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03.27.08Semper Fi
It’s funny because it’s real.
Thanks to my friend Kris for passing it on.
02.25.08Leadership
Leaders lead regardless of a job title or position. I’ve seen this time and time again in my time in business, the military, and in ministry. Some of the top leaders in my life don’t have any authority over my life- but they do have a lot of influence in my life.
Authority can make you in charge- but influence makes you a leader.
The key for any organization, whether business, military, or church, is for the influencer’s to be the one’s with authority.
Authority + Influence = Maximized Leadership
(I’m sure John Maxwell said this somewhere).
One thing I’ve discovered about leadership is this: Most of us, if not all of us, have leadership potential.
Disagree with that statement? So did I. I used to think only a select few had leadership abilities- but I’ve learned that’s not completely true.
The moment I became a dad, I became a leader. Every parent is a leader! Some are just better than others. That doesn’t mean that you have to be a parent to be a leader but it does prove that leaders aren’t just born- they’re developed.
My hope is to continually grow into a better leader. To develop other leaders- not just a following. To inspire people to see beyond what is- and live out what could be. To not just influence people by my words- but also my example.
For me, the best lab to develop as a leader is in the petri dish called home. As I grow, my hope is that my influence will pour out into the rest of my life.
12.10.07National Guard and 3 Doors Down
While at the movies this weekend, I saw a brilliant National Guard advertisement. It was one of the coolest marketing ads I’ve ever seen.
It was actually a music video by the rock band, 3 Doors Down for a song called, “Citizen Soldier.” The video itself was inspirational. As someone who served his country it almost brought a tear to my eye- almost. 
On the accompanying website, the National Guard also offers a free download of the song.
Check it out.
I still get choked up when I see this. Here’s the video:
The clip shows Navy officer Bill Hawes returning home from a seven-month tour in Iraq and he surprises his six-year-old son in his school classroom. His son jumps up, crying, and runs into his father’s arms.
When you watched the video, look at the boy’s eyes as he runs to his dad. That’s love!
This morning I watched video clip on the Today Show that hit me right where it counts- the heart. The clip shows Navy officer Bill Hawes returning home from a seven-month tour in Iraq and he surprises his six-year-old son in his school classroom. His son jumps up, crying, and runs into his father’s arms (WATCH VIDEO)
When you watched the video, look at the boy’s eyes as he runs to his dad. That’s love!
Many people believe they’d be willing to die for someone or something bigger than themselves. Seldom do people have to- even less volunteer to do it. This is the decision every member of the military asks themselves when they decide to serve their country. I made such as decision when I was in the military.
I remember standing in front of the American flag waiting to take my oath to serve my country at age 18. The reality of my decision to serve was staring me in the face- “Am I willing to die for my country?” I thought about all of my friends and family I was leaving behind and it occurred to me that they were the fabric of America. The people are America- and that realization is what made me proud to answer the call. “Yes, I will serve and yes, I would put my life on the line.” Then I took this oath just like all the other fine folks who serve:
“I, Jason Salamun, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”
Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Today, there are almost 3500 men and women who’ve laid their lives down for our freedom in the war on terror. They are the few who’ve lived out the words of Jesus in John 15:13. They’ve put us (America) before themselves. They put strangers in foreign lands above themselves. That’s real love. That’s a legacy that each family member of these remarkable men and women can be proud of.
The war has affected each of us. Even more- many of our communities are filled with people who have a loved one serving or has made the ultimate sacrifice. Support these families! Churches, communities, businesses, families, and friends- support the military families. Help, Hug, and Honor them. Right now, Kids are crying themselves to sleep because they miss their mom or dad. Spouses are scared, stressed, and lonely right now. Parents jump everytime the phone rings for fear of who might be calling. These families and those who are serving need our prayer- everyday.
Thank you to everyone who has served. The mere fact that you serve and are willing to sacrifice means you’re like Jesus. That’s pretty good company. Thank you families for your service as well. Our country owes you our love and support.
If they’re willing to lay down their life, shouldn’t we be willing to spare a little love?
When I was in the Air Force from 1996-2000, I got all kinds of advice. Unfortunately, most of it was crap. I got tips and techniques to help with basic training tasks, but nothing related to the things that I needed to know. There are so many stories I can tell or advice I could give. For now, I’ll share ten things I learned in the military. It’s geared towards potential or currently military folks, but us civilians may be able to find something useful in this list too.
- It’s often said basic training is designed to tear you down to build you back up. That may be true for some. But I’d say that if there was enough of you at your core before basic training, you’ll just build on what you already have.
- You’ll get to know the verse Philippians 4:13 very well.
- Know matter how you feel while you’re in the service, you’ll feel proud once you’ve completed it. It’s also good to remember that there is a finish line.
- Iron your BDU’s. Shine your boots. Don’t be the sloppy one.
- Everyone who enters the military has to ask themselves, “Am I prepared to fight and sacrifice my life if needed?” If so, make sure your soul is straight.
- While most people want to honor our troops, there are many people who will not like you. I had gone to the movies once and when I returned to my vehicle it had been vandalized with a note that said, “baby killer.” Oh, and I was not overseas, I was living in Colorado Springs. How’d they know I was in the military? Answer- base sticker. While you may not experience something this dramatic, just keep in mind that there are jerks out there.
- Don’t waste your time and be a loser. Take advantage of educational benefits. Don’t get a huge car payment, get in debt, and have nothing to show for it when you’re done.
- If you go to basic training, volunteer to be a chapel guide. There’s nothing like calm in the midst of a storm.
- When you’re not working, forget about being in the military. You’ve got to do this for your own sanity. Most people were surprised to find out I was in the military when I was out of uniform. Not sure if that was a good thing or not.
- Although you’re serving your country, remember that you’re also serving God. This is helpful when you’re asked to do things you don’t necessarily agree with or don’t want to do. You serve God. Work as if you’re doing it for Him.
If you have served, thank you. If you haven’t, thank someone who has. It’s often a thankless job that takes special people to do.
