The Middle River Group, LLC

fly fishing, conservation and politics.

Leadership

Now hear this: McRaven warns us, again.

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“As Americans, we should be frightened — deeply afraid for the future of the nation. When good men and women can’t speak the truth, when facts are inconvenient, when integrity and character no longer matter, when presidential ego and self-preservation are more important than national security — then there is nothing left to stop the triumph of evil.”

Source: William McRaven: If good men like Joe Maguire can’t speak the truth, we should be deeply afraid – The Washington Post

Backstory: Senior intelligence official told lawmakers that Russia wants to see Trump reelected

Previous: When Bill McRaven speaks we damn sure should listen

For the love of a dog, K9 CPO Justice.

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UPDATED 10May
DGIF announced the heartbreaking news that Justice lost his battle with cancer recently.
“He was truly my best friend, who I fortunately got to take to work with me,” said Senior Officer Billhimer.”

You can still help other DGIF K9s. See the link at the end of this article
-#-

Little did I know…

K9 Justice and CPO Wayne Billhimer (right) greeting DGIF Board members Tom Sadler (center) and Gary Martel at Justice’s retirement ceremony. DGIF photo

It was my second Department of Game and Inland Fisheries board meeting and the first thing on the agenda, after the call to order formalities, was recognition of employees. That’s when the bad news came. Major Scott Naff gave us the word about K9 CPO Justice. Cancer.

If you have lost a dog to illness you know the feeling, the bottom drops out. The look on his handler, CPO Billhimer’s face was sad stoicism and a deep love for his partner. I barely held it together.

The Department has shared their remarkable story here: K9 CPO Justice Retires. Please give it a read.

Most importantly, take a moment and make a donation. Thanks to the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation, a special fund has been set up for the care of DGIF’s K9 CPOs including Justice. Contributions will help pay for equipment, food, general wellness care, and veterinary care for these canine officers.

Retired K9 Justice and CPO Wayne Billhimer DGIF Photo

Humility in a styrofoam cup

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Simon Sinek is one of my favorite people to learn from. He says this is one of his favorite stories; it is one of mine as well.

The lesson is powerful, easy to understand and a good reminder not to take ourselves too seriously.

Be the last to speak

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When Simon Sinek offers advice quite often I take it to heart.

This was something I learned from good leaders in the Navy during planning and after actions. It made sense then but over the years I have lost the skill. Time to get it back.

In 2020 my goal is to be a whole lot better about this than I have been in the past.

Feel free to remind me.

Source > 5 Little Words That Will Make You a Much Better Leader