Great feedback on "We Were There"

 I just received a great review of We Were There from Gary Stewart, a veteran. That is the greatest kind of feedback I can ask for! Here it is:

Dan: As one who grew up long ago in the Adirondacks(Olmstedville), I compliment you on your most recent book “We Were There” which I just finished reading. I am a retired veteran who served 26 years in our Army and my uncle Reuben Davis was included in your book. You did a great job in obtaining and telling Reuben's story and those of the many other veterans included in the book. Thanks for taking the time to capture these important pieces of our history and relay them in such a lively and robust but yet enjoyable way. I will be following up to procure your other books about your most interesting life in the Adirondacks.

Thanks Gary! I hope you find the other books as enjoyable!

Upstate Medical School lecture

On Wednesday January 26, I delivered my third and last biannual talk to the Rural Primary Care class of medical students at the Upstate Medical School in Syracuse, recounting my 36-year-career practicing family medicine in Warrensburg, North Creek, and Indian Lake. It was bittersweet having one more chance to promote my profession to over 50 future physicians. If one or two of these second-year students follow that path it will have been worth the weeks of preparation and10-hour round trip in the rain and snow  it took to pull it off. Thanks to Dr. Cynthia Elkins MD for inviting me back!

Red flag about Donald Trump's candidacy

Although Donald Trump seems incapable of humility, compassion or introspection, it is obvious that he is not entirely responsible for his actions. The man is unfortunately afflicted by “Narcissistic Personality Disorder”. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (ICD-10 code F60.81) is a fairly common mental illness. NPD is very resistant to any treatment, since those who are affected do not believe that there is anything wrong with them.

According to the website www.icd10data.com which codes for all billable medical diagnoses, NPD is “a disorder characterized by an enduring pattern of grandiose beliefs and arrogant behavior together with an overwhelming need for admiration and a lack of empathy for (and even exploitation of) others. (It is) characterized by excessive self-love, egocentrism, grandiosity, exhibitionism, excessive needs for attention, and sensitivity to criticism.” Sound familiar?

Some of the most notorious leaders in history have suffered the same problem, including men who were largely responsible for starting World War II. Thomas Jefferson said “The government you elect is the government you deserve”. Donald Trump wants to gain control of our entire country. George Satayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” History has taught us that men with NPD should not be given that control. I guess we will find out….again.

Another tough Marine has gone to join his buddies

George Beyerbach, one of the four Marines I featured in my book We Were There,  passed away peacefully at his home on September 4 at age 91. He lived a charmed life after surviving innumerable brushes with death on Iwo Jima over 71 years ago. Two other vets from my book have passed in the last 6 months-  Al Kleeman and Jack Higgins, leaving only five of the 18 people in We Were There are still among the living. He exemplified what Ronald Reagan once said: "Some people spend an entire life wondering if they made a difference in the world. The Marines don't have that problem." He was a great guy, and he will not be forgotten!!

More reader feedback of "We Were There"

 just received this email from Tom Philo:

I Read "We Were There"! An excellent read ~ story(ies) that needed to be told.  We see books movies etc of World War II but rarely have the insight provided by the men and women themselves. These remarkable people left their lives in rural and big city America, fought in Europe and the Pacific defending freedom and whose heroic efforts preserved a free world. They then simply returned to their former lives blending into society and rarely, in most instances, never talking about their experiences. My own brother served in Europe and had a scar from the corner of his mouth to his cheek, yet all I ever knew was "just a piece of shrapnel". Never heard another utterance of his war experience and this was typical of the WW II soldier.  You have provided great insight into these exceptional men and women. Thanks!
Tom Philo

Thank you Tom for your appreciated review!