When you had been to examine Douglas Greenlaw’s profession and life on his web site, you’ll see that the U.S. Military battle hero and enterprise govt has been on a number of adventures and is obsessed 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 previous.
“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 type 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 in the course of the summer season whereas the common staff took their holidays.
“That can train 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 manner out of there as a result of america Military drafted him in 1965 throughout his school baseball profession at Indiana College. Whereas serving a two-year dedication, he utilized for Officer Candidate Faculty with the intention of constructing a profession out of service.
Sadly for him, that profession could be reduce quick in his third yr of service attributable to accidents he suffered in a catastrophic incident in the course of the Vietnam Battle. Whereas strolling via a bamboo jungle, a wire was tripped that was related 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 via 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 keep in mind.”
He was picked up by helicopter and a medical staff was in a position to carry him again. He was transferred full pace 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 appropriate approach to save my life.”
Despite the fact 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 grew to become a brand new absence of concern, which he didn’t count on.
“One might imagine it’s good, nevertheless it’s not,” he admitted. “Worry generally is a good factor to have. I want I had it, however I don’t.”
Greenlaw didn’t finish his army profession the way in which 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 firms he led are Whittle Communications, Channel One Information, and Switchboard, Inc. He could also be finest recognized for his work as President of Gross sales and Promotional Advertising and marketing for MTV Networks. Sure, the MTV that was generally known as Music Tv. He additionally was a co-founder of Neighborhood Journals and was President/COO of Multimedia, Inc.
“I used to be a no B.S. man, and I rose up via the ranks to serve in CEO roles.”
He additionally was obsessed with health and happening adventures. All through his years, he has been on a number of wilderness backpacking journeys and was in search of the subsequent mountain to climb, actually. He has reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Aconagua. Kilimanjaro stands out as the extra well-known mountain, however he was prouder of Aconagua.
“It’s quite a bit increased than Kilimanjaro. It’s additionally tougher than Mt. Everest, nevertheless it isn’t as excessive,” he defined. He additionally shared why he takes these private challenges on.
“I had an excellent appreciation of life since my harm. Being in fight alone can change your life perpetually. I even have an excellent 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 finished since his mother and father purchased him a weight set when he was 12 years previous. 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 all the time been in fine condition.”
Greenlaw hopes to see younger Individuals select to deal with health and take into account army service of their futures. He feels that the steerage, self-discipline, and dedication to nation might set them up for even higher success later in life, whether or not they serve quick commitments or make it an extended profession like he supposed.
“I’m all the time speaking it as much as children.”
He additionally has religion that this technology is greater than able to impacting the nation in a constructive manner 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 pupil of the youth since my MTV days. I adopted them then, and I comply with the youth at the moment, particularly 13-16 years previous this yr. I’ve analyzed these children for an upcoming e-book, and Gen Zer’s are superb. They are going to be nice troopers if and once they be a part of.” Extra details about Greenlaw could be seen at www.douglasgreenlaw.com. Comply with Greenlaw on X @douglasgreenlaw and on LinkedIn.
