Tremendous Tracey

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things," wrote John Stuart Mill—a quote we memorized as cadets at the Air Force Academy. Recently, I've heard colleagues express alarm about military strength, as if preparedness itself were the problem. But here's what they miss: weakness invites aggression. Always has. Always will. As someone who wore the uniform, I understand what Mill meant: the decay isn't in the soldier who stands ready to fight. The decay is in the soul that thinks nothing is worth fighting for. This Veterans Day, I'm grateful that despite all the noise and criticism of this nation, young men and women are still stepping forward to serve. Thank God for them.

Let us see this great nation as it is—not perfect, but profoundly united in purpose—a nation capable of confronting its past, reckoning with its flaws, and pushing forward with hope. Let us not be disillusioned by those who benefit from division—whether political activists, media outlets, or entertainment empires. Their goal is chaos; ours is covenant.

In the 7 Types of Followership framework, we call this rarest of followers the Mission Magnet. They are not swayed by personal gain or recognition. They don't follow out of fear or obligation. Instead, they are drawn—magnetically—toward something far greater than themselves. Whether it's a compelling leader, a righteous cause, or a divine call, Mission Magnets live and die with one purpose: to serve the mission, whatever the cost.