Jon Macaskill

This isn’t my daughter, but if this happened, I’d find this guy and make him an honorary member of the family!

We need more “Ronnies” and parents like Ronnie’s in the world.

Today we pay homage to the brave men who tragically lost their lives in Extortion 17. They were warriors, fathers, brothers, and friends, bound by a selfless commitment to safeguard the freedom we all cherish.

They were among the finest our nation had, proud warriors from the Navy SEALs, the Army, the Air Force, and the National Guard. Through their valor, they embodied the spirit of service and sacrifice, demonstrating an unshakeable dedication to their fellow service members and their country.

Their loss is a stark reminder of the risks our servicemen and servicewomen face every day, in every corner of the globe. It underscores the harsh reality that freedom is not free; it is safeguarded by the bravery and determination of individuals such as these.

Let’s honor their memory not just in words but also in deeds. May we uphold the values they defended and foster a world that is more just, peaceful, and kind. Their legacy lives on in every life they touched, in every challenge they faced, and in the undying spirit of courage they demonstrated.

Rest in peace brothers. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

(Pic credit - Fallen Angel documentary)

Appearances Can Be Deceiving

In life, we’re often drawn to the loud, flashy, and larger-than-life personalities.

They seem strong, invincible, and impossible to beat… but true strength rarely needs to show off.

Confidence is quiet. It’s built on preparation, resilience, and the ability to trust your skills.

It doesn’t demand attention—it earns respect.

Cockiness, on the other hand, is all about appearances. It’s loud, puffed up, and often fragile underneath.

It looks impressive until the moment it’s tested.

The real winners in life?

They’re the ones who focus on the work, not the show.

They don’t need to prove anything to anyone because their actions speak for themselves.

Sometimes, the most unassuming person in the room holds the greatest power.

Look past the noise.

True strength is in the substance, not the size.

Today, during my usual workout on the Peloton treadmill, I had an experience that was far from routine. I was watching 'The Covenant', a war movie, on the treadmill's new streaming service.

As a retired Navy SEAL, one particularly intense scene struck a nerve. My heart rate spiked from 150 to 175. I had to stop running. I found myself curled up on the treadmill, tears streaming down my face. It was unexpected, but there was a sense of release.

My fellow brothers and sisters dealing with trauma (battlefield or otherwise), today I was reminded that healing can come in many forms - even during a workout. It's okay to pause, to confront our emotions, to allow ourselves to cry. It's not a sign of weakness, but strength.

Let's not just face the battles on the field, but also the ones within us. Here's to healing, whenever and wherever it may find us!

This photo was taken on Father’s Day 2005 (Sunday June 19, 2005). The pics were sent home from sons to fathers, fathers to sons, husbands to wives, brothers to brothers, fiancés to fiancés.

Nine days later, 11 of these men spoke their last words and said their last goodbyes dying on Operation Red Wings alongside 8 Army Night Stalkers.

Life is precious. Cherish every moment! LLTB NSDQ

#gratitude #life #love #freedom

Tomorrow, as we mark the 248th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, we reflect on a legacy of valor and dedication that has shaped our nation’s history.

From the hallowed beginnings at Tun Tavern in 1775, the Marine Corps has stood as a symbol of excellence, embodying the highest standards of military efficiency and virtue.

This day is more than just a commemoration; it’s a reminder of the enduring spirit that has been the Corps’ hallmark throughout generations. It’s about honoring those who have worn the uniform and contributed to the Corps’ storied history. Each Marine, past and present, has played a role in forging a legacy of distinction and honor.

The Marine Corps Birthday is not just about reflecting on past glories but also about looking forward to the future. It’s about the commitment to maintain the Corps’ high standards and to carry forward the torch of excellence. Let’s celebrate this day with pride and recommit ourselves to the values that the Marines stand for – honor, courage, and commitment.

Happy 248th Birthday, Marines! Semper Fidelis!

I recently failed at something ... and it hurt... but I’m glad I did. At least it shows me I’m trying! Thanks Denzel!

Have you failed recently? Keep your head up. You’re trying and you’re improving!

#leadership #success #motivation

In the SEAL Teams, chaos wasn't a “maybe.“ It was guaranteed.
Mission planning frameworks kept us alive.
 
In business, it may not be life saving, but having some “mission planning“ frameworks handy can make or break your work or your team! Here are a few tools I've used to plan better, prioritize, delegate, and destress...
 
→ Eisenhower Matrix
↳ Not everything that's urgent is important.
↳ Use this to cut through the noise and focus on what actually moves the needle.
 
→ RACI Framework
↳ In Special Operations, unclear roles get people killed.
↳ In business, they kill projects. Know exactly who's Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed.
 
→ SMEAC (Five-Paragraph Order)
↳ From battlefield to boardroom: Situation, Mission, Execution, Admin/Logistics, Command/Signal
↳ Simple, clear, impossible to miss critical details.
 
→ STEA (Stimulus, Though, Emotion, Action)
↳ The same process that prevents combat casualties will prevent business disasters.
↳ Pause between the stimulus and your first thought. Master your emotions, make clearer decisions. (thanks Dr. Seth Hickerson for this one!)
 
Here's your mission: Pick ONE of these tools. Test it tomorrow. Watch how quickly things improve.
 
Remember: In both combat and business, clarity equals survival.
 
Want more battle-tested leadership insights? Follow me (Jon Macaskill) for strategies that work in the real world. 🎯