I call West Doss "Captain." When we are together, I am reminded of Lewis and Clark and their great adventure. Life for West is an expedition — something to explore, to risk, to give yourself to fully. I have always admired that in a person.
He is the kind of friend the Scriptures describe: "Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13. West embodies that. He would do anything for you. Not because he has to. Because that is who he is.
Over the years, West and I have shared many great adventures together, including visits to our nation's capital. Watching him walk those corridors — with the same quiet confidence he brings to everything — reminded me of something important. Great character is not situational. It goes wherever you go. It does not behave differently in Washington than it does in Bentonville, or on the ranch, or around the dinner table with family.
The test I apply without thinking — I call it the Lewis and Clark test: Would this person stand with you when the river is rising and the map runs out? Would they turn back, or would they say, "Let's go further"?
Very few people pass that test. West does, without question.
The people in your life who pass that test are irreplaceable. Guard those friendships. Show up for them the way they show up for you.
I am a better man for knowing West Doss. That is the simplest and truest thing I can say about him.