On Being a Sharpshooter in the United States Army
(Austin, Texas) Years ago, I had the awesome honor of being awarded the title of Military Sharpshooter by the United States Army.
This recognition wasn't handed to me on a silver platter; it was something I earned through dedication and a desire to win.
My training revolved around a goal: achieving precise shots.
Countless hours of practice at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, in all kinds of weather, sharpened my skills, allowing me to hit targets with accuracy.
For me, it was never just a drill to get through quickly and move on; it was a serious quest to dominate and it demanded concentration, controlled breathing, focus, and the ability to adapt to even slight nuances in the air.
In these moments I discovered the true essence of a sharpshooter – the blending of discipline and mental strength.
Patience and the ability to remain calm under pressure became second nature to me.
Although I was never called into direct military operations during the relatively calm era of the 1980s, I now find myself drawing upon the same skills I acquired as a sharpshooter to conquer the challenges life throws my way. In fact, I think about my time in the US Army often.
My Tesla’s license plate reminds me and many other things I see and people I talk to bring back strong memories.
The mindset I cultivate extends beyond the military realm.
It embodies a relentless pursuit of continuous improvement in myself, my writing, and in my desire to
A) Inspire people to want to accelerate our world to sustainable energy and also to
B) Become a space-fairing civilization.
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and reflection, and I hope my words serve as a source of inspiration for you and others.
We honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice. And may we, the living, hold on to their legacy by dedicating each day to exceeding our own expectations and to leaving a mark of goodness on the world.
I’m sharing with you a photo taken of me during that time, my US Army Honorable Discharge, and a photo of my Army Duffle Bag. Gail Nelson is my maiden name, of course! Thanks for reading and for your awesome support!
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