Purple, Blue, and Green? What does that all mean?
WW has again looked at the science behind wellness and weightloss and is offering you the choice to work the Plan, that best suites your lifestyle needs.
This unprecedented move is a game changer since we already know one size does't fit all. Now you're in the drivers seat! Listen in!
For more info visit WW.com for details!
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Just one more pound. That’s all you ever have to focus on. Just. One. More.
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Gastric Bypass, Achilles injury, Responsibility, bus driver, complacency
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Here, in this community, we keep each other going day after day!
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Goal, accountability, lifetime, healthy habits, community, Teacher, Vision Impairment, PTSD, OCD, ADD, anxiety, thyroid, hysterectomy, craft beer
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Every small choice I make, every day, to move my journey forward is a success
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NSV, Lifetime, CLL, Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia, Depression, Unemployed, Surviving, Faith, Mental Health, Summer
I can be an inspiration for those that think they can’t, showing them YES THEY CAN!
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Complacency, 100+, grandchildren, be the example, TBI, Special Olympics, Positive Changes
It is possible to return after derailments. Stay in the game!
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Vanity, Diabetes, Accountability Partner
Sometimes a dose of our own advice is exactly what we need.
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Disability, Stroke, Bullying, Self-Love, Mentor, Back to Basics, Meetings, Lifetime, Thank you, Balance, Freestyle
Lifetime members sometimes gain. They also turn it around!
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We are all at different points in our journey and sometimes things get a little rough, but we all have within us what it takes to succeed.
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Self-sabotage, Meetings, Binge, Wedding, 90+ lost, Movement, Balance, Life Long Habits, WW Anniversary, Find Your Why, Focus, Recommit
Attendance
#bringingwellnessback post 4/6
There is a cliche phrase that says much of life is won by just showing up. I completely agree, but the pessimist in me always mutters, “showing up doesn’t mean squat if you don’t know how to play the game.” Or I sarcastically whine - “Ok Fine, I’ll just show up and watch the fat just melt from my body.”
So what’s the big deal about just showing up anyway?
Did you notice what predicates all of the amazing results we see here? It was the attendance.
You already know that showing up and not putting forth the effort doesn’t move the needle. There’s no guarantee that by just showing up you can be victorious. But we first have understand the sequential relationship between attendance and effort. News Flash: They will always be in the same order. Attendance First, THEN effort. While effort moves the needle, attendance puts YOU there to deliver the punch.
Think about it - You can’t win a single game if you’re not on the field. You can’t run a marathon if you’re not at the starting line. You can’t follow the plan, if you don’t open your app. Victory is only achieved by performing an action over and over again until you’re the best at it. The first requirement is for you to be there, otherwise it’s someone’s else’s victory.
This is why I’m a big fan! It’s the very beginning of everything we do. The results are only possible if you’re there in the first place. The quality of your results is determined by something entirely different and we will tackle that later, but for now, take your attendance away from any of life’s greatest moments and they don’t exist.
There was a point in time when the world’s greatest golfer had never held a club. There was a moment when the greatest quarterback on the planet had never touched a football. There was a moment in time when every single person who made lifetime, had never heard of WW. They all took the first step. They showed up as a novice. They came back a second day to do it again. They developed the habit of showing up until one day they noticed a developing skillset. They improved on their skills by continuing to show up first and putting forth the effort second. The consistent effort continued to refine the skill and they claimed victory, but it all started because they were there - every single time.
Regardless of what you’re trying to accomplish, the very first goal you should set is attendance. Set the goal daily. Show up every single time, check off the attendance portion and once that is second nature, increase the effort. Increase it at a moderate level. You don’t start playing football walking onto the field for the Super Bowl. Your first round of golf isn’t going to be at Augusta for the Masters. You don’t step into a WW workshop and become a lifetime member on day one. You build up to these events by never quitting.
That little attendance thing is a bid deal. Congratulate yourself for reading this, you’ve shown up today!
See you tomorrow Champ!
The next word I want to dig deeper into is Focus. I like it as a verb - “pay particular attention to.”
I highly doubt anyone reading this doesn’t understand the word, and each and every one of us understands it as it relates to our journey. We know we need it and at times we have it, but why is it so dang hard to maintain it?
It’s a simple setting called “auto focus”. Picture this - You’re looking out the window, way off in the distance you see something that catches your eye. You go to take a photo, the camera auto focuses on the thing that’s closest to you: The glass, the window screen or maybe a tree that’s hanging in front of the object of your attention. The shot is blurry.
You recognize this instantly, you shift right, step left, get closer - then adjust the settings, click on the phone screen or whatever it takes to shift the focus. If you’re fast enough, you capture the beauty and preserve the memory. If not, instant disappointment, then you simply try again some other time, maybe you never get the chance though.
By manually adjusting the focus, what you’re actually doing is telling the camera what’s most important. If you let it decide, it almost always chooses what’s closest.
Your brain does the exact same thing!
For many of us, our goal of true lifelong wellness is off in the distance. Even if you’re at goal you want to stay there for a very long time. In between us and the goal are many distractions. If we don’t continually adjust the focus we will develop sharp photos of the immediate temptations. The glass, the screen and the tree branch can easily be the pizza, the tailgate party, or the bottle of wine.
These are all things that have been beautifully photographed when they were actually the focus. It holds true here too. If you want it, track it and move on. However, if you’re focused on something else, and it slips into the picture, it’s best to re-adjust and aim your focus on the goal.
To achieve a proper photograph, you have to know what you’re after, recognize the distractions and focus on the subject. Then and only then can you release the shutter!
Throughout the day I need to remind myself that I do best in manual focus mode. I get to decide, not anyone else. I want to look way off into the distance and frame the perfect shot I call wellness. It includes a balance of the pillars to wellness: nutrition, fitness and mindfulness.
Any seasoned wedding photographer will tell you they have a “shot list”. Look through any wedding album and you’ll be able to recognize this. There are many scenes every album contains. The most obvious on the list is “The Kiss”. If it’s not perfectly in focus, the entire album is considered ruined!
Think of your wellness journey as the big event. Develop your shot list: The running trail, a restful nights sleep, a low point meal. All of these elements are critical to your journey but they must all be in focus to complete the album.
If you want to be in control, Adjust your lenses, take the “camera” off auto focus and choose what really matters.
Make your goals say Cheese!
I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
The difference between involvement and commitment is like bacon and eggs. The chicken is involved; the pig is committed.
Part 2/6 #BringingWellnessBack - Commitment
I’ve been involved in a lot of things. I’ve been committed to a much smaller subset. I know the difference. I realize that a solid commitment to my weightloss journey is what it took for me to join #teamlifetime. It kinda happened internally without much effort because my “WHY” was so powerful. However, I tethered my commitment to the wrong goal; saving my military career. Now sure, that’s great and it worked, but the true dedication wasn’t to wellness, it was to career preservation. I was fortunately walking a parallel wellness journey and ultimately my health benefited.
Once it became guaranteed that my career was saved, I knew I would proudly retire honorably on my terms. I relieved myself of my career commitment but failed to divert that allegiance over to the wellness path. I said I did, because I knew that was the text book answer but life is more than just getting the answers right on the test. The true test requires you to be loyal to the process, allowing for occasional wrong answers, as long as your commitment to growth remains pure.
When I officially announced my retirement more than a year ago, internally, unbeknownst to me the switch dimmed and ultimately the career commitment fizzled out. The joyous celebration of this incredible goal accomplishment masked any hint of derailment in my eyes.
Over the course of the next 12 months I routinely did a lot of things right. The foundation I built upon my “Why” was strong enough to weather the storms of running injuries, debilitating medical diagnoses, military disability, military retirement and devastating loss of a loved one to cancer.
I’m eternally grateful I began 2018, likely one of my most tumultuous years, in the best shape of my life. Sure I was tossed around, tattered and beaten, but I lived to type out these words - “I will never give up”. As I look back, I recognize that had I started 2018 from where I started 2015, you wouldn’t be reading about this now.
As I opened, I said I’ve been committed to a small subset of things: military service, being a devoted husband, a loving father and a few others, as well as my commitment to God. In each instance it has involved a pledge, a vow or an oath, all acting as a contract of sorts that I honor with my heart. While, I haven’t been perfect in any of these roles, I remain committed to them just the same.
Commitment has never demanded perfection, it’s simply a pledge to give it your all.
So, this renewed commitment to wellness requires me to sign on the proverbial dotted line. A mere declaration isn’t enough. I’ll draft up a contract, I’ll evaluate, renegotiate and adjust. With my honor in tact, I pledge to do my absolute best.
You see, I’m no longer involved in a wellness journey, I’m committed to it.
I’ve never really understood why a definition uses the root word. So I’ll dig deeper into what I already know.
My weightloss journey to wellness began when I got serious with an accountability solution. It’s why I’m attacking it first in this 6 part series I call #bringingwellnessback. - (Yeah)
As a WW Wellness Coach, and Lifetime member, I often hear new or returning members say one of the best aspects of the workshop is the accountability to the scale and fellow meeting members. You know the drill - Once a week, we skip a meal, take off our shoes, remove our belt, run to the restroom and step on a scale as witnessed by someone who has no idea what you’re going through. That someone gets to see the results and they are the one to report the data to you. In that brief instant we either want positive reinforcement or a hug. When it’s down we want to celebrate, but when it’s up we simply want to fade away, free from judgement, and try again.
That one single action can chart the course until the next accountability check is upon us. It’s a process we repeat over and over until we quit, or succeed! It’s well documented that quitting simply means down the road you’re gonna eventually start again, often at a higher starting weight, so it’s truly easier to just keep going, That’s the theory anyway.
However there comes a time when too much accountability resurfaces the guilt and uncovers the internal feelings of failure. Let’s be honest. It’s no fun letting others watch your scale number climb week after week, even if we can truly justify it. So often it’s decided to forego that level of accountability to “do it on our own”. Yet remember, most often I hear, the reason I show up is for the accountability - it works!
In my personal journey that’s certainly true. I became so thirsty for accountability that I connected my home scale to the internet and told the world every day how much I weighed on Twitter, Facebook and my Website. It went well until my life changed and suddenly the world watched in disbelief as my weight climbed while I dealt with personal issues.
Some watched with Joy.
Accountability from your support team is great. Vindictive jabs, disguised as accountability, from internet trolls not so much. A while ago, I decided to disconnect my scale from the internet and go it alone. It was much better than facing the truth, even when delivered with love. It wasn’t always a loving interaction to be honest. It got to me and my already challenged journey abandoned this level of accountability.
As a WW Coach I continued to facilitate two workshops a week. I have for three years now. Even though I assumed it would, it’s doesn’t hold me accountable to my scale. I’m heavily invested in your success, so much so that I’ll sacrifice mine to cheer you on. My accountability in this role is to you, not to myself. As a Coach, a WW Employee, I weigh in monthly according to the WW HR rules. That data surely mirrors my home data, but none the less it isn’t the level of accountability I need.
I started checking back into workshops as a member and the first big spike in the data was actually comforting. It was me. I was free! I was trying to find the feeling of being held accountable.
Yet none the less I found a way to justify the ups to the WW Guides who are actually my coworkers. I can’t travel far enough to get back the uncomfortable feeling I need from the weekly workshop check in. Locally just about every workshop I’ve attended has someone in attendance who “knows me” and instead of providing accountability it does the opposite. It pushes me further away from the mindset I need to succeed.
Failure is much more palatable in private. I’ve driven clear across town to sit in solitude only to find myself sitting with members who previously attended my workshops. I’ve walked into the workshop space and on multiple occasions been greeted by the same Guides that work my workshops. (I love you guys by the way, this is my issue, not yours! ❤️😂)
I need to feel uncomfortable again. That discomfort drives my daily choices in the right direction. That feeling is accountability.
For me, the scale connected to the internet does that. Perhaps, it’s why I’ve avoided it recently, no, not the data, I’m keenly aware of that, but I’ve shrugged off the accountability. Perhaps it was just too much because “It’s out there” but it’s real, and I’ve found it’s the only way to continually remind myself that the next food choice is going to get tweeted out. It causes me to choose wisely. It holds me accountable.
It worked for me. So, here we go! Thanks for being on my accountability team! It matters and I always appreciate the true support from each and every one of you.
I’m bringing Wellness back! Yeah!
Now that I have the accountability back, it’s time to get committed. I’ll hit that one next! In the mean time, what is the best way you hold yourself accountable?
Healthy living includes caring for our mental health, emotional health AND physical health.
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Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Grief, Adulting, Parenting, Lifetime, 100+ lbs lost, WW at Work, Balance, "Wearable Decisions," Alternative Response, Habits, Sustainable Solution, Wellness
The only rule you ever need to own is WYOOPSEP – When You Are Out Of Points, Stop Eating Points!
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Discouraged, Out of Control, Lost Focus, 155 Lost, All or Nothing, Lifetime, Lack of Control, Food Rules, Attendance Goals, Tracking, Structure, Overspending, Debt Free, Accountability
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On this episode of the WhysAdvice Podcast, I'm please to introduce you to Strength Training! We all know how important it is, but yet, theres a good chance we aren't doing it! Here is my interview with Dr. Jaquish.
Dr. Jaquish is a research professor at Rushmore University, speaks at scientific conferences all over the world, has been featured on many to the top health podcasts, is an editor of multiple medical journals, and is a nominee of the National Medal of Science.
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Infidelity, Lifetime, Mental Health, Therapy, NSVs, 5k, 100 lbs lost, Dad, Father in Law, Balance, Support from Loved Ones, Spousal support
I’m connected to a lot of people. It’s what makes this community great. I’ve learned a lot through our connections and I want to share some of that with you.
For the most part I can’t tell your gender, your age, your race, political affiliation or sexual preference. I have a hard time remembering names. The amount of messages that we exchange task my brain. I read as much as I can and take it all in. There are many names I see repeatedly and slowly a stronger connection is made. By that point, we’ve connected and none of the above matters to me because we have shared life experiences that bind us. I consider us friends even if we’ve never met.
I do however remember situations and stories. At times I have a hard time connecting them back to the author but they do often hit me. With over 100k connections - no matter what’s going on I am connected to someone who’s living it.
Mass shootings - some of you have been there.
Political Rallies - you’ve been there - on both sides.
Protests, yup....
Natural disasters: hurricanes, tornados, flooding, fires - someone from this community has been there.
Birth of a child - loss of a child. Loss of a sibling, parent, close friend and spouse you’ve been there.
Medical Ailments, disabilities, financial trouble, drugs, alcohol issues. Someone here is living that right now.
Day one on this journey, making goal, lifetime. -10, -25 -50 -100 -150 -200 someone I’m connected to has been there. +5, +10, +50, +100 same thing.
This is what binds us. We share in the celebration and we share in the pain. We find others who can relate and we laugh together and we cry together. When we find those who laugh and cry along side of us, we connect. When we connect, we continue working on our shared goals.
I woke this morning to a devastating message in one of my inboxes. All I had to do was read it and reply. I was frozen. Speechless. I can’t even imagine and again, my role is to simply support from 1500 miles away. They are the one who need the strength to live through it.
I share this to remind you, no matter what’s going on, someone in this community can relate. To find them you must summons the courage to share. When you do, you can connect. That’s what makes this world great. None of us are so unique that we need to walk alone.
I’m truly honored to walk with you as you search for those who can carry you better than I.
❤️
FD271– I Need Someone to Believe in Me
Sometimes it can feel like we’ve lost our way and we just need someone to believe in us until we can find our way back.
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Late Night Snacking, Spiraling, 90lbs lost, Portion Control, Complacency, Mental Struggle, Uncomfortable in My Body, Healthy Habits, Indecision, Vulnerability
Thank You!
General Clark, Major Kipp, Chief Snyder, MSgt Sweet, Lt. Col Geary and the entire JFHQ staff, thank you for making today’s ceremony possible.
I’ve been to many retirements and I often hear a lot of people say, “I promised myself I wouldn’t cry”. Well I’ll tell you right now, that’s BS.. I’m warning you now, I’m going to cry. So if it looks like I’m reading this - I am. I did that for your benefit.
Before we get too far into this - It’s important to recognize that I did not arrive on this stage today alone. This was not my doing, this was a collective effort of everyone in my life so, naturally there are so many people to thank.
I know better than to call you out by name because every single one of you have had an impact on my life, so it would only be fitting to go seat by seat to say thanks, but clearly, none of us want that.
The fact that you are listening to me right now, be it in person, or via the web, tells me all I need to know. Somewhere in our individual lives, our paths crossed and we connected. We stayed connected and therefore you helped shape my life.
You found value in our friendship and thus continued to honor our relationship with the Gift of Time - Rick Warren says it best when he says “ The greatest gift you can offer someone is your time.” - So, with all of my heart, Thank you for being here! Thank you for taking time from your schedule and giving it to me and my family on this special day.
I believe the 2nd greatest gift you can give me - is money, more on that later.
I want to thank our God for the guidance and love that has enabled me to be here fulfilling my mission. More than once I’ve found evidence of his presence sprinkled into my life. When I thought there was nowhere else to turn, I looked up and a path always presented itself.
Regardless of your spiritual belief, there is a higher power guiding us all, call it source energy, call it synchronicity, or even coincidence - call it what you want, but I encourage you to listen to that intuition, follow the lead and be open to whatever opportunities are presented before you. There is always a path.
5 years ago, my 5 year plan had NONE of this on it. I’ve been tapped on the shoulder for a new mission of service because there’s more work to be done, I’ve listened and found my place for my service. That’s why we are here.
This ceremony that brings us all together today is only possible because of the rest of you. I figure everyone else here fits into at least one of three categories. So I’ll take a moment to give detailed thanks to each and every one of you collectively.
First, My Immediate Family
This journey for all of us starts at Birth - or conception, Depending on which side of the room you’re sitting on - I know what you’re thinking though - Oh boy, it’s gonna be one of those stories, well, It’s important for you to know how I arrived here, because it gives you the insight into my DNA.
I didn’t just “decided” to join the military 27 years ago. No, that decision was made for me by a Senior Chief and his bride in the heat of the moment when they decided that a second child might be a fair trade for 2 minutes of extra curricular activity right after a long Navy deployment of sea duty. The hearts of two incredibly loving patriots combined to form a third, or technically in my case, the fourth. My Dad Deployed a lot.
I was born on a Navy Base in Charleston, S.C., rightfully so, they tore it down shortly after I was born, but anyway, I was raised in the comfort of the Military Lifestyle and with the Core Values of: Integrity, Service, and Excellence.
Regardless of the verbiage actually adopted by each branch of service, these words ring true for anyone who has ever worn the uniform in defense of this nation. My Parents honored that commitment and through all the deployments and personal sacrifice their 23 year career presented, they did well.
So, to my Mom and Dad - Thank You, this is what your sacrifice, hard work, and love has produced. I owe much of this to the foundation you’ve provided and I’m truly grateful that you are here to celebrate our mutual success! - I love you!
To My Older Brother, USAF, CMSgt (Retired) Steve Daggett, I followed your lead to navigate the lives we were destined for. I’m glad you were the first to disappoint Dad by Joining the World’s Greatest Air Force - I didn’t want to be the one to break his heart but, there was just no way I could join the Navy - So thank you for leading boldly into the Wild Blue Yonder and climbing high into the sun.
You provided the framework, roadmap and some bread crumbs along the way. I’m pretty sure I out ranked you most of our careers, well, that is until until you demonstrated superior intellect and were aptly promoted to highest enlisted rank, representing the Top1% of our Military.
I am so proud of you, I’ve always been proud of you! I’ve looked up to you every step of the way. Your mentorship helped me get here, so yes, you own a piece of this stage with me as well.
Congrats to you on your loving family, your amazing career, your retirement and thank you for riding with mom and dad in the car for 15 hours just to be here. It makes total sense that you’ve decided to just fly home alone though. I get it, I’m sorry.
My younger brother Chris who is Serving his community at home as a Sergeant for the Kittery, Maine Police Department. I’m proud of you too. Though, had you scored a little higher on the ASVAB (That’s the Military Entrance Exam), you might have qualified for the Army, but none the less, I understand that your calling to service was to Protect those who can not protect themselves and create a safe environment for the members of your community.
You and your family should be proud for all that you’ve accomplished together and building on the foundation our parents provided and continuing to put your life on the line by serving in your own way. When I first met you, you were immediately my younger brother, but it didn’t take long for you to be my friend.
To My In-Laws, USAF, TSgt (Retired) Tom Roberge and his wife Doris - On the few occasions I actually thought about my retirement ceremony, I had always envisioned that You and Tom would both be here to celebrate with us. I never saw it any other way.
So, it's difficult now to put into words how I’m feeling, because it wasn’t supposed to be this way and these unfamiliar feelings are all so new, and still very painful. I know we agree however, that he’s here watching this whole thing and likely standing at attention with a sharp salute. At Ease Tom!
Doris - Your strength, is admirable, and your service to our nation as a Military Spouse and as a caregiver during his battle with Cancer are qualities you’ve passed on to your daughter. She’s the best of both of you. You two have done incredible work as parents. I’m incredibly fortunate to have all of you in my life. You trusted me with a piece of your daughter’s heart and in addition you've given me a piece of yours as well. I promised the both of you, I would love her forever, that I would honor and cherish her, until death do us part, and following your lead - I renew that commitment daily.
The rest of the family, be it by blood or by marriage, being able to count on you as family means a great deal to me. Thank you for being here!
The next two people are my heart and soul and I couldn’t possible limit myself to words on paper. So at this point, I’m just going to speak from the heart.
My High School Sweetheart Janine - I love you!
My Daughter Megan - I love you!
Next: To Those I call my Military Family - My brothers and Sisters in Arms:
If you are currently wearing, or have ever worn, the camouflage threads that protect you as you defend our nation - you are my hero. Whether it be a single day, or 30+ years, the mental commitment is the same. What you signed up to do, is noble and there isn’t a citizen, whether born here, or naturalized who doesn’t appreciate the promise and sacrifice you’ve made to make this country the greatest.
You too have voluntarily raised your hand in defense of this nation, against all enemies both foreign and domestic, you’ve guaranteed your oath by offering your life as collateral so that you could preserve the freedom this nation was founded upon.
The Flag behind me, and the ones presented today stand proud as a symbol of our Nation and fly freely because of your actions.
Don’t for a single second forget that there are evil people out there willing to trade their lives to ruin ours. We are trained, we are ready, and dammit, on our watch, this is simply not going to happen!
Few of us understand what that truly means and I’m telling you now - I get it and I thank you for your service. It was an honor to serve with you. As I take off this uniform for the last time, I put my Fatih and trust in your ability to tuck this nation in safely, every single night.
The rest of you - I consider My Wingman Family.
This is where my life has taken the greatest turns and yielded the greatest impact. You bring to my life diversity. Up until the point where you entered my life, I’d only ever known what my family held onto as truths and what my military family was permitted to share as unclassified discussions during the work day.
Your collective wisdom has been bestowed upon me and I want you to know I’ve taken something from all of you.
If you spent your whole life with only those who raised you, and those who look like you, talk like you, and think like you, then there’s a good chance you’re going to miss the amazing souls who fill this room.
It’s our combined experience that contributes to our great country well beyond the calling to take up arms and wear a military uniform. You make this country great, and most definitely worth defending.
You challenged me to think differently, see differently, act differently all while loving equally and unconditionally. You’ve gotten me through some incredibly difficult times and I can truly say the strength in numbers, through diversity of thought, belief, race, gender and ethnicity have given me tools to tackle any scenario masterfully.
I’m very well equipped for the future, any future. We call our land the melting pot and it’s true because your heart has melted mine and I consider us one. I truly wish to thank each and every one of you in person over the next few hours. Some of you came from down the hall, some are watching online while others had the opportunity to travel in just to be here. I sincerely appreciate every bit of it.
What’s next for me:
Folds of Honor:
This chapter began to take shape back in 2007. I was flying all around the country working for National Guard Bureau. December 4th, I flew 8 flights in one day - I was trying to reach executive platinum status with American Airlines. I left San Antonio early in the morning and flew SAT-DFW-OKC-DFW-TUL-DFW-AUS-DFW-SAT - it was the Tulsa - Dallas flight that altered the course of my life forever.
My eyes were exposed to the other side of war. I learned about taking care of others through the Folds of Honor Mission and quickly volunteered my free time to Honor The Sacrifice and Educate the Legacy of our nation’s most deserving heroes. Lifting up others easily rewarded me internally, more so than I had ever experienced.
Fast Forward to 2009 - Militarily, I applied for and was selected to be the State Recruiting and Retention Superintendent here in Indiana. With that responsibility, I learned that one of the areas I was going to be responsible for was recruiting TACP Airmen.
These are some of the most elite battle field airmen we have in the Air Force. I quickly learned of SSgt Jacob Frazier. Jake was a Guardsman from Illinois and was the first TACP our nation has ever lost in combat. Jake gave his life on 29 March 2003 during Operation Enduring Freedom. There are literally thousands more like Jake who have given their life for our freedom, thus never having the chance to stand on this stage like I am today.
Newly exposed to the voids left behind, I wanted to personally honor the sacrifice Jake made on our behalf. For the past 9 years every single day, I’ve worn this bracelet bearing his name - with honor. Often, I leaned on Jake as a constant reminder as I looked into the eyes of the parents of my new recruits.
I need to confidently re-assure them that although this job is very dangerous, no matter what - this brotherhood for which they were about to enter, would never leave them behind on the field of battle.
There have been many times I’ve confided in Jake, asked for guidance and even taken him for a run, on the days I didn’t want to, but knew he’d enjoy the fresh air. Together we have arrived here today, at our retirement. Rest in Peace Jake, this is just as much your day as it is mine. I’m taking this bracelet off now so that you too can enjoy the benefits of a job well done.
I love People and taking care of our military families is my passion. It’s a mission I continue today and I’m proud to report that this year alone, The Folds of Honor will award $25 million dollars in scholarships to families across the nation. As the Indiana Chapter President, last year we’ve awarded 44 Indiana families scholarships totaling a $218k, and our goal this year, is to raise $500k for disbursement locally in 2020.
Operation FatDag
In addition to The Folds of Honor, I learned of another way to give back.
The DoD admits that 7.8% of our Active Force is overweight. However in the Guard and Reserve components it’s dangerously higher. According to the Obesity Journal, it’s estimated that obesity in the military service is rapidly approaching the civilian estimates indicating roughly 1/3 of our nation battles obesity. It’s the #1 Retention Issue facing our military, and on the other end of the equation, 31% of the youth today are disqualified for military service. It’s a story I know all too well.
For 20 of my 27 years, I was significantly overweight. I became broken. Mentally I had checked out, my honorable service to this country was on the line and failed fitness test, after failed fitness test, meant, rightfully so, my discharge was imminent.
My departure would not have been the joyous occasion that it is today. I was scared and needed help. I sent an email to about a dozen of my closest friends. I poured my heart out - I begged and pleaded for help, I needed to get my weight under control, my career, my livelihood depended upon it.
The one response I received that had the most impact came from my Wingman. He simply asked what the issue was and basically hung up the phone before providing a solution. The next day I woke to an email from him that read - Good Morning Mike, 68 Days til your next fitness test - go make it a good day. - The next day, Good Morning Mike day 67, go get it.. Good Morning Mike, 66, 65, 64 every single day for 68 days he reminded me that I needed to prioritize my own needs first, before I attempted anything else for the day.
It’s a lesson that has stuck with me today. Many of you have heard this story before, but what you may not have realized is that my Truest Wingman is Standing Right here with me on this Stage. Major Kipp - thank you for walking with me, For carrying me through a dark period of my life, for never leaving me behind and for teaching me that when you summons the courage to ask for help, there will be someone to answer the call.
Many weekends, I’ve traveled the nation speaking out about the National Security Crisis brewing within our ranks. It became quickly apparent that there is a greater need for my time, energy and talent in order to defend those, who defend us.
I learned that I needed to hand the flag off to my brothers and sisters and take on this new challenge. I founded and was granted tax exemption from the IRS for my own Non-Profit Charity aimed to care for actively service members who’s careers mirror mine. I want to be the one that answers the call, just like my wingman did for me.
While my next chapter in life starts to take shape, there are a lot of details I am not permitted to share at the moment, but what I can tell you is I’m armed with Passion. I have a team of wingmen and I’m not going to rest until that mission is complete as well.
I’m working a special project as an unpaid Intern for WW in NYC. WW is determined to bring a wellness solution to every body and without giving anything away, there isn’t a single person on this planet who is more poised to make a difference right now in our history than me.
While there are over 2 million military members actively serving, My collective life experience to date, makes me uniquely qualified to take this giant leap into the future. Staring fear directly in the face, I’m going for it.
My position here has been advertised and there are many talented people to take my place - I’ve recognized if I don’t step forward, there isn’t anyone ready to carry forth this new mission.
So here we are, at the beginning, and It’s time to close out my military service, so that I can leverage that experience and continue to fight for our freedom.
I wish you all well - and thank you again for believing in me!
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