Del Albright

Secrets to Succeeding as a Volunteer Or any job for that matter... By Del Albright Having achieved the rank of Chief in the fire service, as well as being an officer in the military, I would like to share with you the secrets of success from what I've learned, and how it applies to being a volunteer.  It's a simple formula. Let's say you're young and want to succeed in whatever you're doing, and you are surrounded by hungry competitors, old timers, "bs'ers," know-it-all's, posers, and some wise, old gray beards.  Who do you pay attention and listen to?  How do you sort the wheat from the chaff?  How do you rise above the pack?  Well, the secret is twofold. First, as I told hundreds of young firefighters who wanted to promote someday, learn to listen.  Listen more and talk less.  That's step one of the formula.  And yes, it takes practice to sort out the good advice from the war stories; but it can be done with a little practi...

God Is My Co-Dawg Reflecting on Veterans Day By Del Albright Veteran's Day gives me cause to pause, but honestly I remember and honor all our military all year long.  This year, with our country experiencing such change (ups and downs), it hit me hard how many of us are struggling -- military and non-military alike. My life has had more than its share of "exploits" including being shot at in three countries, and I can't help but salute all who have served or are serving, as well as their families and friends who also paid a price.  My off-roading/OHV friends know the term "co-dawg;" it's a respectful way to refer to the person in the passenger seat, also known as riding "shotgun." While I don't make a big deal of it, I'm also not embarrassed to say that God is my "co-dawg."  He has been, and continues to ride with me where ever I am. There is an amazing peace that comes with having such an esteemed co-dawg...