Interview With a Spy Part II

I recently flew to Washington, D.C. where I was to attend a conference and later planned to take some time to see my father who lives in Baltimore. I arrived just after sunset on a Sunday and had decided to visit the hotel lounge for a sandwich and a nightcap. There were three people in the lounge when I arrived; the bartender, a man sitting alone at a table off to my right reading a magazine, and me. 

"What can I get you?" asked the bartender.

"Club sandwich and a vodka-seven with a lime, please," I responded.

The Dolphins were playing the Steelers, and the Dolphins were actually winning—which was enough to catch my attention and hold my interest as the bartender placed a drink in front of me and turned away to prepare my order. So I made my way toward a table closest to the television.

"Dolphins fan or Steelers?" came a voice from the man sitting alone in the corner as I sat.

I turned and was surprised to see the familiar face staring back at me, smiling. "Mind if I join you?" he asked.

"Of course not," I said, somewhat astonished to see him there.

"How did you—" I managed before I decided not to even attempt to finish the question.

He just gave me that look, as if I should actually expect him to know.

Here I was, in the middle of downtown Washington, D.C. with none other than G Weston. Talk about uncanny. Well, maybe not, but you get the picture. I mean, here we were in the epicenter of political maneuvering, power, and influence, not to mention a city where there's most likely a camera in every conceivable obscure corner of just about anyplace you can imagine.

"Well?" he questioned. "Dolphins or Steelers?"

"Uhm, Dolphins," I stammered while trying to come to grips with the surprising encounter.

"Me too. Die hard fan, actually," he said as he watched the next play. "Just wish they could do what it takes to get back into the playoffs. Maybe this year," he added.

"OK, so did you follow me here to continue your interview?" I asked, secretly hoping I could pry his attention away from the game and get him to concede to another interview. "Or did you somehow accidentally notice me by sheer coincidence?  

He smiled as the bartender brought my food to the table and waited for the man to walk away before he answered.

"I figure I should follow up with you until we finish our interview," he responded, again with a smile. "Besides, I don't believe in accidents or coincidence."

"Cool," I simply responded. "Would you mind..." I asked as I pulled the cell phone from my pocket and activated the recorder app.

He agreed with a slight nod as I activated the app.

GW: So, I'm trying to recall just where we left off in our last interview, uh, discussion. I seem to recall asking you whether you're enjoying your new role in life.

JGW: Yes, I believe I was telling you just how quickly my mind can move under certain circumstances.

GW: Yes, let's talk about that mind, shall we?

JGW: We agreed that we're pretty much alike, you and me.

GW: Oh I'm fairly certain you're far more advanced than I am. After all, you're the spy whose abilities are critical to the success in most all of your missions.

JGW: OK, let's say for a moment that's true. Do you ever recall writing something about me or my influence on a mission or a situation where I operate independent of your ability to eloquently describe it?

GW: (I hesitated...a move that I had apparently had written all over my face.)

JGW: Didn't think so.

GW: OK. So, where would you like to go with this interview? What would you like the readers to know about you or the stories you're involved in?

JGW: Well, you mentioned the mind. I think I'd like everyone to know how fascinating the dream realm can be. I believe most everyone dreams but very few of us can recall more than a few remnants of what we believe we experienced. Don't get me wrong, the whole operational aspect of the job is exciting and has been known to spike my adrenal glands on more than one occasion, but having an ability to operate in more than one aspect plane of consciousness is a definite advantage.

GW: So, are your abilities limited to a few gifted people like yourself?

JGW: As you know, I have only met one other person who has come close to having the same abilities. He wasn't very nice. Those who have read Dream Operative know how that situation turned out.

GW: Then I take it that you consider yourself unique but not alone.

JGW: I would like to think that there are others who have abilities similar to mine that use it for the greater good, yes.

GW: It must be a fascinating experience...to actually know you're dreaming and to consciously move about in that state of mind.

JGW: I have to admit, it hasn't gotten old at all. I learn something new every time I enter that world.

GW: Can normal people like me ever expect to get to a place where we could remember our dreams with any clarity? If so, how?

JGW: The simple answer is yes. All you have to do is just ask.

GW: Explain.

JGW: When you lie down for the night or for a nap, simply ask to remember your dreams. Let's break that down, shall we? When you ask any question whatsoever, it is heard. Some of us believe God Himself hears it, while others believe it is simply the universe that absorbs the request. Either way, any question that is asked will be answered. It's what is known as an aphorism, or a universal truth. All we have to do is expect a response and remember to look for the answer. Also, if you take the actual word "remember," and break it apart slightly you get the word "re-member." Think about it...if you "re-member" something you are in fact putting the pieces back together again. It becomes a simple matter of collecting all the pieces until you establish order.

GW: That's great information and it's all well and good for after the fact—once we have awakened. But what about increasing our level of conscious awareness inside the dream state?

JGW: Let's save that for another time, shall we? For now, let's just agree that most anyone can slowly begin to remember their dreams if they ask. Oh, and it helps if you lie very still once you first awaken.

GW: Why is that?

JGW: Physical movement disturbs the remnants of the dream for some reason. It's something I haven't quite figured out why just yet. Oh, and one more tip. Keep a note pad at your bedside to record all of the elements of your dream that you can remember. Dreams belong in the alter-conscious realm and are not known to last long inside the conscious mind. Writing them down helps keep the remnants in place for easier recall.

GW: Good advice. Care to talk about why you're really in D.C.?

JGW: No.

GW: (smiling) OK, so let's talk about your next assignment. Where do you see it taking you next?

JGW: You know the drill. I'll reveal that to you incrementally as you're ready to write the next chapter of the next book. I think we both already know there's some business to take care of in the Caribbean. Good thing too because, as you know, I prefer a warm climate. Guess we'll just have to wait and see where that takes us.

Well, will you look at that...another Dolphin touchdown.

I looked up at the television and smiled as the Dolphins fans celebrated. When I turned back around he was gone. As suddenly and mysteriously as he had first appeared he had disappeared. But I'm certain of one thing—we'll have an opportunity to continue our chat some other time.

So stay tuned...- G -


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Gone But Not Forgotten

It's only fitting this Memorial Day that I honor the memory of a man who I have come to know as a true American Patriot─not so much by the valor he so courageously personfied in Southeast Asia and the annals of Viet Nam or the twenty-nine years he unselfishly served our country as an Airman in the United States Air Force─but for hero he was to his family, and for the influence he had on me.

Lawrence "Larry" Waddy, Jr. had an attractive spirit from the very moment I met him. His smile was contagious and his wisdom engaging. I learned of Larry's love for reading and easily related to him on an intellectual level from the start. A quiet-spoken man by nature, we would sometimes chat about writing, the structure of dialogue, and how the written word can literally change lives. He also had a love for photography which was evidenced by some of the most memorable shots in some of the world's most unique places.

Larry's warm smile and gentle ways provided an allure about him that was tough to resist. He was a true gentleman whose ways served as an example for others to emulate and to aspire. I see his spirit in his sons today as they too imbue the morals and values he must surely had instilled in them throughout their lives. I rest knowing his spirit lives on in them as they too will pass along the virtues he personfied in them.

Because he was introduced to me as "Dad' it was the name I had courageously decided to use; After all, his son Lance is as close as any brother I've ever had. It's been said that family can be defined in many ways and is oftentimes made up of people who aren't always connected by true blood lines. Such is my case with the Waddy family.

Larry died one week before the Memorial Day weekend, but not before having fought his last good fight against the infirmities that would take him from this earth to a place of eternal rest and solace where he joins his band of brothers and sisters that have gone before him. He leaves behind a legacy fitting of a true hero, having earned a Bronze Star and the highest enlisted rank in the US Air Force─Chief Master Sergeant.

A brilliant man with a brilliant mind and a joyful soul, I'm grateful to have known him, this father figure, hero, and friend. He will be missed but never forgotten.

In Memory of Chief Lawrence Waddy, Jr....Dad

Honor Memorial Day

In the true spirit of Memorial Day I wish each and every one of my fellow veterans an honorable day of rememberance. It is because of your sacrifices and those who served beside us that we live in the most diverse and free nation on earth, even to this day.

As the fitting motto states, "All gave some, Some gave all." Therefore, we Honor Memorial Day with reverence and respect to those who courageously stood against tyranny and oppressive forces with the conviction of their nation's values and democratic principles behind them and the resolve to emerge victoriously emblazoned in their hearts.

This solemn day we especially remember those who gave all so that future generations could have the hope of living in a world less voliatile and more free. Most of their names have been lost or faded over the years by most, but their sacrifices will never be forgotten and is evidenced by the fact that we are still free today.

America's might has been chipped away by those who fail to fully comprehend the value of strength through peace. Most of today's leaders have never served in the armed forces and can only lead by the wise counsel of their military advisors, should they decide to consider it. Those that do add to their arsenal a decision power that equips them with a courage to err on the side of democracy and America's foundational principles of freedom for all.

This day of memorium fittingly belongs to all who have given a part of their life to the greater cause of freedom and to the families who support them. If you are veteran or a family member who has supported a veteran, we salute you, not just during this Memorial Day holiday, but every day.

Honor Memorial Day!

Until next time!

- G -


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What are we fighting for?

Like a slow boil, an erosion of cohesion is taking place across America. Emotions are strong, opinions are diverse, and discord dominates. Why? What have we become? We are America because of and in spite of our differences. Our strength lies in the fact that we do not have a dominant race but are instead an eclectic melting pot of cultural diversity. Instead of embracing that however, we have allowed it to divide us.

Recently, I’ve watched as politicians, pundits, news media, and community organizers vie for a dominant position on perhaps one of the most sensitive topics of our time – race in America. Each side carries a self-serving agenda in the hope of acquiring power to assert their will, viewpoint, or motive across the very eclectic people of America using race as the basis of their argument. And not one of us likes it.

As a nation, we have historically existed because of and in spite of the predominant diversity of our demographics. We often clash over ideals and are a passionate people when it comes to the protection of our inalienable rights as Americans. It’s not always pretty, but we find a way. Even yet, we remain one of the strongest forces on the planet among all others, some of whom may never taste the very freedoms and rights we take for granted on a daily basis. Ask anyone who has served or traveled abroad just how real that statement is and they’ll affirm it.

Keep your passions in check.

I’m a white male. I generally lean conservative when it comes to a political point of view. I’m not overly religious but operate from a highly spiritual perspective. Like you, I have opinions, viewpoints, ideals, and passions. I also have a culturally wide diversity of friends and family. Those who know me know that I don’t give one damn about the color of your skin. My opinions are based on the content of one’s character and whether or not he or she is a uniter or a divider. The best I can offer to a person of color is empathy. I have not walked in their shoes so it is true that I have no idea of the disparages they encounter. But it goes to my point that if we collectively seek truth and healing, the cultural differences will strengthen us instead of continuing to exist as an American vulnerability.

It is said that we can learn a lot about a person in the first seven seconds of meeting them. I believe that to hold true for most of us. But the ugly divide that predominates our country at this time demands a lot more time than seven seconds to come together and move past that which divides us. The key to conquering that divide is in our approach.

Agree to disagree…without decay.

Most people don’t simply want to get their way. They want to be heard and they want their opinion to be respected. It’s really that simple, because if we respect the viewpoint and opinion of others, we gain empathy. When we gain empathy, we gain insight. And when we gain insight, a powerful healing effect takes place that brings us together. Only then can we collectively break away from that which divides us and begin to move toward that which unites us.

An opportunity.

We have an opportunity before us today that will define us as a nation. That opportunity has revealed itself to us on a grand scale by the increased rhetoric that continues to dominate the underlying issue. That issue is that there still exists a deep racial divide in this country that we need to get past. The opportunity lies in just how we handle it. It’s not up to politicians to exploit this opportunity because, as we’ve seen all too clearly, their judgment is clouded by their agenda.

It saddens me that those who have led this country (both past and present) seem so willing and ready to brush aside the opportunity to effectively lead us through the steps of healing we so desperately need as a nation. The opportunity to find common ground and come together as a nation is lost in personal, political, or cultural platitudes.

The opportunity that lies before us is one that requires us all to respect the differences we have while keeping an eye on the topic. Let’s not make it any more personal than it already is. OK, easy for me to say–or is it? There has been many a time when I’ve mistakenly injected my own bias or “feelings” into a topic when there was no reason to do so. The result: communication breakdown, discord, and resentment. The societal similarities can be seen on a daily basis.

Leaders need to lead, advocates need to advocate, rights and opinions need to be protected, and healing needs to take place. America needs a voice of confident calm to overtake the “conversation” I keep hearing that we so desperately need. I’m not convinced that voice should come out of Washington because, as I said earlier, they seem to be mired in their own ineptitude and shortsightedness.

I personally believe the rising division in our country is not about race insomuch as it is about the sociopolitical and economical realities we’re under. As a matter of opinion, I believe that, as a people, we continue to move past the blatant ugliness of the 1960’s. We are genuinely hurting in this country, as is most of the world. The economy is on the verge of collapse or a significant correction at best (believe it), unemployment is much worse than we’re told, savings are at an all-time low, the nucleus of the family has deteriorated, and we are more concerned about celebrity than our true heroes and warriors of freedom. It’s true that we have differences. But those differences rarely rise to the feverish pitch they have recently. What am I missing?

There is simply not enough room in this forum for me to depart on a diatribe of suggestions to address the issues that divide us. Suffice it to say, however, that we all need to take a step back, focus on the issues while doing our level best to keep our emotions in check for the sake of addressing those issues. Because the moment it gets personal, the conversation is over.

Let me know what YOU think. Something tells me you will...

Until next time!

- G -


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Sequester

As an active civil servant for the Department of Defense, I am called upon to serve at the direction of those appointed above me in my chain of command, from my immediate supervisor all the way to the SECDEF, who responds in accordance to the will of the president in response to the defense requirements and objectives of America. I'll be the first to admit that I don't always agree with the logic or some of the processes of our government. It's not perfect, but it's still the best in the world. What I do find difficult to comprehend lately is the ensuing madness and ineptitude that seems to continually emanate from our elected leaders, especially when it comes to running the housekeeping of our beloved nation.



Somewhere along the lines of checks and balances and a collective team approach of "we are the United States," we became enemies with and among ourselves. We have turned away from values and principles that have defined us as a nation and have instead become so polarized that it is literally crippling any chance we have to recover from the choices we have made to this point. Forget progress. We must first focus on stopping the hemorrhaging that'll get us to a place where we can begin to heal. We must return to the basics of that originally defined America if we are to project strength of any kind, let alone power from a purely defense perspective.

Our government, under the leadership of a divisive president and a dysfunctional legislative branch, are so at odds with each other that our country is quickly finding its way to a grinding halt. Washington hasn't created a budget in over four years, while spending has spiraled out of control to unprecedented levels. If any one of our families even attempted to operate a personal budget using Washington D.C.'s "creative processes" as a model, they'd not only be flat broke but would no doubt be in jail or an insane asylum. You simply cannot spend what you do not have!

I can report from an inside perspective, that the manner in which our government "reacts" to its fiscal obligations serves only to support uncertainty and discord among those of us who are entrusted to execute the mission while doing our level best to be good stewards of the taxpayer's money. There's a whole lotta belt tightening going on...has been for years. Given a defined framework (a budget) from which to operate and function, your government is able to plan and execute smartly in order to meet national security objectives. The absence of a budget, on the other hand, actually increases waste and decreases efficiency. Go figure!

As a civil servant, I have accepted ─ albeit with some reservation ─ the discontinuance of pay raises since 2010 (aside from the paltry one-half of one percent we recently received in 2013), and like so many other Americans, have seen the tax holiday expire, gas prices rise, and now, a possible sequestration, or furlough ─ which is essentially just another government word for "layoff." And we're being told (or sold) by Washington that we're in the midst of an economic recovery? What am I missing?

Because I belong to an organization whose charge is to support and defend the constitution, I understand the definition of sacrifice. I've lived it and seen many friends and colleagues die for it. Like so many others alongside me however, I keep waiting for the rest of the nation to come together to do their part. One party, one sector, one "side", or one man alone cannot fix this, nor should they be expected to. It is going to take the collective will of ALL Americans to stand up and address the issues.

America is wounded!  She is on one knee and needs EVERYONE to come to her aid.

It never ceases to amaze me that, for so many problematic issues in our country, politicians can typically be found at the epicenter, each side pointing fingers at the other in a standoff blame game, while those of us who pay their salaries fall victim to their inaction, ineptitude, and infighting by way of layoffs, pay freezes, hiring freezes, tax increases, and budget cuts. It's high time THEY become truly accounatable for their actions...or inactions. (Term limits anyone?)

I did not sign up for the kind of change we were promised five years ago. Granted, America needed to be changed then inasmuch as it still needs to be changed (some would argue even more so now than then). But the change America needed five years ago was a slight adjustment by way of a course correction, not a complete reversal. As a people, we know how to get there. We know that hard work and smart decisions are just the beginning to correct the course we need to be on in order to become strong once again.

Everyone knows with certainty that the sequester can be avoided. Unemployment can be lowered. Prosperity and pride can return to our country...if we'll just get out of the way, allow the free enterprise system to work, and stop trying to define the manner in which it should be framed. It cannot be fixed unilaterally. It cannot be repaired idealistically. And it cannot continue on its current trajectory for much longer.

It has been said that the best lessons lie in learning what not do inasmuch as they reside in learning the right thing to do. My hope is that we have learned all we need to know about what not to do in time to keep America from having to go down to both knees.

Let me know what YOU think.

Until next time!

- G -

 Please visit my website: www.gwestfal.com
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The Warrior Ethos

An ethos is simply defined as the fundamental spirit or character of a culture.  It embodies an underlying sentiment that forms the beliefs, customs, or practices of a group or society.  An ethos is often referred to as the moral element that drives a person’s actions over their thought processes or emotions.  In other words, it is a learned set of values that speaks to the core of personal convictions.

In the Greek ethos, the individual was highly valued.  The American military ethos is defined by a diverse set of values and principles across service spectrums that proudly reveal themselves with slogans, mantras, mission statements, and phrases that capture the essence of who they are and the beliefs they each hold close.  The common link among them all is service and excellence.  

The call to service is an honor that less than one percent of the American population has answered over the past decade.  It has been answered time and again by those who make a difference by stepping in to experience the ethos of the few who make a difference in the lives of the many.  Each service volunteer is exposed to a common set of values that combines individual experiences, personalities, abilities, and ideals into a collective team of excellence defined by a common purpose. 

The Warrior Ethos takes the American military ethos one step further.  It defines the one element that differentiates true warriors from poseurs.  This common critical element is at the heart of a warrior’s soul and is an integral part of what sets them apart from the rest.  It’s what personifies their nature and willingness to persevere.  The Samurai called this element kokoro, or, loosely defined, the indomitable human spirit.  It is that intangible element that refuses to give up.  It is a conglomeration of all of the virtues of a true warrior - courage, honor, conviction, loyalty, integrity, and selflessness – supported by an immovable force of human resolve.  Simply stated, the warrior is trained well, armed well, and mentally prepared to follow through with a mission and will not recede until it is complete.

The Warrior Ethos, therefore, is one that culls together the values of a service branch or specialty team, charges it with a mission, and supports it with tactical advantage, doctrinal principles, and the absolute best support infrastructure money can buy for maximum effect.  

 

The reason we remain a free nation is due in large part to the indomitable human spirit of the American Warrior Ethos.  It’s that ethos that precedes our reputation as the strongest warrior force on the planet, even still to this day.  Peace through strength, as President Ronald Reagan so eloquently phrased and practiced, is what keeps our enemies second-guessing any attempts to test the resolve of the greatest nation on earth.  

Until next time!

- G -

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Service Before Self

Scenario:  You’ve got five minutes remaining until your shift ends.  You’ve been looking forward to getting off work all day when, seemingly out of nowhere, a customer shows up who presents a unique problem that has to be taken care of right away.  You know you can address the problem and possess the expertise to easily take care of it, but it’s going to take thirty minutes more of your time to do it. 

Scenario:  Your buddy is pinned down by small arms fire.  The only way he can break free is if you put yourself in a vulnerable position to provide covering fire.  Bullets are flying everywhere and the area is getting hotter by the second.  You must act now if you expect to have any hope of saving his life. 

Scenario:  A deadline has been set for the completion of a task that is two weeks away.  There’s plenty of time built in to accomplish all the necessary work to meet or exceed expectations.  You have knowledge that will enhance the quality of the report but are significantly distracted by other obligations.  You can be proactive or reactive…the choice is yours.

Each of these scenarios presents unique perspectives that capture the essence of service before self.  Each requires a decision that pits self-interest against the answer to a higher call of service. 

All too often we hear messages that, although well-intentioned, distort the honor and benefits of service.  The messages speak well of self-discovery and offer motivating clichés to carving out a success path in life by keeping our eyes on our dreams and aspirations.  But they often fall short of revealing the full spectrum of instructions that adequately articulate the rewards of service.

The opportunity for service can present itself at any time under most any circumstance, as indicated by the diversity of the examples above.  The opportunity doesn’t always present itself in crisis.  Sometimes, it’s just a simple opportunity to serve.  Habitat for Humanity or the Red Cross blood donation comes to mind.  The complexity arises when we fail to remove our own self-interests from the equation and allow it to distort the opportunity to serve.  Doing so may cause us to miss the opportunity altogether.  And that’s unfortunate. 

The bottom line is this – when the opportunity to serve presents itself, we have one of two choices: to serve or not to serve.  Either choice brings with it an appropriate affect.  To serve is typically the honorable choice because, (and here’s the twist) out of sacrifice comes the richness of our decision.  You see, even the smallest gesture of service is richly rewarded in at least the knowledge that your actions enhance, preserve, or provide for the needs of someone else at the pause of your own needs and desires. 

Unselfish service has a way of finding favor with those who provide it.  The epitome of such service, in my humble opinion, is the Medal of Honor citation.  Those who have received it will be the first to tell you about how “others” are the real heroes deserving the recognition.  And perhaps there’s an underlying truth to that sentiment.  But it’s their unselfish act of service that garners the true recognition it so rightfully deserves.  Those who put service before self seldom seek recognition.  They act because it’s the right thing to do…plain and simple.  Whatever their motivation to act, Medal of Honor recipients stood tall at the hour of greatest need and said, “Pick me, I’ll do it.” 

But you don’t have to be a Medal of Honor recipient to step forward and in the interest of service before self.  Look for an opportunity to serve and, as the Nike slogan encourages, “Just Do It!” Put someone else first and your rewards will pay dividends far beyond your imagination.  After all, the highest form of recognition lies within.  It lies in knowing you contributed to enhancing the value or quality to someone’s life they otherwise would not have, if not for your unselfish service. 

Service before self can also be penned in a slightly different way: “Unselfish service!”  The sooner you take “me” out of the equation and replace it with “we” your entire perspective changes for the betterment of those around you, and I would argue, mankind.  Let’s face it, we live in a “me-centered” society where gratification has become the yardstick by which we measure our actions.  Whether you know it or not, your decisions affect the lives of someone.  Whether you choose to act (and serve) or whether you choose not to. 

This nation was founded on principles of service.  We look out for each other.  Its part of what made us the great nation we are today.  Are you doing your part?  Who have you helped recently?  Your church or civic organization always has a need for service providers.  You’re not expected to do it all...just what you can.  Collectively, we can all make a difference by placing service before self! 

Until next time!

- G -

"Unselfish service is the cornerstone of human compassion." - G. Westfal - 

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