Last spring after returning from Afghanistan I went to the VA thinking I needed knee replacement surgery only to discover my bone structure was perfectly healthy and the pain was likely from scar tissue or muscle weakness in my left leg. Once I received that news in July, along with a little motivation from Pastor Mike’s promotion, I started running again for the first time since I re-broke my leg in 2002.

Since July I have reduced my permanent profile in the Army from a 3 which didn’t allow me to run at all, to a 2 which allows me to run at my own pace; I completed a 7 mile road march and have consistently ran three to six times a week.

Today I took another significant step…I completed the Turkey Trot 5k in 29 minutes flat, running the entire time (my only goal was not to walk). In the next twelve months I want to eliminate my profile altogether and complete a full marathon next November in Kansas City along with my Commander MAJ Brand and the Regimental Deputy Commander LTC Winkler.

Much like my finances three years ago, I finally became sick of my lack of responsibility. I realized that the only thing holding me back was a lack of effort. I found it very hypocritical for me to stand in front of future leaders in the United States Army and yet be unable to even run with them to chow. My victim mentality is gone replaced with excitement for what lies ahead!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thoroughly enjoying my return to the classroom as I pursue my Masters in Organizational Leadership at Evangel. As part of my Foundations of Leadership course I was assigned a project to interview a leader of an organization in order to understand their leadership philosophy along with the traits and attributes they felt were critical.

Today I traveled to Jeff City to meet with Treasurer and former Republican candidate for Governor, Sarah Steelman.  My six year old Sarah is a huge fan and was understandably sad about the Republican primary results (and excited her daddy was able to meet her).

I was impressed with Treasurer Steelman’s courage and values. She described her most critical challenges as standing up against members of her own party including the governor. Her strong ethics and persistence are commendable. I wish only the best for her in her future endeavors.

Please accept my apologies for the lack of recent postings; things were not going good, but thankfully God is good!

I made practically nothing for the entire month of August with Professional Law Enforcement. By the time gas and training venues were paid, literally nothing was left over. Amy and I survived on our emergency fund.

On September 1st we were praying and wondering how in the world we would make it…then my phone rang. First was someone who was sending us money out of the blue. Not five minutes later was the Army sending me to Louisiana for Hurricane Gustov relief efforts. The Army mobilization also allowed me to cancel several classes with low registration numbers and high venue fees; it was really a double blessing.

Since returning from Louisiana we had another person unexpectedly send us more money and a friend dropped by with a ton of groceries for us. I also received a few restaurant gift cards for my birthday.

September was a much better month for Professional Law Enforcement. We actually made money! I spent a lot of time doing individual classes for different agencies and just Friday received two more requests to do the same. I also picked up two instructors who will teach on a regular basis, one starting in December and the other in January. Things are certainly looking great on the Pro Law Enforcement front.

A couple of weeks ago I was at Ft. Wood when I was approached with an opportunity. The officer candidate school needed a full time officer to assist with the accreditation process. After being assured I would have evenings and weekends free to run my business, I accepted. Today I received my active duty orders starting on 20 October and running through 31 May.

I am absolutely amazed at how God answered our diligent and almost fearful prayer on September 1st. We are still in the process of catching up and getting our emergency fund back; however, by December 1st life will be good and the debt will be dropping once again…God willing

Life is hectic of late since returning from Louisiana. Here is a photo summary of my two weeks on the bayou and this past week back home.

Here is Sarah on her first day of school, a couple of days before Hurricane Gustov hit Louisiana.

Preparing to move out from Little Rock, Arkansas, down to Louisiana in the rain that Gustov brought.

South of Shreveport in traffic as residents begin to make their way back to their homes.

Yes, this is a chicken coop, and we did sleep in it our first night in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Me hard at work in our TOC (Tactical Operations Center) in Port Barre, Louisiana.

Uploading a couple of Chinook Helicopters (CH-47’s) on the highway in front of our TOC.

The chinooks taking off.

This is the former Wal-Mart we called home for our two week stay.

Chapel service in our warehouse.

Convoying home; clouds courtesy of Ike.

With only 10,000 in attendance I was able to take advantage of military night at the Royals game my first night back.

Ichiro Suzuki

Open house at Sarah’s school…she was the star this week.

Jeremiah at the Evangel Football game.

Today marks Sarah’s 6th birthday and third in a row the Army has caused me to miss. This one is a little more difficult since I promised for months not to miss it and cleared my Calendar to make sure I would spend it with her. Hopefully I will make it back for the party on Saturday. Happy birthday!