What do you mean the barrel scene from Peter Jackson’s film adaptation of The Hobbit isn’t anything like what’s portrayed in the book? This was one of many points of entertaining conversation between me and Lori during our evening walks as I read through Tolkien’s 1937 adventure, along with the Kansas City Tolkien Society over … Continue reading Beware the Unassuming Characters: A Quiet Hobbit and Language Professor Dominate in War
Author: Chase Spears
I am a husband and best friend to my college sweetheart and father to the most amazing kids on the planet.
I am a leader, communicator and adventurer.
I unite people under common vision and lead with a relentless focus on the care of my team. I translate complicated topics into common language and connect to people through authentic stories. I have fun, doing things that most people will not, like parachuting or driving through north Canada in the winter. My life is adventurous.
My opinions are my own, and should not be perceived as representing the official position or policy of the U.S. Army or any other federal agency.
The Empty Seat Across from Me: A Reminisce on Ghosting
It was toward the end of the afternoon. The couch was comfortable, and the lobby silent as I waited to meet with a man I once served with in the Army over coffee. We had run into each the previous month, and he stated that it would be good if we could connect. Since leaving … Continue reading The Empty Seat Across from Me: A Reminisce on Ghosting
“You knew what you signed up for.”
On Sunday Unbekoming kindly shared a lengthy interview about what drew me to the Army, how I observed the military’s political nature, and how bad-faith revolutionaries took control in the final years of my career. I post the introduction here so those following my blog can be aware. I hope you’ll take the time to … Continue reading “You knew what you signed up for.”
Who Polices the Press?
The national, mainstream, American press tends to see itself culturally as the 4th branch of government, an institutional body of cobelligerents who hold government and power accountable. That’s a noble calling, as humans have a natural tendency to consolidate and abuse power. But who holds the press accountable when its agents abuse their influence and … Continue reading Who Polices the Press?
That Email of Dismissal
“Dear Chase, get lost.” The email didn’t say exactly those words, but the message was clear enough. I enjoy teaching from time to time. It’s a part of my gifting and offers a great deal of personal fulfillment. The reason I completed a doctorate is because I once had a dream of being a full-time … Continue reading That Email of Dismissal
The Building Courage of Bilbo Baggins—and Us
The courageous often do not find their time. It is usually the time of need that finds and awakens the courageous. I’m finishing a read through of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. A veteran of the First World War, Tolkien experienced things that were not part of his life plan at a young age. Much … Continue reading The Building Courage of Bilbo Baggins—and Us
Correcting a Mistake from 2019: Re-Establishing my Blog on Chasespears.com
Over the weekend, my brother-in-law texted, saying he had received five emails from my blog and wanted to make sure I was aware. The answer is both yes and no. I recently re-enabled the blog section of my website—a part of the site I hid back in 2019. It was a decision I have long … Continue reading Correcting a Mistake from 2019: Re-Establishing my Blog on Chasespears.com
Farewell to the President of my Childhood
My mom came to pick me up from school early on January 20, 1989. George H. W. Bush was set to be inaugurated that afternoon. Mother believed it was important for her kids to understand the political process. The first lesson would come by watching the transition of power between President Ronald Reagan to President … Continue reading Farewell to the President of my Childhood
When Twitter… almost… outdoes Georgetown on Ethics
This week the president of Georgetown University released a statement condemning the use of violent speech aimed at people based on gender, ethnicity or political affiliation. This statement came one day after professor Christine Fair called for extreme violence against men nationwide, contradicting the most basic rules that the Jesuit institution purports to hold all … Continue reading When Twitter… almost… outdoes Georgetown on Ethics
Principle Matters, especially at a Christian University
I completed my first college degree at Lee University in 2001. One of the most important factors for why I chose Lee is the school’s unapologetic Christian grounding. I wanted to study in an environment that would not marginalize me as a Christian. Not every student at Lee is a Christian. Not every professing Christian … Continue reading Principle Matters, especially at a Christian University
Re-birthing the Global Leadership Summit as Sexual Crisis Rages
Lori and I attended the Global Leadership Summit (GLS) last week. It was the fourth year in a row for me. A friend introduced me to the two-day summit in 2015. It has been a must-attend every since. I look forward to learning from world class leaders and authors who have diverse backgrounds in areas … Continue reading Re-birthing the Global Leadership Summit as Sexual Crisis Rages
Strategery: the Strategy of going Strategic
The term strategic is officially reserved for echelons that few in government will work in without winning an election or political appointment. Most military public affairs officers (PAOs) technically work at tactical and operational levels, not strategic. Echelon naming conventions aside, the best communicators think and operate strategically. “Strategic” is one of those seemingly professional … Continue reading Strategery: the Strategy of going Strategic
Focus, Honest Capability Assessment and Geography Matters: 3 Fundamentals I have learned as a Military Communication Officer
In 2018 White House Communication Director, Hope Hicks, became one more professional communicator to make headlines when she admitted to lying on behalf of her employer. Honesty is a key value that PR industry codes of ethics demand, whether it be the Arthur W. Page Society, the Public Relations Society of America or the International … Continue reading Focus, Honest Capability Assessment and Geography Matters: 3 Fundamentals I have learned as a Military Communication Officer
The Problem with Immediate Blame
Yesterday another school shooting happened. A monstrous human being used a gun to murder and terrorize innocent young men and women in Florida. This has happened before. As a nation, we collectively mourn and look for ways to direct our anger at making sure this never happens again. It is right and just to seek … Continue reading The Problem with Immediate Blame
Introducing Professional Ethics to the Army Public Affairs Program
The Army is the largest military service in the U.S. Department of Defense. The Army’s public affairs (PA) program traces its history back to Gen. Douglass McArthur. As a young officer serving overseas, he is said to have believed in the importance of communicating soldiers’ stories to the public back in the states. That directive … Continue reading Introducing Professional Ethics to the Army Public Affairs Program
Lights, Camera, Shutdown!
It’s that magical time of year again: when political theater of the absurd engages in a “government shutdown.” Government shutdowns used to mean something to me. The first government shutdown I remember happened in 1995, during the Clinton presidency. A second 21-day shutdown in 1996 made much more of an impact. Federal shutdowns became more … Continue reading Lights, Camera, Shutdown!
Lose Your Civility Online in 5 Easy Steps
“I’ve never convinced someone by starting off calling them an asshole.” That quote, or something very close to it, immediately engraved on my mind during a class discussion last summer. The instructor was sharing persuasive techniques during a lecture on how to write opinion editorials. In modern times, one cannot bring up the topic of … Continue reading Lose Your Civility Online in 5 Easy Steps
Ditch the Resolutions, Give the Gift of Dignity in 2018
Approximately 41% of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions. Of those, just over nine-percent keep them. Gyms across the nation will be flooded with people determined to lose weight next week. Most will drop off by February. If you make a resolution for 2018, the odds are against you. That’s why I stopped making resolutions years … Continue reading Ditch the Resolutions, Give the Gift of Dignity in 2018
Nope, Santa is not a Communist
You better watch out. You better not cry. Better not pout, I’m telling you why… Judging from a post I saw on Facebook Monday, those words from Santa Claus is Coming to Town are aimed at some modern parents. I was scrolling down my news feed, when I saw a post calling for all parents … Continue reading Nope, Santa is not a Communist
More than Just a Word
Hi, my name is Chase, and I struggle with conveying confidence. I am naturally talented at communicating confidently for people, causes and organizations that I work for or believe in. It takes deliberate effort to do the same for Chase Inc. My two biggest communication hang-ups have been the terms “Sorry to bother you, but….” … Continue reading More than Just a Word
Dr. Chase Spears 