Herb Thompson

Remember 12 September 2001? We were united Americans!

Politics didn't matter. Bs didn't matter. Disagreeing didn't matter.

It shouldn't take another tragedy to bring us together. Many make a living from trying to divide us.

Let's all be Americans again. 🇺🇸

It's on us; no one else is coming.

#OwnYourJourney

If you’d told that boy in front of trailer # 34, he would go to #Cornell. He would have asked, What’s Cornell and an MBA?

Graduation did our way with friends that helped me make it through. The best team, America’s Team 🇺🇸, ▪️Andrew, Brandon, Chris, Chris K, and Vincent.

We could have never envisioned a global pandemic, but we adapted. I’m thankful to my classmates, professors, excellent staff, and family for their knowledge and support. I wouldn’t be here without them.

We can dream and we can accomplish goals when we believe in ourselves.

Own your journey!

The mindset of a soldier. 👇

Believing in something bigger than themselves.

Russia invaded Ukraine this week. A Russian warship approached Snake (Zmiinyi) Island and asked for their surrender.

The tiny outpost in the Black Sea had a choice to make. The boarder guards made the choice that most soldiers wished they would make in that situation.

“Russian warship, go f••k yourself.”

They were bombarded and all 13 were reportedly killed. However, they kept their honor.

They’ll be national heroes and have become a rallying cry for the Ukrainian people.

No soldier who’s been to war wants war. We know the toll.

When your homeland is attacked, you defend your family, country, and way of life.

Heroes of Ukraine

*Update: They were not killed but captured after running out of ammo. They're being held by the Russian military in Crimea.

#ownyourjourney

Happy Father's Day to all the dads who struggle so their kids can have a better life than them.

This man had what a father is supposed to be—all heart. I attempt to emulate his love with my kids.

It didn't matter if it meant working an extra shift at the plant or going without so his kids could have it better; he did it.

Swallowing his pride to go on welfare to provide for his family. He overcame that by making pizzas at the gas station so he wasn’t dependent on government assistance.

Telling anyone he could make listen about how his kid was special.

Driving through snow storms to wrestling practice because it was better training 45 minutes away than in our town.

Playing catch in the yard outside our trailer.

He believed his son could do anything he put his mind to, enabling me to learn and grow.

Blessed with the ability to make anyone laugh and fall asleep anywhere, including in front of countless generals at the only military awards presentation he went to for me.

A kid couldn’t ask for more.

#OwnYourJourney #parenting #leadership

I went from being at the tip of the spear overseas to being told I'd be good in the warehouse. 🤬

One week you’re operating in a dangerous situation overseas with the team your leading’s work being reported up to the White House. A few weeks later a recruiter at a hiring event thinks your ceiling is manual labor in a warehouse.

I had to adapt to my new environment, articulate my value, and work on my health. Many organizations / people helped me along the way. It’s why I’m grateful that groups like Special Forces Foundation exist.

They and others are doing great work in helping our warriors assimilate back into the U.S. for the rest of their lives.

If we’re going to thrive as a country, it’s essential work.

#OwnYourJourney #leadership #veterans

3 years ago today, I overcame to earn one of my most significant accomplishments.
I cleared CIF!

CIF = Central Issue Facility; it's the place In the Army that you return your issued military gear to. It's known for being more stringent than a Drill Sergeant conducting an inspection.

Equipment that may not have been used for 10-20 years and was issued to you covered in dust better be turned in ready for a lady in white gloves to dine on.

The “nice” folks that work at CIF are a special breed of people. To say they're sticklers is an understatement.

On my 2nd attempt, I got my cleared stamp. I “only” had to pay $117 for the items I’d been “issued and lost” over 20 years.

I did backflips and kicked my heels exiting the building.

#ownyourjourney

This week my boss conducted a stay interview. 👀

It’s another reason I’m a huge fan of ServiceNow.

Want to keep good talent, figure out why they may leave before they exit, and give them ownership in their careers.

Btw that’s not me headed for the exit. I’m opening doors for others to join me. 😉

#ownyourjourney #culture #servicenow

We couldn’t be prouder of my namesake. Being on the Autism Spectrum is not a disorder.

He graduated with academic honors and in the top 10 of his high school class. Then we partied!

I told him this is only the beginning and that he will accomplish anything he puts his mind too. The only thing that can stop him is him.

Next stop RIT for Engineering.

#OwnYourJourney #autismawareness #ProudDad

Next Monday is Memorial Day. Please don’t say “Happy Memorial Day”

It’s a day to remember those that gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom and way of life.

By all means, celebrate the memories of those who laid down their lives so we could live ours. Enjoy your day. They didn’t sacrifice for us not to enjoy our freedoms.

You may wonder what to do, I suggest doing what you like as it’s a free country. Think about a quiet moment of remembrance, attending a local ceremony, or talking with others about the day's importance.

If you’re wondering what to say on this particular day, try “I’m grateful for their sacrifice” or “I’ll never forget them.”

Remember, for many, especially Gold Star families. Memorial Day is every day.

#OwnYourJourney #military #grateful #NeverForget