News : \'Black Hawk Down\' commander McKnight speaking in Vinton today

Lt. Col Danny McKnight to speak Monday

Col. Danny McKnight talks about Somalia as he introduces himself to his audience Monday morning.

Col. Danny McKnight, one of the U.S. Army Commanders in the October 1993 incident now often-called "Black Hawk Down," will be spending the day in Vinton today, March 14.

More than 160 public safety officials from several states arerpresent to hear McKnight (who was injured twice during that mission) discuss his role in that historic event. McKnight will also discuss leadership as it effects law enforcement and others devoted to keeping America safe. The presentation began at 8 a.m. in the VSHS Auditorium and lasts all day.

McKnight's web site, www.dannymcknight.com, includes the following summary of some of the subjects of previous presentations which McKnight has made.

Leadership - The most important attribute of our great country for 230-plus years…the greatness quality of successful leaders can best be described by seven key values—loyalty, duty, respect, selfless-service, honor, integrity, personal courage. The interrelationship of these values is the essence of successful leadership.

Commitment - The commitment I believe in and talk about is a special one that comes only from the heart…it is not a cognitive thing, but more a thing of deep feeling and strong belief thing.

Homeland Security - What is this really, and where are we with it today? It is not new…it takes place within the United States of America, as well as all over the world…its focus is the protection of all American citizens at home and abroad.

Terrorism - This threat is not a passing thing…it is here for us to deal with for many, many years to come. Terrorism has existed for many years…no it did not just begin for us as Americans on September 11, 2001…it was even confronted in Mogadishu, Somalia in 1993 by Task Force RANGER. Unfortunately, many Americans DO NOT GET IT, but they need to understand the reality of the global war on terrorism.

Training - Next to Leadership, I believe Training is the most important aspect of ensuring the safety and security of our great country. We must be the best trained people (military and civilian alike) to ensure our freedoms are never lost. All of us as American citizens are responsible for the protection of the United States of America.

Patriotism – “Devotion to one’s country”…loving one’s country and energetically guarding its welfare…and finally, as an American citizen, the willingness to make the supreme sacrifice of giving one’s life to sustain the special freedoms and privileges of our great country.

McKnight also speaks about caring for those involved in protecting America.