, state, and federal government agencies. #NavyVeteran #Camaraderie #Unity #Service

Today, as we honor Memorial Day, let's also recognize the single parents who serve or have served in our armed forces. Balancing parenting duties with the call of duty requires immense courage and resilience.  To all military single parents, your strength and sacrifices inspire us daily. How are you reflecting on this day of remembrance? #journeyreimagine #singleparenting #singleparentlife #singleparentsupport #singleparentcoach