Still in the Fight

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month the guns fell silent when the Armistice went into effect between the Allied nations and Germany.  World War I was brought to a close as the Treaty of Versailles was pursued and officially signed on June 28th, 1919.   World War I was thought to be the war to end all wars.

This week we celebrated the 240th birthday of my beloved United States Marine Corps.  And, again on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month we marked what has now become known as Veterans Day. Unfortunately, the Great War did not end all wars.  In fact, just this week alone there were active strikes in Iraq and Syria.  And, an attack on freedom itself in Paris.

In Iraq, a pitch-black sky was lit up by coalition airstrikes.  “The U.S. backed coalition mission Operation Inherent Resolve conducted more than 250 airstrikes across northern Iraq just this month alone.  The strikes have reportedly destroyed ISIS fighting positions, command and control facilities, weapon storage facilities, improvised explosive device factories, and staging areas.” (CNN).  

Syria also made headlines as the U.S., in partnership with the British, conducted a drone strike, which is believed to have killed Jihadi John, the man purportedly behind the gruesome beheadings of American, British, and Japanese hostages.

However, we still pause to reflect on the 11th hour for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and pray for those who are yet to march into battle.  While we still engage the world’s enemies you can bet that there will always be fine men and women willing to step forward into the face of unknown danger.  And, you can bet that those who do return home will seek to continue their service to the nation.

While I never had the privilege to deploy, I am honored to continue my service by supporting our nations entrepreneurs as a Marine Veteran at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center and Bunker Labs @ Nashville.  Serving entrepreneurs is my new mission.  It is one I take with great regard.  I rest easy knowing that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive in well in Nashville, Tennessee and across the nation.  I am grateful for the notes of thanks, the handshakes, and knowing nods.  It is an honor to be surrounded by fellow risk takers.  As I reflect on Veterans Day I am most grateful for the men and women who have gone before me and for my new mission of supporting the launch of America’s next greatest generation.