Good morning. America is worth defending. Join the fight.

Good morning. America is worth defending. Join the fight.

Lots of chatter about Gen Z these days, but I’m here to tell you the kids are gonna be alright. I sat down with some early career Marines for lunch in Okinawa and I left fired up about the emerging generation. These were patriots from all walks of life and all corners of our nation. Some left really tough circumstances and found a family they always desired. Others dove into a deep yearning to give back to their nation. When I asked five of them clustered around me for one thing they would change about the Marine Corps - I kid you not - two of them said “Sir, I wish our standards were higher.” Mind you, my work with the USMC over the decades believes they already achieve enviable heights! That was a good reminder that our youngest troops are always watching, noticing when NCOs and officers follow through - or don’t - on known requirements. Rest easy America. There is no doubt in my mind that with men and women like these, we are going to win.

Keep writing. Keep posting. You may think you’re yelling into the void. But you never know who is reading. And might take action on your insights. In case you were wondering.

For four days in 1967, 2ndLt James Capers led his Force Recon team against a larger enemy force. Badly wounded, he kept directing fires and refused evacuation until his Marines were safe. Nearly six decades later, Maj. Capers received the Medal of Honor from President Trump. Semper Fidelis, sir.

Staff Sgt. Brendan Kuhlmann kept asking why Marines couldn’t repair GATOR components themselves. He kept asking why. Eventually, his team got the chance. Nearly $2M saved. 2,000+ days of downtime prevented. Now he’s earned the CNO Gold Disk Award. Sometimes innovation starts with refusing to accept: “We don’t do that.”