Leading With Vulnerability

Kanaan Merriken is the definition of perseverance. An IED struck the vehicle Kanaan was in, leaving him with severe injuries to the head and neck. Kanaan was acting as the medic on this deployment, and instead of seeking cover to address his wounds, he did what he could to save others. Eventually, his wounds incapacitated him, and at one point, Kanaan was void of all vital signs. Kanaan was dead. However, in true warrior fashion, he denied deaths call. Kanaan spent several days in a coma, but he persevered.

Upon recovering from his wounds, Kanaan received a medical discharge from the Army. What does Kanaan do now? Not much he’s just a Sergeant Major in the Army! Yes, from death to 100 percent service-connected disability to Army Sergeant Major.

I am only telling you part of the story. I am proud to call Kanaan a friend, and I am grateful he was vulnerable enough to share his story with us.

Dr. Justin Finney suffered a career-ending injury 10 years into his Army career. Then, married with two kids and no higher education, Justin had 90 days to figure out what to do with his life. Justin chose to continue a life of service and became a teacher. He continued climbing from teacher to Principal and is now Assistant Superintendent of Business Services and Technology with the Harris County Georgia School System.

Justin left the Army and the 3rd Ranger Battalion just over a year before 9/11. His military career did not end on his terms. Watching the events of 9/11 and the next 20 years of conflict unfold had a profound impact on him. Everything happens for a reason, and this is no different. Even though Justin did not deploy to combat the last 20 years, he has kept a faithful watch over the hundreds if not thousands of military children who have passed through the school hallways while their moms and dads deployed.

I believe many military leaders would thrive in education administrative roles, and Justin is a great example. If you have a thought to become a teacher or school administrator, you should listen to this podcast.

Justin, thank you for your service to our nation and community.

David was born in New York and raised in New Jersey. He joined the Army months before 9/11 and, like many of us, watched the terrible events of that day unfold in the barracks on Hunter Army Airfield. David deployed five times during his Army career, and when he transitioned out, he continued to set the example for others to follow. David completed his undergraduate studies and continued to law school at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. Currently, David works in corporate law in Miami, Florida. David is one of the most authentic people I know and has great stories about his Cuban ancestry and his time in the 75th Ranger Regiment.

This week Ali shares part II of his story. From the 75th Ranger Regiment to the NFL.

Ali is an excellent example of what can be accomplished with hard work. Ali and I discuss his journey from Spain, West Point, 10th Mountain Division, and finally to the 75th Ranger Regiment in episode number one of two. Ali is just as good a person as he is a Ranger and football player. I hope you all enjoy part one of his story.

Chaplain Alfsen and his wife served the 75th well and always did it with a smile on their faces. It takes a special person to be a Chaplain, and being a Ranger Chaplain is no easy task. Rangers can be a bit rough around the edges and drift away from our faith from time to time. Chaplains are always present during a service member's most challenging moments. How does a Chaplain find the words to comfort someone after a loss in combat? I am not sure anyone has the correct answer to that question, but they are always there and prepared to serve.

Dan comes from a long line of distinguished service members. He grew up as the General's son and lived in more houses on Fort Benning than I have lived in my entire life. Dan is one of the finest military officers I have ever worked for and with. He always finds the good in any situation and brings contagious energy to every environment. If you are around Dan for more than ten minutes and do not laugh, you better check your pulse. Watching Dan communicate with people is a thing of beauty, and if he did not have a successful Army career, he would have made one heck of a salesman.

Raye Perez is an excellent example of what someone can accomplish with hard work. Raye was the first enlisted member of the 75thRanger Regiment to attend Emory Universities' Executive MBA Program. Raye attended Emory while leading one of the most critical training sections in the organization, the Small Unit Tactic Course (Pre-Ranger). There is one person I would pick to go into battle with and pitch a business plan to a Fortune 500 company, and that person is Raye Perez. Raye sets the example for others to follow now and will for the remainder of his days.

Tyler Szczecina served his country with distinction, and like many of us, he had to make a decision. Remain in the Army or transition to spending more time with his family, Tyler chose the latter. Tyler had a bright future in the 75th, and we were sorry to see him leave. Tyler has had a successful transition, but it did not come without challenges. The same is true for his journey into the military. Listen in while Tyler shares his story. The story of a standout football player from Chicago who went down a destructive path but corrected and found success in the Army and the 75th Ranger Regiment. Tyler is an outstanding husband, father, and Financial Advisor, and we can all learn from his story.

Tyler Szczecina served his country with distinction, and like many of us, he had to make a decision. Remain in the Army or transition to spending more time with his family, Tyler chose the latter. Tyler had a bright future in the 75th, and we were sorry to see him leave. Tyler has had a successful transition, but it did not come without challenges. The same is true for his journey into the military. Listen in while Tyler shares his story. The story of a standout football player from Chicago who went down a destructive path but corrected and found success in the Army and the 75th Ranger Regiment. Tyler is an outstanding husband, father, and Financial Advisor, and we can all learn from his story.