An unhappy Veterans Day 2012

Ex-Director of the CIA, General David Petraeus resigned from the CIA in disgrace on Friday due to the uncovered extramarital affair he was having with his biographer, Paula Broadwell.

Just last week, Broadwell authored a Newsweek article with must-read bullet-pointed leadership advice from Petraeus.

Petraeus was the emergent hero of the War on Terror, held in a high regard within the military and by the public that historically rivaled the military and public regard for Robert E. Lee and Dwight Eisenhower. (George Washington occupies his own level in the pantheon of American generals.)

Petraeus seemed beyond reproach in his duty and endlessly competent, a pillar whom Americans could trust to lead well at a time when few other leaders of our nation's government seem worthy of our trust. Losing him from the nation's service makes for a tarnished, unhappy Veterans Day.

Still, even with less faith and more anxiety for the future of our nation, today is Veterans Day. It's our day to remember, celebrate, and reflect. Remember Ben Colgan. Our guys are still over there, in harm's way, for us. As they have always been.

Eric