Marine Raider Foundation’s Post

Bill, your reflection beautifully encapsulates the profound impact of President Jimmy Carter’s life, highlighting not only his presidential legacy but also the incredible work he undertook after leaving office. President Carter's contributions—spanning peace negotiations, Habitat for Humanity, and his unwavering commitment to global health through The Carter Center—demonstrate a life dedicated to service that transcends the political sphere. It is indeed rare to see someone embody such a deep sense of purpose, humility, and faith, from his time in the U.S. Naval Academy and Georgia Tech to his years of diplomacy and humanitarian efforts. His post-presidency work, as you’ve pointed out, is a testament to his belief in life-long service. By focusing on global issues and providing solutions where others saw only challenges, he has set an inspiring example for leaders of all generations. What stands out most in your reflection is the reminder that leadership does not cease with office, and that true greatness is found in one’s continued commitment to the common good. President Carter’s enduring legacy is a powerful reminder that our greatest contributions may often come after we have stepped out of the spotlight. May his life continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps to lead with purpose, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the world’s most pressing needs. Rest in peace, President Carter. Your example will continue to guide us all.

Being a Marine is a privilege, a crucible that forges strength, honor, and an unbreakable bond with a brotherhood like no other. But to be a father of Marines, to see your own flesh and blood embrace that legacy, is an honor that transcends words. It's witnessing the values you instilled – courage, commitment, integrity – take root and flourish in the very souls you brought into this world. The legacy of the Marines isn't simply earned, it's ingrained. It's woven into the fabric of your being, a birthright claimed through sweat, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication. It's more than a title; it's a way of life, a code of conduct that guides your every action and decision. And the fraternity, oh, the fraternity. It's a bond forged in the fires of shared experience, a connection that runs deeper than blood. It's knowing that no matter where life takes you, you'll always have brothers and sisters watching your back, ready to stand beside you, until the very end. To be a Marine is to be part of something larger than yourself, a force for good in a world that desperately needs it. To be a father of Marines is to see that legacy carried forward, to know that the values you hold dear will live on in the next generation. It's a privilege, an honor, and a responsibility that I will cherish forever. https://lnkd.in/gMGsKMxA

Read to understand, read to apply what you've learned, read to build your skills and knowledge, and most importantly, read to improve your life. Page 115: The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness by Eric Jorgenson

So great in so many ways

Naval Academy Alumni: I have a question for you. Senator Stennis is known as the “Father of the Modern Navy” for his staunch support of the Aircraft Carrier Fleet at a critical time in our history. He was also a staunch segregationist. When we published new research showing not only Senator Stennis’s record of opposing Civil Rights legislation, his fight against integration of the armed forces, and his effectiveness in blocking Black Americans from the Southern States from access to USNA nominations for almost 4 decades, I assumed three things: 1. As an Alumnus, you would be interested in learning about his segregationist history. 2. You would care and it would bother you that we have a ship named for him. 3. It would bother you enough that you would speak out for a name change. I’ll add #4 (you can PM me): I agree with all 3 but have too much to lose if I speak out. If you aren’t sure about #1, you can start here or with the attached PPT. https://lnkd.in/dBk23meh Which of my assumptions was flawed?

Fifty years ago, the graduates of the Naval Academy were expected to be seamen and leaders of men. They were reminded of the saying of John Paul Jones, "Give me a fair ship so that I might go into harm's way." When Captain Mahan began to write in the nineties on the general issues of war and peace and naval strategy, the Navy quickly shipped him to sea duty. Today we expect all of you--in fact, you must, of necessity-be prepared not only to handle a ship in a storm or a landing party on a beach, but to make great determinations which affect the survival of this country. The revolution in the technology of war makes it necessary in order that you, when you hold positions of command, may make an educated judgment between various techniques, that you also be a scientist and an engineer and a physicist, and your responsibilities go far beyond the classic problems of tactics and strategy. You gentlemen, therefore, have a most important responsibility, to recognize that your education is just beginning, and to be prepared, in the most difficult period in the life of our country, to play the role that the country hopes and needs and expects from you... Woodrow Wilson reminded your predecessors that you were not serving a government or an administration, but a people. In serving the American people, you represent the American people and the best of the ideals of this free society.. In my inaugural address, I said that each citizen should be concerned not with what his country can do for him, but what he can do for his country. What you have chosen to do for your country, by devoting your life to the service of our country, is the greatest contribution that any man could make. It is easy for you, in a moment of exhilaration today, to say that you freely and gladly dedicate your life to the United States. But the life of service is a constant test of your will. It will be hard at times to face the personal sacrifice and the family inconvenience, to maintain this high resolve, to place the needs of your country above all else. When there is a visible enemy to fight, the tide of patriotism in this country runs strong. But when there is a long, slow struggle, with no immediate visible foe, when you watch your contemporaries indulging the urge for material gain and comfort and personal advancement, your choice will seem hard, and you will recall, I am sure, the lines found in an old sentry box at Gibraltar, "God and the soldier all men adore in time of trouble and no more, for when war is over, and all things righted, God is neglected and the old soldier slighted." Never forget, however, that the battle for freedom takes many forms. Those who through vigilance and firmness and devotion are the great servants of this country--and let us have no doubt that the United States needs your devoted assistance today. -John F. Kennedy, Remarks at Annapolis to the Graduating Class of '61 (Pic: Class of '21 graduation) Go Navy. Beat Army.

7 books that will change your life: 1. The One Thing by Gary Keller 2. Influence by Robert Cialdini 3. The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgensen and Tim Ferris 4. How to Get Rich by Felix Dennis 5. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie 6. Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins 7. No Rules Rules by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer

You know exactly why this is the way it is. It’s no secret! A dollar earned means way more than a dollar given. Same with education: make it cost you something. Earn it and it will mean more and you will find yourself making excuses to use what you’ve just learned! Application: no dessert before you’ve finished your meal. Make it a hurdle to move forward before you’ve learned something. No phone before you’ve read a chapter. Watch that Ted Talk before you go out for the night. Let’s see what you come up with!

This is an excellent, short video emphasizing the importance of the merchant marine in peace and war.