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Daily Inspiration: Meet Julian Wyatt

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julian Wyatt.

Julian , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I was in High School (76-79), I read a book by Robert K. Greenleaf, called “Servant Leadership” and it was a watershed moment. I entered the Merchant Marines after High School, and went on a 43 day Med Cruise. Our first port of entry was Haifa, Israe, and that’s where my journey to Judaism really began. Following one year of college, I enlisted in the Navy instead of going in as an Officer because I wanted to serve first, and then lead second. I quickly advanced through the ranks (E1-E7) in 12 years and then served as a Limited Duty Officer (LDO) and retiring as as a Lieutenant Commander (04) at 30 years. My highest military award was the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal (2 stars).

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I served in Iraq from 2007-2008 as an Ambassador to an Iraqi General and as the Assistant Munitions Management Officer. On April 6, 2008, we lost one of our B’nai Baghdad Jewish Soldiers in a horrific attack on our compound that killed two and injured many others. Maj. Stuart Adam Wolfer, of Blessed Memory, was one of them. When we heard about the fatality, B’nai Baghdad members, under the leadership of Maj. Beth Robbins, went to the morgue, we all remained with him reciting prayers until the angel flights took him home. I wrote a heartfelt letter to his family describing what we did and I wrote a poem that touched them dearly. We have been in contact ever since. Every year, everyone who served with Stuart, gets on a Webex and we catch up and then recite the Mourners Kaddish. Next year in 2026, we are having our first reunion since 2007-2008 in New York.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I work with six nonprofits:

– Jewish War Veterans, President (2025-2027)
– Soldiers best friend, Handler, (2024-2025)
– Alzheimer’s Research Prevention Foundation, Contractor (2024-present)
– Mindfulness First, Instructor (2014-present)
– Prison yoga project Phoenix, Director (2016 – present)
– Hospice of the Valley, Salutes Volunteer ((2025 – present).

I’m also a certified Life and Health Coach. Here’s my sixty second video I send to future clients:

https://vimeo.com/detailshots/review/740163184/659ec805d1

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I am an avid reader. A few of my favorite books are The Way of Mastery” is a spiritual text authored by Jon Marc Hammer, also known as “The Way of Mastery” trilogy. The book is structured as a series of lessons that focus on self-discovery, personal empowerment, and spiritual awakening. It emphasizes the importance of love, forgiveness, and the mastery of one’s thoughts and emotions.

“Everyday Holiness: The Jewish Spiritual Path of Mussar” by Alan Morinis explores the Mussar tradition, which focuses on personal ethics and character development within Judaism. The book emphasizes that holiness can be found in everyday life through the cultivation of virtues, self-awareness, and intentional living.

Verbal Judo (the gentle art of persuasion) by George J. Thompson. If you deal with people in your profession, this book is a must read. I have recommended “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl to more incarcerated people that I can count. The book is invaluable for anyone. Anything by Gary Zukav Og Mancino, Eckhart Tolle, etc.

My favorite meditation app is called “The Way.”

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