Leading the Way to Victory by Mark C. Vlahos USAF-RET
Thursday, February 9, 2023 by Brave Knight Writers

Courage takes many forms and addresses every aspect of existence. I refer our readers to Leading the Way to Victory by Mark C. Vlahos. He chronicles the 60th Troop Carrier Group’s history from 1940-1945, quite a courageous undertaking in and of itself. Colonel Vlahos served in the United States Air Force for 29 years, so who better to offer such a beautiful treasure to honor the veterans who became known as ‘The Greatest Generation’? Mark understands the sacrifices made by all those who serve, whether in war or peace. His assignments included command of a C-130 squadron in combat, Vice Wing Commander of the 314th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base, and a wide range of operational flying experiences. These assignments offered many occasions to overcome fear and remain calm in the face of adversity. Colonel Vlahos studied at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University. At Webster University and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces he earned master’s degrees. He’s a member of the Troop Carrier/Tactical Airlift Association and the Leon B. Spencer Research Team of the National World War II Glider Pilot Committee.

In Leading the Way to Victory, he preserves and lists those who served in the 60th TCG, not just the officers but the privates, corporals, and sergeants. Most history books acknowledge in mass the soldiers who died, were wounded, or performed outrageous acts of courage—while naming the high ranking officers in command. Mr. Vlahos drills down into the everyday workings of what it takes to achieve victory. He offers insight into what makes the difference between having an army of soldiers gathered to force others to submit, or a group of dedicated soldiers in the cause of liberty and principles. The 60th as a group stands out in a time of war, it’s mission didn’t directly wreak havoc and destruction on an innocent populace or even armed troops. These courageous soldiers went into war zones and behind enemy lines unarmed, even their aircraft had very limited armor. They flew missions in the dark of night, into mountainous regions occupied by hostiles, and landed by torch light. Much to Mr. Vlahos’ credit and detail, he examines everyday challenges faced by support personnel, like finding a sheet of plywood and painting it so staff can have a blackboard, or painting a slogan on the fuselage of an aircraft to please the pilot and crew. These are the unremarkable, remarkable feats found in this history book.

For a personal touch, Mr. Vlahos documents the actual words of those who survived, and these anecdotes take this book to an entirely new level. To have someone share their personal experience reaches the soul, and touches on the emotions of these soldiers. So many World War II soldiers saw such horrors, they could offer only silence after the war. They came home in search of joy and peace—and suppressed many memories. The ones who wrote of the experience offer us insight as to what war is really like, not a Hollywood glorified version. We thank Mr. Vlahos for his hard work and dedication to offer this treasure to the descendants of those who served, and to the American people so they can come to grips with what it takes to be free. The reader will find photographs, lists, maps, and charts along with well-structured and refined text. An awesome feature is the index which lists soldiers by name and indicates what pages mention them. Many thanks for publishing this book, and best wishes to Colonel Vlahos. If our readers go to our Indie Author Friends page, click the link to go directly to where you can purchase Leading the Way to Victory.

Mark C. Vlahos supports Vintage Wings Inc. and other charities.  

Go slay #dragons

 

GO. Slay Dragons
Saturday, December 10, 2022 by Brave Knight Writers

Our Brave Knight Writer’s blog is dedicated to those who demonstrate courage in all aspects of life. Spiritual warfare doesn’t take a holiday or weekend, it never rests. This month’s post centers on parents embracing circumstances which fall far outside the realm of their initial hopes and dreams. Commitment and sacrifice can shower unforeseen rewards and benefits onto those who chose the hard path. We have a dear friend who personifies the example of such courage and fortitude. We’ll refer to him by his initials, G.O.

Where do I begin? First let me list the physical challenges of G.O., and mention, he never complains or exhibits anything but gratefulness for his life’s blessings. G.O. has Crohn’s disease, arthritis locks his fingers, he’s experienced kidney failure and joint replacement surgeries. There is a bounce in his step, a constant smile, and his greetings give no indications of his suffering. He’s in his sixties and cares for his forty-something daughter. He serves on several boards and advocates for people with disabilities. He invests in real estate and mentors younger real estate investors. He is a substitute teacher at a trade school. He has designed equipment to aid in the care of the handicapped.

Bottom line, he makes no excuses and lives a full, productive life.

Inspiration comes to mind when I think of G.O. Thoughts of a bad day get crushed. The words he once uttered to a peer says it best. In the breakroom at work a fellow worker sulked and complained about how unfair life was. This man was in perfect health, single, and flopped a million dollars around in the stock market. When G.O. walked into the breakroom, he asked everyone how they were. The sulker blurted out, “Lousy” to which G.O. calmly replied, “I’ll trade you one of my best days, for one of your worst days, any time.” Silence fell on the room; everyone felt the shame press on their shoulders. The sulker slunk away, but everyone felt their own self-pitying ways.

You see, not only does G.O. endure his health issues, but his daughter has cerebral palsy, is confined to a wheelchair, and must use a voice synthesizer to speak. G.O. often speaks of the absolute joy he finds in his daughter, who accompanies him everywhere. They hold inspirational discussions at colleges and high schools, where his daughter jokes and tosses out wit and wisdom. G.O. claims his life and character has been enriched by experiencing life with her. They both love cheering on their favorite football team. Recently, I met them in a sports bar where we watched a Steeler’s game.

 G.O. says when his daughter was born, the doctors recommended letting her die, that she would be a burden, a detraction from a full life. G.O. and his wife agreed with each other, not the medical wisdom. They would commit to her care and center on her functionality. G.O. will tell you, his daughter added more to enriching his life than anyone can comprehend.

G.O. had a son who in his teen years developed encephalitis lethargica, and died from it in his early twenties. G.O. cared for him for 5 years as his son slipped into a catatonic state. Awakenings, starring Robin Williams, highlights the struggles of the disease.

 G.O. exemplifies every quality of a Brave knight, he is the stuff of heroes, and I am blessed to know him and his family. Courage, character, dedication, dignity, and commitment get pumped through his veins by the biggest, most powerful heart I have ever witnessed.

Can anyone question the war on his spirit? The triumph of his victories? His courage is spelled out in caps. Having a bad day? Give my friend G.O. a call, he’ll offer you a trade. The last time G.O. and his daughter were at my house, we were all discussing some of life’s challenges when we suddenly heard his daughter’s voice synthesizer, “Life can be a struggle.”

Have a blessed a day. Try to be a Brave Knight. Slay dragons.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/William%20A.%20Wright/author/B0164HULKG

#Brave #Knight #Writers blog Plain Values Magazine

 

Plain Values Magazine

In using the term Plain Values, talking them up or talking about them seems counter intuitive. The people and stories in their magazine are plain folk, living out the routines needed to fulfill daily living. So, why would I blog about them on a site about courage? Well, because in today’s world, their choices and lives go against the grain, the mainstream doesn’t acknowledge or condone their lifestyle choices. Plain Values’ embracement of a simple way of life contrasts with Madison Avenue. Plain Values touts enrichments beyond money and fame. Simply put, they value authentic life, all forms and aspects. So, let’s try to point out some highlights in our short blurb, and suggest you look at their publication. You can view a link on our Indie Author Friends page. https://braveknightwriters.com/indie-authors-we-recommend

First, go to their ‘About’ section and you find as a young couple, they investigated and pursued the option of adoption. This is an unselfish and much needed move in our society. In other posts we have stated how much courage adoption requires. To take it a step further, the children chosen by them will require a great deal of understanding and larger doses of love. This young couple set out to create a very special and shining example of what life should be, with love as the cornerstone. One key to love is turning your life and will over to God. In their prayers, they ask God to bring them the children He wants them to have.

Ten years ago, these fine people started a publication to inform people of how rich a life lived in love can be. This step took many forms of courage. I think the best way to sum up their approach is by offering an excerpt from their ‘About’ page. “We do that purposefully because we want to be well-rounded, well read, and deeply thoughtful people. Our favorite people are those who have walked sections of life’s road that are bumpy and hard and have not given up on God’s purpose for their lives. We believe it makes us deeper, more soulful, and if we let it, wiser for the road ahead.” There you have it. The publication profiles people from different situations who overcome and thrive by embracing simple values such as love. If you are struggling, the best way to put your struggles into perspective is to focus on things other than self.

Remember, if you want a rich harvest, you must cultivate and nurture first. Plain Values seeks to cultivate a community anchored in authentic living. The people in the magazine live what they write. They help children and inspire adults to address the challenges we all face with a lifted spirit. In the cultural turmoil of today, they are reimagining education and helping the orphaned and the unwanted find their forever homes. Homeschoolers, they have moved on to building a one-room schoolhouse called Juneberry Hill. Maybe it’s time for our society to realize that education should center on family needs and values. This shift may have grassroot benefits to the larger community. Their publication is broken into interesting sections, Confessions of a Steward, Roots and Wings, The Roundtable, Homestead Living, The Healing Land, The Widow’s Path, Honest Conversations, Serving Our Neighbors, and a section called From the Publishers. This includes, One Minute with Marlin, Room to Bloom, Juneberry Hill, and bonus sections of All Things Outdoors, Business Spotlights, and Our Heritage. Their publication has blossomed into almost 50,000 homes, with an estimated readership of 300,000. See if you can find any brave knights within their pages. We see them all wearing the full armor of God.