22. There’s no blueprint for life: What happens when you take it one day at a time

My guest this week is Retired United States Marine Sergeant Major Justin LeHew. This episode is the first of two conversations with Sergeant Major (Ret) LeHew. The second one will be next week and also including the organization that he leads today. Sergeant Major (Ret) LeHew has been awarded the Navy Cross, The Bronze Star. He is also known as the Hero of Nasiriyah for his work taking part in the 507 Maintenance company's rescue operation, including Jessica Lynch in 2003. I quote: “Under constant enemy fire, he led the rescue team to the soldiers. With total disregard for his own welfare, he assisted the evacuation effort of four soldiers, two of whom were critically wounded,” LeHew’s Navy Cross citation reads. In 2010, Sergeant Major (Ret) LeHew was honored by the Marine Corps with an obstacle named in his honor at Parris Island, South Carolina, called LeHew’s Challenge. Every recruit, both male and female, hears from their drill instructors about the heroism displayed by then Gunnery Sergeant LeHew. It was a privilege to have this conversation with Sergeant Major (Ret) LeHew. We discuss topics such as: why he from a young age knew he wanted to serve in the Military, why the Marine Corps prepares you for any situation, what drives him, how our world and war is evolving today, why nothing new is under the sun, lessons learned about building a family with a demanding calling, why we’re all equal as human beings, and more. I hope you enjoyed this week’s episode. And, thank you to every person serving our country, protecting us, keeping us safe, and sacrificing your own life for our good.    RECAP 5:45 My Father stormed the beaches of Normandy 9:38 I thought my dream was over 13:18 My mom didn’t know what I wanted for myself. I wanted the harshness. 13:57 You want to throw your life away in the Marines? 24:11 The Marines had a way looking at who you are and making the best out of your shortfalls. 27:11 I’m dealing with a different generation with the same problems my Dad did. They are the same motivators. 32:56 Tenacity happens when you know the deeper why. Quitting a calling is not an option. Stay on the path. 42:30 What you get when you take a personal interest in someone else 49:07 What is my drive? 54:45 Look at another human being first before you layer anything else on them. 59:18 Military gives you a set of skills to be successful at any level. 59:57 You have to remove the distractors 1:10:00 You rapidly execute when you know what you need to do 1:19:31 Why do African Americans go to war and then get persecuted when they get home? 1:28:19 We’re dealing with extremities on both sides right now. 1:37:48 There is a big way every 20-25 years 1:50:06 You don’t badmouth the home team. 2:05:36 When we have to face a problem unlike any in the past. There are no knew problems. Open up the book and see how someone else solved it. 2:22:51 You try to do the best you can with what you have at that time 2:40:21 Marriage is not easy 2:49:49 Don’t give time to distractors     RESOURCES https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2018/06/29/hero-of-nasiriyah-set-to-retire-after-thirty-years-of-service-to-the-corps/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_LeHew Matt Haaga State Farm: https://www.matthaaga.com/ https://abjets.com/