The two most valuable gifts that I have been blessed with in my life are my
Abilities and my Disabilities.
Together they have taught me how to share kindness, understanding empathy and joy with others.
I give thanks for both these gifts and pledge to use them wisely.
For Nov 11th.
We Vietnam veterans have too been known to take a knee at the playing of our national Anthem. We don't take a knee to protest anything . We kneel in honor and remembrance of our fallen comrades.
Our brothers and sisters in arms. Held now in the arms of God.
Veterans Day is coming. Each year we thank them for their sacrifice. How about this year we thank them for every day that we and our family lived in freedom, safety and peace because of them? They would tell you it was well worth it.Then thank YOU for the privilege of serving.
Too often when employers see “ disability” they see “inability”, they should be seeing “possibility”.
Inability is a lonely journey . Possibility is a team sport.
Don’t just offer a job to a person with a disability, welcome them to a winning team.
I am a “ disabled” Vietnam Veteran. I am capable and productive. If we meet remember I may be disabled, but I’m not broken. Disabilities can not break us but attitudes and assumptions about us can and too often do. Its called ableism. It’s unfair to you and to me. Let’s stop.
The scariest thing anyone ever says to me is.
“This is for your own good.”
When anyone has ever told me that, has been true. Unfortunately it has never been pleasant.
Wisdom comes with a price. I willingly pay it because it is worth it.
Memorial Day.
I am not a hero.However in Vietnam I walked beside many. They put our lives and freedoms above their own. Share a kindness today with someone who needs one. Honor those who willingly gave all they had to you.
Lesson taught, lesson learned.
The key to being a leader. Do not be skeptical of the abilities of others to “motivate” people to prove you’re wrong. Instead believe in people and inspire them to prove you’re right. Inspiration beats motivation every time.
March 29th is the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam war. Thank you all for your support and kindness towards those who served. It was an honor to serve. You are worth it.
I have been in VA hospital in Boise this week. Agent Orange hit me pretty hard. But everyday I wake up to see a splendid thing. Veterans dedicating their lives to care for veterans. Go VA. You did not forget me. I will not forget you.
@BBCNews I am so proud of you. Art Honeyman smiles down at you. I named my son Michael after you. I told him what you are doing and he sends you a high five.
@BillFAustin Thank you! Your family has been on a life long journey to make the world a kinder and better place for persons with disabilities. People ask why we do it? Because they are worth it. After Vietnam you were there for me. When you change a life you change the world.
A Thanksgiving thought. While many of us dream of hitting a game winning grand-slam, Starkey knows that none of us can do it unless three teammates get on base first. Doing good is a team sport. This year I am thankful for the team and every player on it.
Today is Veterans Day. We are used to adults and children thanking us for our service. How should we reply to this act of kindness? Today try this: “Thank you for the honor of serving you. You are worth it” The smile you see on their faces makes everything we did worthwhile.
Colin Powell made his last jump yesterday due to COVID-19. He was my commanding officer in Vietnam. 101 Airborne Div. He was a supporter of the ADA and disabled veterans.
He was a good man who believed in his troops It was my honor to have been one of those soldiers.
How I become a fighter against injustice in five easy steps. 1. Accept that there are two kinds of injustice. 2. Injustice that is directed at me. 3. Injustice is directed from me . 4. Stop doing number number 3. 5. Repeat daily.