Dr. Josh "Blackjack" McConkey: Husband, Father, Physician, Commander, and NOW Award-winning Author!

Josh has worked clinically as an Emergency Physician for over 20 years. He served in academics as a professor at Duke University from 2013-2014 and as adjunct faculty until 2018. He is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine with the American Board of Emergency Medicine and Fellowship Boarded in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), a subspecialty encompassing subject matter expertise in Disaster Response Medicine. With 22 years of decorated military service, he commands the 459th Aeromedical Staging Squadron in the US Air Force Reserves. He has been honored as the 2022 inductee into the Alliance, Nebraska Public Schools Hall of Fame and was the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient at his alma mater, Chadron State College.

He is the proud father of three children. His biggest mission in life is to help shape these children into the future leaders of America with the help of his wife, Elsa. Together, they reside in Apex, North Carolina. They are part of a very tight knit family with both Cuban and Irish heritage. The wonderful aromas that emanate through their house from cooking time-honored, secret Cuban family recipes brings a warmth, love, and security that only tradition can bring.

Follow me on social media at the links below or email me at: info@joshmcconkeyforamerica.com

My award-winning book, Be the Weight Behind the Spear, is available now!

ORDER NOW: CLICK HERE

America is as divided-generationally and politically-as it has ever been. But the strength of America has always been its people. Our teachers, families, coaches, mentors, and volunteers have the opportunity to shape America's future. In doing so, they will not only improve individual lives, but also have the biggest impact on our national security. With 20 years of working in the trenches of America's emergency rooms and with 22 years of military service, Dr. (Colonel) McConkey combines lessons of leadership and poignant examples of how we can move Americans forward. Be the Weight Behind the Spear encourages a national dialogue on the importance of motivating all Americans to be the weight behind the spears of America's future leaders. Our national security and our future depends on it.

5-Star Reviews:

“The author's writing style is natural and enjoyable, emphasizing the importance of family, venturing out to do new things, and defending our principles to take advantage of the freedoms we possess. Be the Weight Behind the Spear will inspire you to overcome obstacles and work on your personal and community growth, even in difficult times."

Diana Lopez, Readers’ Favorite Reviewer- 5-Star Review

“A renewed emphasis on “family values, integrity, leadership, and accountability,” the author suggests, offers the promise of a new dynamism to help propel the American spear into the future.” – Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“A Great Read! Enjoyable and informational stories illustrating importance of leadership and teamwork.” – M.C., Amazon 5-Star Review

Be the Weight Behind the Spear outlines the leadership ethos of Dr. (Colonel) Josh “Blackjack” McConkey. With 20 years of working in the trenches of America's emergency rooms and with 22 years of military service, Dr. McConkey combines lessons of leadership and poignant examples of how we can move Americans forward. From the battlefields of Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom to the death and destruction right here at home caused by the opioid crisis, Be the Weight Behind the Spear encourages a national dialogue on the importance of motivating all Americans to be the weight behind the spears of America's heroes and focus on developing our youth into the future heroes and leaders America needs.

McConkey divides his book into four parts: How to Be the Weight, How to NOT Be the Weight, Experiences That Shaped My Weight, and My Weight. In the first part, McConkey highlights the foundations of leadership drawn from experiences in combat, his childhood, and his time as a commander. In the second part, he highlights how attributes of selfishness and greed rot America’s core principles and that foundation. In the third part, he offers anecdotal stories of his experiences as an emergency physician around the world that illustrate what makes America unique as the shining beacon of freedom in the world. In the fourth part, McConkey describes how near-death experiences and his family have been the weight that shaped him as a leader and why it drives him to keep fighting for our American values.

Be the Weight Behind the Spear is a call to action. America is as divided- generationally and politically- as it has ever been. But the strength of America has always been its people. Our teachers, families, coaches, mentors, and volunteers have the opportunity to shape America's future. America is always at its best when we are faced with a challenge, but only if we are prepared to meet that challenge. Our national security and our future depend on it.

"It is the weight behind our heroes- the teachers, coaches, volunteers and family that make America the Greatest country in the World!

YOU (EVERY AMERICAN) have a pivotal role to play in America's National Security. America's single best resource is its people.  Learn how you can be the Weight Behind America's Spear."

Husband, Father, Physician, Combat Veteran, and Award-Winning Author.

Josh McConkey is a member of the United States Air Force Reserves.  Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the United States Air Force Reserves, Department of the Air Force, or the Department of Defense.  All factual military information and photographs are provided in conjunction with other non-military biographical data.