
Our Global Veterans with Sara Troy and her guest Dr Josh McConkey, on air from July 1st
It is critical to highlight a growing crisis that’s often underreported and often ignored: the decline of strong, engaged fatherhood, and its impact on the future of our nation.
Dr. Josh McConkey, candidate for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina, combat veteran, emergency physician, author, and dad of three kids, argues that restoring fatherhood is essential to reverse rising youth anxiety, fractured families, and weakened communities. His new book, ‘Be the Weight Behind the Spear, calls on men to re-embrace their role as present, purposeful fathers and leaders, both at home and in society.
Dr. McConkey brings a unique, boots-on-the-ground perspective. With experience leading soldiers in war zones and caring for patients on the front lines, Dr. McConkey is uniquely suited to provide a perspective on resilience and leadership. He’s seen what happens when young people lack guidance, and the impact when military dads come home from the battlefield to raise kids with discipline, resilience, and heart. He believes America’s healing starts with men who lead their families with strength, honor, and emotional presence. “Fatherhood is not optional — it’s foundational,” believes Dr. McConkey.
Be the Weight Behind the Spear is more than a book—it’s a mission to restore character, courage, and conviction in today’s fathers, sons, and mentors.
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Military dads have a unique perspective on leadership that extends far beyond the battlefield. Their experiences teach us valuable lessons about leading with integrity, purpose, and calm under pressure — qualities that are just as vital at home as they are in combat. Communities can play a powerful role in supporting and inspiring men to show up with courage and compassion, creating spaces where vulnerability and strength walk hand in hand. By embracing practical steps to rekindle the American spirit of fatherhood — from active presence to emotional resilience — we strengthen not just our families, but the very fabric of our nation. There is a deep and undeniable link between fatherhood and national resilience; when fathers are empowered, connected, and engaged, the ripple effect is felt across generations. The battlefield may be far away, but the mission at home is just as vital, and the lessons learned in the service can guide us all toward stronger, more loving families.
Dr. McConkey’s credentials include:
- Commander, 459th Aeromedical Staging Squadron at Andrews Air Force Base
- Combat flight surgeon with 340+ flight hours (90 in combat zones)
- Author of the award-winning book “Be the Weight Behind the Spear,” recently nominated for a Pulitzer Prize
- Founder of The Weight Behind the Spear Foundation
- Recently announced candidate for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina
https://www.weightbehindthespear.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-mcconkey-md
https://www.youtube.com/channel
https://www.instagram.com/joshmcconkeymd
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