Tactical Kali

Yesterday was the 4th of July. What a special time for us in the Ballarta family.  Dashiell,my eldest son, just came back from his tour in Afghanistan.  Having a son  in an area where he is exposed to IEDs, shot at from sniper fire,machinegun fire, RPG's, rockets and mortars  brings a special perspective on our celebration of our freedom in United States. As a parent we are always concern how the child we took to soccer, hockey practice, and guided to his first communion can be purposely exposed to danger. Who would know that his high school Russian language studies and commanding hundreds of high school band students on the football field as a drum major would become a prerequisite to a leadership role in Afghanistan.

As Dash put it, "if we expect other sons and daughters to serve in this environment, then why not me?" Now it was my turn to learn from him. He reminded me that in leadership you lead from the front.  He has learned that to be a true leader he must serve his men in order to accomplish the greater mission. He is living the many mantra and lessons of leadership we look at during  business power-point presentations. As a leader he lives, "Duty, Honor, Country."  We are proud to have him back for a little while.

During this 4th of July Independence Celebration we also remember those young men and women who are the future leaders of our great nation. These modern soldiers volunteered to defend our freedom and our way of life. Knowing what is in front of them, these modern day centurions continue to give of themselves. Like those before us they believe in country and the word patriotism. We know the cause is greater than ourselves. Our thoughts and prayers go to our soldiers, their family, and also the many that serve as fireman, policemen, EMTs and all our first responders. Let's not forget the parents, wives, uncles, aunts, grandparents and friends that support our patriots and in raising the next generations of leaders and patriots. God Bless America.