Be the Weight Behind the Spear

Be the Weight Behind the Spear outlines the leadership ethos of Dr. (Colonel) Josh "Blackjack" McConkey. With 20 years of working in the trenches of America's emergency rooms, and with 22 years of military service, Dr. McConkey combines lessons of leadership and poignant examples to inspire Americans forward. From the battlefields of Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom to the death and destruction of the American opioid crisis, Be the Weight Behind the Spear encourages a national dialogue on the importance of developing our youth into the future heroes and leaders America desperately needs.McConkey's leadership ethos uses the Spartan spear to describe how, in skilled hands, the spear becomes a powerful tool to overcome incredible odds. Even when the Spartans were outnumbered in the Battle of Thermopylae, their teamwork, skill, and belief propelled them into a position of strength. McConkey argues the necessity of providing support, guidance, and leadership as the proper weight behind American youth if our nation hopes to defend against the national security threats of today.McConkey divides his book into four parts. In the first part, McConkey highlights the foundations of true leadership drawn from experiences in combat, his childhood, and his time as a commander in the United States Air Force. In the second part, he describes the threat of selfishness and greed which rot America's foundational principles. In the third part, he recounts his worldwide experiences as an emergency physician to exemplify the importance of protecting America - the ultimate shining beacon of freedom in the world. In the final part, McConkey describes how near-death experiences and his family have been the weight that shaped him and inspired him to defend core American values of integrity, leadership, and accountability. Be the Weight Behind the Spear is a call to action during a time when America is as divided - both generationally and politically - as it has ever been. Dr. McConkey's memoir emphasizes the critical strength of America's teachers, families, coaches, mentors, and volunteers to shape America's future - because our national security depends on it.