Entry 25.45

This is one of those weeks that I really struggle with. I don’t like the attention. That’s not why I did it. I did it because I love my country. I did it to honor everyone who came before me so their sacrifice would not be in vain. I did it so we could continue to enjoy the freedoms that we have been so privileged to enjoy. I know there are a lot of others like me. We would’ve been betraying ourselves if we didn’t do it. It was what was right to us. You probably know I’m talking about serving in the military and now carrying the title of “veteran”. Serving in the military and being a veteran isn’t just a job or a title. It’s a way of life. It’s become not just a part of who you are, but who you are entirely. I’m proud of my military service. Don’t get me wrong. Some days I wish I was still able to don my kit and get to work with my brothers. But like so many others, physically it’s just not possible anymore. I can deal with the constant neck pain now. I hate using medication, but it’s the only way I could make it to work some days. The migraines can be brutal. Sometimes lasting for days. I’m in the process getting ready to have ablations on my neck for the third time in the last 5 years to help tame the pain and hopefully reduce the number or intensity of the migraines. I’d be lying if I didn’t say it sucks. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I know I did the right thing. I knew what I was getting myself into. And looking back from where I now stand, I can safely say my military service put me here. Without it, I wouldn’t have met my wonderful, loving beautiful supportive wife. I wouldn’t have the life mission of expanding PGA HOPE and reaching other veterans. I wouldn’t have many of my friends. I probably wouldn’t be into golf. I’m not sure I would even carry the intensity toward teaching golf that I do. I’ve always been a little intense. I typically did everything to the nth degree. What’s the point of doing it if you don’t? I don’t want to do things half assed. I can thank my parents for laying the groundwork for that. They never pushed me beyond my limits. They just always made sure I understood what my potential was. I’m not sure that I have ever found the edge of my capabilities. Sometimes I really resented my parents for that. My brother never got the same push that I did. Now that I’m older I understand why. First, I just never saw it. Sure, there were times when my brother and I were treated the same. But my parents are wise enough to understand that each of their children is unique and needed different treatment growing up. I don’t remember when my father told me the following, but it is something I’ve never forgotten. “Don’t sell yourself short. I truly believe that your potential is limitless.” I wish I had been smart enough to write myself a note about when and why my father told me that. But I’ve never forgotten it. Maybe some day I will find the wall that prevents me from continuing to stretch myself, but I’m thirty nine years in and haven’t found it yet. Frankly, I hope I never do. I live life with “Be 1% better today than I was yesterday” constantly in my mind. So much so that the Road ID safety tag that I have on my watch carries a shortened version “Be Better Today”. It resides right next to four other letters. RLTW. Those four letters carry more weight than any other four-letter combination to thousands of us.

On 06 June 1944, 5th Ranger Battalion was assigned to Omaha Beach during the D-Day landings during the invasion of Normandy. Allied Forces were pinned down on the beach by heavy German fire and taking casualties. Brigadier General Norman Cota came across them on the beach and recognizing their role in the attack reportedly gave them the command “Well goddammit, if you’re Rangers, lead the way.” That pivotal moment has been memorialized in the motto of the Rangers, “Ranger Lead the Way.” Find yourself near a Ranger compound during morning formation and you will inevitably hear those words echoing through the dark. When a Ranger salutes an officer, his greeting is “Rangers Lead the Way!” It is met with the response “All the Way!” That response tells me all I need to know. Rangers don’t lead part of the way. They lead all the way. My upbringing combined with that becoming a part of who I am is why I push myself so hard to be better today than I was yesterday.

But those four words don’t live alone. They follow the Ranger Creed. I think it’s important for you to read if you never have. It will probably explain a lot about me. I may not be active anymore, but you never stop living the Ranger Creed once you start. That would be an absolute betrayal to yourself, your brothers and your Unit. I may not be a soldier anymore, but this applies to me as a golf professional as much as it did when I was in.

Ranger Creed

Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of my Ranger Regiment.

Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier, who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger, my country expects me to move further, faster, and fight harder than any other soldier.

Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight, and I will shoulder more than my share of the task, whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some.

Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress, and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.

Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.

Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.

RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!

I still get chills when I read those words. As I write this I’m only a couple hours away from Fort Benning where I spent my entire military career. I wish I had the time to drive down and just stand outside the fence and listen to companies of Rangers recite those words. There is an undeniable power in those voices reciting in unison. It tells you about the men who are speaking them. Men that I am fortunate enough to count as my brothers. I still live the Ranger Creed today to honor them. Not as a soldier, but as a golf professional. It isn’t just words I said, they are words that I lived and continue to live. I will never stop living the Ranger Creed. I won’t stop being proud of my service. I am a proud United States Veteran. I don’t like the attention. It’s not why I did it. The reason resides in my response when someone thanks me for my service. “You were worth it.”