40. You Are Your Brother’s Keeper

November 23, 2014.

Does that date ring any bells for you? Unless it happens to be your birthday, or a loved one’s birthday, or an anniversary, or some other impressionable event, then for most of you, November 23, 2014, likely was just another fall day only a few days before Thanksgiving.

For my guest this episode— Col Rich Tatem, USAF (Ret.)—that date will forever be etched into his memory as the day his son, Brennan, committed suicide. It’s a date with an emotional connection that he likens to how a person might recall an event like 9/11—a day that, for most of us, is so vivid even nearly 18 years later that if someone were to ask, “Where were you on 9/11?” you’d immediately remember certain details of that day. Details that, on any other day, are nearly forgotten as quickly as they happen because they’re so mundane or so routine.

Today, Col Tatem will share Brennan’s tragic story with you, and he’ll also challenge you to do several things—and these things apply whether you’re a junior officer, a flag officer, or somewhere else in the ranks—develop social resilience for yourself and for those you lead, prepare for what he calls the crucible moments of life, and probably most importantly, remember that you are your brother’s keeper. If you see someone in trouble, help them.