411: Faith, Family, and Flag, with General James "Mook" Mukoyama
Nov 8, 2023
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Former commanding officer of a United States Army division, General James Mukoyama, shares his experiences in Vietnam and discusses his new book 'Faith, Family, and Flag'. Topics include family history, navigating college on Navy Pier, overseas community assistance, disappointment in army leadership, the power of a photograph, moral injury, the Mukayama family code, volunteering in hospice care, Military Outreach USA, fairness and eating habits, food flavors, American-made products, and sponsor promotions.
Establishing the Changpahre Community Assistance Fund to address various needs in the local community during the speaker's time in Korea.
Observing leaders more focused on their own careers than the welfare of their troops, which eroded the speaker's trust in Army leadership.
Recognizing Lieutenant Colonel David Hackworth's intuitive judgment of people and observing this skill throughout Hackworth's career.
Believing in pushing soldiers to their limits through rigorous training in order to prepare them for combat challenges in Vietnam.
Experiencing support and acceptance from his community upon returning from Vietnam, aiding in his healing and reintegration process.
Emphasizing the importance of forgiveness in the healing process of moral injury and how it facilitates personal growth.
Deep dives
Creating Change in the Community
During his time in Korea, the speaker noticed the dire needs of the local community in Changpahre. He established the Changpahre Community Assistance Fund, which was run by non-commissioned officers to address the community's various needs, such as providing financial assistance to families affected by fires, supporting schools with desks and chairs, and assisting with construction projects for the local hospital and church.
Encountering Leadership Challenges
While serving in Korea, the speaker observed some leaders more interested in their own careers than the welfare of their troops or the unit's mission. He noticed a disheartening pattern in how leaders were ranked, which contrasted with his own assessment. This started to erode his trust in Army leadership and challenged his desire for a long military career.
First Encounter with Colonel Hackworth
As the Secretary of General Staff, the speaker had the opportunity to meet Lieutenant Colonel David Hackworth, whom he recognized as a living infantry legend. Hackworth offered the speaker a company command, to which the speaker respectfully declined, as he had already secured a command from another battalion commander. Hackworth's intuitive judgment of people impressed the speaker, and he observed this skill throughout Hackworth's career.
Intense Training and Pushing Limits
Airborne training in Fort Lewis was tough, but the speaker and Colonel Hackworth believed in pushing soldiers to their limits in order to prepare them for the challenges of combat in Vietnam. They both understood the importance of rigorous training to save lives during actual combat situations.
Integration and Support
Returning from Vietnam, the integration process was abnormal for the author as his church supported him and treated him like a hero. Unlike many veterans who faced rejection and hostility, he was embraced by his community. This support and acceptance greatly aided his healing and reintegration back into society.
Seeking Forgiveness
The author discusses the importance of forgiveness in the healing process of moral injury. Through his own experiences, he explains that forgiving those who have wronged you can lift a heavy burden and allow for personal growth. Forgiveness does not excuse the actions of others, but rather empowers the individual to move forward and focus on their own healing.
The Power of Martial Arts
The author reflects on his journey in martial arts as a means to control his anger and develop self-discipline. Training in martial arts provided an outlet for his emotions and helped shape his character. It taught him the importance of self-control and discipline, which became essential skills for his reintegration process.
Creating a Family Code
The author shares the creation of the Mukayama Family Code, which established a set of principles and guidelines for their household. This code emphasized values such as faith, gratitude, honesty, and respect. It served as a tool for teaching their children important life lessons and promoting positive behaviors and habits.
Summary of Episode
In this podcast episode, General James Mukoyama shares his life experiences and insights. He highlights the importance of living by a code and discusses his career in the military, including his service in Vietnam and the challenges he faced. General Mukoyama also explores his involvement in different organizations focused on helping veterans and his experiences with hospice volunteering. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes the power of choice and maintaining a positive mindset, and shares stories of resilience and leadership. The podcast provides valuable lessons on overcoming obstacles, finding purpose, and serving others.
Living by a Code
General Mukoyama emphasizes the importance of living by a code and shares some rules from his family code, including always telling the truth, trying your best, and saving money wisely. He highlights the value of having a personal code to guide decisions and behavior.
Military Service and Challenges
The episode delves into General Mukoyama's military career, including his service in Vietnam and his decision to pursue a profession as a backup to his military career. He discusses the importance of training and standards in the military and mentions the honor and challenges of rising through the ranks.
Supporting Veterans and Hospice Volunteering
General Mukoyama shares his involvement in organizations like Military Outreach USA and his experiences with hospice volunteering. He highlights the importance of supporting veterans and their families, and discusses the value of hospice care and volunteering. He also reflects on the impact of positive encounters and the power of graciousness when facing death.
Lessons on Resilience and Leadership
Throughout the episode, General Mukoyama emphasizes the power of choice, resilience, and maintaining a positive mindset. He shares stories of leaders who inspired him, such as Colonel Hackworth, and highlights the significance of standing up for what is right. He also encourages gratitude, personal responsibility, and the pursuit of personal and professional growth.
James Mukoyama (born August 3, 1944) was (at the time) the youngest American to command a United States Army division. He served over thirty years on active and reserve duty in the Army, including service in Korea and Vietnam.
