The Good Bits: the Marines, the Massachusetts Senate and Managing Associations

Bob Hall served as a Marine, volunteering for what he calls an easy tour in Vietnam. At age 26, he graduated from college, and was elected to the Massachusetts senate, defeating a powerful Democratic incumbent by nine votes out of 60,000, in a seat not won by a Republican since 1938. He was re-elected four times by wide margins, retiring undefeated in 1982 to become an association executive. Along the way, he found time to earn a masters degree in history and to serve six more years in the Marine reserves. In addition to 23 years managing non-profits, he's been frequently published in newspapers and magazines as a freelance writer. This book began as an attempt to capture stories from Hall's life as a Marine, as a Massachusetts state senator and as an association manager for his granddaughter, Britnye. When it grew to over 600 anecdotes, Hall says, "Many people (okay, my wife) urged me to put it in print. I promise this book will not change your life, you will be able to put it down, and it will not soon be a major motion picture. Plus you'll have to turn the pages yourself." Included are stories that will delight and amuse you, as well as lessons learned about leadership, integrity and human relations. They range from Hall's interactions with prominent Massachusetts politicians like Mike Dukakis, Bill Bulger, Kevin Harrington, John Kerry, Frank Sargent, John Olver and Barney Frank, to the everyday stresses of a Marine enlisted man during a difficult time. Readers looking for a blood and guts combat memoir or a slashing political expos¿ should keep looking. But those interested in politics and political campaigns, the Marines during Vietnam or the challenges of managing non-profit associations will find it both educational and entertaining.