In case you had been to examine Douglas Greenlaw’s profession and life on his web site, you’ll see that the U.S. Military warfare hero and enterprise govt has been on a number of adventures and is captivated with seeing the world from the highest of mountains and from locations most individuals wouldn’t journey to. On the backside of his About web page, you’ll see that he was part of a bunch that went to the North Pole in 2022. He even has a spot for a visit to the South Pole that’s scheduled for 2023.
He’s virtually 80 years outdated.
“I’ve a curiosity about life.”
That curiosity and bodily health to participate in these adventures could be traced again to his childhood. Greenlaw described his younger self as “tremendous energetic” when he was rising up within the metal mill space of Chicago, Illinois. His father labored in a kind of mills and younger Douglas would work there for a stint throughout his teenage years. The work was removed from straightforward for a full grownup, but Greenlaw would work double shifts through the summer time whereas the common staff took their holidays.
“That may educate you what work is all about. It inspired me to get educated so I might get out of there.”
He didn’t have to fret about discovering a approach out of there as a result of the US Military drafted him in 1965 throughout his faculty baseball profession at Indiana College. Whereas serving a two-year dedication, he utilized for Officer Candidate College with the intention of constructing a profession out of service.
Sadly for him, that profession could be lower quick in his third yr of service resulting from accidents he suffered in a catastrophic incident through the Vietnam Struggle. Whereas strolling by way of a bamboo jungle, a wire was tripped that was linked to an artillery shell. Everybody in Greenlaw’s group was impacted.
“I truly died on the battlefield,” he recalled. “I flatlined as a result of my left carotid artery was nicked. I additionally had an enormous gaping gap in my throat.”
Greenlaw had additionally suffered a fractured proper leg and misplaced his left kneecap, on high of a number of different wounds. He additionally had a bit of bamboo that went by way of his arm to his chest.
“I used to be a multitude. A Catholic priest gave me my Final Rites, and that was the very last thing I bear in mind.”
He was picked up by helicopter and a medical group was in a position to carry him again. He was transferred full velocity forward to an M.A.S.H. unit for emergency surgical procedure, the place they had been in a position to cease the bleeding and maintain him alive.
“A number of issues fell into place the fitting technique to save my life.”
Regardless that he recovered, Greenlaw was medically discharged from service on account of his accidents, however the results went far past that. He acknowledged Submit-Traumatic Stress Dysfunction being one among them, however one other turned a brand new absence of concern, which he didn’t count on.
“One might imagine it’s good, however it’s not,” he admitted. “Concern could be a good factor to have. I want I had it, however I don’t.”
Greenlaw didn’t finish his army profession the best way he needed to, however he’s a embellished veteran on account of his dedication, together with receiving a Purple Coronary heart. He would finally go on to function the Nationwide Commander of the Army Order of the Purple Coronary heart from 2018 to 2019. He additionally discovered new challenges to tackle each personally and professionally, together with within the enterprise world. Among the many corporations he led are Whittle Communications, Channel One Information, and Switchboard, Inc. He could also be greatest recognized for his work as President of Gross sales and Promotional Advertising for MTV Networks. Sure, the MTV that was once often called Music Tv. He additionally was a co-founder of Group Journals and was President/COO of Multimedia, Inc.
“I used to be a no B.S. man, and I rose up by way of the ranks to serve in CEO roles.”
He additionally was captivated with health and happening adventures. All through his years, he has been on a number of wilderness backpacking journeys and was searching for the subsequent mountain to climb, actually. He has reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Aconagua. Kilimanjaro could be the extra well-known mountain, however he was prouder of Aconagua.
“It’s rather a lot greater than Kilimanjaro. It’s additionally tougher than Mt. Everest, however it isn’t as excessive,” he defined. He additionally shared why he takes these private challenges on.
“I had an incredible appreciation of life since my harm. Being in fight alone can change your life eternally. I even have a very good spouse that places up with all my antics. We’ve been married 52 years, and we’re very fortunately married now. We each have veto energy, however neither of us have used it.”
Greenlaw stays in form by figuring out with weights, which he has executed since his dad and mom purchased him a weight set when he was 12 years outdated. Even when he was within the army, he described the impediment course he needed to full as “enjoyable.” He additionally performs golf and is a 9 handicap.
“I’ve at all times been in fine condition.”
Greenlaw hopes to see younger People select to concentrate on health and contemplate army service of their futures. He feels that the steerage, self-discipline, and dedication to nation might set them up for even better success later in life, whether or not they serve quick commitments or make it an extended profession like he supposed.
“I’m at all times speaking it as much as children.”
He additionally has religion that this era is greater than able to impacting the nation in a constructive approach for generations to come back. He noticed this firsthand throughout a luncheon the place he spoke with an estimated 300 recruits. He has additionally spent a variety of time with youngsters for an additional mission.
“I’ve been a scholar of the youth since my MTV days. I adopted them then, and I observe the youth right now, particularly 13-16 years outdated this yr. I’ve analyzed these children for an upcoming e book, and Gen Zer’s are wonderful. They are going to be nice troopers if and after they be part of.” Extra details about Greenlaw could be seen at www.douglasgreenlaw.com. Comply with Greenlaw on X @douglasgreenlaw and on LinkedIn.
