Acting in Service of Others Can Change the World

2021-05-27T09:13:20-04:00

Acting in service of others can change the world. In my journey from a suburb outside Detroit to the military to television journalism and now entrepreneurship, I have found so many calls to serve. In addition to my work now as a media producer, I also mentor young adults in my community outside DC. I recently spoke with Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) about my experiences and perspectives.

TMF: What did you do in the military?
DO: I attended the Naval Academy, and then spent six years active duty stationed in San Diego as a Surface Warfare Officer. I loved it because the types of ships I was on afforded me the opportunity to work with so many different branches of service. We also deployed twice overseas, once to the Persian Gulf.

What motivated you to join the military?
No one in my immediate family was in the military so I didn't have a lot of firsthand knowledge of the service, but I always enjoyed trying new things that on the surface seemed like difficult challenges. I honestly believe it was the best decision I ever made.

What does servant leadership mean to you?
To me, servant leadership means walking it and not just talking it. In my life experiences, I've found that it is a powerful thing when someone uses acts of service to accomplish things, and it is something that often galvanizes people to help.

How has your perspective on leadership been shaped or changed by your military service?
The military really taught me the importance of leadership by doing. As an officer, the times I succeeded the most was when I demonstrated through actions what my goals for the organization were. The times I failed was when I didn't truly learn the job as well as I needed to, and, hence, didn't feel comfortable showing the team what the standard was. In my post-military career, I've always taken on the mindset that showing people what is expected is critically important. That goes for technical knowledge, as well as human relations.

Who do you admire?
I admire people like my mother who very quietly gave of herself to others, whether it was volunteering for little league organizations, family, neighborhood associations, or PTA. She was always doing it, not talking about it.

To learn more about Travis Manion Foundation and join the community, visit http://www.travismanion.org.

Travis Manion Foundation - "If Not Me, Then Who..."

Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) empowers veterans and the families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. In 2007, 1st Lt Travis Manion.

Response by CPT Richard Trione made May 27 at 2021 9:24 AM

2021-05-27T09:24:44-04:00

Thank you so much for this very inspirational share, Brother David!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 5 at 2021 10:20 PM

2021-06-05T22:20:27-04:00

I might have a video project about how to heal with PTSD based on a PTSD Paper. Click on this link then click on "Download Love Squared" if you are interested to see what it is all about. I want to spread the word because I am enthralled when people with PTSD turn their lives around. This is an avenue of approach, but I have not decided what exactly I will do. https://www.wellnesswishes.org/veterans

Veterans | Wellness Wishes I Ohio 501c3

No veteran in America should ever be homeless or hungry – EVER. Wellness Wishes will be the mechanism to convey the gratitude or our country by funding veteran assistance programs, and making a difference in their lives, as they have made in ours.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 5 at 2021 10:21 PM

2021-11-05T22:21:55-04:00

Very nice narrative. In the army it was not about me. It was about pushing the soldiers to grow professionally, personally, and helping families. It was about loving the soldiers and finding ways to incorporate fun into their careers to build up morale. The team was most important. I was just a cog in the machine.

Now that I have hung up my boots, I try to give more to the world than I take. That is important to me.