Take the Beach

Summer! It brings thoughts of getting away and spending time in places that help us relax, and for some, that may be a trip to the beach. With its breeze, magnificent view of an endless ocean, and ever moving sand between one's toes, it is often conducive to enjoyable down time, and helpful getting you to a point you come back recharged. But recharged for what?

For the everyday beaches in your life.

Analogically, life is full of shifting sands and obstacles...reasons why you may think at times how some tasks are insurmountable. When you are vacationing on a beach, it is of your choosing. Your adaptive powers are engaged, you know what to expect. But military amphibious landings involve time on the beach that is no fun. At all.

Yesterday, a co-worker gave me a small bottle. In it, sand. It is black volcanic sand. From Iwo Jima.

Because its origin is so easily identifiable, my co-worker, who is a retired U.S.M.C. Captain, appreciates what the sand represents: A well trained force executing a vital operation. Constant adaptation. Sacrifice on an unprecedented scale. Victory against a determined foe. Ultimate success. As Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz remarked after the five week long battle, Iwo Jima was a place where "Uncommon valor was a common virtue".

As you approach your everyday beaches, prepare, adapt, overcome. In doing so, your uncommon vigilance will lead to more common victories.

Tim Cummings is a Sergeant Major with the Texas Military Department.

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