Thinking Global from a War Veteran

This is a message about hope and cross cultural understanding inspired by a special Veteran.

We've all run into the so-called 'Ugly American'... traveling in their local circle creating dust, mayhem and bad feelings wherever they go. They have opinions that are black and white, and they're not afraid to voice them. They are tolerated and even sometimes appreciated in their own circle, but when they're out and about, and especially overseas, it isn't pretty. Bad feelings are sure to follow.

This post is not about them. This is about the 'Attractive American' who is kind, volunteering, respectful, trusting, listening, humble and helpful. My father-in-law Harold was an Attractive American, and even now 10 years after his death, he is a daily inspiration.

Harold was born 2-22-22 in Salt Lake City and was a US Marine who fought in the Pacific. He never talked about those days until he approached end of life. Then suffering from Alzheimer's, our daughter interviewed him for a school Veterans Day project, and the horrifying stories came out. He was a brave, selfless and humble hero.

Where have all the heroes and Attractive American's gone? The news is often filled with petty people with small arguments and minds. They get the media's attention. And yet throughout the country and in every neighborhood there are Harolds everywhere quietly going about their life way under the radar screen. We recognize and celebrate them for their grace and humanity when they're close to us.

These are my global heroes. Examples include foreign service diplomats who quietly go about their business doing citizen diplomacy well under the radar screen of attention. They spread positive feelings throughout the world because they show the inner beauty of Americans through thick and then. They connect with people to put out best foot forward so that the world becomes a little better place.

It happens in business too, where leaders show these same qualities... staying calm, cool and collected despite the stress of travel. It's not easy to do - but they make it effortless.

I imagine that Chris Stevens was one such Attractive American. He died in Libya doing what he loved and making the part of the world he touched a little better, one person at a time.

These folks are worthy of our daily thoughts and respect. Miss you Chris Stevens. Miss you Harold.