American history is replete with heroes. Some we have heard of and some we have not. That is part of the secret sauce of freedom. When each individual uses their talents and abilities to their maximum potential, ordinary individuals can achieve extraordinary things.
An example of this is a young barber from Cherokee, Iowa. During World War I, he decided to enlist in the Iowa National Guard. As fate would have it, his unit was called into action. This unit was attached to the 168th U.S. Infantry Regiment and a part of the 42nd Division. It just so happens that a young major named Douglas McArthur called this the Rainbow Division because it consisted of National Guard units from across the United States.
Late in July 1918, the 168th Infantry found itself in the Second Battle of the Marne, confronting a major German offensive. Its charge was to push the Germans back to prevent the capture of Paris. The 168th was taking heavy casualties under the German assault, yet the platoon commander needed to have a message delivered to another platoon. This barber-turned-soldier did not hesitate and volunteered to carry the dispatch. Under heavy enemy fire, this private crossed the battlefield, but tragically was cut down by enemy fire as he neared the neighboring platoon. Pvt. Martin Treptow was only 25 years old.
After the battle ended, members of the 168th set out to recover the dead and wounded. As Pvt. Treptow’s body and personal effects were recovered, one of the items found was his personal diary. Inside the cover, the following was written:
“America must win this war. Therefore, I will work, I will save, I will sacrifice, I will endure, I will fight cheerfully and do my utmost, as if the issue of the whole struggle depended on me alone.”
Those are powerful words. Pvt. Treptow understood that the success of any endeavor depended on the commitment of each member of the team to do their very best. He also understood that his primary focus had to be on his efforts and contributions to the team. Maximizing HIS potential was all he could do to help the team succeed.
Too often we become preoccupied with what others are doing or not doing. This is basic human nature. We are all prone to this trap. We must not allow this mindset to control our lives as it leads to inaction. We excuse ourselves from getting involved because, how can one person overcome the problems we face today? That person over there is much more gifted than I am. How can I ever compete with them?
Each of us have unique gifts bestowed on us by God. There are certain things each of us can do in a way that no other person can. Perhaps you are not as eloquent a speaker as the next person? The way you explain the convention of states process to another person may connect in a way a ‘more eloquent’ speaker may not succeed. Never underestimate your ability to make a difference.
Our fellow countrymen are thirsty for a solution to the societal decline and turmoil we are experiencing. The Framers provided us with that solution in Article V of the Constitution. YOU have the ability to explain this solution is a way no other person can. Learn more about how you can do your part to change the direction of our future at www.conventionofstates.com, Live and work “as if the issue of the whole struggle depended on (you) alone.”
In liberty,
Brett
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