23th Anniversary of my failure to screen for command - while in command !!

 

As a Lieutenant Commander, I assumed command of Naval Security Group Activity Yokosuka, Japan (a Commander command) in January 1997 from LCDR Eric Newhouse (the interim CO). The CO previous to Eric had been relieved 6 months earlier, after failing two successive Inspector General inspections - leaving behind demoralized Sailors and a fractured command.

The "Failure to Screen for Command" letter arrived after I had been in command for 23 months and a few days before I put on Commander. Twelve years later, it still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth - as you can tell.

I was not completely surprised by the letter because a Lieutenant from BUPERS had called two weeks earlier to inform me that I had "FAILED TO SCREEN FOR COMMAND". What did surprise me was the fact that I had failed to screen for command - a job that I had held for two years, already.

Thankfully, I didn't lose my day job. I post this letter for those who have had to deal with the pain of "Failure of Selection" - whether it be for promotion, command or some other program you desperately want. It's a very painful and emotional thing. One which we try very hard to comprehend. No one ever explained how I failed to screen for a job I already had and was ranked #1 at. A year later, I "successfully screened" for the assignment that I had been doing for 35 months.  

Captain Clyde Lopez celebrates his 84th Birthday Today

 

Captain Clyde Lopez

Captain Clyde Lopex, Athens, 1989

Captain Clyde C. Lopez, United States Navy - retired, celebrates his 84th birthday today.  This great American enlisted in the Navy in October 1955 and served for 40 years, retiring in 1995. 

His illustrious Navy career would fill volumes.  It is sufficient to say that he was a Sailor worthy of being called a Shipmate by all who know him.


He was born on this day in 1937 in Santa Rosa, New Mexico.

Sir, Happy Birthday SHIPMATE !! 

I salute you !!

John S. McCain

 No more exacting method of determining an officer's worth

"The 20-year-old bluejacket is the backbone of the navy." And he advised the 1970 graduating class at the Naval Academy: "When you step aboard ship and stand in front of your first division of bluejackets, they will evaluate you accurately and without delay. In fact, there is no more exacting method of determining an officer's worth."

"Furthermore, you can't fool bluejackets. They are quick to recognize the phony. If you lose the respect of these men, you are finished. You can never make it back."

"Some officers get it backwards. They don't understand that we are responsible for our men, not the other way around. That's what forges trust and loyalty."

Admiral John S. McCain

Writing

Other things being equal, a superior rating will invariably be given to the officer who has persevered in his studies of the art of self-expression, while his colleague, who attaches little importance to what may be achieved through working with the language, will be marked for mediocrity.

A moment's reflection will show why this has to be the case and why mastery of the written and spoken word is indispensable to successful officership.

As the British statesman, Disraeli, put it, "Men govern with words." Within the military establishment, command is exercised through what is said which commands attention and understanding and through what is written which directs, explains, interprets or informs.

Battles are won through the ability of men to express concrete ideas in clear and unmistakable language. All administration is carried forward along the chain of command by the power of men to make their thoughts articulate and available to others.

There is no way under the sun that this basic condition can be altered. Once the point is granted, any officer should be ready to accept its corollary - that superior qualification in the use of the language, both as to the written and the spoken word, is more essential to military leadership than knowledge of the whole technique of weapons handling.

It then becomes strictly a matter of personal decision whether he will seek to advance himself along the line of main chance or will take refuge in the excuse offered by the great majority: "I'm just a simple fighting file with no gift for writing or speaking."

From: The Armed Forces Officer, 1950

Commander Chelsey Zwicker Assumes Command of NIOC Yokosuka

 From the blog www.StationHYPO.com

Today, Commander Brian Schulz was relieved by Commander Chelsey Zwicker as Commanding Officer, Navy Information Operations Command Yokosuka.  Commander Zwicker’s biography follows:

Commander Chelsey L. Zwicker, USN
Commanding Officer, NIOC Yokosuka // Commander, CTG 1070.2

CDR Chelsey Zwicker is a native of Wyoming, Pennsylvania and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in May 2005 with an undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering.  Upon commissioning she was selected for naval aviation.  In October 2006, she transferred to the Cryptologic Warfare Community. 

After completing the Naval Information Operations Basic Course, she reported to Naval Information Operations Command (NIOC) Maryland. CDR Zwicker was assigned to the National Threat Operations Center as an exercise and plans officer.  She earned her Information Operations qualification and her Masters in Science in Strategic Intelligence from the National Defense Intelligence College.

In September 2010 Commander Zwicker reported to NIOC Bahrain.  She was the N6 and Legal Officer prior to her deployment from November 2010 – July 2011 in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM, OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, and MARITIME SUPPORT OPERATIONS in the Arabian Gulf.  During her deployment CDR Zwicker, was the Officer in Charge of the detachment.  Returning back to NIOC Bahrain, she served as the N3 Operations Officer and Acting Executive Officer. 

In November 2011, Commander Zwicker transferred to OPNAV N13F, the Navy Foreign Language Office.  During this tour, CDR Zwicker served as the Action Officer liaison to N2N6 and was the plank owner and program manager of the Asia Pacific Hands Program.

In November 2014, she reported to Naval Information Dominance Forces Command as the Flag Aide and deputy Executive Agent to the Commander. 

In June 2016, Commander Zwicker reported to Fleet Cyber Command/Tenth Fleet and served as the STO chief, deputy SAPCO, IO and EW leads, Space Operations Officer and Fleet OPSEC Program Manager. 

In May 2019 she reported to Navy Information Operations Detachment, Kaneohe Bay as the Officer in Charge.  She led space training for NIOC Hawaii and disestablished NIOD Kaneohe Bay in July 2020.

In April 2020, she reported to Carrier Strike Group Eleven as the Deputy Information Warfare Commander for Integrated Fires.  She served during NIMITZ Strike Group’s unprecedented 11 month 2020-2021 deployment.

A Naval officer, above all . . .

recognizes his responsibilities and therefore does not accept them lightly. A Naval officer understands that his word is his bond, exercised by everyday actions and daily decisions. A Naval officer will not waft through life selfish or disconnected, like someone who carries a fickle mind. A Naval officer, the genuine article, will not make promises he cannot keep, and chooses his words as carefully as he does his commitments. And because a Naval officer honors his words, he is in turn honored in his actions.

Sprint, marathon, ultra-marathon, relay - stay at it for the long haul

When I was a young Ensign, I believed my Navy career was a sprint and we could make a difference in the Cryptologic Community in a few years. As I continued to serve, as a Lieutenant Commander, I realized it was a marathon and I had to pace myself to be in it for the long haul  And 30 years later, when I was a Captain approaching early retirement, I learned it was an ultra-marathon.  Now I know it is a relay race and you have to hand off the baton to another group of junior officers to continue the run. Nice to see my former Shipmates carrying the baton so purposefully.  Thank you.

My soapbox - writing in 'longhand'

 

You can read about it HERE.  They were reading my mind.  I am already halfway through 5 boxes (100 each) of Crane stamped envelopes and ready to go with notecards for 2021.  My stock of 100 Admiral Chester Nimitz 50 cent stamps and about John Paul Jones stamps are depleted.  I continue to write.  

Fallen Shipmate - CTM3 Matthew J. O'Bryant - Born on 10 May 1986

Cryptologic Technician Maintenance (CTM) Third Class Petty Officer Matthew J. O'Bryant, 22, of Duluth, Ga., left this earth on September 20 in the bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan. Matthew was a valued member of the Navy Information Operations Command Maryland, Fort Meade, Md.

Rear Admiral William Leigher (OPNAV N3IO) had the sad but proud responsibility to meet this young man's remains in Dover, Delaware as he returned to American soil.

Our deepest sympathies and debt of unbounded gratitude go out to this patriot's family. This Sailor now 'rests his oars'. He has given this great Navy and our country the gift of his unselfish service. We are forever in your debt Shipmate. Rest easy, your NIOC Maryland Shipmates have the watch. 

From the Alabama Post Register: Tommy O'Bryant said that the officers did not confirm his son's death until nearly noon Monday. "The hardest thing was not knowing what's going on," he said. "But the officers finally came straight to the point and said our son was killed in the war." O'Bryant graduated from Theodore High School in 2004, his father said. "He didn't play any sports, but he was in the ROTC and he graduated from there as full corporal." Before arriving in Pakistan, O'Bryant was assigned to the Navy Information Operations Command Maryland, Fort Meade, Md. He was the only Alabama sailor who was killed in the blast, Lt. Cmdr. Doug Gabos, a spokesman for the Navy Network Warfare Command in Norfolk, Va., said in a Tuesday night phone interview. Today would have marked the 30th day that the young man had served overseas, said his father, Tommy O'Bryant. As a cryptologic technician, O'Bryant would have been "involved in the installation, configuration, diagnosis and repair of state-of-the-art electronic computers and network hardware and software systems," Officials declined Tuesday to say why O'Bryant was at the Marriott Hotel, but Gabos said that he "may have just been staying at that hotel. I can't confirm that but I believe that to be a fact." O'Bryant had attended the Art Institute of Atlanta before joining the Navy in March 2007, his father said. He was married to his wife, Bridgett, nearly two years ago. "He called his wife Saturday morning, an hour before the bomb would have gone off," Tommy O'Bryant said. "She was the last one to speak to him." Bridgett O'Bryant had been living in Buckatana, Miss., with her parents since her husband's deployment, Tommy O'Bryant said. Naval officers "came to her house Saturday night, and she called us about midnight," he said. "They told her he was missing." 

From MSNBC Wire Services Navy 3rd Class Petty Officer Matthew J. O'Bryant Matthew J. O'Bryant was known for his ability to make people smile. "He was the nicest person you'd ever know. He got along with everybody. He was friendly, he was a real good person," said Roger O'Bryant, Matthew's uncle. O'Bryant, 22, of Duluth, Ga., died Sept. 20 in a bombing in Islamabad, Pakistan. He was a 2004 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Meade. O'Bryant's commanding officer, Capt. Richard Bodziak said, "He was exactly the kind of sailor we want in the Navy." O'Bryant, who was a cryptologic technician, was "first in his class," Bodziak said. He said the sailor exhibited "honor, courage and commitment." Just prior to a funeral service, Lawrence O'Bryant told everyone who came up to him how proud he was of his brother. He noted that four members of the family — the two brothers and two of their cousins — were all serving in the Navy at the same time. "There were four of us in the Navy," he said. "Well, there's three now." He paused, then added, "I guess there will always be four of us because he will always be in the Navy." He is survived by his wife, Bridgette. Alabama sailor killed in Pakistan laid to rest Sep 30, 2008.

AP MOBILE, Ala. (Map, News) - Some 700 mourners attended a funeral in Mobile for an Alabama sailor killed Sept. 20 in a terrorist bomb blast outside a hotel in Pakistan. At Monday's service, Calvary Assembly of God pastor Dave Edwards said Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew O'Bryant, 22, a Theodore High School graduate, was "a brave young man who made the ultimate sacrifice." The bomb blast at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad took at least 60 lives. A cryptologic technician, O'Bryant was based at Fort Meade, Md. His commanding officer, Capt. Richard Bodziak, said O'Bryant "was exactly the kind of sailor we want in the Navy." Bodziak told the Press-Register that O'Bryant, who was serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, had been nominated to receive the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Combat Action Ribbon, posthumously. A large image of O'Bryant was projected onto a screen on a wall of the sanctuary as his brother, Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Lawrence O'Bryant, called his brother "a hero" and "a patriot" in his emotional address. The two brothers and two of their cousins were all serving in the Navy at the same time. "There were four of us in the Navy," he said. "Well, there's three now." He paused, then added, "I guess there will always be four of us because he will always be in the Navy." During the funeral, representatives of various veterans organizations presented plaques, certificates and other honors to O'Bryant's family. State Sen. Ben Brooks, R-Mobile, brought a certificate of commendation from Gov. Bob Riley. The flag-draped coffin was flanked by large stands of flowers, including one in the shape of an anchor. Besides his brother, O'Bryant is survived by his parents, Tommy and Barbara O'Bryant of Theodore; his wife, Bridgette O'Bryant of Buckatunna, Miss.; and two sisters, Janet O'Bryant and Nancy O'Bryant, both of Theodore.

We are days into National Card and Letter Writing Month

 

For many years the U.S. Postal Service has highlighted the art of card and letter writing with a weeklong celebration. This year we are quadrupling our opportunities to promote this important tradition by designating April as National Card and Letter Writing Month.

This is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of the importance and historical significance of card and letter writing.

Writing, sending and receiving letters, postcards, and greeting cards is a tradition that has preserved our nation's history and has changed lives-particularly in times of war and times of personal triumph and tragedy. Unlike other communications, card and letter writing is timeless, personal, and immediately tangible.

Card and letter writing also helps improve literacy and promotes creativity among our youth.

A worthy lesson learned

 

What can be more important?

"Mike,

Thanks for your continuing engagement on the vital issue of leadership -- at the end of the day, what can be more important to our Navy and our nation?"

Admiral James Stavridis

You are a Navy man. Unless, of course, you are a Navy woman

 

You are a Navy man, part of the largest and strongest seagoing force in the world. When you were sworn in and put on your uniform for the first time, you became part of a great tradition. All the brave men who have gone before you, and those who will follow you, make up an unbroken chain of courage and devotion to duty that should make you proud to wear your uniform. 

As a Navy man you are, in a special sense, a good citizen of these United States. Your uniform alone does not entitle you to special privileges, rather it obligates you to set high standards of conduct and performance of duty. At home, and on duty abroad in foreign countries, you will be under constant observation as a representative of the United States government. Be sure that no careless act of yours brings discredit to your uniform or to your country's flag. 

Service in the Navy can be whatever you make it. It takes some time to understand and become adapted to the ways of the Navy, for going to sea in ships and aircraft is a tough, serious business, particularly in these troubled times. If you must work hard and at times miss a leave period or a few liberties in your home port, remember that you chose a man's job when you joined the Navy. 

From THE BLUEJACKET'S MANUAL 

You are reminded -

 

The United States Navy

“There is no black Navy, no white Navy—just one Navy—the United States Navy.”

Admiral Elmo R.Zumwalt Jr. USNA ’43,
“Equal Opportunity in the Navy”(1970)

Legendary Cryptologic Technician Technical Master Chief Larry Veray Retires from the National Reconnaissance Office

 

After a long career of Navy service as a CTT and nearly 3 decades at the NRO as a government contractor, legendary ELINT and SPACE expert, Larry Veray has retired.  He continues his public service in Hawaii as Chair of the Pearl City Neighborhood Board.  Mahalo for your service Larry.  We salute you and know the people of Hawaii will benefit from your leadership and service.

From 9 years ago - our new Secretary of Defense

 General Lloyd J. Austin III - Selfless Warrior

Lloyd J. Austin III of Mobile, Alabama can best be described as the Soldiers' General.  And some in the Navy are ready to call him the Sailors' General, as well.  He wasn't in charge long before he made it known that he was a team leader, ready to listen to all the Services with no parochial Army interests in mind.  In an age of extreme criticism of our general and flag officers, here's a guy who is so much less about being a GO (General Officer) and so much more about those he leads.  Talk to his 'troopers'.  He is a Troopers' General and those troopers are America's finest young men and women - men and women of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.

Professionalism of our cryptologic force

The professionalism of our force is built upon mastery of a core set of skills that every cryptologic professional must possess. It all starts with a deep understanding of the fundamentals of cryptology, and a requirement that our professionals think clearly, and convey their analysis and assessments just as clearly to our Navy and our nation's decision-makers.

Here I am sitting at a position at NSGA Misawa, Japan more than 40 years ago.

A note to my Sailors from 21 years ago

The things that I discuss with each Sailor who reports aboard the command are very straight-forward.  We've done all we can to eliminate guessing from the success equation.  The leaders in this command are here to direct the accomplishment of the command's mission. People (our Sailors and their families) are a priority - that hasn't changed; but we have to accomplish the mission.  We will do all we can as leaders of this activity to ensure that every Sailor has an equal opportunity to succeed in his/her naval career.  We recognize that, for some, a career will only be a single enlistment and for others 20-30 years.  In either case, you've got to make the most of it.  Come to work on time, do your job correctly, do an honest day's work, treat your Shipmates with dignity and respect, add value to the things you do, pay your bills on time, be faithful to your spouse and family, and live the Navy's Core Values of Honor, Courage and Commitment.  Do all that and I can virtually guarantee you will be a success - in the Navy and in life.  Anything less is unacceptable.  R/CO

One of the 5 characteristics of a leader

 

Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale - One of the five characteristics of a leader

Must Be a Moralist

First, in order to lead under duress, one must be a moralist. By that, I don’t mean being a poseur, one who sententiously exhorts his comrades to be good. I mean he must be a thinker. He must have the wisdom, the courage, indeed the audacity to make clear just what, under the circumstances, the good is. This requires a clear perception of right and wrong and the integrity to stand behind one’s assessment. The surest way for a leader to wind up in the ash can of history is to have a reputation for indirectness or deceit. A disciplined life will encourage commitment to a personal code of conduct.

My short brochure about the VADM Stockdale Inspirational Leadership Award is here.

Three years ago today, we lost an amazing Shipmate - CTICS Shannon Mary Kent. We have a duty to remember her.

 

Who was Shannon Mary (Smith) Kent and why should you care? There are billions of incredible people in this world. They are waiting patiently to have their stories told.You may even be one of them.In this big big world, we can’t know them all but it would be good to know a few. In that incredibly crowded space, I’d like for you to know about Shannon Mary Kent.

If you don’t know her already, it’s too late. She’s gone. But, it’s not too late to know about her. So, I’d like to help tell part of the story of this amazingly brave, sweet girl. She NEVER cowered – ever. I’d like for you to know enough about this brave, sweet girl to care about her, to care about her family (a husband (Joe) and two sons (Josh and Colt); sister (Mariah); Mom (Mary) and Dad (Steven) she left behind and perhaps to care enough about her legacy and memory to write a personal letter to the Acting Secretary of the Navy asking him to name a Navy destroyer after her – USS SHANNON MARY KENT.  (How was that for a run-on sentence?)

She never once worried about recognition, but she is certainly worthy of it. 16 January 2019 marked the end of her young, vibrant, meaningful, and significant 35 years of life. She spent nearly half of her life in the Navy.  She spent her professional career in the top secret world of the Navy Information Warfare Corps.  She was practically unknown to the rest of the world. That is, until she was murdered by a terrorist who detonated an improvised explosive device in Manbij, Syria. 16 January 2019 marks the day that her existence and murder were made known to the entire world.

As a 19 year old, she joined the Navy in 2003 and attended foreign language school at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California.  In seven short years she was able to distinguish herself as the top linguist in the Department of Defense while serving with the Naval Special Warfare Support Activity TWO in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She spoke Afghan-Dari, Arabic-Algerian, Arabic-Egyptian, Arabic-Gulf (Iraqi), Arabic-Levantine, Arabic-Standard, French, Portuguese-European, and Spanish.

 Prior to her assignment in Syria, Shannon had previously deployed four times for combat operations on Navy Special Forces actions in Iraq and Afghanistan. She deployed twice with SEAL Team 10 and twice with SEAL Team 4. Syria was her fifth combat deployment in 15 years – and her ninth deployment overall. Where do we find such brave women?  They come from all over America. SMK answered her Navy’s call to action nine separate times.

She spent much of her career in harm’s way.  According to the Center for Military Readiness - “Since the attack on America on September 11, 2001, a total of 149 women deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, and Syria have lost their lives in service to America.  Most Americans, and even members of the media, are not aware that 149 brave servicewomen have died in the War on Terrorism. With few exceptions, news stories about their tragic deaths usually appeared only in the military press, or in small hometown newspaper stories and television accounts that rarely capture national attention.” Six of those 149 women were serving in the Navy.  Only one of those women took the fight to ISIS in Syria as part of Operation Inherent Resolve – Shannon Mary Kent.

She is the only enlisted woman ever to be honored with a memorial service in the USNA chapel. During that service she was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and a Combat Action Ribbon. About a month later, on 28 February 2019, General Nakasone, Director of the National Security Agency presided over a ceremony to add Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon Kent’s name to the NSA/CSS Cryptologic Memorial Wall in a solemn ceremony.

Her Cryptologic Warfare Activity SIXTY SIX Shipmates say that CTICS (IW/EXW) Shannon Mary Kent exemplified the Navy’s core values of HONOR, COURAGE and COMMITMENT every moment of every day of her life. Her murder stunned her teammates. Many still have not recovered from the agony of her passing.  She meant so much too so many.

Don’t allow the memory of Shannon Mary Kent’s extraordinarily significant life to disappear as we live our lives. She deserves to be remembered. Shannon’s death is a reminder that, as Katherine Center says, “We are writing the story of our only life every single minute of every day.”

Shannon Mary Kent’s story ended much too early. She wasn’t ready to stop writing her story.  We owe it to her to keep writing it for her. So I ask you to please sit down and write a letter. She fought for you, won’t you join the fight for her?

Won’t you help keep the story of Shannon Mary Kent alive? Please send your letter to: 

Secretary of the Navy 

1000 Navy Pentagon, Room 4D652 

Washington, DC 20350

Short bio:

Captain Reiner W. “Mike” Lambert is a retired naval officer.  He started his career as a Cryptologic Technician Interpretive Seaman (CTISN - Russian linguist) and attended the Defense Language School in 1975-1976.  He was commissioned in 1982, commanded U.S. Naval Security Group Activity Yokosuka, Japan, and served as Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld’s Staff Director for the Detainee Task Force examining detainee abuse in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay Cuba.  He retired in 2006 following that assignment.  Today he runs The FARM at DEER HOLLOW with his wife Lynn.  He is also a Principal with Top Corner Consulting.

10 Reasons I'm Bringing My Blog Back to Life in 2021

In the past, my blog allowed me to:

1.  Engage with a wonderful author (Liz Wiseman) and to write the Chapter 1 opening vignette for a Wall Street Journal/Amazon best-selling business book.  Dr. Stephen Covey and Bono 'opened' for me.

2.  Help a Pulitzer prize winning author with research for his story on The SeaWitch in TIME magazine.

3.  Remain connected to the Navy's cryptologic community, which I love.

4.  Be invited to speak at a Women In Defense forum and to contribute ideas to numerous professional publications.

5.  Give others the freedom to freely express their frustrations on a variety of topics important to them. 

6.  Expand the network of Sailors of all paygrades that I mentor and with whom I share lessons learned.

7.  Collaborate with the former CNO on avenues to gain recognition of the Navy as a TOP 50 Employer in the United States.

8.  Keep alive the memory of some stellar Sailors.

9.  Write everyday, which I love.

10.  Stay connected to some great Navy veterans and many others who proudly serve today.

Obstacle Illusion

One of the young people I mentor opened my eyes to the fact that something which I was having a very difficult time overcoming was not nearly as challenging as I was making it out to be.  In the process of solving this complex (in my mind) problem, we came up with a new (in my mind) term for my inability to see past my own perceived limitations.  I was suffering from what we call an "OBSTACLE ILLUSION".  The obstacle was not real but I had created it in my mind and the illusion of a non-existent challenge prevented me from solving the problem.

My advice to you - don't let "OBSTACLE ILLUSIONS" prevent you from reaching your goals.

Give Your Officers A Little More Praise

 

"Hereafter, if you should observe an occasion to give your officers and friends a little more praise than is their due, and confess more fault than you can justly be charged with, you will only become the sooner for it, a great captain. Criticizing and censuring almost everyone you have to do with will diminish friends, increase enemies, and thereby hurt your affairs."

Benjamin Franklin in a note to Captain John Paul Jones

Two notable Marines: Top Rogers and PVT Roznowski - generations apart (This was written in 2002)

First, let me tell you that it is a true honor and privilege to be a part of this ceremony today.  I love the United States Marine Corps.  I love the Marines.  In fact, I am a proud member of the Marine Corps family.  For you to fully understand how I feel about TOP ROGERS, I have to tell you about another Marine.  50 years ago this month, my wife's Uncle Richard Roznowski shipped out from San Diego to Korea.  He was a private fresh from Recruit Training at Parris Island in South Carolina.  He was trained as a machine gunner.  In high school, he was a boxer and football player at St. Joseph's Catholic school in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  50 years ago during the Korean War, I think that it was every Catholic mother's secret wish that one of her sons would become a priest to ensure his ascent into heaven.  I'll tell you that at that time in our country’s history it was every father's wish that his son would become a Marine and raise some hell.  And that was no secret.

Richard spent less than one month in Korea.  In September of 1951, a Navy Chaplain and a Marine Corps Reserve Officer visited 1304 Guns Road in Bellevue, Wisconsin and delivered an American flag, a prayer book for Catholic servicemen, 3 medals including this Purple Heart and a letter from his Commanding Officer.  Richard was dead.  I cannot recount the grief of his mother Elouise, his father Bernard or his brother Jerry.  But, I don't doubt that Richard fulfilled both his parents' wishes - He certainly made it into heaven and he even raised some hell.

So, I ask each of you today to consider that words have meaning and actions have consequences.  Why do I tell you this?  Because you need to know that I am going to use some words to describe Top Rogers that have lost their meaning through overuse in our every day language.

I met Top Rogers nearly 10 years ago and I've followed his career with keen interest ever since.  He is the finest Marine I have ever been associated with in my 26 years of Naval service.  I have not said before this of any other Marine.  I will never say it again.  I do not mean to even remotely suggest to you that Top Rogers is a politically correct Marine.  He is not, was not, and never will be.  He speaks his mind freely to all who will listen, kind of like our Master Chief John Vincent. So, don't ask him what he thinks unless you really want to know.  Because, he will tell you.  And you, in all probability, will not like it.  

He will tell you that his Marine Corps is not the place for social experiments.  You don't need to talk to Top about equal opportunity because he doesn't believe in hyphenated Marines.  There are no Black Marines, White Marines, Hispanic Marines, Asian Marines or even Catholic or Jewish Marines.  These men and women are United States Marines, straight up, tried and true.  They truly are THE FEW - THE PROUD.  They are his Marines and this has been his Marine Corps - America's most valued institution -- fundamentally unchanged in over 225 years.  I don' think we would want it any other way.  I don't think America could afford to have it any other way.

2 years ago, Marine Corps Commandant General Jones was satisfied that the Marine Corps was on the right track when he assumed command.  His first order to the Marines was "continue to march."  

Top Rogers, as you conclude your career I say, "continue to march."  

And I hope you make it into heaven because God knows you have raised enough hell.

A Simple Gesture to Start the New Year

By every measure, 2020 has been an incredible year - one filled with countless challenges. Everyone in the Navy certainly feels the added pressure of the steady demand signal for improvements in readiness and performance - even during the COVID pandemic. 

As we conclude the year, nearly every Sailor, Chief and officer may feel somewhat overworked, tired, and even taken a little for granted. Some of our senior leaders may feel tense or irritable themselves. What better time to lift everyone's spirits? 

The solution may be better than a Navy medal and it is simple and free. It's far more personal. And it works. 

What is it? A personal note. 

Send personal notes of thanks to the people on your team telling them specifically what you value about each of them as Shipmates. Tell them about something they've done that they might not know that you even notice. Don't have your staff prepare form letters. 

Take the time to send a hand-written note. An e-mail won't do in this case. 

If you're a Flag Staff Action Officer, you could ask the Chief of Staff to send a letter to your team acknowledging their contributions. Many of our best Flag Officers are well-known for their hand-written notes. 

You can be absolutely certain the recipients will treasure the notes because they are completely unexpected. End the year on a positive note (or many of them). 

Tell your team "THANK YOU" with a personal note. (NO e-mails, please!!) 

They'll feel better. And, so will you.