Col. David H. Hackworth RIP

On May 5, America lost a true hero, Col. David Hackworth. "Hack," as he was known, lied about his age to sign up to fight in World War II and then spent a half century valiantly fighting for his beliefs, American values and fellow soldiers on military and political battlefields all over the world.

Hack became a controversial figure as a result of his stinging criticisms of the American political and military leaderships and their 'mismanagement' of military personnel. Hack never had a problem telling you what was on his mind. I'll never forget being thoroughly impressed by his knowledge and bluntness when I first encountered him in a series of interviews on a Dallas talk-radio station in 1994-5.

While I didn't always agree with Hack's views, I strongly respected his deeply informed and heartfelt insights. And no matter the military issue at hand, I always sought to hear him out before defining my own position too rigidly. No one ever cared more about this country or our fighting men and women than Col. Hackworth. And his brand of realism-driven integrity and honesty are something that this country could use a in a far stronger dose.

Today, Hack will be layed to rest in Arlington National Cemetary. Fittingly, it is Memorial Day.