In 2012 through late 2014, I was in terrible shape. The picture below gives you an idea. Taken on my 50th Birthday, I am seen here with an Elvis impersonator. Elvis is a long-time idol of mine, and I can do a pretty wicked impersonation, even at my peak weight (unfortunately, this picture was taken a little shy of my peak). But I always preferred the young Elvis to the 70’s, too many Peanut Butter and Banana sandwiches Elvis.

I had to do something! My 30th West Point Reunion was coming, and the picture below is the image below represents what my classmates remembered about Don and Elvis.

Indeed, I was on a downward trajectory. The bottom hit in late 2014. I was in Kansas on a business trip, trying to keep up with one of my colleagues who had offered me a lift to the hotel. I was trying to keep pace with him as we climbed the stairs. On the third flight, as we approached the car, I could not catch my breath in the brisk air. It took more than 5 minutes of deep breathing to get it under control. This had to end, and it did!

In late 2014 and early 2015, I did two things that forever changed my life. I got a checkup that told me I had some health issues, and two, I joined Weight Watchers. This blog is dedicated to the leadership lessons that I learned in Weight Loss and Life that allowed me to lose 178 lbs,   enjoy my reunion, become a Lifetime member at Weight Watchers, walk 50 miles in one day, and return to Skinny Elvis (see picture below from this October!). If you are 50ish, stuck in a rut, and want to get the fire back and weight off, I will show you how! And hopefully, impart some leadership lessons on the way.   This site will contain lessons I learned in Weight Loss, Leadership, and Life while providing information to Veterans. I hope they inspire and help along the way.