Should you had been to examine Douglas Greenlaw’s profession and life on his web site, you’d see that the U.S. Military battle hero and enterprise government has been on a number of adventures and is keen about 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’d see that he was part of a gaggle 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 kind of mills and younger Douglas would work there for a stint throughout his teenage years. The work was removed from simple for a full grownup, but Greenlaw would work double shifts in the course of the summer season whereas the common employees took their holidays.
“That can educate you what work is all about. It inspired me to get educated so I may get out of there.”
He didn’t have to fret about discovering a manner out of there as a result of the USA Military drafted him in 1965 throughout his faculty 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 brief in his third yr of service resulting from accidents he suffered in a catastrophic incident in the course of the Vietnam Struggle. Whereas strolling by means of a bamboo jungle, a wire was tripped that was related to an artillery shell. Everybody in Greenlaw’s group was impacted.
“I really 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 prime of a number of different wounds. He additionally had a chunk of bamboo that went by means 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 crew 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 preserve him alive.
“Lots of issues fell into place the correct approach to save my life.”
Although he recovered, Greenlaw was medically discharged from service on account of his accidents, however the results went far past that. He acknowledged Put up-Traumatic Stress Dysfunction being one in all 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. “Concern could be a good factor to have. I want I had it, however I don’t.”
Greenlaw didn’t finish his navy 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 corporations he led are Whittle Communications, Channel One Information, and Switchboard, Inc. He could also be finest identified for his work as President of Gross sales and Promotional Advertising for MTV Networks. Sure, the MTV that was referred to as 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 means of the ranks to serve in CEO roles.”
He additionally was keen about health and occurring adventures. All through his years, he has been on a number of wilderness backpacking journeys and was on the lookout for the following 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 lots 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 a terrific appreciation of life since my harm. Being in fight alone can change your life ceaselessly. I even have a superb 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 performed since his mother and father purchased him a weight set when he was 12 years previous. Even when he was within the navy, 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 good condition.”
Greenlaw hopes to see younger People select to give attention to health and think about navy service of their futures. He feels that the steerage, self-discipline, and dedication to nation may set them up for even larger success later in life, whether or not they serve brief commitments or make it an extended profession like he meant.
“I’m at all times speaking it as much as youngsters.”
He additionally has religion that this technology is greater than able to impacting the nation in a optimistic 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 whole lot of time with youngsters for an additional challenge.
“I’ve been a pupil of the youth since my MTV days. I adopted them then, and I observe the youth as we speak, particularly 13-16 years previous this yr. I’ve analyzed these youngsters for an upcoming ebook, and Gen Zer’s are wonderful. They are going to be nice troopers if and after they be a part of.” Extra details about Greenlaw could be seen at www.douglasgreenlaw.com. Observe Greenlaw on X @douglasgreenlaw and on LinkedIn.
