Episodes

  • #80: Leadership Lessons with BG RJ Garcia - 81st West Point Commandant

    #80: Leadership Lessons with BG RJ Garcia - 81st West Point Commandant
    Nov 27 2024

    https://www.westpoint.edu/directory/rj-garcia

    Summary

    In this episode of the Word for the Week podcast, host Pete Stone interviews Brigadier General R.J. Garcia, the Commandant of Cadets at West Point. They discuss Garcia's journey from a West Point cadet to a leader in the military, the influence of his family on his leadership style, and his experiences as an AH-64 pilot. Garcia shares valuable lessons learned from combat, his leadership philosophy focused on making others successful, and personal reflections on marriage and family. The conversation concludes with thoughts on legacy and the future challenges facing the military.

    Takeaways

    Leadership is shaped by family influences and experiences.
    The role of Commandant at West Point involves overseeing cadet development.
    Simplicity and preparation are key to effective leadership.
    Combat experiences provide valuable lessons in leadership and decision-making.
    Investing in people leads to organizational success.
    Forgiveness and grace are essential in personal relationships.
    A leader's legacy is defined by their impact on others.
    Transformation in the military is necessary for future challenges.
    Maintaining connections with the civilian populace is crucial.
    Creating a supportive environment fosters success for all.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background of Brigadier General Garcia
    03:42 Role and Responsibilities as Commandant of Cadets at West Point
    06:51 Influence of Family on Leadership and Career
    09:41 Journey to Becoming an AH-64 Pilot
    12:48 Leadership Lessons from Early Military Experiences
    15:45 Deployment Experiences and Leadership Challenges
    18:45 Combat Stories from Iraq
    21:48 Navigating Challenges in Combat Operations
    24:58 Leadership Philosophy and Keeping It Simple
    27:55 Reflections on Deployment and Career Decisions
    36:28 Navigating Career Transitions
    38:53 Reflections on Combat and Leadership
    43:55 Leadership Philosophy and Stewardship
    51:50 Transforming the Army for Future Challenges
    55:52 Personal Insights on Marriage and Relationships
    01:00:51 Legacy and Impact in the Army
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • #79: Daddy-Daughter Dynamic: How Engaged Fathers Lead to Empowered Daughters

    #79: Daddy-Daughter Dynamic: How Engaged Fathers Lead to Empowered Daughters
    Jun 10 2024
    Jackie Brewton never planned to be a speaker and an author. While managing a successful career in corporate America, Jackie volunteered her time mentoring younger ladies. It was in this role as a mentor that she kept hearing over and over about the regrets these younger ladies had because of poor relationship choices they had made. Jackie felt so burdened by this that 16 years ago she walked away from her successful corporate career to dedicate her life to helping teens make good choices. She is the Founder and CEO of MotivationN3D, a motivational speaking company. In 2016, Jackie published a book for teen girls titled, 7 Secrets Guys Will Never Tell You. She currently resides in the metro Atlanta area. Recently Jackie was the keynote speaker at a daddy-daughter dance and was kind enough to talk about her keynote address in this interview. You can learn more about her and download her free e-book, "7 Things Every Parent of a Teen Needs to Know Before Having the Talk" on her website, www.jackiebrewton.com. Summary Jackie Bruton, founder and CEO of Motivation in 3D, shares her journey of leaving a successful career to help teens make good choices. She emphasizes the importance of validation, provision, protection, and guidance in a father-daughter relationship. Validation involves telling daughters they are loved and valued for who they are, not just for their appearance. Provision goes beyond financial support and includes being a role model and investing in experiences. Protection involves shielding daughters from negative influences in the media and teaching them to set boundaries. Guidance includes teaching self-control and helping daughters develop a sense of destiny and potential. KeywordsJackie Bruton, Motivation in 3D, validation, provision, protection, guidance, father-daughter relationship, self-esteem, love languages, boundaries, self-control Takeaways Validation involves telling daughters they are loved and valued for who they are, not just for their appearance. Provision goes beyond financial support and includes being a role model and investing in experiences. Protection involves shielding daughters from negative influences in the media and teaching them to set boundaries. Guidance includes teaching self-control and helping daughters develop a sense of destiny and potential. Titles The Power of Validation: Building Self-Esteem in Daughters Beyond Financial Support: Providing Role Models and Experiences Sound Bites "Love is unconditional, so that the first time a guy comes along and says, 'If you love me, you would,' she'll already know love is unconditional." "I would rather have his time than his money." "Fathers don't always understand how kids spell love. Kids spell love, T-I-M-E." Chapters 00:00Introduction and Jackie's Journey 02:25Validation: Building Self-Esteem in Daughters 09:13Provision: Beyond Financial Support 23:01Guidance: Teaching Self-Control and a Sense of Destiny
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    32 mins
  • #78: Joe Lawhorn - Healing, Growth, and the Grace of God

    #78: Joe Lawhorn - Healing, Growth, and the Grace of God
    Jun 9 2024
    Joe Lawhorn, recently served as the garrison chaplain for USAG Hawaii. In this conversation, Joe shares his inspiring story of overcoming a dysfunctional and broken childhood to finding faith and purpose in the Army. He credits the sovereignty of God for his transformation and emphasizes the importance of relationships and personal connections in his ministry. Joe's journey led him to become a chaplain and he highlights the significance of one-on-one encounters and small moments of grace in his work. He also discusses his role as a family life chaplain and the healing he experienced during his time in the Ranger Training Battalion. Joe reflects on his personal journey of struggling with depression and finding healing and purpose as a chaplain in the military. He emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself and prioritizing relationships, both within the family and in leadership roles. He also discusses the challenges of balancing the roles of an officer and a pastor, and the need to resist the trappings of institutional pressures. He encourages chaplains to be true to their calling and to be a light in the darkness, even if it means looking different from others. Takeaways The sovereignty of God can transform lives and provide purpose Building relationships and making personal connections are essential in ministry Small moments of grace and one-on-one encounters can have a significant impact Overcoming a dysfunctional childhood can shape one's approach to ministry Being a family life chaplain involves helping others navigate and heal from family challenges Take care of yourself and prioritize your own well-being, as it is the foundation for helping others. Remember that your first priority mission is the one under your own roof. Resist the trappings of institutional pressures and focus on being a minister and a pastor to those in need. Don't confuse relevance with sameness; be willing to look different and live according to your faith. Be a light in the darkness and inspire others through your personal example. Titles The Power of Relationships in Ministry From Dysfunction to Faith: Joe LaHorn's Inspiring Journey Balancing the Roles of an Officer and a Pastor Finding Healing and Purpose as a Military Chaplain Sound Bites "God rolled out the red carpet for you." "I never give up on anybody. I never write anybody off as a lost cause." "I would shut the door to my office, flip off the light and hide under my desk." "I did that over and over and over again" "What the world needs is not more of you. It needs a more healthy you." "We've never had it better and hated it more." Chapters 00:00Introduction and Appreciation 01:28Joe's Childhood and Journey to Faith 08:00Joe's Rebellious Teenage Years and Love for Baseball 12:19Joe's Red Carpet Experience and Decision to Join the Army 27:27Joe's Transition to Family Life Chaplain 40:27Joe's Healing Year in the Ranger Training Battalion 45:28Struggles and Depression at Fort Bragg 46:44Struggling with Depression and Putting on a Facade 49:40Finding Healing and Purpose as a Military Chaplain 55:35Transitioning to Family Life and Shaping Leadership Philosophy 01:00:33Balancing the Roles of an Officer and a Pastor 01:03:19Reflecting on the State of the World and the Importance of Relationships 01:17:44Resisting Institutional Pressures and Prioritizing Relationships 01:27:44Being a Light in the Darkness: Living According to Your Faith
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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • #77: Gary Fisher - Moral Injury and Looking Back

    #77: Gary Fisher - Moral Injury and Looking Back
    Jun 9 2024

    Chaplain (COL) Gary Fisher just completed his tour as the USARPAC Chaplain. In this conversation, he shares his experiences as a chaplain in combat, and discusses the concept of moral injury. He talks about his upcoming book on trauma and the importance of addressing the whole person when dealing with trauma. He also shares personal stories, including an incident during a combat logistics patrol and a dignified transfer ceremony. Chaplain Fisher emphasizes the role of faith in processing and finding meaning in traumatic experiences. He also talks about his role as General Flynn's chaplain and the importance of being prepared and integrated into the operations process. He believes that the Chaplain Corps can be a resource for unity which provides a different perspective in a divided nation. His advice to junior chaplains is to recognize that wherever they are, it is holy ground and to focus on serving others.

    Takeaways

    • Chaplain Fisher's upcoming book on trauma aims to provide a practical and accessible resource for service members and their families to understand the impact of trauma on the whole person.
    • Moral injury is described as a broken moral expectation, where an individual's values or beliefs are compromised, leading to emotional and spiritual distress.
    • Chaplain Fisher shares two significant experiences as a combat chaplain: a combat logistics patrol incident and a dignified transfer ceremony. These experiences shaped his understanding of the importance of his role and the power of presence in traumatic situations.
    • Faith plays a significant role in finding meaning and processing traumatic experiences.
    • Chaplain Fisher emphasizes the ultimate solution of the atonement in addressing moral injury and finding healing.
    • Chaplain Fisher highlights the need for chaplains to remain calm, provide clarity, and ensure the safety and well-being of those in their care during combat situations. Chaplains in the military face challenges such as moral injury and post-traumatic growth, and it is important for them to seek help and support when needed.
    • Being integrated into the operations process and being prepared for engagements with commanders is crucial for chaplains to provide value and support.
    • Faith, walk, and practice are essential in the Army and can be a source of unity and guidance in a divided society.
    • The Chaplain Corps can be a resource for unity and provide a different perspective in a divided nation.

    Sound Bites

    "We felt like there needed to be a book that wasn't incredibly clinical, but also wasn't overwhelmingly theological to help."
    "To me, it's broken moral expectation."
    "I was there because God chose for me to be there at that time to be what he needed me to be and represent things that transcend this earth."
    "I want to be value added, a multiplier, not be a distraction."
    "I didn't know how bad I was until I got better."
    "This spirit lives in a carnal flesh and it is susceptible to everything that anybody else is susceptible to."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Setting
    03:20 Understanding and Addressing Trauma
    08:08 The Concept of Moral Injury
    25:01 The Power of Presence in Traumatic Situations
    29:53 Chaplains in Combat: Roles and Responsibilities
    31:17 Challenges and Priorities
    36:05 Moral Injury and Post-Traumatic Growth
    38:01 Integration and Preparation
    42:59 The Role of Faith
    53:29 The Chaplain Corps and Unity
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • #75: [War Stories] MAJ Andrew Batule - Pt 2: I'll Always Say Their Names

    #75: [War Stories] MAJ Andrew Batule - Pt 2: I'll Always Say Their Names
    Jun 20 2023

    War Stories is a collection of conversations with Servicemembers who share the memories that helped define their service. This collection is designed to preserve the legacy of military service, and honor the memory of those who served.
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    40 mins
  • #74: [War Stories] MAJ Andrew Batule - Pt 1: Why I Serve

    #74: [War Stories] MAJ Andrew Batule - Pt 1: Why I Serve
    Jun 20 2023

    War Stories is a collection of conversations with Servicemembers who share the memories that helped define their service. This collection is designed to preserve the legacy of military service, and honor the memory of those who served.
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    51 mins
  • #73: [War Stories] Pearl Harbor 80th Anniversary Interview: Earl Chung (Vietnam War Veteran)

    #73: [War Stories] Pearl Harbor 80th Anniversary Interview: Earl Chung (Vietnam War Veteran)
    Dec 17 2021

    Recently, The Greatest Generations Foundation brought a group of WW2 and Vietnam War veterans to the island of Oahu to observe the 80th Anniversary of the Pearl Harbor Attack.

    I was fortunate enough to meet these veterans at the Navy Hale Keiki School who has a close relationship with the Foundation. The students welcomed them as heroes and sang patriotic songs in honor of their service.

    After the program, these veterans were kind enough to share their stories for this podcast.

    This particular interview was a surprise. We found out that Earl Chung, the bus driver for The Greatest Generation Foundation Tour, was himself a Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War. He is a Hawaiian native and is one of the most kind people I've ever met. He shares his incredible story of the evacuation of Saigon...and his love for Hawaii.

    War Stories is a collection of conversations with Servicemembers who share the memories that helped define their service. This collection is designed to preserve the legacy of military service, and honor the memory of those who served.
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    15 mins
  • #72: [War Stories] Pearl Harbor 80th Anniversary Interview: Bill Hutton (Vietnam War Veteran)

    #72: [War Stories] Pearl Harbor 80th Anniversary Interview: Bill Hutton (Vietnam War Veteran)
    Dec 17 2021

    Recently, The Greatest Generations Foundation brought a group of WW2 and Vietnam War veterans to the island of Oahu to observe the 80th Anniversary of the Pearl Harbor Attack.

    I was fortunate enough to meet these veterans at the Navy Hale Keiki School who has a close relationship with the Foundation. The students welcomed them as heroes and sang patriotic songs in honor of their service.

    After the program, these veterans were kind enough to share their stories for this podcast.

    War Stories is a collection of conversations with Servicemembers who share the memories that helped define their service. This collection is designed to preserve the legacy of military service, and honor the memory of those who served.
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    13 mins