"Defeat is only experience gained."

Welcome Tu Lam:

We’re joined on the Starline by a retired Sergeant Major, who escaped communism, fought underground matches, decorated Green Beret and author. His book “The Way of Rōnin: Defying the Odds on Battlefields, in Business and in Life” is now out. We thank him for his service and welcome Tu Lam.

Good Morning, Tu, let’s go Beyond the Mic. You’ve overcome adversity from the beginning of your life smuggled out of refugee camp, main fight card of Nippon Budokan and many other stories. How did defeat fuel you?

You say in your book “’Back at home, a young wife waits;’ and it was also Ruthie who eventually had to care for the monster who ultimately came back.” How did Ruthie help you from your return?

What’s the one thing you want people to understand about The Way of Rōnin?

The Rockin' 8:

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. Best course you took at American Military University?

2. Which is your favorite blade?

3. Helping vets is one of your core ways of giving back. Why is that important to you?

4. You’ve been immortalized as Ronin in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Do you have time to play video games?

5. What insect do you dislike the most?

6. You say “Happiness is a choice.” What makes you happy each day? 

7. Favorite quote from your mother?

8. You’ve learned, taught and embraced the way of rōnin.  What’s the one thing you still want to learn?

The Back Half:

What was your greatest victory and defeat?

How has the way America fights evolved from when you started to when you retired and what scares you about our armed forces today?

How has technology made intelligence easier?

Which battlefield has your attention?

One Big Question:

How have you overcome your inner monster and are there more white stones than black?

The Wrap:

He loves his Shinto knife, military history and his amazing wife of 23 years.

His book is “The Way of Rōnin: Defying the Odds on Battlefields, in Business and in Life”. Tu Lam, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.