Show Up...Get in the Fight...Contribute

In the world of virtual, collaborative operations...where data, information and the fog of war can all come crashing down around you in the blink of an eye...you can tell the real collaborative warriors by their actions. How? Easy...we look for those who exhibit the McDonald Doctrine, named after a close friend of mine who walks this walk in all that he does...every single day. It's a very simple principle...yet requires all three components to be successful. No shortcuts, no easy way in or out...no wallflowers...you have to show up, get in the fight and contribute.

Now, take a moment and look at the photos above...one is getting ready to deploy (PFC Chris Stevenson, USA) while the other (LCPL Spencer Dierenfield, USMC) is already on the ground in Iraq. As I was driving home tonight I couldn't help but reflect on these two young warriors, buddies since kindergarten, and how they epitomize the McDonald Doctrine...along with the rest of our men and women serving our country. Talk about showing up, getting in the fight and contributing! I am so very proud of them both and their courage...but most of all I am humbled by their commitment...but never did I think their paths would cross once again in the heat, sand and ugliness of Iraq.

As you retire for the evening, consider the words below and then look once again at Chris and Spencer...these are the faces of freedom...which is never, ever free...

The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country....He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity...He has seen more suffering and death then he should have in his short lifetime...He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed...He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful...He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years...He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding. Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood. -Author: Unknown

Show up...get in the fight...contribute - in the coming weeks and months, how will I carry my fair share? How will you?

v/r,
- Collabman