The Trail to Leadership

A must read for parents (couples and single) trying to figure out how to raise young boys in today's connected and fingertip access society. A book on character development leading to values based approach to life culminating in strong leadership skills, solid values and strength of character. The 27 short chapters each assess a particular character trait and include an anecdote of personal experiences as a youth, as a Marine in combat and as a Scoutmaster and Scout leader for ten years. Several lessons in pinnacle leadership come from personal accounts with such famed national leaders as Generals James Mattis, Joseph Dunford and John Kelly during Operation Iraqi Freedom and the battle to seize Baghdad and Tikrit where the author was privileged to serve alongside them. Our country's future will never be in doubt so long as we continue to develop leaders such as these great men and the countless young warriors of character and honor who placed others before self in the ultimate sacrifice. This book relates several accounts of selfless sacrifice of men in combat and how the root of their actions comes down to one word "CHARACTER."

The story of a small Arizona mining town boy who grew up with dreams of travel and adventure and someday donning the uniform of a United States Marine. After joining the Corps at 17 years of age, volunteering for Embassy Duty at 18 years of age and embarking on a 28 year journey to experience all the world had to offer, both good and bad. Two wars and several expeditions and campaigns later he emerged to return to the civilian life he barely remembered and along with his wife to raise their two youngest sons Gunner and Cannon (the eldest Quint would already be on his own path as an adult). The toughest thing for a career Marine and most career veterans to do, is to figure out who they are supposed to be when they hang up the uniform. The author somehow stumbled into his answer when some local parents decided he needed to be a Scoutmaster for their local Boy Scout troop and mentor their young boys. The next ten years would prove the most rewarding as he would help mentor hundreds of boys and over twenty Eagle Scouts, many the sons of single mothers looking for that positive and strong male influence for their sons. Each week the Troop meetings would culminate with a Scoutmasters minute where the author would impart a lesson in character by recounting a tale of combat exploits and personal sacrifice which exemplified the particular trait chosen for that week's lesson. Honor, courage, selflessness, integrity are but a few of the traits covered in this book that will have the reader laughing, crying and often in awe. This book captures these lessons and more. A great read on how to pull your child's head away from the phone, computer or television screen long enough to develop some life skills and a value system that will serve them well in life.

The author is small town boy turned United States Marine who served 28 years on active duty from Private to Chief Warrant Officer 5, including two wars, multiple expeditions and campaigns. Upon returning to civilian life with his wife and three boys he found himself thrust into a new life away from his beloved Corps and in the midst of unfamiliar territory - civilian America, where he found an opportunity to serve in uniform once again. This time, as a Scoutmaster in a local Boy Scout Troop in Rockwall Texas. He quickly saw the critical importance of this task and the opportunity to utilize his experiences in combat and in Marine Corps style leadership to mentor the next generation of American men and leaders. His values style approach to character development found solid footing and helped mentor young boys into the leaders America expects and needs to continue this great experiment in democracy and freedom. The author continues to mentor older Scouts on the trail to Eagle Scout, the pinnacle achievement of a Scout and badge of excellence for life. He also volunteers in several service based veteran organizations where youth development is a primary focus of their mission.