Routine Not So Routine for Some

Does it seem as though your day repeats the same thing of the previous day? It is certainly possible that it seems that way for you. But I am just as certain that it doesn't seem that way to the persons you engage. So, the soldier I talk with on my routine day is not so routine for that soldier. Though dealing with your children seems to be the same every day, it is not that way to your children. Your job may seem the same to you every day, but to your customers it is not the same. Customers need what you provide whether information, guidance, or auto parts. Every day is a new day. Like Friday night as I drove to Pope Air Force Base to welcome home soldier who had just returned from 15 months of duty in Iraq. Or like Saturday morning as I participated in training volunteers who will assist military family members. Both a routine responsibility for me, but definitely not routine for my audience. Reframe your day to see from your "customer's" point of view. A great way to dispel the routine. Dr. D.

Another Hot Day

Some places in NC were flooded yesterday and today they are drying out. Here at Ft Bragg, it was a very nice summer day -- HOT! Do soldiers stay indoors on hot days? No. Do soldiers stop training on hot days? No. Do soldiers stop preparing to deploy to a war zone? No. Do soldiers simply take the day off when it is hot? No. Soldiers soldier. They keep at it, hot or cold, rain or shine. Soldiers have done that for years, well, centuries, for 233 years since July 4, 1776. I admire that so much. They seem so young. I was married and had children and joined the US Army before most of them were born. They are as tough as any soldier before them. No softees here. So, another hot day means nothing to a soldier. Would that every American worked like this without complaint, without hesitation, without regard for self. That's a hot weather soldier. Today's Army. Dr. D.

Parenting is for TEAMS

Today I watched a Mom working with her two children, while their Dad looked on. With two kids wouldn't two parents have been a better idea than one active participant and one observer? Parenting is a Team Sport! Although I am the first to admit that Mom was the primary care giver, teacher, and, well, parent to our children, BOTH Mom and Dad are the parents, not just one or the other, not one more than the other. Parenting takes two and it is best when both work together. Sometimes it takes one parent to make it clear and friendly to the other that it takes two. Not just to "baby sit" but to parent, teaching, loving, giving, caring. Parenting is for TEAMS. Dr. D.

Meeting Super Soldiers

I've spent the previous three months working with airmen at Air Force bases. Now I'm living and working with soldiers. Not just any soldiers. These are what the public usually thinks of super soldiers. So, I was lost. Driving around trying to find the unit where I was to give a presentation. Finally I pulled over, stopped the car as I saw a passing soldier. Turned out he was a Special Forces Private First Class. When I got out of the car, he stopped immediately, smiled and gave that look, you know, that says, "how can I help you." And he did. Pointing me directly to where I was to go and meeting me along the way. I gave him the credit and thanked him. This was Special Forces, ya'll. The super soldier who turned out to be just a regular guy; friendly as all get out; and willing to help a lost soul. How great is that? You should be proud of our folks in uniform, serving you and our country. Dr. D.

New Opportunities Every Day

Each day is a new opportunity. Think of that in our own lives, not in terms of working with military members and their families. Think of everyday that we take for granted. We forget to love, to hug, to thank. When was the last time everybody in a family thanked those who bring in the cash that makes it possible to buy the things we need and want? When was the last time we thanked a Mom for taking care of the kids or a Dad for doing the same? Each day is a new opportunity. So, today was full of great conversations with old friends, counseling associates, office persons around the installation, and great soldiers. What could be better than that? I got lost learning my way around. I just couldn't tell which way I was going and would find myself back to where I started! Go figure? Take advantage of this day, it's your chance. Dr. D.

What a Day!

It was a cool morning in North Carolina compared to the past month I spent in Hot Texas, I guess some do like it hot. It stayed that way even though it did surpass 90 degrees. What made it a "cool" day was the people I met and the soldier I helped and the conversations I had. All to do my part to help our soldiers and their families in their times of deepest distress. The inspiring home of the Airborne looks like many other military installations. That is not what makes it special. It is the people and families that make up the most rugged, courageous soldiers one could ever meet. Right in the center of the installation is the magnificent statue of Iron Mike, the infantryman's monument, much like the one outside the Infantry Center at Ft Benning, Georgia. It will inspire you, trust me. After so many years with the US Army, it still inspires me. Be impressed. Dr. D.

Touching Lives Touching You

I was wondering as I drove the 2 hours back to Ft Bragg today. It was hot outside and I was leaving family behind. It was Father's Day. It was one of those moments where you are disappointed to leave and yet your mission is before you. But I am here touching lives at the home of the Airborne, the Rangers, the Special Forces and I'm touching you through this medium. We're connected. And we're beginning another mission touching the lives of our military members and their families. It is an awesome mission. And we're doing it together. We have a mutual mission as you think about the tasks of our military members and their families. Pray for them. Pray for me. I'll pray for you, too. Dr. D.