William Crawford, a Medal of Honor recipient for his heroic actions during World War II, retired from the Army and worked as a janitor at the US Air Force Academy so that he could remain close to the military.
This article by Colonel James E. Moschgat, United States Air Force, (Ret.) on the Officers’ Christian Fellowship website offers 10 lessons learned from the experience of this humble hero:
The third practice of the five SemperVerus components is BE, which emphasizes the importance of intentionally reinforcing rectitude in yourself. It’s stated thusly:
III. Be: developing rich personal leadership character of exemplary moral and ethical quality.
In the following 3-minute video TED Talk, entrepreneur Derek Sivers presents lessons about leaders and followers he observed one day on a hillside of people:
How do you handle unexpected and prolonged difficulties in your life? With frustration? Anger? Despair? Doubting God’s oversight and sovereignty in your situation?
[ Read SemperVerus articles on the topic of SPIRITUAL FITNESS ]
Instead, take the SemperVerus way: Stay True to what is right and Stay True to your aim, trusting God with all your heart.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Spiritual Fitness: Top 12 Acts for a Christian ]
What was scheduled to be an 8-day test flight of the Boeing Starliner capsule for US astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunni Williams turned into a 286-day test of endurance and conviction during an unexpected life-limiting stay in space aboard the International Space Station due to the capsule’s technical problems including helium leaks in its propulsion system and the failure of several reaction control system thrusters.
Wilmore, a devout Christian, leaned on his faith throughout the extended mission. He described his spiritual connection as “vital to existence,” emphasizing that knowing God was in control sustained him during the 9-month ordeal.
Keith Graves, founder and trainer of Christian Warrior Training, has developed the following 43-round course-of-fire pistol qualification for his church security team.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Interview with Keith Graves of Christian Warrior Training ]
Before allowing people to carry a firearm to protect the congregation, they must demonstrate competency with their weapon; at the very least, safe drawing and re-holstering, accurate shot placement, reloading magazines without prompting, and malfunction and stoppage clearing.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, What to Take to the Shooting Range—Including a Prayer ]
He says, “A proper annual qualification test is a non-negotiable requirement for church security. You know exactly where your incident will occur: in your sanctuary, your parking lot, your classrooms. Your qualification course should reflect that.”
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Firearms Training: A Directory of Shooting Drills ]
To qualify, he requires that all rounds must be verified on target; any miss from the target is considered a fail. If at any point a person’s firearm has a malfunction or stoppage, it’s up to the person to clear it and continue with the course-of-fire within the set time limit, otherwise it’s considered a fail. He allows 3 attempts to qualify; after 3 the person must practice and schedule another qualification session.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Organizing, Training & Running a House of Worship Armed Congregant Security Team ]
Watch him demonstrate the course-of-fire in the video below: