Colonel Alvin E. Miller, Sr. on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations, leaders, and volunteers who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations, leaders, and volunteers  embody, "Be the change you want to see in the world.

 On Saturday, April 25, 2015 Colonel Alvin E. Miller, Sr  will join us in the studio to share about his 30 plus career in the military. He will also share about his life growing up in a community that counted on young men being in prison or in the grave. Instead of being a statics in the prison industrial complex, Colonel Miller, Sr. became a leader of leaders. Hear his storied journey from being a Treasure Coast, Florida native who graduated from Fort Piece Central High School where he excelled in sports.

After gradating from high school, Colonel Miller, Sr. attended college at Eastern Kentucky University. In 1979, he led Eastern Kentucky University to winning the NCAA-1AA National Football Championship (the first in school's history). ABC Television and Chevrolet Automotive Corporation voted Colonel Miller as the Semi-Final Championship Game and the National Championship Game MVP.

His stellar collegiate career led him to trying out for the Houston Oilers. Listen to Colonel Miller, Sr share how he transitioned from athlete to an Army officer and from military to ministry where he prayed for President Obama. Hear him talk about going from ghetto to God as he share his thoughts on the state of young black men today.

This interview promises to empower, inspire, and motivate you to live your BEST life. Living Your Best Life, can heard on 760 The Gospel in the Middle Tennessee region, Tune-In, www.UStream.TV and military bases from 9-10AM CST.

Can We Pause the Walter Scott Video?

The video of Walter Scott being shot in the back by officer Michael T. Slager. The video has been played over and over on every news cast.

The video shows that deadly force was used to stop Walter Scott. The video also shows how causal the officer Michael T. Slager looked right after Walter Scott fell to ground after being hit by five bullets. To many, the video proves that the death of Black and Brown people vary greatly from what the police officers report and what witnesses see. Many have commented that watching a video of someone being shot over and over desensitizes the masses and dehumanizes a human being.

The video is on every countless timelines on  Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms. And every cable outlet and mainstream media news cast have replayed the video of Walter Scott being shot multiple times and dying without ceasing since it surfaced two days ago. At what point does showing the video over and over, from the chase to the Scott falling on the ground to his death is enough? As grateful as the Scott family must be for the video being shared with them, when do we as the public and media say enough with the replays. Or at the very least pause the video out of respect for the grieving family.

#pausethevideo

Andrea Polk Talks Entrepreneurship on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Jump start your new by listening to Living Your Best Life  as we profile businesses, serial entrepreneurs, and non-profits that will empower, inspire, and motivate you to love your BEST life.

On Saturday, January 3, 2015, tune in to hear from serial entrepreneur, Andrea Polk, the founder of Solo Noir.  Solo Noir is now available at retailers around the country and online and has been a hit with men who invest in living a healthy lifestyle.

Listen to Andrea Polk share how she went from passion to purpose. Hear her discuss what it is like to take a leap of faith and turn down a 9-5 corporate job and join the ranks of entrepreneurship by launching an exclusive product line that initially required her attention 24/7.

Andrea will help guide those who have longed to become an entrepreneur with real life lessons about being determined, faithful, and focused as they make 2015 their year to start their own businesses.

Must hear radio!

This interview promises to empower, inspire, and motivate you to live your BEST life.Tune into 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, on Tune In, streaming live online at UStream.TV, and on military bases on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am CST.

More About Solo Noir

Solo Noir is a complete grooming line for men featuring 100% organic 2-in-1 grooming products.  For years the male grooming market has been overlooked and Solo Noir is the solution to the markets void. Solo Noir offers cutting edge skin care technologies coupled with ORGANIC ingredients to achieve skin perfection for our consumers.

Ole Miss' James Meredith on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Audio of interview can be found here.

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations, leaders, and volunteers who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations, leaders, and volunteers  embody, "Be the change you want to see in the world."

James Meredith on Graduation Day at Ole Miss

On Saturday, October 25, 2014 tune in to hear the fourth interview that focuses on the newly released book, Strong Inside: Perry Wallace and the Collision of Race and Sports in the South by Andrew Maraniss. Today's show will feature a conversation with decorated Air Force Veteran and the first Black to integrate Ole Miss in 1962, James Meredith. Listen to Mr. Meredith share his views on race, politics (then and now), and how the Ole Miss and Mississippi State University football teams are now game changers in the discussion of race relations not only in the South but around the world.

Hear Mr. Meredith's views on how sports can bring solutions to race relations and why he believes Ole Miss and Mississippi State University performances on the football field during the last three weeks have forever changed the state of Mississippi.

The foreword of Strong Inside is a passage from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail" t:

  “One day the South will recognize its real heroes. They will be the James Merediths, with the noble sense of purpose that enables them to face jeering and hostile mobs, and with the agonizing loneliness that characterizes the life of the pioneer.”

 Listen to the similarities between Vanderbilt's Perry Wallace, the first Black to play in the Southeastern Conference, lonely journey as a pioneer and James Meredith's historic integration of Ole Miss. You will also hear the differences in their approaches to the jeering mobs that came with their heroism and the mental stress of attending school daily under such riveting conditions.

This interview promises to empower, inspire, and motivate you to live your BEST life.Tune into 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, on Tune In, streaming live online at UStream.TV, and on military bases on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am CST

 More About James Meredith:

   “The traditional practice in Mississippi has been to eliminate potential troublemakers before they have a chance to cause trouble. Far more Negroes have been lynched for having a bad or wrong attitude (by Mississippi ‘White Supremacy’ standards) than for committing a particular crime. Whenever a Negro questioned the status quo in Mississippi, he just simply disappeared.”

From James Meredith’s book, Three Years in Mississippi

Author is only one of many hats worn by the enigmatic James Meredith. Born June 25, 1933, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, Meredith is best known as the first African-American student of the University of Mississippi. Meredith served in the Air Force from 1951 to 1960, including a tour of duty in Japan. He then attended Jackson State College for two years. In the fall of 1962 Meredith risked his life when he successfully applied the laws of integration and became the first black student at the University of Mississippi, a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement which sparked riots on the Oxford campus that left two people dead. 

 

In 1966 he recounted the experience in his first publication, Three Years in Mississippi. Of that book, a reviewer for Newsweek wrote, “Seldom is a piece of violent history so dispassionately dissected by one of its participants as it has been by James Meredith in this three-years-later study of his breakthrough at the University of Mississippi. Part report and part legal brief, part manifesto, part tract, it is a valuable and fascinating account.” 

Shortly after the publication of Three Years in Mississippi, Meredith conceived and organized the “Walk Against Fear,” a march from Memphis to Jackson, Mississippi, in a bold and selfless repudiation of the physical violence faced by African-Americans for exercising their voting rights. Meredith was shot on the march, and when he was physically able to resume the march, he did so, joined this time by the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., and other prominent civil rights leaders of the day.

In 1968 Meredith received a LL.B. from Columbia University. Meredith’s career has included a run for a congressional seat in 1972 and, in perhaps his most controversial move yet, a stint on the staff of arch-conservative Senator Jesse Helms beginning in 1989. Meredith’s most recent publication is a historical work: Mississippi: A Volume of Eleven Books was published in 1995. 

On March 21, 1997, James Meredith presented his papers to the University of Mississippi where they are maintained by the Special Collections branch of the J.D. Williams Library. 

Credit: University of Mississippi


Photo Credits: University of Mississippi, Vanderbilt University

Andrew Maraniss on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

 Update: Audio of show can be found here.

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations, leaders, and volunteers who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations, leaders, and volunteers embody "Be the change you want to see in the world."

 

On Saturday, October 4, 2014 tune in to hear one of several interviews that will focus on the life Perry Wallace and "the Collision of Race and Sports in the South" with Andrew Maraniss who will discuss his first book, Strong Inside.  Maraniss will share about Perry Wallace's, (the first African-American to play sports in the Southeastern Conference) early childhood, his life at Pearl High School, and his historic decision to play basketball at Vanderbilt University. Unknown to Wallace at the time, his decision to attend Vanderbilt would forever change sports in the south and would become a defining moment in race relations in our country.

Maraniss will share how he first learned of one of America's unsung pioneering heroes during his sophomore year at Vanderbilt University. Maraniss wrote about Wallace for a Black Studies class. That initial paper lead to more stories on Wallace by Maraniss when he became the sports editor of Vanderbilt's student newspaper. Maraniss relationship with Perry Wallace continued even when his pen was not writing about him.

Tune in to hear the engaging conversations between the show host, Genma Holmes, and Andrew Maraniss as they  discuss Perry Wallace's great achievements in higher education and his stellar performances on the basketball court that came with isolation, constant worry about his life, and delayed satisfaction. They also discuss the contrast between many Civil Rights Era leaders who were often marching with others and trailblazing Wallace who played alone in arenas filled with taunting jeering crowds while he played basketball games as the only African-American in the SEC.

Stong Inside chronicles not only Perry Wallace's life before and after the game of basketball at Vanderbilt, but time stamps events in Nashville and around the country. The author and host believe that Strong Inside can be used to initiate healthy race relations discussion while giving us an insight into present day events.

This interview promises to empower, inspire, and motivate you to live your BEST life.Tune into 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, on Tune In, streaming live online at UStream.TV, and on military bases on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am CST.

More About Andrew Maraniss

Strong Inside is the first book by Andrew Maraniss. A partner at McNeely Pigott & Fox Public Relations in Nashville, Andrew studied history at Vanderbilt University as a recipient of the Fred Russell – Grantland Rice sportswriting scholarship, earning the school’s Alexander Award for excellence in journalism and graduating in 1992. He then worked for five years in Vanderbilt’s athletic department as the associate director of media relations, dealing primarily with the men’s basketball team. In 1998, he served as the media relations manager for the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays during the team’s inaugural season, and then returned to Nashville to join MP&F. The son of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and best-selling author David Maraniss and trailblazing environmentalist Linda Maraniss, Andrew was born in Madison, Wis., grew up in Washington, D.C. and Austin, Texas and now lives in Brentwood, Tenn., with his wife Alison, and their two young children.

Follow Andrew on Twitter @trublu24 and visit his website at andrewmaraniss.com.

Photo credits:  Vanderbilt University, Andrew Maraniss, and Genma Holmes

Alpha Phi Alpha's General President Mark S. Tillman on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

On Saturday, February 8, 2014, tune in to hear Mark S. Tillman, the General President of the first Black Greek Fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha. Listen as Mr. Tillman shares his journey from Dillard University to becoming the 34th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha. Hear him share the rich history of the fraternity and how the organization is building on the foundation that was started at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York in 1906.

Mr. Tillman will discuss Alpha Phi Alpha's role in the building of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s National Memorial and the legacy of Dr. King to not only Alpha Phi Alpha but to the world. Hear him share about many notable Alpha men who helped shaped the Civil Rights Movement. He also honors the many unknown chapter members who were tireless foot soldiers who helped ignite the fire of the movement and kept it going.

Mr. Tillman will also discuss national partnerships and initiatives of Alpha Phi Alpha and share his vision for Alpha Phi Alpha under his leadership. Mr.Tillman stresses the importance of Black men mentoring young men and boys. He will also address our military who are serving our country and give thanks to them and their numerous sacrifices.

This interview promises to empower, inspire, and motivate you to live your best life!

Living Your Best Life Radio can be heard on 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, on Tune In Radio, streamed live on the web at UStream.TV and on military bases on Saturdays from 9:00-10am CST.


More About Mark S. Tillman, 34th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha

Mark S. Tillman has over 20 years of membership in Gamma Lambda chapter in Detroit, Michigan. He continually serves his chapter as a tireless contributor to its programs, service projects, and brotherhood activities. He has represented his chapter as a delegate to conventions, at every level, and has been a chapter officer in six chapter administrations.

Mark. S. Tillman is a key contributor on the Management Information Systems Committee that introduced the fraternity to AlphaNET and has also served as the workshop presenter on its use. He was instrumental in having the Midwestern Region to be the first region to use AlphaNET for regional conventions and has guided its adoption for two other regions. He also dedicated his time to educate chapters and members to utilize this tool to its full capability to streamline chapter operations.

Outside of Alpha Phi Alpha, Tillman has over 20 years of information technology experience and combined service with the Hewlett-Packard Company (HP) through an acquisition of Electronic Data Systems (EDS). He is a technology consultant and Lead Offering Engineer where he leads a global team of systems engineers to design, build, and test server platform solutions. He provides leadership in determining technical direction, research, analysis, and implementation plans for new technology standards and processes. Tillman chairs an employee-network group at HP where he promotes and executes programs that enhance professional development and diversity within the IT profession. Tillman is also a member of the Black Data Processing Association (BDPA).

Mark S.Tillman is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. He completed his bachelor’s degree in computer science at Dillard University in 1988. To ensure balance with Alpha Phi Alpha and his personal life, Tillman is celebrating over 15 years of marriage to his wife Velicia. He is also a three-time mentor with Big Brothers/Big Sisters for nine (13) years.

As General President of Alpha Phi Alpha, Mr. Tillman encourages all Alpha men to get active with the general organization, and subsequently, with a local chapter. To get active, click here.

(Special thanks to all the Alpha Men in my life who helped make this interview possible. Special thanks to Eddie Francis, Dr. Melvin Johnson, Bryan Kelley, the HBCU Radio Network, Mocha Market and College Crib!


Other Fraternity Interviews: Omega Psi Phi, Kappa Alpha Psi, Delta Delta Delta, Phi Beta Sigma

Photo Credits: NPS and Alpha Phi Alpha-used with permission.

Dr. Boyce Watkins and Kappa Alpha Psi's Guide Right Chairman L-Mani S. Viney on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations and leaders who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world".

Throughout 2013, listeners will hear from presidents of organizations who are global change agents. We will also hear from CEOs of social enterprise businesses who are changing communities and college educators who are taking their students out of the classroom and into surrounding neighborhoods to learn and serve others.

On Saturday, July 20, 2013, we are to hear from long time activists and educator, Syracuse University's Dr. Boyce Watkins. Dr. Watkins, known as "The People Scholars", will give us his take on the recent events since the reading of the not guilty verdict in the George Zimmerman case. He will share with us what the readers of Your Black World are commenting on the most and what the reactions to the verdict tell us about the state of race relations in our country.

Also on the show, long time mentoring advocate, educator, and National Chair of the Kappa Alpha Psi's Kappa Guide Right program, L-Mani S. Viney. Listen to him share how communities can help empower young men to become achievers. Viney believes that too few adults are engaged in helping harness the power of educating our youth. Hear his passion about loving to serve young men not in the glare of the media spotlight but color 365 days a year.

Tune into 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, on Tune In,  streaming live on line at UStream.TV , and on military bases on Saturdays from 9:00-10am CST.

More About Dr. Boyce Watkins

Dr. Boyce D. Watkins “The People’s Scholar”, is one of the leading social commentators, black speakers and high action freedom fighters in America. In his words, “We don’t need more PhDs in the black community, we need more Ph-Dos”. He advocates for education, economic empowerment and social justice and has changed the definition of what it means to be a black scholar and leader in America. He is a Blue Ribbon Speaker with Great Black Speakers, Inc. and one of the top black speakers in America.  He is also the author of “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About College” and “Financial Lovemaking 101: Merging Assets with Your Partner in Ways that Feel Good.”


In addition to publishing a multitude of scholarly articles on Finance and investing, Dr. Watkins has presented his message to millions, making regular appearances in various national media outlets, including CNN, Good Morning America , MSNBC, FOX News, BET, NPR, Essence Magazine, USA Today, The Today Show, ESPN, The Tom Joyner Morning Show and CBS Sports. He is also the favored Financial Expert and social commentator for “The Wendy Williams Experience”, which has 11 million listeners nation-wide. Through his Step Up and Go to College Tour, he has spoken to over 50,000 African-American youth about the benefits of obtaining a college education. As a black financial speaker, he has given financial advice to millions of African-Americans through his series “Get your paper straight” and “Black Love, Black Money, Black Relationships” as well as over 150 national television, radio and print interviews in the last 2 years alone. He is also a faculty affiliate with the College Sports Research Institute at The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Finally, he has fearlessly endured firestorms of controversy for his willingness to honestly and intelligently address racial inequality in university hiring/tenure practices, NCAA athletics, the prison system, “mainstream media” and the educational system.

More About L-Mani S. Viney

L-Mani S. Viney is widely known and respected for his passion and zeal for mentoring young men of color. As an educator and national chair of the Kappa's Guide Right programs, Viney is focusing his energy to ensure the Guide Right programs provide positive impact needed to help young men of color throughout the nation. Viney adopted “Our Kids, Our Responsibility” as the theme for Kappa’s Guide Right efforts. “To truly judge if we are making an impact, we, as Kappa men, have to influence the policies and programs and discussion about young men of color,” Viney explains. Guide Right’s focus will be the national campaign known as the Diamonds in the Rough which focuses on empowering the achievement of young men of color by providing greater opportunities to attend college and access scholarships.

Viney goes on to state, “Young men of color are labeled ‘at risk’, which triggers the perception that someone needs to ‘save the day’; but you can’t tell a kid ‘You can go to Harvard’ without the tools, support and parental engagement,” Viney says.Guide Right will provide those tools. Grand Polemarch Bates' Diamond in the Rough program is designed to guide Kappa Leaguers to more than $1,000,000 in scholarship awards. We will also pursue an aggressive SAT and ACT prep program to increase scores,” he continues. To learn more about the program go here.


Dr. Boyce previous show can be found here .
L-Mani S. Viney previous show can be found here.

Windsor Neckwear and Alfred Edmond, Jr. on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations and leaders who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world". Hear from CEOs who are changing communities and founders of networks that are changing how business is done by changing the rules, one conversation at a time.

On Saturday, December 1, 2012 we will hear from Alfred Edmond, Jr. and the founders of Windsor Neckwear, Michael McPherson Jr. and Mace Neal III. Just in time for the holiday gift giving season, listen to the story of two young men launch Windsor Neckwear with an $80.00 investment. Hear their inspirational story and how it caught the eye of a business icon, Alfred Edmond, Jr. The quality of their work lead to a collaboration with Edmond to launch A.E.J. signature bow ties.

Anyone with a burning desire to start their business in 2013, this show will encourage you on how to follow you dreams and not let others 'no' determine your destiny in life. This show is also for the neckware connoisseur with impeccable taste who loves quality workmanship that stands out in a boardroom or business meeting. And for those who love to give the perfect gift, tune in to hear where to buy the A.E.J. Collection.

Living Your Best Life, radio that empowers, inspires, and motivates you to live your BEST life, is heard on 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, the Inspirational Network, military bases and live streamed at Ustream.TV from 9-10AM CST.


More About Windsor Neckwear 

 What began in 2008 as a common passion for men's neckwear has become a rapidly growing business venture between Michael McPherson Jr. and Mace Neal III.  The concept for Windsor Neckwear was first thought of on one of many shopping voyages between Michael and Mace.  One day while shopping for a new tie in a popular men's store the duo walked away disappointed in the lack of variety and similarity in a sea of what looked like repetitive ties!  After a brief discussion about the lack luster experience Mike said "we should start our own necktie line" and Mace simply responded "yeah we should".  From that day forward the duo never looked back.  Windsor Neckwear began with a total $80.00 investment between Mike and Mace who purchased fabric and a quick sew necktie pattern.  Initially they began making hand made ties, ascots, and pocket squares.

The plan was to always have their line manufactured on a larger scale so they spent the first year and a half learning the manufacturing business and building capital to develop their first line.  In late 2009 after garnering the support of a manufacturing facility they made their first line of four designs. There were several issues with their first experience but they managed to sell out of all four designs in three weeks!  From that point Windsor Neckwear has expanded to offering a vast array of beautiful neckties each unique in their own way.

To not fall into the pit of "designers block" and creating a basic collection, Windsor Neckwear made it their practice to produce limited quantities per design.  The most they will produce of any one tie in a specific color is 50 pieces, they do this to constantly introduce new products, keep their items exclusive and to always keep the creative juices flowing.  This has worked well for Windsor Neckwear and because of this they always tell their customers "if you see it and like it then get it, because it won't be available long".  Click here for more of their story.

More About A. E. J. Bow Tie Collection

The Alfred Edmond Jr. Bow Tie Collection features stunning 100% woven silk, hand cut, limited edition bow ties.  The Alfred Edmond Jr. Collection silk is made with high needle counts for a luxurious feel, appearance, quality and durability.  Each bow tie is made in a 2.75 inch width which is the perfect size for a business environment, night on the town or casual wear.

The Bow Ties in this collection are truly limited edition, available in only 25 pieces per color and style.  This limited production allows you to have a rare piece of neckwear that will allow you to fit in while standing out. 

Full Circle: A Marine's Story

Guest Post by: Lance Corporal Roger Cornelius Holmes, II

The reasons why many join the military are varied as the stars above. My reasons for enlisting shook up my family but helped usher me into manhood without me ever looking back.  I was always curious about the military. I inquired about military service often during my high school years. But I also wanted to follow in the footsteps of my dad, Roger Holmes, (88); my uncle, Eric Holmes (90); and my brother, Franz Holmes (2008 and 2010), who are graduates of Tennessee State University (TSU). They also played sports at TSU.

As a freshman in the fall of 2009, my only care was being able to try out for the football team in the spring semester. While dreaming about football, I paid no attention to my grades. I was enrolled in school full time but my heart was not in it. By the second semester, I had lost track of any sense of order. Let me not forget the girls and partying were also part of my problem. Chaos seemed to rule my life.

In a chaotic state at every turn, I eventually got tired of drifting. I had a long conversation with myself. I did not want to be 21 living at home with family with disorder as a way of life. I had squandered my first year of college on everything but getting an education. I wanted to be on my own but I knew I needed structure, discipline, and maturing. My curiosity about the military started to resurfaced again. After weeks of contemplating my future and getting counseling from family members who were in the military, I chose to join the United States Marines Corps.

 The structure, discipline and maturity I craved, I got. And then some.  I was bused to Parris Island with only my tooth brush and my driver license. I left behind my very bad freshmen year and was challenged mentally and physically that only the few, the proud could endure. After graduating from Parris Island, it did not take me long to realize that I chose the right path in life for me. I was doing something I loved and was honored to be a part of Marines. After my first year in the Marines, I began to inquire about becoming an officer. My mentor, Gunnery Sergeant Bryant, sat with me in a meeting to help me chart a military career. My life came full circle after that meeting. In order to become an officer, I needed to finish college.

Instead of the unsure immature person who enrolled in college in 2009, I came back to TSU confident with goals to become an officer, while still serving my country. I felt my life had a purpose and found my calling. I made my decision to join the military over two years ago. I believe that every step I took led me down that path. I have not looked back.  While I am following in my dad, my uncle, and brother's footsteps with an education from the family's Alma Mater, I am also charting my own course as I continue to serve my country as a member of United States Marine Corps. I am one of the few, the proud. I am a Marine. Semper Fi.

Holmes story is printed in the issue of Mocha Market Magazine. (Faces of Patriotism)

Photos: Genma Holmes and John Cross (TSU photo)

USMC Vietnam Veteran Bert Watkins on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

 Update: Audio of Bert Watkins' Interview can be found here.
                Photos from Living Your Best Life can be found on Facebook



Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations, leaders, and individuals who lead by example. With acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world".

On Saturday, November 10, 2012 join us as we celebrate the United States Marine Corps 237th Birthday and show honor to our veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Tune in as we honor the patriotism, service, and sacrifice of men and women who have serve in our armed forces around the world. Listen as we hear from Marine Veteran Bert Watkins who fought in the Operation Swift during the Vietnam War. Hear his first hand account of one of the most hard fought battles during the war. He will also share why the importance of supporting our veterans and active duty military. He will give sage advice to current military families and to the growing Veteran community as he share from chapters of his decorated career.

Living Your Best Life, radio that empowers, inspires, and motivates you to live your BEST life, is heard on 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, the Inspirational Network, military bases and live streamed at Ustream.TV from 9-10AM CST.

More about Bert Watkins

Master Sargent Bert N. Watkins ⁽USMC RET.)

During his career^, he served at Camp Lejeune and Viet Nam. After his active tour of duty, he joined the Marine Corps Reserves where he retired from in 1992. During his militray career, he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal w/v; the purple Heart' Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, President Unit Citation, Viet Nam Service Medal with 2 Stars, and the Viet Nam Campaign Medal w/Device. He is the married to Edwina Watkins and the father of four children. He is serves as an Elder at Living Word Church in Goodlettsville, TN. Tim and Sonyo Slaton are the Pastors.

Operation Swift: September 4-15, 1967

Operation Swift was a military operation that took place in the Vietnam War. The mission, involving forces of the 1st Marine Division, was carried out to rescue two Marine companies which had been previously ambushed by the North Vietnamese Army. Launched on September 4, 1967 the ensuing battles killed 127 Americans and an estimated 600 North Vietnamese. Despite their withdrawal after having suffered much higher losses, the NVA had accomplished their objective of inflicting remarkable American casualties.

Sweep operations were then initiated to shield the local populace from intimidation during upcoming elections. Operation Swift, intended to be the fourth and the last of the 1967 operations in the Que Son Valley, began unofficially the morning of September 4 when Delta Company, 1st Battalion 5th Marines (1/5) was attacked before dawn by a superior PAVN force while setup in a night-time defensive perimeter next to the village of Dong Son.

The local Battalion Commander was Lt.Colonel Peter Hilgartener who sent 1/5's Bravo Company to Delta’s relief, which was all he had at the time. With Bravo and Delta companies heavily engaged, Mike and Kilo companies from the adjacent 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines (3/5) were sent to relieve them. Ambushed and aggressively attacked, these two companies were also pinned down in separate enclaves by the early afternoon. During the fighting Sergeant Lawrence Peters earned a posthumous Medal of Honor for leading his men in repulsing repeated attempts to overrun his position. Navy Chaplain Lieutenant Vincent Capodanno was also awarded a posthumous Medal of Honor for his efforts in pulling wounded men to safety in face of overwhelming enemy fire. Sergeant Thomas C. Panian was also awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism for organizing the defense of India Company, 3 Bn/5 Marines; and holding off subsequent attacks over 8 hours of combat.
Marine artillery fire and Marine jet fighter-bombers prevented the Marine infantry companies from being overrun. A Marine A-6 silenced an anti-aircraft gun emplacement, allowing more air support against PAVN positions, and a fresh Marine company launched a dawn counterattack September 5. This pressed the PAVN into breaking contact. With all engaged companies now relieved Colonel Stanley Davis, commanding the 5th Marines, ordered 1/5 and 3/5 to pursue the withdrawing PAVN. This officially began Operation Swift.

In the early afternoon of September 6 two battalions of the NLF 1st Regiment attacked Bravo company, the lead company of the 1st Battalion. Bravo 1/5 was isolated and nearly overrun but held when Marine artillery rained tear gas around their position. Sergeant Rodney M. Davis, Platoon Guide of 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, purposely absorbed the force of an NVA grenade to protect the lives of other Marines during that fight. Sergeant Davis was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for this action.

The nearby 3rd Battalion was also heavily engaged a few hours later. India Company, dispatched to attack a hill held by the enemy, was isolated and nearly overrun by the NLF 1st Regiment's previously uncommitted 3rd Battalion. Kilo Company fought through the NLF and relieved India but the two companies were then found to have too many casualties to move. Two determined night assaults by the NLF were repulsed, and Mike Company eventually fought through against weakening opposition as the NLF withdrew.

As the enemy withdrew, the Marine battalions continued to press them in a series of bitter engagements. By September 15, the PAVN 2nd Division and NLF 1st Regiment had largely given up contesting the southern half of the Que Son Valley. The area remained quiet from then until the Marines turned all of southern I Corps over to the U.S. Army at the beginning of 1968. U.S. intelligence agencies later determined that the two enemy regiments that had been most active during Operation Swift were subsequently unfit for combat.

As Operation Swift concluded large U.S. Army units arrived in southern I Corps, allowing the 1st Marine Division to base a substantial force in the Que Son Valley on a permanent basis.

 ^{More About the United States Marine Corps}

The history of the United States Marine Corps began with the founding of the Continental Marines on 10 November 1775 to conduct ship-to-ship fighting, provide shipboard security and discipline enforcement, and assist in landing forces. Its mission evolved with changing military doctrine and foreign policy of the United States. Owing to the availability of Marine forces at sea, the United States Marine Corps has served in nearly every conflict in United States history. It attained prominence when its theories and practice of amphibious warfare proved prescient, and ultimately formed a cornerstone of the Pacific Theater of World War II. By the early 20th century, the Marine Corps would become one of the dominant theorists and practitioners of amphibious warfare. Its ability to rapidly respond on short notice to expeditionary crises has made and continues to make it an important tool for American foreign policy.

^{United States Marine Corps 237th Birthday: Origins and Traditions}
 

Prior to 1921, Marines celebrated the recreation of the Corps on 11 July with little pomp or pagentry.^[ On 21 October 1921, Major Edwin North McClellan, in charge the Corps's fledgling historical section, sent a memorandum to Commandant John A. Lejeune, suggesting the Marines’ original birthday of 10 November be declared a Marine Corps holiday to be celebrated throughout the Corps. Lejeune so ordered in Marine Corps Order 47:

MARINE CORPS ORDERS No. 47 (Series 1921) HEADQUARTERS U.S. MARINE CORPS Washington, November 1, 1921 759. The following will be read to the command on the 10th of November, 1921, and hereafter on the 10th of November of every year. Should the order not be received by the 10th of November, 1921, it will be read upon receipt. On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress. Since that date many thousand men have borne the name "Marine". In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history. The record of our corps is one which will bear comparison with that of the most famous military organizations in the world's history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence the Marine Corps has been in action against the Nation's foes. From the Battle of Trenton to the Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war, and in the long eras of tranquility at home, generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every corner of the seven seas, that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security. In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term "Marine" has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue. This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the corps. With it we have also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our Nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea" since the founding of the Corps. JOHN A. LEJEUNE, Major General Commandant

The first formal ball was celebrated in 1925, though no records exist that indicate the proceedings of that event. Birthday celebrations would take varied forms, most included dances, though some accounts include mock battles, musical performances, pageants, and sporting events.


The celebrations were formalized and standardized by Commandant Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr. in 1952, outlining the cake cutting ceremony, which would enter the Marine Drill Manual in 1956. By tradition, the first slice of cake is given to the oldest Marine present, who in turn hands it off to the youngest Marine present, symbolizing the old and experienced Marines passing their knowledge to the new generation of Marines. The celebration also includes a reading of Marine Corps Order 47, republished every year, as well as a message from the current Commandant, and often includes a banquet and dancing if possible. In many cases, the birthday celebration will also include a pageant of current and historical Marine Corps uniforms, as a reminder of the history of the Corps. Marines are reputed to celebrate the birthday, regardless of where they may be in the world, even in austere environments or combat.


Photo Credits: Genma Holmes and Bert Watkins


^{History: USMC and Wikipedia}