Crash And Burn...

Giving up doesn't always mean you are weak; sometimes it means that you are strong enough to let go.
~~~~~Author Unknown



What is it with me and electronic gadgets? Honestly, this dag-nabbed contraption called a computer, has me flummoxed at times so bad, I want to grab the sledge hammer. Yesterday morning my newest little toy; my phone, took a nose dive on me. Seems like the technology used for those things aren't meant for me to understand their inner workings. Back to the fix-it place I went. Their solution?

"Let me reset it to factory memory. But I have to caution you that you will lose all the information you have on it. Or you could send it in to the warranty department for a replacement. "

Ok, let's try the reset. Back to 'fresh out of the box' factory settings. Pictures, IM's and email addresses? Yup, all gone. At least I had saved most of my numbers to the Sims card. I knew to do that much. I wonder if they offer tech classes at the local kindergarten? I'm such a novice at these types of innovation.

You know what though? In the grand scheme of things, tis not important enough to worry about. I've gotten along for years without the aid of the newest technology toys. I'll survive without them again. There's always snail mail and personal visits. I love those much better anyway. They're tangible.


OH! Almost forgot to let y'all know this. For a true crash and burn report, go visit "Helicopters in Afghanistan".





And so it goes......

Friday Funnies...

People may doubt what you say, but they will believe what you do.
~~~~~Lewis Cass



Another work week ends, and yet my work here at home is just beginning. How can that be? Didn't you know that a woman's work is never done? Yup, tis true. Don't believe me? Ask another woman... Ha Ha.

Since it's only a couple of weeks away from Cupid's Day, I must spend part of my weekend hours baking. Momma has promised to come help me with the making of cookies to send to 'Our Guys'. I think we will be making a extra box to send to the recovering Marine, B.B. and his wife.

Oh, didn't I tell y'all that he has arrived at Bethesda, his wife and parents are there, too. Momma had a phone conversation with his grandmother who relayed a few of his reactions to his injuries. "As soon as I can get out of here, I'm going back to get that S.O.B." Typical, isn't it? A Soldier wanting to get back into the fight. A true warrior. Especially now that it has become personal. His wife was heard to reply. "Oh no you aren't. We're going home to Kentucky!"
Time will tell who wins that argument.


Last week I neglected to post my usual Friday Funnies. I'm sorry, I was otherwise occupied. Today seems to be a good day to resume. I'm in need of a few good laughs. A hectic week, the drives to work being extremely harrowing, as well as being a touch lonely. Nothing cures the blues better than a good belly laugh or at least a chuckle to bring a smile to the face.

Our new OBAMA policies

Dear employee:


As a result of the reduction of money budgeted for all department
areas,we are forced to cut down on our number of personnel.
Under this plan, older employees will be asked to take early
retirement, thus permitting the retention of younger people who
represent our future.


Therefore, a program to phase out older personnel by the end of the
next fiscal year, via retirement, will be placed into effect
immediately.


This program will be known as S.L.A.P.
(Severance of Late-Aged Personnel).

Employees who are SLAPPED will be given the opportunity to look
for jobs outside the company.

SLAPPED employees can request a review of their employment
records before actual retirement takes place. This review phase
of the program will be called S.C.R.E.W.
(Survey of Capabilities of Retired Elderly Workers).

All employees who have been SLAPPED and SCREWED may file an
appeal with upper management.

This appeal is called S.H.A.F.T.
(Study by Higher Authority Following Termination).


Under the terms of the new policy, an employee may be SLAPPED
once, SCREWED twice, but may be SHAFTED as many times as the
company deems appropriate.


If an employee follows the above procedure, he/she will be entitled
to get: H.E.R.P.E.S.
(Half Earnings for Retired Personnel's Early Severance)or
C.L.A.P. (Combined Lump sum Assistance Payment).


As H.E.R.P.E.S. and C.L.A.P. are considered benefit plans,
any employee who has received H.E.R.P.E.S or C.L.A.P. will no
longer be SLAPPED or SCREWED by the company.


Management wishes to assure the younger employees who remain
on board that the company will continue its policy of training
employees through our: Special High Intensity Training ( S.H.I.T.).


We take pride in the amount of S.H.I.T. our employees receive.
We have given our employees more S.H.I.T. than any company in
this area. If any employee feels they do not receive enough S.H.I.T.
on the job, see your immediate supervisor. Your supervisor is
specially trained to make sure you receive all the S.H.I.T. you can stand.


And, once again, thanks for all your years of loyal service with us!

The Management

~~~~~
A Very Bad Day

There's this little guy sitting inside a bar, just staring at his drink,and he just stays like that for half-an-hour. Then, this big trouble-making truck driver steps up next to him, takes the guy's drink, and just drinks it all down.The poor man starts crying. The truck driver says: "Come on man, I was just joking around. Here, I'll buy you another drink. I just can't stand to see a man crying." "No-no, it's not that. Today day has been the worst day of my life. First, I overslept and was late to a very important meeting. My boss,was so Furious, that he just up and fired me. Then, when I left the building to go to my car, I found,that It had been stolen. Then police, tell me that they could do nothing about it. I got a cab to return home, and after I paid the cab driver and the cab had gone, I found that I left my wallet in the cab, which had all of my money in it . I got home only to find my wife was in bed with the gardener. I left home and came to this bar. And when I was thinking about putting an end to my life, you show up and drink my poison ..."

~~~~~

Oil Change instructions for Women :

1) Pull up to Jiffy Lube when the mileage reaches 3000 miles since the last oil change.
2) Drink a cup of coffee
3) 15 minutes later, write a check and leave with a properly maintained vehicle.

Money spent:
Oil Change: $20.00
Coffee: $1.00
Total: $21.00


Oil Change instructions for Men :

1) Wait until Saturday, drive to auto parts store and buy a case of oil, filter, kitty litter, hand cleaner and a scented tree, write a check for $50.00.
2) Stop by 7/11 and buy a case of beer, write a check for $20, drive home.
3) Open a beer and drink it.
4) Jack car up. Spend 30 minutes looking for jack stands.
5) Find jack stands under kid's pedal car.
6) In frustration, open another beer and drink it.
7) Place drain pan under engine.
8) Look for 9/16 box end wrench.
9) Give up and use crescent wrench.
10) Unscrew drain plug.
11) Drop drain plug in pan of hot oil: splash hot oil on you in process. Cuss.
12) Crawl out from under car to wipe hot oil off of face and arms. Throw kitty litter on spilled oil.
13) Have another beer while watching oil drain.
14) Spend 30 minutes looking for oil filter wrench.
15) Give up; crawl under car and hammer a screwdriver through oil filter and twist off.
16) Crawl out from under car with dripping oil filter splashing oil everywhere from holes. Cleverly hide old oil filter among trash in
trash can to avoid environmental penalties. Drink a beer.
17) Install new oil filter making sure to apply a thin coat of oil to gasket surface.
18) Dump first quart of fresh oil into engine.
19) Remember drain plug from step 11.
20) Hurry to find drain plug in drain pan.
21) Drink beer.
22) Discover that first quart of fresh oil is now on the floor. Throw kitty litter on oil spill.
23) Get drain plug back in with only a minor spill. Drink beer.
24) Crawl under car getting kitty litter into eyes. Wipe eyes with oily rag used to clean drain plug. Slip with stupid crescent wrench tightening drain plug and bang knuckles on frame removing any excess skin between knuckles and frame.
25) Begin cussing fit.
26) Throw stupid crescent wrench.
27) Cuss for additional 5 minutes because wrench hit bowling trophy.
28) Beer.
29) Clean up hands and bandage as required to stop blood flow.
30) Beer.
31) Dump in five fresh quarts of oil.
32) Beer.
33) Lower car from jack stands.
34) Move car back to apply more kitty litter to fresh oil spilled during any missed steps.
35) Beer.
36) Test drive car.
37) Get pulled over: arrested for driving under the influence.
38) Car gets impounded.
39) Call loving wife, make bail.
40) 12 hours later, get car from impound yard.

Money spent:
Parts: $50.00
DUI: $2500.00
Impound fee: $75.00
Bail: $1500.00
Beer: $20.00
Total: $4,145.00

But you know the job was done right!




And so it goes......

Born A Kentucky Boy...

When the world says, "Give up,"
Hope whispers, "Try it one more time."
~~~~~Author Unknown



There have been times in my life that I've wanted to sit down and quit. But Momma and Daddy had always taught us to "pull yourself up by your bootstraps and start over again." So we did and still do. I think there must be something about growing up in the hills and valleys of Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and a few others states that give us a different perspective on life. All these states combined in one area are what are commonly named Appalachia.


Most true Appalachians come from hardy stock. Mountain people. Descending from the Scots, Irish, English, Welsh, German and Native Americans. People who have been dealt some horrific blows, and yet they continue on the best they know how. They are able to enjoy life with the bare necessities. They grow and preserve much of their food. If they're lucky, they raise beef cattle and hogs for butchering to sustain them during the winter months. What they can't afford to buy, they learn to make or substitute with something else.

Many make their own furniture and even musical instruments of true beauty. There are many famous music artists who come from this area as well. Who hasn't heard of Loretta Lynn or Billy Ray Cyrus, Johnny Cash, and so many more? There's also been some outstanding authors. Literary giants among us, they are. Almost everyone knows that the homemakers of yesteryear made some outstanding quilts from scraps that would be thrown away in today's world. Try to buy one of those Crazy Quilts and you soon realize that it will cost you a very pretty penny. But they didn't sew them to sell, they pieced them together to keep their family warm.

The true reality of many of these Appalachians is actually the word perseverance personified. Yes, you can say that we are stubborn. And damn proud of it.

Case in point is highlighted by the story below. Just a good ole country boy born in the hills of Kentucky and was raised up in Country Music City, USA. He typifies what the word Hero should be defined as.

Normally I would just give you a brief snippet, then request you click on the link to read the rest of the story. Not today. I want you to read every word, right here, right now. Please continue reading and come to understand how being raised in Appalachia has stood him in good stead. As we say here in Kentucky... He done good!

Face of Defense: Country Music Star Earned Stripes in Iraq, Afghanistan

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2009 - Stephen Cochran was a normal 19-year-old with a dream of making music his life when the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks led him down an unplanned path to the Marine Corps.

Country singer-songwriter Stephen Cochran is a former Marine and a wounded veteran. His back was broken in an ambush while he was serving in Afghanistan in July 2004. Now, with his music career on track, Cochran also works to promote programs that help to meet the needs of wounded veterans. Courtesy photo (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

"I dropped out of college. I walked away from a record deal," he said. "I was engaged."
He didn't discuss his decision with his parents, or even his then-fiancée, who broke the engagement when he announced he'd enlisted. "It was really the first grown-up decision I'd ever made," Cochran said.

The musician, born in Pikeville, Ky., grew up in Nashville's songwriting and recording community. There, he learned the art of songwriting from his father. He made his musical debut on the radio at age 3 and had his first band by 15.

At 17, he was offered a record deal, but he and his parents agreed that he needed to go to college first. If this offer had been made now, they reasoned, there would be others after college.

While at Western Kentucky University, Cochran played lacrosse and continued to write songs and play music. True to his parents' prediction, he was offered another record deal. But he wanted to finish school.

The company offered a promissory note, but then Sept. 11 happened.

"It was just so horrific," he said. "It's like I'd been called. I'd never been pulled so hard to do something."

It may have been the audacity of the attacks, but more likely it was his family's long history of military service that drew him to enlist, he said. Both grandfathers served, as did an uncle and several other relatives.

"I've always been raised very, very patriotic. It's just what I had to do," Cochran said of his decision to join the Marines.

It wasn't long before he found himself in Kuwait with the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, part of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, waiting to cross into Iraq. He was 20.

Once the unit crossed the Kuwait-Iraq border, contact with the enemy was a daily occurrence, Cochran said. When the unit's tour was finished, the Marines had fought their way to Tikrit and back.

"We brought every man home with us," he said. "They said we did 111 missions. That was more missions than any other unit had done since Vietnam."

But daily battle takes its toll. Cochran said he thinks every Marine in his section showed signs of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Four months later, however, the entire battalion volunteered to go to Afghanistan with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. They figured nothing could be worse than Iraq.

They were wrong.

"In Afghanistan, everything was just dead. There was no foliage. The people wouldn't look you in the eye," he said, adding that he and his buddies had learned that usually meant they had something to hide.

In fact, after several months of daily fighting in Afghanistan, the Marines began to wonder just how wrong they'd been about nothing being worse than the fighting in Iraq.

"Some of us came up with a theory that maybe we had been killed in Iraq and now we were in hell," Cochran said with a chuckle that belied the seriousness of the thought.

That theory may have been conceived during a mission where the Marines were outnumbered more than 2 to 1 and he lost one of his best friends.

"It was a suicide mission," Cochran said. "We 100 percent knew there was going to be a casualty on this mission. We knew it."

The mission initially sent a five-man team into what Cochran described as very hostile territory. When 26 insurgents ambushed the team, another seven-man team responded. Despite killing 14 insurgents before the fight was over, they'd lost one Marine.

"If you wanted to pick one man to represent the entire military, it was him," he said about the Marine. "We were all trying to figure out different ports we could get drunk in. He was trying to get us into Bible study."

About a month later, on July 14, 2004, Cochran was on his last mission, working security for convoys carrying equipment back to Kandahar, when he was injured.

Just 20 yards inside Kandahar, the vehicle he was riding in hit an anti-tank mine. He was thrown from the vehicle and broke the five vertebrae in his lower back.

When he woke in the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., a month later, he discovered he was paralyzed from the waist down and most likely never would walk again.

To add insult to injury, the record company that had offered Cochran the deal dropped him, saying they couldn't put $1 million dollars into a paraplegic.

"I understand. It's a business," he said. "[But] I never believed I was never going to walk again."

The doctors at Bethesda weren't so hopeful. Despite the fact that Cochran's spinal cord was intact, the bone and cartilage were severely damaged and were pulling on his spinal cord. The doctors' best suggestion was to fuse the bone together to alleviate the pain.

Another option surfaced, however. Though his doctors in Bethesda, who were just beginning to see the types of injuries that became typical with servicemembers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, were vehemently against the idea, his mother -- and first sergeant -- pushed for the procedure. They finally won.

Kyphoplasty, a procedure used to restore fractured vertebra, usually is reserved for older patients suffering from degeneration of the vertebrae and cartilage. However, six months after an orthopedic surgeon at Vanderbilt Medical Center used essentially 4 pounds of cement to fix the crushed vertebrae in Cochran's back, he was up and walking with the help of a walker.

Today, he's back on the country music scene and has a deal with Aria Records. His debut album, "Friday Night Fireside," has received more than favorable reviews.

While music is his passion, Cochran said, he found room for a second passion after his recovery: working to make sure wounded veterans have what they need to recover and live the fullest life possible.

He does this is by working with the Independence Fund, a nonprofit organization that, among other things, provides robotic wheelchairs to veterans confined to wheelchairs. The high-tech chairs can walk stairs and give the veterans their height back, Cochran said.

"They can look everybody in the eye," Cochran said. "That's the biggest thing. When I was in a wheelchair ... I had to look up at everybody. It was a big shock to your confidence. This raises them up to where they can have a conversation and look you in the eye."

It has the same technology as the Segway personal transporter, so it won't fall over, he added.

As amazing as that piece of technology is, Cochran said, bigger things are on the horizon and he'll do everything he can to make sure veterans have access to them.

"My goal is that the bigger I get in music, the bigger my pulpit can get to preach on my soapbox ... and really get more people involved," he said. "There's a lot of people in the music business who talk a lot. We just need them to get their checkbooks out now."

What Cochran said he would really like, however, is for veterans to never have to worry about what comes next.

"I want to have a foundation that covers you from the time you enlist or from the time you're commissioned until we put you in the ground," he said. "There is no reason a man shooting a basketball should have to not worry about anything in life, and a man that is ready to take a bullet should."
~~~~~




And so it goes......

Nature's Ice Sculptures...

Winter came down to our home one night
Quietly pirouetting in on silvery-toed slippers of snow,
And we, we were children once again.
~Bill Morgan, Jr.


Isn't there such a stark beauty in the whiteness of the snow contrasting with the darkness of the trunks and branches of the trees? I enjoyed vistas such as these on my drive home from work today. The weight of the snow and ice had the pine trees bending down almost as if in a bow of deference to the mighty wonder of Mother Nature. Of course, I wasn't thinking such thoughts early this morning. Oh no, I was much more concerned with keeping my car between the little ruts made by cars passing by before me. Yesterday morning we started the day with 6 inches of snow, followed by an entire evening of sleety rain. It left almost an inch of ice covering everything it touched. This morning was declared a snow emergency-level 2 and 3. But duty called, and I answered reluctantly. After I arrived at the donut place, it commenced to snowing again. Fast and furious, flakes as big as quarters or even larger. The cars in the parking lot were soon obscured by the additional 6 inches of frozen water flakes.

There were few brave souls who ventured out onto the clogged veins of snow and ice laden streets. But drywall must be made to eventually fortify the walls of other people's humble abodes. We soldiered on with a skeleton crew. The reports of road closures, and extreme warnings from official names resulted in the decision by the higher pay grades to cancel the 2 oncoming shifts. Equipment was shut down, lights turned off, and the worker bees released to find their way home.



This is the view that greeted me outside my kitchen door, as I stepped to the deck with my camera in hand. I had to preserve the beauty in that starkness at that precise second of time.






And so it goes......

Money Can't Buy You Love...

Money may be the husk of many things but not the kernel. It brings you food, but not appetite; medicine, but not health; acquaintance, but not friends; servants, but not loyalty; days of joy, but not peace or happiness.
~~~~~Henrik Ibsen



Late last week, I read the report below with just a tad bit interest. You'll have to wonder why, won't you? Here lately, it seems that every time 'Our Guys' have a mission targeting the bad guys, there are major discrepancies with the local residents over the number of taliban KIA. Almost every report I've read over the last 20 something months, the Afghan civilians set up a hue and cry that almost all who were killed were innocent civilian farmers or some such.

I know it's a true fact that the taliban like to hide amongst the local population. They provide good cover, don't you think? I don't like the fact that innocents are caught in the crossfire of any actions we take. But then again, if you allow a bad guy into your home, don't you think it might make you wonder if someone other than the taliban might have shots fired upon them? By the way, this is just my opinion. I'm allowed one, as are you.

Anyhow, after all the "claims" were issued, The Army conducted an investigation. Then the money changes hands. Now, here's a question for you. Did anyone from al-Qaeda make reparations to the families of those who were killed in the events of 9-11? Uhh, I think not.


First report comes from Armed Forces Press Service

Coalition Kills Two Taliban Leaders in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2009 - Coalition forces killed 22 armed militants, including two Taliban leaders, and captured 11 in eastern and southern Afghanistan on Jan. 19, military officials reported.

In Kapisa province, coalition forces killed Taliban commander Mullah Patang and 18 other militants during an operation to disrupt the Taliban's terrorist network in the Tagab Valley, north of the city of Kabul. Patang carried out orders from senior Taliban leaders in Afghanistan and abroad, including numerous roadside bombings and direct attacks against civilians, Afghan officials and coalition forces throughout the region, officials said.

As coalition forces approached Patang's compound, multiple armed militants came out of several buildings and engaged the force with small-arms fire. Coalition forces returned fire and used close-air precision munitions to stop them.

A search yielded more than 20 AK-47 assault rifles, multiple hand grenades and bandoliers of full magazines. The items were destroyed, and eight suspects were detained.

Coalition leaders are investigating Afghan news reports that civilians were killed in the operation.

~~~~~

Second comes the official inquiry.

This report comes from CJTF-101

Afghan officials, Coalition forces investigate claims of civilian casualties in Kapisa

Written by Headquarters United States Forces Afghanistan
Friday, 23 January 2009

Release Number 20092101-01

January 21, 2009

KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition forces are meeting with Afghan officials to look into allegations of civilian casualties as a result of operations conducted in Kapisa Jan. 20.

Statements from Kapisa leaders and Coalition operational reports maintain Coalition forces only killed Taliban commander Mullah Patang and 18 other militants. However, Pahjwok Afghan News reported Tuesday Kapisa residents said Coalition troops killed 25 civilians during the operation.

Coalition forces met with Kapisa leaders before and after Tuesday’s operation. Governor Abu Bakr told Coalition forces after the operation Tuesday that he knew the target, Mullah Patang (“Mullah the Robber”), and thanked the Coalition for removing him and his supporters. Afghan Islamic Press also quoted Nesar Ahmad Safay, a Hezb-e Eslami spokesman, who confirmed Coalition forces killed “Commander Patang” and 13 other fighters in Tuesday’s incident.

During the operation, multiple groups of armed militants exited several buildings and attempted to engage approaching Coalition forces with small-arms fire. Coalition forces returned small-arms fire and used close-air precision munitions to prevent the armed militants’ movement against Coalition forces. Coalition forces used small-arms and precision munitions to minimize the risk to civilians in Kapisa.

“We take reports of civilian casualties very seriously,” said Col. Greg Julian, U.S. Forces Afghanistan spokesman. “Our primary effort is to provide security for the Afghan population and we operate in strict accordance with our commander’s directive. Our investigation into recent operations in Kapisa will weigh all inputs to determine the truth.”

~~~~~

Last, after the results of that official inquiry, the reparations are taken to the village in Tagab, Kapisa province.


From a Yahoo News article.

TAGAB VALLEY, Afghanistan – U.S. commanders on Tuesday traveled to a poor Afghan village and distributed $40,000 to relatives of 15 people killed in a U.S. raid, including a known militant commander. The Americans also apologized for any civilians killed in the operation.

Since the article is from the AP, you will have to click on the link to read the story.


I also wanted to clarify that while I agree with some form of payment to the families being made, I also have to think that this is a widely known fact in Afghanistan. Hey! Report a innocent civilian is killed by an errant bullet or is caught in the crossfire of a firefight, and money will pass hands.

Are we the only ones that are making those payments? Do other countries who have troops there do the same? Again, the taliban aren't paying any remaining members of any family after they send a suicide bomber into a crowded bazaar, are they?

Because we all know, money can't buy you love, nor will it bring back those we loved.





And so it goes......

Knee Mail...

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
~~~~~John Fitzgerald Kennedy


Yes, God does indeed answer Knee Mail.

I wanted to post an update about our local Marine, B.B., for whom I requested prayers. There have been so many responses to this request, not only on here and from those who linked to mine, but also on so many groups over at Multiply. If I didn't already know differently, it would certainly restore my faith in basic human kindness and those who offer support to 'Our Guys'. Notice I said would. But since I do know already that there are multitudes of Americans who support them, and have faith in the Good Lord above, tis not surprising.

B.B. was seriously injured. Serious enough to warrant his being brought back to the states. Momma has talked to his family today. His wife and parents will be meeting him upon arrival within the next few days. I won't go into the extent of his injuries. It's enough to know that he is still alive and will be met with loving arms. He will also be covered in and by the strength of those prayers that were lifted up all day yesterday and today.

I'm also sure that there will be many who will be praying incessantly for him and all his Marine brothers. I'm hoping those who have answered my plea, will continue for as long as needed.


I was conversing with my elder sister, O'Wise One, earlier tonight, describing the events as they happened. After telling her some of the details, she said "everything just fell together in perfect unison for this Marine to be taken care of." Yes, it did. Everything clicked. Everyone was in place when they were needed. Divine Providence? Yes, I believe so.

Sometimes we take for granted those things that are unseen. I know I've been spared harm and heartbreak by prayers spoken for my safety and well being. It's re-affirming to know that I can help someone whose needs are so much greater than mine. And I must thank each and every person across this great country and even other countries, who offered up their prayers for B.B. and his family. His wife had told Momma how much she appreciated all that were said, and how much she appreciated the help she received from the network of Soldiers' Angels.


That's what we're here for. Any time of the day or night. Making sure that "No Soldier goes unloved"





And so it goes......

At Your Leisure...

How poor are they that have not patience!
What wound did ever heal but by degrees?
~William Shakespeare, Othello, 1604



I know I've lapsed somewhat in posting the News. Yesterday was spent in prayerful repose. Well, the majority of the day. Amazing how many prayers you can say when you've got 3 young'ns running around. At least they kept my mind occupied while I did my news search. Then there was a thought in the back of my mind that kept troubling me. Ah well, time will tell how that turns out...Patience, Prudence.

Since I've been remiss, prepare yourself to be overwhelmed with information. Hey, if I can read it, tis only fair that I share. Right? Didn't you know I'm a very sharing person of most things?


This news program is fairly old, it's from way back in October. Somehow I missed it. But I'm sure I had a good reason for doing so. I did see a lot of good information on the site. Be sure to read all the interviews and click on the different headings. Who knows, you might come away with a better understanding of what is going on in Afghanistan. What? Did you think I might bring you news from somewhere else? Ahh, I see you forgot where you were reading...

Just a few minutes ago, this Armed Forces Press Release popped in. Strangely enough, I had been reading news reports from the BBC that have disputed the number of insurgents killed. They made claims most were civilian deaths. Of course, President Karzai has denounced the killing of innocent civilians. It does make me wonder if he knows how the taliban choose to hide amongst the locals? I mean, really, let's get real here.


Then there was this article from the International Herald Tribune. It was written from the southern districts of Afghanistan. If that's not enough to make you stop and think of the difficulties 'Our Guys' are facing, you need to read this article from the same news source regarding how this war is effecting those who live in Pakistan. I am feeling truly blessed to have been born in our country. I would hope we all understand how blessed we are.


I have been following Nancy Youssef who writes with a group blog "Nukes and Spooks". They are several journalist assigned to McClatchy Newspapers. This article was featured in the Seattle Times. In the article she discusses how the taliban have evolved their offensive tactics and now are deploying the use of long range marksmen. Snipers, so it seems.
If you read the group blog, you will see that she did interviews with some of Our Marines. Her latest dispatch quoted one who said "he liked the fight better in Afghanistan than in Iraq." Be sure you check it out.


Do you ever wonder how the Afghan citizens view us? I've come across a few items that might shed some light on that subject. If you really want to know, be sure to click on this.
And from the unique perspective of someone who was born in and still lives in Afghanistan, you might want to check this new to me blog out.


How's that for the latest news? Think I've given you enough for one day? I did say "at your leisure", didn't I?





And so it goes......

URGENT REQUEST...UPDATED

God tells us to burden him with whatever burdens us.
~~~~~Author Unknown



I have a burden to share. I just received a phone call from my Momma. It seems that there is a Marine from here in Northern Kentucky, who is deployed to Afghanistan. I haven't found his unit or his locations. It really doesn't matter at this point.

His wife and family received a call that all military families dread. B.B. was injured in a roadside blast. His injuries are numerous. They are currently trying to get him stabilized. I told Momma that they would more than probably be sending him to Landstuhl for further treatment before flying him back home.

Please pray for every Marine that was injured in the blast. Please pray for strength for their family. Please pray for the flight to arrive in record time. Please pray for the Doctor's skill in doing the best in this situation. And please pray for those Angels that will be standing by 'Our Guys' sides. I know there will be one or more there waiting for the plane.





**Update**

Word has returned that B.B. arrived in Landstuhl. Doctors are doing their thing. We will need to continue with the prayers, not only for B.B, but his brothers in arms as well. Please pray with all your might. Please.

Angels are still standing by.





And so it goes......

Protecting An Angel...

Angels descending, bring from above,
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
~Fanny J. Crosby



You need to read this. It goes especially well with my post from last night. Soldiers' Angels need some help taking care of over 1000 Soldiers. Then there are those who stand to protect those who take care of them. Well, Mary Ann was verbally attacked in an email by a man who thought he could get away with it. WRONG!!!

Please go visit Bill and Bob and read of his dissection of the pertinent points within that email. That's what I call a slice and dice!! Nicely done, by the way.


**Update** Wow! What can I say? This has hit the airwaves of the blog 0 sphere like a whirling dervish. I bet Mary*Ann is shaking her head, wondering what the heck happened?

But you know what? I'm guessing Mike Sweeney is afraid to come out of his little doghouse to face the wrath of Soldiers' Angels and their soldiers. That man "Sweeney" just didn't have a clue as to what he was unleashing with those vapid, derogatory, condescending words he typed.

I've always said that "if you mess with one of ours, you will bring out the Momma Bear in the rest of us."

Add in the almost instantaneous communication via the mil-blog community, plus the fact the ranks will close on you faster than a speeding bullet. He didn't have a icicle's chance in hell. Phfft! Now he's just a small puddle on the rug.

Job well done, Y'all!





And so it goes......

Pitchforks And Angels...UPDATED

What you compromise to keep, you will always lose in the end.
~~~~~O'Wise One


It's been a busy day for the milbloggers who have designated themselves the "Pitchfork Brigade". I received a facebook message late this evening from Susan, who organized the same named group on FB. Y'all remember what happened when she called out other milbloggers on Nick Meo of the Telegraph, don't you? Uh, Yeah. Major brouhaha.

Seems like more and more of them have answered the call to take to task those who try to mess with 'Our Guys'. Ok, since I'm a member as well, I'm answering Susan's call to arms.

Below you will find the latest scab that needs to be debreided before the infection spreads. Oh, just so you know Susan and I are joined by Aunty Brat, David M, CJ, and Lela. I'm sure that there will be others. Stay tuned for updates.

The following comes from David M at the Thunder Run. It's over there on the right listed as "The Best Daily Roundup".

Since 9/11/01 it has become quite the event to have military color guards present the colors and be present during the singing of the National Anthem at sporting events of all kinds, and at Super Bowl XLIII this will also take place. So to say I was surprised when I received this email from a distraught Marine Mom would be an understatement:

My youngest Marine called me this morning. In the course of the conversation he made mention of being part of the Color Guard for the ceremonies at the Super Bowl. He has been part of other Color Guards at other games and has been able to enjoy the entire game after presenting the Colors. HOWEVER, this will not be the case this time. The 12 man/women color guard will be presenting the Colors and then will be escorted out of the stadium and therefore not allowed to see the game. Steven and the 11 others are quite upset about this and have asked that I see if I could contact someone and have that changed.

What? The Super Bowl won’t let the military color guard stay and watch the big game? Yes you read that right. Was I skeptical? At first, but after I contacted the Tampa Bay host Committee through their official website and spoke to Katie Wagner, I was assured that yes in fact her email inbox is full of emails from upset Marine Mom’s all asking for an explanation. To Ms. Wagner’s credit, who by the way was extremely gracious during my questions the Host Committee has no control over game day decisions; that authority rests solely with the NFL.

What has become a common yet gracious act of allowing a military color guard to stay and watch the game from the side lines, in honor of their service to our country, this time has them being treated as if they are the unwelcome guests, common servants to be whisked away as soon as their task is completed.

Lela has added the email address of the person to contact for this slap on our Troops. I thought I would share it as well.

According to the Tampa Bay folks, that's who people concerned with this decision should contact. Her email is Mallory.Steinberg@NFL.com

**Update**

Here's the official reply to everyone's emails and phone calls. I just happened to lift it from the comments at Thunder Run. Sorry David, I had to do it. If you want to read some irate Americans, go read the rest of the comments. I'm telling ya, you don't want to mess with 'Our Guys'.

Reply from the NFL:
------ Forwarded Message
From: "Steinberg, Mallory"
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:49:46 -0500
To: "Director @
Subject: RE: Super Bowel Color Guard

Thank you for your email.

Our longstanding support of the military is a proud NFL tradition, including numerous NFL players and coaches traveling overseas with the USO to visit troops. Last summer, Commissioner Goodell, Drew Brees, and Osi Umenyiora went on a USO trip to Iraq and Afghanistan with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen.

Since we had not heard about this directly from the military, we contacted our military liaison for the color guard immediately to discuss the issue. After speaking with our military liaison for the color guard, we will host the members of the color guard (12 people) in the stadium.

The background is this:
The members of the color guard have always been our guests at a Super Bowl party in a compound on the stadium grounds where they watch the game on big-screen TVs and enjoy food and beverage. That is how we have done it every year. The military provides an intra-service color guard as part of our pre-game tribute to the military that also includes the military fly-over of the stadium. Then we arrange a place for the color guard to watch the game along with other pre-game and halftime show participants (more than 2,000 people).

We appreciate your commitment to the NFL.

Best,

Mallory Steinberg
NFL Communications and Public Affairs
Director | 01.24.09 - 1:47 am | #

~~~~~


And now for the Angels. Soldiers' Angels that is. Again, from facebook, I received a note from Greta (official soldiers' angels website)

1001 heroes waiting to be adopted

Soldiers' Angels is asking you to help spread the word about all the heroes waiting for adoption right now. One letter a week and one small package a month during the length of the deployment is all it takes. "May no soldier go unloved."

Now that's a whole heap of 'Our Guys' needing some loving attention from home. Not really though when you stop to think about how many soldiers there are, stationed away from home, lonely, needing a reminder that someone loves them, is thinking of them, and praying for their safety.

I've got my limit already, but one is about to have mail stopped. After that happens, I'll be able to do more. But for those who haven't ever done an soldier adoption, Please won't you consider helping remind those men and women that they are loved? You won't regret it, I promise.

Oh, if you do, please don't send any peanut butter items. Soldiers have been cautioned to throw all items with it in it away. So don't waste your money. Also don't forget that Valentine's Day is fast approaching. Boxes need to be shipped 10-14 days prior to the 14th to reach them.

Unless they are with Vampire 6's team, who reported that they haven't received any mail since the 26th of December. What the heck is going on over there??

Anybody out there with connections to the mail systems? We could use your help!!

**Update**

As a few minutes ago, the official count of Soldiers waiting to be adopted is 772. While that is a commendable drop in numbers, it's still too many waiting. Do they make us wait for them to protect us? NO, they are out there standing watch 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Year in and year out. Please talk to your neighbors, family, friends, workmates, church groups, school buddies, anyone and everyone. Everyone enjoys the freedoms and protection 'Our Guys' give us.





And so it goes......

Spam Canned...

You should listen to your heart, and not the voices in your head.
~~~~~Matt Groening, The Simpsons, spoken by the character Marge Simpson


I had to do it. I'm now moderating my comment section. Which means y'all will have to wait to see your comments get posted. Does that mean you'll have to check back often? Why yes. Yes, it does...

These last few days I have received comments from "Diabetic socks", "Men's socks", "Mattress", "Mattresses", and today brought in "Ugg boots" as well as "Small Luxury Hotels". And the funny thing is that they were actual links. Thanks to sitemeter, I saw most of those comments came from other countries. Not that I mind people in other countries visiting here, I just don't want any canned spam. Especially for shopping links. I prefer to do my own shopping, thankyouverymuch!

I'm so sorry it came to this. I've been lucky I reckon, it's been almost a year without any spam comments. At least it wasn't porn.

Please don't let this deter anyone from writing comments. I love to read them. I normally respond back. That's just me.


And on another note, I need to apologize to a couple of people. They will know who they are. I truly regret the unfortunate incident. Indeed I'm very sorry for the grief I caused. Not only to y'all but myself. I hope it is accepted. Not that I know y'all will even read this, but at least it's out there.
*For clarification, while I regret my actions, perhaps you also regret yours as well. We need to remember there is equal and opposite reaction to any action. Sometimes good, other times, not so good. Time will tell.





And so it goes......

Dark Ages And Other Thoughts...

Disease is war with the laws of our being, and all war, as a great general has said, is hell.
~~~~~Lewis G. Janes




Last night after catching up on my daily addictions, I read the news from around the world. There is much going on that we should keep abreast of. It is my humble opinion that there is much that will affect us here in the United States. Strange that it does, but still true. It also troubles me that so many aren't paying attention. I perused the web and noticed there were few who reported on the avalanche in the Salang Pass. Was that not news worthy? As I said, troubling.

Then there was this.

Al Qaeda hit by Black Death fear as medieval plague kills 40 terrorist at training camp.

"Now al Qaeda chiefs are said to fear the plague has been passed into other cells - and possibly Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.

Many insurgents may choose to surrender for treatment rather than die a horrible death.

‘It spreads quickly and kills within hours. This will be really worrying al-Qaeda.’ "
~~~The Daily Mail

Now, do you see why I thought this was interesting? Read the sentence in bold above. This could possibly affect 'Our Guys' who are in Afghanistan fighting the Taliban and other insurgents. Especially as the pressure to resolve some issues with Pakistan not being able to stop all incoming terrorist at their borders increases.

And just this morning on Yahoo News I read that Afghan President Hamid Karzai has sent NATO a draft agreement, one that will give his government more control over future NATO countries deployments, along with placement of US Troops.


Ay yi yi!! More and more things being added to my list that bears watching.



I understand that many are caught up in the transfer of the Presidency of the United States today. Now that is one hellva RIPTOA! While I wish President Obama well, for who wants their own President to fail? I have so many reservations on the ability of so few to rectify the many problems we all are facing.

Perhaps it's the "Robin Hood" mentality that make it seem ludicrous for those problems to be solved. But what really pisses me off greatly is the fact that Congress, amidst the economic woes, can give themselves a raise.

I'm praying that there will be enough American people who are paying attention to our government's actions to keep events in the next four years from going completely out of control. I know I'll be paying attention. Not that I will be able to do more than watch and add my voice to those who question those in power. Isn't that what we are supposed to do?


On a personal note, today I took a sick day. There were many things last night that had me in emotional distress, enough so that it literally made me sick. Never a good thing to try to work and be so far from a restroom. As a wise person has told me numerous times, "it is what it is."
Don't worry though, I'll be fine. Life goes on.






And so it goes......

I Have Questions...

Genuine ignorance is... profitable because it is likely to be accompanied by humility, curiosity, and open mindedness; whereas ability to repeat catch-phrases, cant terms, familiar propositions, gives the conceit of learning and coats the mind with varnish waterproof to new ideas.
~~~~~John Dewey


Now I've got a few more answers...


Over the last several years, I've had some questions regarding our progress or lack thereof from the last 7 + years we have spent in Afghanistan. Last night, as someone was reading a much more elite blog than mine, I wrote someone who had been there almost at the beginning of the war. It isn't that my questions aren't answered by Mr. Anonymous, but I was looking for more perspectives as well. Reinforcements so to speak.

War on Terror News was gracious enough to answer some of my questions via email. After he answered my most immediate questions, I also received a link to a post that he had put up. In that post, he answered a few more that I had asked. While his post does explain some of the reasons as to why we aren't seeing more immediate results from so many having spent at least a year or more there, I still had more questions.

As most of you know I spend considerable amounts of my time looking for news from Afghanistan. I guess you can say I've got a vested interest in that part of the world. Though, if you should think about it, we all should be inquisitive enough to want to know what our progress has been, as well as what our plan of action is. We are talking about our children and grand-children's future here, aren't we?

For more background into the what, why and where those questions erupted from, you need to read War on Terror News "war stories" category.

Time Machine 1- The Year 1423

Time Machine 2- Paying the Toll and Looking Around.

Time Machine 3- Mission One

Time Machine 4- Planning the Escape

Time Machine 5- Moving Forward, Moving Backwards in Time

Time Machine 6- Lesson One


Then here's part of my email that I sent asking my questions...

"Do you see now the same things (mistakes) being repeated from the time you were there? I just wondered. Some of the blogs I've read the archives on, some of them quite out dated, as well as the owner no longer writing, is that the blogs that are currently in country now speak of the same problems. I mean, honestly, why can't we get this right, and change the things that we know to be wrong? Yes, I understand I'm looking from a simplistic view of a civilian, but... and that's a big but, I just can't comprehend the inability of our Armed Force leaders to not correct some of these things. But that's just me.

And one last question, do you still feel like you should be back there? So many of our guys do. I think it's a major part of the reason "XXXX xxx XXX" is returning."

Of course if you want to see his answers, you will need to go read his post linked above. I read his post and had more questions as you will see from my comment I left.

The article I quoted numbers comes from IRIN Asia / Afghanistan. Of course, there was this article from e-Ariana that is pondering the Afghan reconstruction boondoggle. See, these are the things I read that has me questioning the rate of progress we are making. I also recognize that Afghanistan is a complex country, as well as a complex subject matter. I'm not expecting instant gratification. I do expect to see more progress than we currently have is all I'm saying.





And so it goes......

Latest News From Afghanistan...

Bad is never good until worse happens.
~~~~~Danish Proverb

I just read this on my yahoo news alerts. I know there are a lot of 'Our Guys' in that area. Heck, what area are they not in? But still, there are many more Afghans who live there.
So... Y'all keep those prayers going.

Oh, this was from Reuters out of Kabul.

Avalanches kill at least 10 in Afghanistan: official

KABUL (Reuters) – A series of avalanches have killed at least 10 people in Afghanistan and authorities were still searching for those feared missing, an official said on Sunday.

The avalanches hit the southern part of the Salang Tunnel Friday, the main highway linking southern Afghanistan with the north of the country and to central Asia, said Mohammad Rajab who is in charge of the highway.

The avalanches swept away at least 12 passenger vehicles as well as several machines used for clearing snow to keep the highway open, Rajab told Reuters by phone from the area.

"In total, so far, we have recovered 10 dead people and rescued some 40, 11 of whom were hurt by the avalanches. Work is going on to rescue those who are feared trapped," he said.

The highway, which is perched in the middle of the Hindu Kush mountains, at an altitude of 4,450 meters (yards) to the north of Kabul, has been reopened for traffic, he said.

(Reporting by Sayed Salahuddin, Editing by Valerie Lee)

As I said, please keep those prayers going for everyone who was caught by Mother Nature's wrath. Pray especially for those who survived, and those who are helping recover the victims.






And so it goes......

Saturday Already...

Trust your hunches. They're usually based on facts filed away just below the conscious level.
~~~~~Joyce Brothers



Oh my gosh! Tis Saturday already. And I didn't post the Friday Funnies... What can I say? I was enjoying the evening with Mr. Anonymous. And that my dear friends, take precedence over most everything! Yesh I know, I'm besotted... It was a most loverly evening, too. Plus we have to take advantage of the ability to spend our time together now as he will be gone for a two week period soon. Oh, I'll be lonely for sure. But that's what phones and IM are for. I'll deal with it.


So... once again, I've left it to the next day to post a wee bit of laughter to brighten the minds of those who read. It's not like you are going to be laughing out loud when the words from the newspapers and online news sites are read, now is it?

Susan has added to my chuckles this morning. It appears a few of my friends have been on a highly secretive mission whose blogging buddies aren't all admitting to their escapades... But I've heard it from a very good source that all will be revealed in due time. I love those insider tips...

Now on to the silliness. O'wise One, VS and Moni are still adding to the listings to which I may or may not add here. I know they love to say "I sent her that one."
~~~~~


The Difference Between a Grandpa and a Grandma

A friend, who worked away from home all week, always
made a special effort with his family on the weekends.

Every Sunday morning he would take his 7-year old
granddaughter out for a drive in the car for some bonding time.

Just he and his granddaughter.

One particular Sunday however, he had a bad cold and
really didn't feel like being up at all. Luckily, his wife came to the rescue
and said that she would take their granddaughter out.

When they returned, the little girl anxiously ran
upstairs to see her grandfather. "Well, did you enjoy your ride with
grandma?"

"Oh yes, PaPa" the girl replied, "and do you know what?
We didn't see a single dumb bastard or lousy shit head anywhere we
went today!"

Brings a tear to your eye doesn't it?
~~~~~

Two Woodpeckers

A Mexican woodpecker and a Canadian woodpecker were in Mexico arguing about which place had the toughest trees. The Mexican woodpecker claimed Mexico had a tree that no woodpecker could peck.

The Canadian woodpecker accepted his challenge and promptly pecked a whole in the tree with no problem. The Mexican woodpecker was amazed.

The Canadian woodpecker then challenged the Mexican woodpecker to peck a tree in Canada that was absolutely 'impeckable' (a term frequently used by woodpeckers). The Mexican woodpecker expressed confidence that he could do it and accepted the challenge.

The two flew to Canada where the Mexican woodpecker successfully pecked the so-called 'impeckable' tree almost without breaking a sweat.

Both woodpeckers were now terribly confused. How is it that the Canadian woodpecker was able to peck the Mexican tree, and the Mexican woodpecker was able to peck the Canadian tree, yet neither was able to peck the tree in their own country.

After much woodpecker pondering, they both came to the same conclusion.

Apparently your pecker gets harder when you're away from home...
~~~~~

First Class Fooling...

A blonde and a lawyer are seated next to each other on a flight from LA to NY. The lawyer asks if she would like to play a game. The blonde, who's tired and just wants to take a nap, politely declines and rolls over to the window to catch a few winks.

The lawyer persists and says the game is easy and a lot of fun. He explains, "I ask you a question, and if you don't know the answer, you pay me $5.00, and vice versa."

Again, she declines and tries to get some sleep. The lawyer, now agitated, says, "Okay, if you don't know the answer you pay me $5.00, and if I don't know the answer, I will pay you $500.00."

This catches the blonde's attention; and figuring there will be no end to this torment unless she plays, she agrees to the game.

The lawyer asks the first question: "What's the distance from the earth to the moon?"

The blonde doesn't say a word, reaches into her purse, pulls out a $5.00 bill, and hands it to the lawyer. "Okay," says the lawyer, "it's your turn."

She asks the lawyer, "What goes up a hill with three legs but comes down with four legs?"

The lawyer, puzzled, takes out his laptop computer and searches all his references--no answer. He taps into the airphone with his modem and searches the Net and the Library of Congress--no answer. Frustrated, he sends e-mails to all his friends and coworkers, to no avail. After an hour, he wakes the blonde and hands her $500.

The blonde says "Thank you" and turns back to get some more sleep.

The lawyer, who is more than a little miffed, wakes the blonde and asks, "Well, what's the answer?"

Without a word, the blonde reaches into her purse, hands the lawyer $5.00, and goes back to sleep.

And so it goes......

The Green Eyed One Strikes Again...

That green eyed monster is ever so wiley. He sneaks out when I'm not looking. Whispers such naughty words in my ears. He's wanting me to be envious of my friends...



Today I can blame Susan for his appearance. She sent me a text message telling me 'what a wonderful time she was having!' Then has the audacity to tell me who her companions were... Ah, the nerve of that woman!!!



She knows that Washington DC wiil never be the same after this years milblogging conference. Yep, I'm making preparations to attend. Susan and I have decided to take the town by storm.



Since last years trip to DC was just a quick up and back visit, there was no spare time to take in the sights. Oh, I'm not saying "We" didn't have loads of fun, cause we did. But now I'll have a native as my tourguide. Woo Hoo!



All I can say is, "don't let that green eyed monster of jealousy out!" Better yet, why not join us?







And so it goes......

Putting Shoes On Their Feet...

You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.
~~~~~John Wooden



Can you hear it? That little "plop, plop" sound from those little drops hitting the bucket of human kindness? Listen closely, because it's there.

This one small feat started by a 1st Sgt. on a PRT team from FOB Kalu Gush is causing ripples across the pond in Afghanistan. Those ripples have also reached our shores. Many donations came pouring in when he put the call out to those at home with his request for shoes and socks made for small feet...

I can only imagine hard it was to see those Afghan children walking barefoot in the middle of winter. How could he not do something? Please read on for the rest of the very heart warming story. Perhaps you might even want to contribute... Add more of those "plop plop" sounds to the chorus coming from FOB Kala Gush.

Team Holds Weekly Shoe Drive for Afghan Children

American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Jan. 14, 2009 - Every Friday, 60 to 70 Afghan children get shoes and socks at Forward Operating Base Kala Gush through the efforts of the provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan's Nurestan province.

An Afghan boy tries on a new pair of shoes at Forward Operating Base Kala Gush in Afghanistan's Nurestan province while visiting for medical treatment. Shoes, socks and coats are donated from several organizations throughout the United States. U.S Army photo by Spc. Casey Ware (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

The project began when PRT member Army 1st Sgt. Terry Pittman saw two Afghan children leaving the base after receiving medical care and he noticed the barefooted older child was carrying the younger child. He learned the children had come from miles away, over harsh terrain, so the younger child could be treated for cold symptoms.

"It touched me, because I imagined my 12-year-old son walking that distance, with no shoes on and carrying his little sister," Pittman said. He brought the children back to the base, rounded up sandals for them, and decided he had to do more. "I want to help the children of Afghanistan by making sure every child that walks on [to] this FOB leaves with shoes and socks."

Pittman said he decided looking for a solution through humanitarian aid resources would take too long, so he called everyone he knew and asked them to send shoes. When members of the PRT heard the plan, they instantly supported it. Since then, shoes, socks, coats and toys have been coming in from across the United States.

"Without these people and their contributions, then this wouldn't happen," Pittman said. "I want to thank them all, because they have really gone beyond the call of duty to help the people here."

For some of the children, the shoes replace battered sandals with holes worn through the soles. For other children, they are the first shoes they've ever worn.

"If these children don't remember anything else about us being here, they might remember that an American soldier gave [them their] first pair of shoes or socks," Pittman said.

(From a Task Force Duke news release.)

Provincial reconstruction team hands out shoes to Afghan children at Forward Operating Base Kala Gush in Afghanistan's Nurestan province, Dec. 26, 2008. The shoe drive takes place every Friday while children are seen for medical treatment. U.S Army photo by Spc. Casey Ware Download screen-resolution Download high-resolution

I did say "heart warming", didn't I? Please tell me that you agree.






And so it goes......

Calling Heaven...

Good, honest, hardheaded character is a function of the home. If the proper seed is sown there and properly nourished for a few years, it will not be easy for that plant to be uprooted.
~~~~~George A. Dorsey



There have been many times in the last few years that I've picked up the phone to call my Daddy. Then I'd stop myself, asking why did I do that?, knowing that he can't answer. You see, Daddy passed away June 19th, 2005. It was Father's Day. I remember it like it was yesterday.

Tomorrow is his birthday. He was born on January 14, 1927. He would have been 82 had the cancer not stolen his hope. Yes, he had hoped to beat that ugly old cancer. I remember all of us kids discussing with him and Momma, all of the new, untried, holistic, quack remedies or possible cures. We girls had gone to the oncologists office with them. We knew the outcome. We knew the options. WE KNEW THERE WERE NONE...

Daddy had melanoma that had metastasized. The original cancer had started in his right eye. A seed radiation had been implanted to burn the melanoma, but we were cautioned then that if it didn't eradicate all of it, it would possibly return in his liver within a year. 14 months later, the mass was discovered on the liver's main aortic vessel. Surgery wasn't an option. Radiation wasn't an option. Chemotherapy was the only treatment with any hope. I took him to the Cancer Treatment Center 3 days a week. Every week. We started in late January and stopped near the end of April. After each treatment, we'd stop at some restaurant along the way home, have coffee or share a plate of french fries and catfish. And we'd talk, then talk some more.

That last treatment visit was so hard. The nurses knew that they wouldn't be seeing David B. Pierce, my Daddy come in anymore. He would always tease them, make jokes, and just be his general pain in the ass type of guy that he was.

And yet... Daddy had hope.

In early June, we moved him to my youngest sister's house. She owned a huge house, enough room for all of us and a hospital bed. Let me tell you, it was a really big home to hold all of us kids, her family, plus all the in-laws that came, grandchildren, whoever wanted to be there, stayed. We moved travel trailers into the driveway. We made pallets on the floor. We slept in chairs, on couches, and air mattresses. We didn't care. Daddy didn't want to go to Hospice nor would we allow him to.

My only problem was that she lived a little better than an hour away from me. I made arrangements to take FMLA leave. I took my remaining weeks vacation to spend with Daddy prior to the FMLA starting. I'm so very thankful I did. It was a week where Daddy's every wish and whim was granted. I remember how he once yelled at us when we didn't think the cost of one of those "cures" was worth it. He told us it held hope and that as long as he had that hope then he had a fighting chance on beating the cancer. We bought the "cure".


With two of my sisters being RN's, we all knew the medical terminology/jargon. I had done several stints in a Nursing Home. Momma had been an assistant in our local Doctor's office. The eldest brother had been an Air Force Medic for 7 years. We could handle anything Daddy needed. Or so we thought...

There were fights and arguments galore. Just because we all were adults didn't change the dynamics of being siblings. O'Wise One had reached the ripe old age of over fifty when Daddy gave her last spanking. All because of me. I think we were out on the front porch when being Daddy's daughter, I zinged her with a wet kitchen towel. Back and forth several times until she got the better of me and I let out a yelp. Daddy thought she had hurt me, so he smacked her on the butt. "Oh No Daddy, she didn't hurt me."

But she was. Not physically, but emotionally. She was devastated. As was I. That evening she and I went for a drive. Words needed to be said, tears needed to be cried. Within an hour, calls were being made to our cell phones to return. Seems we had that magic touch Daddy wanted. We can laugh about it now, but at the time, the thought that he would choose one over the other made both of us hurt. Apologies were given and accepted. Still, the feelings are there.

Several nights later, we spent his last evening sitting in the bedroom, crowded around the bed. Daddy wanted us to sing all his favorite songs. Several of my sisters have beautiful voices, as well as Momma. Me, I sing solo. So low, no one can hear me. As we sang, we'd all take turns brushing Daddy's scalp. His silver hair had fallen out without us paying much attention to it having done so. We would stop for a minute to make a comment or something another when Daddy would raise his eyebrows and motion with his eyes for us to continue. The youngest brother, and any of the rest of us girls who weren't rubbing his head or brushing his scalp, rubbed his legs, feet, hands and arms. Daddy enjoyed the rubs and we certainly needed to touch his warm skin as long as we could.

The one song that I'll always associate with my Daddy is the old gospel song of "I'll Fly Away". It had been his favorite as far back as I can remember. Since my speakers aren't working on my computer right now, I won't attempt to add a video. I need to hear it, too. But I will add the lyrics below and listen in my memories...

Some glad morning when this life is o'er,
I'll fly away;
To a home on God's celestial shore,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

[Chorus]
I'll fly away, Oh Glory
I'll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

When the shadows of this life have gone,
I'll fly away;
Like a bird from prison bars has flown,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away)

[Chorus]
I'll fly away, Oh Glory
I'll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

Just a few more weary days and then,
I'll fly away;
To a land where joy shall never end,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away)

[Chorus]
I'll fly away, Oh Glory
I'll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

There's not a day that goes by, where I don't wish I could speak to Daddy just one more time. To rub his head or brush his hair, to sit at the table with him, sharing a piece of Pineapple Upside Down cake, his favorite. To watch him pick up the plate and lick the crumbs off. There are so many of Daddy's quirks that manifest themselves in us, his children and now his grandchildren. I know that Daddy will truly never die as long as we are alive. But there are so many days, I wish I could pick up that phone to hear his voice... One more time.

In our family, we have a little competition to see who can call whoever is having a birthday and be the first to wish them "Happy Birthday". This year, I think I've beaten everyone.

Happy Birthday Daddy! I will always love and miss you. I know you had to fly away.






And so it goes......