16, 4, and Today Retrospectives; #ContinuousImprovement and #Healing

Today: Though I do not have documentation of it, for the last 4 years, as always, I've stood [silently] behind the President of the United States- the Office and Institution. Its an important construct for the sanctity of our Democracy, and advancement of our Patriotism.

As many Servicemembers and Veterans, I've always been behind those elected by the people, for the people, Officers appointed over me, or those I've been in contract with until such mantle is removed. Today, we see the start of such transition of that mantle.

We've made progress in the last 4 years, but perhaps most notably our weaknesses have been exposed, and many of us have been emboldened. Wielding new found strength, among some who have been deemed down and out can be a dangerous mix- something we've seen exacerbated in the most recent years.

16 years ago: On this day, I was my lowest point in life, bleeding out in the streets of Baghdad in a hail of gunfire and explosive devices. I was picked up by an alleged conservative from Alabama, liberal from Massachusetts, and undecided from the Dominican Republic who would not let a real enemy capitalize on my weakness and clear the objective. In my heart of hearts, I know we are better as a country, on this soil, than we were 16 years ago, and can pick each other up to move forward with grace. After all, all we need to do is wear a mask, wash our hands, and be collegial! #howdoyouserve #manywaystoserve #PeacefulTransition #Democracy #America

4 Years ago: I knew that election period, irrespective of outcome, I would feel different than I had ever felt in my adult life. As many of my contemporaries, I served almost entirely under George W. Bush with him having delivered our commencement / "go to war" speech, handing out our diplomas, and transitioning out of service shortly after his second term. Similarly, I returned to consult for the federal government, from the private sector, almost entirely under Obama. Therefore, as a working adult, as many of my contemporaries, this is my first "real" transition. It reminds me of just how young I am, and why you need to be 35 to be president, so you can experience this a couple times...change can sometimes hurt!

During all tours of service in uniform and out, I experienced many ups and downs, both personally, and from a leadership/subordinate perspective. Many successes, many failures, from the same perspectives. But more importantly, what I, and so many others achieved during these times, was growth. Therein lies the most crucial question I have for any candidate...any elect... can they inspire growth, and can they lead those in need of level-setting on the right path for the greater good during the good times, and the bad?

Whenever answering that question for myself, I always had deference towards the seemingly more intellectual...the more knowledgeable, as to me, knowledge is power, and can steer you away from the intent of harm. That's why I love the fact that our current Army Chief of Staff is a Princeton scholar as my siblings, and so many scholars from the JCS down lead our military and so many other sectors today.

I was reminded that election period, and always, to take the best from leaders, and use it to drive you to action, leaving the worst behind. To pray that leaders are collegial in their dealings even with those they may vehemently disagree with, and are able to seek compromise. That they align themselves with fellow leaders that have high level of acumen in the appropriate areas, and don't operate with a mandate. And most importantly, I pray that leaders can inspire growth among others and amongst what they oversee. Growth being tolerance. Growth being action. Growth being understanding. Growth being advancement. Growth being good. Change inspires growth, so we all have taken a step in growing today. Let us keep those steps moving forward.

That day, I conceded, but since, worked harder than I've ever worked before with the mantra, #Eachdaybetter.

Today: Mr. President Elect, we salute you, are behind you, and hand you the flag of the country. Future First Lady of the United States, we embrace, and look to your steady hand to also heal our country. And MADAM Vice President Elect, thank you for allowing us to keep making #history!