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Veteran

From Boots to Books

My name is Brenda Nason Smull and I am a New Jersey native, Rutgers Alumni, US Army Veteran and Distinguished Toastmaster.  

My recently published book “Strong Words and Simple Truths: The Courage to Communicate” is available on Amazon and covers a wide range of topics, stories and ideas.

I received an Army ROTC scholarship while in college and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Signal Corps one year before the start of the Gulf War.

My humble beginnings in the small but spunky town of Spotswood shaped me into the woman I am today.  My parents taught me the value of hard work, respect and remembrance for those who have sacrificed for their country.  It is my hope that I can honor their memory and pay tribute to their kindness and generosity.

In March 2022, I will be returning to my hometown to share my story with family, friends and fellow veterans.   This catered event will include a salute to the flag, the singing of our national anthem and a short speech about my journey from books to boots and back to books. 

Categories
The Courage to Communicate

Three Wishes

At the beginning of 2021, I published a blog with a simple message.

More than anything, I wanted these 3 things for our world:

  1. Trust
  2. Courage
  3. Common Sense

These simple values are mighty and powerful but it seems they are in short supply.

The pandemic and ongoing global strife has frayed the fabric of society’s faith and confidence in so many governments and health institutions.

My thought on September 13th, 2021 is this:

The leaders of the United States of America need a massive infusion of Humility to help increase the rapidly decreasing levels of Common Sense and Trust!

Having the courage to state these words is the first step in our healing process. Having the strength to take action and change behavior is the harder next step.

 

 

 

Categories
The Courage to Communicate

Now More Than Ever: The Importance of the American Legion Mission

Having served as a Platoon Leader during the first Gulf War, I understand the stress and emotional strain of combat fatigue and isolation.   

In this time of Covid-19 and the painful conclusion to the war in Afghanistan, the mission of the American Legion is more critical than ever. As the nation’s largest veterans service organization, the wide-reaching programs should be increasingly mobilized to meet the members’ needs.

Two pillars of the American Legion’s mission statement stand out to me as being the most important during these challenging times:

  • Devotion to fellow service members and veterans.
  • Advocating patriotism and honor.

In this time of  loneliness, isolation, and stress of terrorist attacks on our troops,  we need the continued devotion to our fellow members to keep everyone’s spirits up. The health and wellbeing of millions of veterans is the focus, and our selfless service to others will keep our communities strong.

In this time of disunion and polarization, we need to advocate positive patriotism and honor. By rallying around  common objectives, we can strengthen America in its battles against the coronavirus and those who wish us harm.

Now is the time to unite around our shared values and binding symbols, the stars and stripes of the U.S. flag. Now is the time to set aside political differences and take care of each other.

The headwinds we face as a nation are great, but I remain confident that we will overcome and rise to the occasion. The United States has faced countless challenges in our more than 240 year history, and the patriotic, generous and giving spirit of Americans won’t be shaken.

Categories
The Courage to Communicate

Intro to Strong Words and Simple Truths

There are over one hundred and seventy thousand commonly used words in the English language, but most people employ just a fraction of them in their daily lives. Many people yearn to find and articulate the truth. The courage to communicate has many meanings; each of us struggling to get our voices heard brings our own understanding and desires to the process. I bring my understanding of communication and wish to be heard to this book.

Growing up in a large family in the northeastern United States, I learned the value of direct and powerful communication. I still appreciate the emphatic and heartfelt style of my New Jersey upbringing and have spent my adult life honing my skills through key programs, paths, and career choices.

I believe that strong words have the power to catalyze change, that direct communication has value, and that words have energy. I believe that words are best when they are consumable, easily understood, and impactful.

I also believe that simplicity in communication is elegant. Simple is clear and honest and true. The most delicious recipes have five or fewer ingredients. My Mom’s delicious rice pudding comes to mind. But alas, communication is not always as simple as a recipe.

From this understanding came the title of my first WordPress blog, Strong Words and Simple Truths, which I began writing in 2013. The title encompasses everything I believe about communication, and I have not changed the focus or intent of the phrase in my nine years of blogging.

I always have an idea that I’d like to share, so I’ve continued thinking, speaking, and blogging about communication since 2013. I am rarely at a loss for words.