La Brea Tar Pits once trapped prehistoric mammals. Today that killer has a chemical cousin in the Athabasca oil sands of Alberta, Canada-immense deposits of natural asphalt destined for upgrading to synthetic crude oil. If the harvesting of this natural asphalt continues unabated, we might find ourselves stuck in a muck of a different kind. Humanity has used asphalt for thousands of years. This humble hydrocarbon may have glued the first arrowhead to the first shaft, but the changes wrought by this material are most dramatic since its emergence as pavement. Since the 1920s the automobile and blacktop have allowed unprecedented numbers of Americans to experience the beauty of their continent from the Adirondacks to the Rockies and beyond, to Big Sur and the Pacific Coast Highway. Blacktop roads, runways, and parking lots constitute the central arteries of our environment, creating a distinct “political territory” and a “political economy of velocity.” In Asphalt: A History Kenneth O’Reilly provides a history of this everyday substance. By tracing the history of asphalt-in both its natural and processed forms-from ancient times to the present, O’Reilly sets out to identify its importance within various contexts of human society and culture. Although O’Reilly argues that asphalt creates our environment, he believes it also eventually threatens it. Looking at its role in economics, politics, and global warming, O’Reilly explores asphalt’s contribution to the history, and future, of America and the world.
Since Jean Lipman-Blumen's The Allure of Toxic Leaders shook the corporate world in 2005, countless articles, books, and Internet blogs have appeared on the topic. Despite such interest and response, no study of toxic leadership had appeared from a Christian point of view until this volume, Kenn Gangel's Surviving Toxic Leaders. Gangel begins by showing that toxic leadership existed throughout biblical history. Making generous use not only of biblical materials but also of contemporary leadership literature, Gangel names the causes and cures of power abuse, cheating, bullying, laziness, and dictatorial behavior in today's leaders. Readers will benefit from Gangel's leadership experience and expertise. He has been a pastor, a college dean (twice), and a college president. Gangel currently edits The Seal, a review of leadership literature. Practical and personal, Surviving Toxic Leaders abounds with stories of real people and their situations. Everyone who has ever had ""trouble at work"" will benefit from Surviving Toxic Leaders. ""What a great book And what a needed book It should be placed in the hands of every leader in America . . . and every follower. This is the kind of refreshing clarity, honesty and insight that could change the landscape of the church. Read this book and give it to every Christian you know.It could be the start of a kingdom revolution."" --Steve Brown, author, professor at Reformed Seminary (Orlando), and radio speaker on the Key Life Radio Broadcast ""Dr. Kenn Gangel has contributed to Christian leadership greatly through the years. This may well be his greatest contribution. The subject is uncomfortable, to say the least, but is dealt with from careful research and much wisdom. We all wish these conditions did not exist in the church but they do and Gangel has provided valuable help. Every church leader will benefit from his work."" --Olan Hendrix, Leadership Resource Group ""Surviving Toxic Leaders is sorely needed by leaderstoday. Toxic leaders can be found in all types of organizations, profit and non-profit. MostI have met in myfifty years in organizational leadership don't have a clue that theyarea problem. Gangel, as usual, brings extensive personal research and a lifetime ofpractical leadership experience to bear on this pervasive issue.If you are seeking to be a godly, nurturing, servant-leader, this bookis for you."" --Dr. Gilbert A. Peterson, Chancellor of Lancaster Bible College and management consultant ""Sometimes the best way to practice good leadership is to identify and avoid the malpractice of bad leaders. Kenn Gangel has spent a lifetime studying leadership and this book points the way to healthy influence."" --Marshall Shelley, Vice President of Christianity Today International, and Editor in Chief of Leadership Kenneth O. Gangel (1935 - 2009) was Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Dallas Seminary, the Scholar-in-Residence at Toccoa Falls College, and a senior consultant with Timothy Partners. He held a BA in business administration, three master's degrees from accredited seminaries, and a PhD in educational administration from the University of Missouri. The author or editor of 55 books, Dr. Gangel lectured in over forty educational institutions worldwide.
Have you ever thought about what you're going to do when the next global socioeconomic system collapses...again? According to most expert economist, all agree that it's inevitable and that when it does occur, this time there won't be a recovery.The series: Coming Out of Babylon was written as a spiritual response and answer to the eventual demise of a world system that prides itself in greed, corruption and lust.Within each page the author offers a prophetic, spiritually sound alternative that answers that ominous question: will you be prepared when this worlds socioeconomic system crashes?Written in a straight forward, sober yet conversational tone, Coming Out of Babylon will awaken your spirit and give you true hope as it guides, teach, inspire and empower believers in Christ who feel that they have been called into the global marketplace as visionaries or dreamers. Within each book the author covers the various phases of spiritual entrepreneurial evolution: book one Understanding Prophetic Dreams and Visions covers the 20 plus years of the writers experiences with spiritual socioeconomic dream principles, book two, Unless the Lord builds it, takes a spiritual look at why those particular business ventures (dreams and visions) fail or stall, book three,
Since Jean Lipman-Blumen's The Allure of Toxic Leaders shook the corporate world in 2005, countless articles, books, and Internet blogs have appeared on the topic. Despite such interest and response, no study of toxic leadership had appeared from a Christian point of view until this volume, Kenn Gangel's Surviving Toxic Leaders. Gangel begins by showing that toxic leadership existed throughout biblical history. Making generous use not only of biblical materials but also of contemporary leadership literature, Gangel names the causes and cures of power abuse, cheating, bullying, laziness, and dictatorial behavior in today's leaders. Readers will benefit from Gangel's leadership experience and expertise. He has been a pastor, a college dean (twice), and a college president. Gangel currently edits The Seal, a review of leadership literature. Practical and personal, Surviving Toxic Leaders abounds with stories of real people and their situations. Everyone who has ever had ""trouble at work"" will benefit from Surviving Toxic Leaders. ""What a great book And what a needed book It should be placed in the hands of every leader in America . . . and every follower. This is the kind of refreshing clarity, honesty and insight that could change the landscape of the church. Read this book and give it to every Christian you know. It could be the start of a kingdom revolution."" --Steve Brown, author, professor at Reformed Seminary (Orlando), and radio speaker on the Key Life Radio Broadcast ""Dr. Kenn Gangel has contributed to Christian leadership greatly through the years. This may well be his greatest contribution. The subject is uncomfortable, to say the least, but is dealt with from careful research and much wisdom. We all wish these conditions did not exist in the church but they do and Gangel has provided valuable help. Every church leader will benefit from his work."" --Olan Hendrix, Leadership Resource Group ""Surviving Toxic Leaders is sorely needed by leaders today. Toxic leaders can be found in all types of organizations, profit and non-profit. Most I have met in my fifty years in organizational leadership don't have a clue that they are a problem. Gangel, as usual, brings extensive personal research and a lifetime of practical leadership experience to bear on this pervasive issue. If you are seeking to be a godly, nurturing, servant-leader, this book is for you."" --Dr. Gilbert A. Peterson, Chancellor of Lancaster Bible College and management consultant ""Sometimes the best way to practice good leadership is to identify and avoid the malpractice of bad leaders. Kenn Gangel has spent a lifetime studying leadership and this book points the way to healthy influence."" --Marshall Shelley, Vice President of Christianity Today International, and Editor in Chief of Leadership Kenneth O. Gangel (1935 - 2009) was Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Dallas Seminary, the Scholar-in-Residence at Toccoa Falls College, and a senior consultant with Timothy Partners. He held a BA in business administration, three master's degrees from accredited seminaries, and a PhD in educational administration from the University of Missouri. The author or editor of 55 books, Dr. Gangel lectured in over forty educational institutions worldwide.
""A history of Christian education must not be confused with a record of the achievements of the Sunday School. The discipline has advanced well beyond that stage, and today's sophisticated students fully understand that no proper concept of the history and philosophy of Christian education can be gained without seeing all the ramifications, implications, and influences that have affected it from pre-Christian times to the present."" So Drs. Gangel and Benson have written this book, a historical flow of philisophical thought from a Christian point of view. Its focus is cultural-biographical, discussing each philosophy in its particular socio-historical setting, and giving special attention to significant individuals. The format is chronological, beginning with education in biblical times, working upward through history to arrive at the present - and beyond, raising questions and issues for the future.
Adult ministry poses a unique challenge to churches today--a challenge that many of us fail to meet adequately. The tragic result is an exodus of the best and brightest from our pews, not because these people have changed their theology or abandoned God. They just don't find much at church that seems immediately relevant or compelling. For nearly fifty years Kenneth O. Gangel has been teaching church leaders how to do adult ministry right. In this volume he has distilled his insights into an easy-to-grasp-and-apply analysis of what it takes to capture the attention and guarantee the participation of adults in your church, including: * Specific advice based on ages, genders, and circumstances peculiar to certain ministries * Proven, cutting-edge curriculum models that can revitalize your church's adult instruction * Contemporary solutions to the most common problems we encounter in ministering to today's adults Whether they know it or not, even those who are lagging in church attendance and distancing themselves from other believers still need the time-proven, heaven-given blessings only the church can offer them. As you read this book, Gangel will give you fresh ideas about how to draw these drifters back into the fold. The real-life stories he tells and the successful strategies he outlines may strike in your heart some spark of imagination and renewed commitment that will help you to bring new life to the adult ministry of the church you serve. Reading Ministering to Today's Adults is like looking at the forest through the eyes of a trained biologist. Dr. Gangel mixes decades of thinking and research about adult learners with a pastor's heart for ministry in this volume. Panoramic sweep, probing insights, and prickly questions prod the reader from one chapter to the next. I highly recommend it --Michael Lawson, Chair, Department of Christian Education, Dallas Seminary ""This work is written with a rare mix of adult learning theory and fresh ideas from the pen of a ministry practitioner who has been sharpening Christian leaders for half a century. Each chapter provides contemporary solutions for the common challenges in discipling adults--the book is a gift for all who love local church adult education."" --Miles (Skip) Lewis Director of M.A. in Ministry Programs, The Graduate School at Lancaster Bible College ""A wise man once advised, 'Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten.' Thankfully, Ministering to Today's Adults does not force readers to choose between their excellent education for adult ministry and memorable learning. Readers are rewarded with both. Dr. Gangel's experience, concise insights, passion, and ability to communicate practical knowledge about adults will not be quickly forgotten."" --Ronald T. Habermas, McGee Professor of Biblical Studies and Christian Formation, John Brown University ""This latest, refreshing volume from the prolific pen of Ken Gangel will impact scores of leaders and churches who seek to change lives and not just have adult programs. Ken's insightful presentation of adult characteristics and contexts as well as how to minister effectively to them is timely and practical. A must read for all Christian leaders."" -- Dr. Gilbert Peterson, Chancellor of Lancaster Bible College ""For decades my good friend and colleague, Dr. Gangel, has been an effective teacher, due in large measure to his deep commitment to listening from within."" --Dr. Charles Swindoll Kenneth O. Gangel (1935 - 2009) was Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Dallas Seminary, the Scholar-in-Residence at Toccoa Falls College, and a senior consultant with Timothy Partners. He held a BA in business administration, three master's degrees from accredited seminaries, and a PhD in educational administration from the University of Missouri. The author or editor of 55 books, Dr. Gangel lectured in over forty educational institutions worldwide.
In competitive sports we prize teamwork. We know that a mature team will usually beat an astounding collection of individual players. The burden of creating such esprit de corps falls to the coach and the team of leaders he has assembled. After all, a team without a coach cannot win. But what happens when the coach himself does not understand the dynamics of teamwork? In a similar manner, every leader of every church is a coach of sorts, with a ministry team responsible for the life of the church. The question put to you as a pastor is this: Are you a team player? Even more to the point: Whose team are you building? ""Too many church leaders,"" writes author Kenn Gangel, ""have fallen into the trap of personal kingdom-building, a focused concern on one's own and present ministry without a wider recognition of kingdom participation."" The net effect of this condition has led to narrow vision, stunted church growth, and frustrated relationships within the body of Christ. In contrast, Gangel explores broad and penetrating support throughout the Word of God for team-based, inclusive, cooperative leadership. From Jethro's advice to Moses all the way to Jesus's approach to discipleship, biblical leadership is viewed as a tool to be shared--a model of servanthood, mentoring, and the mutual interdependence of gifts. Along the way Gangel explores the character attributes of successful biblical leadership--common things like humility, patience, and quiet dignity. From there he reveals how these qualities open an authentic leader up to the wide and thrilling possibilities of working hand-in-hand with others in the Lord's work...together. ""I've made a lifelong study of leadership. There are many names for the leader: shepherd, pastor, president, chairman, coach. All these are leaders who gather individuals around them to form a team. My longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Kenneth O. Gangel, has been doing this for years. Therefore he knows much about teamwork. In several different ministry positions he has built teams that functioned smoothly and effectively. What are the keys to team building? Dr. Gangel has insightfully answered that question in this volume."" --Dr. Charles Swindoll ""Credibility in a book on leadership is a special gift. Coaching Ministry Teams is clearly rooted in experience, not theory. It bristles with successful stories and successful practice."" --Max De Pree Kenneth O. Gangel (1935 - 2009) was Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Dallas Seminary, the Scholar-in-Residence at Toccoa Falls College, and a senior consultant with Timothy Partners. He held a BA in business administration, three master's degrees from accredited seminaries, and a PhD in educational administration from the University of Missouri. The author or editor of 55 books, Dr. Gangel lectured in over forty educational institutions worldwide.
"To those outside the military, and even to those serving, the rank structure can sometimes be over simplified. It appears that we rack and stack everyone in the organization, and the person with the most rank “wins”—he or she is in charge, and everyone else has to follow orders that flow from the top. While there is certainly benefit in adhering to a chain of command, the interaction between the various ranks up and down that chain, officer and enlisted, becomes the connective tissue that creates a cohesive, successful organization inside of which good decisions and high morale thrive. The most senior member of a unit has the responsibility—and the honor—of leading. But to be successful, the planning and decision-making at the top must reflect a thorough understanding of the strengths at every level of the organization, for it is the enlisted leaders who will ultimately execute those plans in battle, and win."—Foreword by General Peter Pace, U.S. Marine Corps, 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.This book brings together the stories of six former senior enlisted advisors to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Each tells in their own words how they got their start, how mentors encouraged them along the way, and how they eventually became the highest-ranking enlisted member in their respective service."With invaluable lessons this is a book for junior service members, senior enlisted leaders, officers, but also for those with no connection to the military.“Books on leadership are many, but none are as practical, clear, and proven as Breaching the Summit. Sure to be of value to every level of military leader, it is equally relevant and valuable to leaders in government, in businesses of every size, and in every boardroom. The uniquely experienced, gifted, and tested authors have led, inspired, and mentored thousands in their extraordinary careers of service to our nation. They lived, observed, and led from the most junior ranks to the pinnacle of military service - they walked the talk. This book should be at the very top of every leader’s list, to be read and reread.” — Adm. Gary Roughead, U.S. Navy (retired)Chief of Naval Operations (2007–2011)“Six outstanding American military leaders served our nation admirably and now share their life experiences and the leadership lessons they learned. This book is a must-read for all service members - both enlisted and officer - aspiring to be successful leaders in uniform and beyond. Thank you to each of the authors for selflessly sharing their experiences and insights on leadership and life.” — Gen. Frank J. Grass, U.S. Army (retired), 27th Chief of the National Guard Bureau (2012–2016)“These extraordinary enlisted leaders have ‘walked the talk,’ and we should listen. Senior noncommissioned officers are the backbone of the finest armed forces in the world. This book shows why.” — Adm. Thad W. Allen, U.S. Coast Guard (retired), 23rd Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard (2006–2010)“A collection of personal vignettes that teach practical leadership lessons, Breaching the Summit is a must-read for leaders at all levels. The authors have served as their services’ highest-ranking noncommissioned officers and are the epitome of the U.S. military’s professional, all-volunteer force.” — Gen. Ed Eberhart, U.S. Air Force (retired), Commander, NORAD/USNORTHCOM (2002–2005), CEO, Armed Forces Benefit Association“The stories in this book are riveting, powerful, and, best of all, true. The leaders who share their stories shaped our armed forces to be the greatest in the history of our nation. I had the privilege of working very closely with Jim and Paula Roy for over two years. They represent the very finest examples of great parents, humble and inspirational leaders, and compassionate partners, and they showed us all how to have fun while performing at the very highest levels of command.” — Adm. Timothy J. Keating, U.S. Navy (retired), Commander, NORAD/USNORTHCOM (2004–2007), USPACOM (2007–2009)“This book is a catalyst to renew the reader’s commitment to reach and exceed their potential—personally and professionally—while also taking joy in fulfilling their respective duties and responsibilities.” — Col. Paul H. Atterbury, U.S. Marine Corps (retired), Judge Advocate (1994–2014)“I found this book inspiring, interesting, and instructive. Six remarkably accomplished authors share their powerful personal narratives, and their diverse and compelling stories lift up essential leadership lessons for us all, whether military or civilian. If you are anywhere along the continuum of leadership—from leading yourself to leading organizations—and want to become a better leader, read this book!” — Vice Adm. Manson K. Brown, U.S. Coast Guard (retired), Assistant Secretary of Commerce (2010–2014)“Of all the books I’ve read on military leadership, this is one of the absolute best. It’s a great opportunity to learn from some of our nation’s top enlisted leaders—a must-read for all service members.” — Chief Master Sgt. W. Allen Usry, U.S. Air Force (retired), Command Senior Enlisted Leader, NORAD/USNORTHCOM (2009–2011)“Breaching the Summit is a motivating and inspiring read. The life lessons and stories shared will serve readers from any walk of life. The wisdom of these senior enlisted leaders in our U.S. military, tempered with their great sense of humility, reaffirms what makes our nation great. The advice these remarkable patriots have given has personally and professionally benefited me.” — Chief Master Sgt. James A. Cody, U.S. Air Force (retired), 17th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (2013–2017)“Breaching the Summit is a must-read for those in leadership, those striving to become leaders, or those who want to become a better version of themselves. You will learn traits you want to possess, traits you already have and have forgotten, and traits that will guide you through your own leadership. You will connect and reminisce through the stories that helped mold these average individuals to become six of our top enlisted military leaders. Learn from their lessons of leadership as you become familiar with who they were before they became who they are now.” — Pam Swan, Director, Military Relations for Veterans United Home Loans“Brilliantly illustrating the concept ‘grow where you’re planted,’ Breaching the Summit highlights six disparate individuals’ adaptation of the basic tenets of leadership on their journey to the top of their respective services. Whether you are just beginning your own journey, or merely searching for additional inspiration to refine your own leadership style, the principles stressed in these pages provide a solid foundation for success.” — Force Master Chief Johnny Walker, U.S. Navy (retired), Naval Education and Training Command (2007–2009), MCPON Executive Assistant (2009–2011)“Written by proven senior enlisted leaders, Breaching the Summit is a compendium of personal and professional experiences that distills success for all who choose the life of servant leadership in our military.” — Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Ripka, U.S. Army (retired), Command Senior Enlisted Leader, USJFCOM/USAFRICOM (2007–2011)“Breaching the Summit is an insightful, informative walk through the phases of an enlisted career from some of the most successful leaders in modern history. This is a must-read primer for anyone on a journey through the ranks of our glorious military. Read this book. Learn from the real-life lessons that molded some of our greatest enlisted leaders.” — Chief Master Sgt. John M. Harris, U.S. Air National Guard (retired), Command Chief Master Sergeant, Louisiana ANG (2006–2010), President, EANGUS“I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is not just for the ‘seasoned’ leader - anyone can relate to these lessons, no matter their level of leadership. I felt as though I were sitting in a Leadership 101 symposium!” — Fleet Master Chief April Beldo, U.S. Navy (retired)Manpower, Personnel, Training, and Education Command (2013–2017)“As I’m passing 10 years since I left my own naval service behind, I am amazed at how the leadership truths in this book apply to any industry, not just the military. Making sure everyone knows their individual role in the unit’s success, take the time to get the little things right, coach each other up, down, and all around, and all the other lessons. MCPON West said it best: don’t just take care of your crew, challenge them to grow and be ready to take the reins. This book is not just for practitioners of the art of war—it is for anyone who wants to lead their organization to excellence!” — Capt. Bob Schuetz, U.S. Navy (retired), Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff, COMSUBPAC (2006–2008), Plant GM, Columbia Generating Station“CMSAF Roy’s anecdote of re-digging the water line in Michigan at age 10 was a foretaste of his sense of duty and doing the right things right throughout his AF career. His is a life well lived that resulted in Airmen being well led—including this one.” — Lt. Gen. Loren M. Reno, U.S. Air Force (retired), Deputy Chief of Staff, USAF Logistics, Installations and Mission Support (2009–2012)“MCPOCG Skip Bowen has a truly remarkable legacy of principled leadership built over an incredible career in the Coast Guard. His story, and the stories of the other leaders who reached the top positions in our military, are inspiring examples of linking personal and organizational success from the entry level to the summit. This book is a great read!” — Vice Adm. David P. Pekoske, U.S. Coast Guard (retired), Vice Commandant, USCG (2009–2010), Administrator, TSA“What an amazing opportunity to read about these great leaders! MCPON Rick West’s story shines light onto his sacrifice and compassion for the U.S. Sailor. Mentor, motivator, and total compassion describe MCPON West. His understanding of tactical and strategic level of knowledge provided excellence across the fleet. Most importantly, he is a chief’s chief who connected and continues to connect with the CPO Mess at large.” — Fleet Master Chief Susan Whitman, U.S. Navy (retired), U.S. Pacific Fleet (2015–2018)“This book offers exceptional insight into what has shaped some of the finest senior enlisted leaders in modern history. Through easy-to-follow stories, Breaching the Summit showcases the impact small life events have in developing leaders. This team of authors has captured service-specific leadership challenges that have significance in today’s joint warfighting environment, and I would consider Breaching the Summit a must-read for officers and senior enlisted looking to lead the military into the future.” — Fleet Master Chief Mark Rudes, U.S. Navy (retired), Senior Enlisted Leader, PACOM (2012–2016)“Breaching the Summit is a colorful and compelling look at the formative years, experiences, and philosophies behind our nation’s preeminent senior enlisted leaders. America’s faith in and empowerment of its enlisted corps has long been recognized as our true strategic advantage when it comes to military success at sea, in the air, and on land. Preston, Barrett, West, Roy, Jelinski-Hall, and Bowen show how humble beginnings and solid, consistent principles fueled their journeys and struck a chord with a generation of troops inclined to question the motives and methods of leadership. A must-read for anyone seeking insight on how to get the most out of people, or for anyone who doubts the tenacity of our young men and women wearing the uniform today.” — Command Master Chief Scott Fleming, U.S. Navy (retired), Joint Task Force Guantanamo, MCPON Executive Assistant (2011–2013)“From their humble beginnings to the pinnacle of their careers as the most senior noncommissioned officers of the U.S. Armed Forces, nowhere else will you find a compilation of lessons learned like those included here. These six senior enlisted leaders provide insights from which service members of all ages and ranks can learn, and that can serve as guides to a successful military career. I am proud to have served alongside these fine NCOs.” — Command Sgt. Maj. Richard J. Burch, U.S. Army (retired), 9th Command Sergeant Major of the Army National Guard (2010–2012)“With stories from the lives and experiences of six of our top enlisted military leaders, Breaching the Summit offers the gift of leadership honing. This book is not only a must–read for current and future military leaders, but for those in the civilian sector as well. These warriors allow you to experience their personal stories of highs and lows on their way to the top enlisted leadership billet of each military branch. Though different in the challenges they faced, they are the same in telling the reason for their successes. Patton once said: ‘Your character is defined by how high you bounce when you hit bottom.’ Each chapter illustrates how they took challenges head on and bounced to the pinnacle position of their respective professions. They suffered the pain of discipline to not suffer the pain of regret. I have added this to my professional library of leadership and urge all leaders - present and future - to do the same.” — 1st Sgt. Mark Gordon, U.S. Marine Corps (retired), Subject matter expert for combat profiling, Camp Lejeune“Whenever a new initiative was considered, I knew no one had their finger on the pulse of the fleet like the MCPON and the SGTMAJ of the USMC. The troops see in these senior enlisted leaders a role model, parental figure, and most importantly, their potential best selves. Their hard-earned insights have value for any aspiring leader in any walk of life. HOOYAH!” — Juan Garcia, 17th Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Manpower and Reserve Affairs (2009–2016)“Breaching the Summit is an amazing blend of leadership lessons from six very successful military leaders who started in humble beginnings and advanced to the highest levels of the enlisted corps. Their ability to weave personal and professional insights on their journey to mastering their tradecraft and leadership skills provides a blueprint of success for others. The evolutionary journey of learning leadership, practicing leadership, and then executing leadership is highlighted through their experiences. For those just starting their leadership journey and those who are seasoned leaders, there is much to be learned in this book.” — Chief Master Sgt. Steve McDonald, U.S. Air Force (retired), Command Chief, Air Combat Command (2014–2017)“It has been my pleasure to be associated with CMSAF James Roy for the last 25 years, beginning on the island of Guam, where he led the CE ‘dirt boyz’ in support of that critical infrastructure mission. Chief Roy possessed a keen insight into personal leadership then, which served our squadron well through five typhoon encounters and continued to serve him well throughout his successful military career, culminating as the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. I’m proud to have played a small part in such a superb leader’s life.” — Col. D. H. “Scott” Showers, U.S. Air Force (retired), Commander, 36th Civil Engineer Squadron, Andersen AFB, Guam (1994–1996)“Breaching the Summit gives a rare glimpse into the lives of leaders who served in the highest enlisted positions in the U.S. military. A must-read for any leader who’d like to make a difference in their organization—there’s more common ground than you might think! Problem solvers, influencers, getting pushed out of their comfort zones, and passing it along were a few chunks that jumped out at me. Bravo on this collaboration of some AWESOME human beings!” — Chief Master Sgt. Marty Klukas, U.S. Air Force (retired), Command Senior Enlisted Leader, USTRANSCOM (2011-2014)“MCPON Rick West’s leadership style is more than a pillar from which many grew their naval careers—his motivation to challenge yourself is the foundation by which I continue to live and approach complex situations. His ability to build a cohesive, winning team is second to none. HOOYAH COB!” — Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Rich Hawkins, U.S. Navy (retired), Captain, Delta Air Lines“The U.S. military has long been a preeminent organization for producing leaders of exceptional capability and character. The authors of this book are among the best the military has to offer. It comes as no surprise that their thoughts would be insightful and well worth the attention of both aspiring and experienced leaders from all backgrounds and areas of interest.” — Mike Watt, CEO, Scientific Research Corporation
