With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attainable.
~~~~~Thomas Foxwell Buxton
This has got to be one of the best stories I've read lately. It is one of grit and determination to overcome the obstacles that beset this man's dream. His perseverance to again compete in his beloved log-rolling has come to fruition.
J.R. Salzman was wounded severely while in Iraq late 2006. He may have lost an arm but he didn't lose his heart nor love of life. J.R.'s mil-blog 'Lumberjack in the Desert' was another I had read way back then.
He and his wife Josie spent many long months at Walter Reed Hospital. She attended school while caring for and supporting J.R. I think I first started reading her blog with the day to day details of their life at the Sandbox. Over the months of my chaotic life, I've haven't checked in to see how things were going. Shame on me...
Please go here to read and watch the video of J.R.'s win and his reaction. Heart warming, it is.
Then, if you're like me, you can shout out a big "Hell Yeah!"
'Course, Matt at Blackfive has links to the history of J.R.'s story listed. Bouhammer has a great post up as well. I would give you the links to their posts but me and this computer are having an argument and it looks like the computer is winning.
Congratulations are in order and deserved, don't you think? Go now. Please.
And so it goes......
Monday, July 27, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Keeping Up With The Jones's...
Hooked on Internet? Help is a just a click away.
~~~~~Author Unknown
Whew! The week has disappeared like brownies at a church supper. Here it is Thursday, and I've not posted since Monday. I've been keeping busy with work and trying to sleep during the daylight hours. Not working out too well, but I get by on the few hours where I do close my eyes and shut down the thought processor. The rest of my time seems to be spent sitting here in front of the computer or out in the garden.
Momma came to visit me the other day so that we could get etch out more rows into the empty spaces and implant a few thousand more of those little seeds into the waiting soil. After sweating a few quarts of toxins while meditating in God's waiting room, I came inside to grab a towel to wipe the sweat from my eyes. Of course, once inside I stopped to check on twitter to read the latest news updates, as well as checking for chat messages. Just can't seem to stop myself from doing that little quick peek. Within a few minutes, Momma followed me. As she walked in from the deck off the kitchen door, her comment to me almost made me laugh out loud. "You really are addicted to that thing, aren't you?" Why Yes, Yes I am. But being connected by this little silver thread is all I have at this point. I intend to make full use of it when I can, while I can. Wouldn't you?
I've come across a few great posts whilst reading those on my blog roll. Some I've found by following those little links that are posted by friends on twitter. Some come from the google alerts I receive in email format. Google Alert is a great tool to use to keep abreast of breaking news as it happens. Wanna guess what I get alerted on? Afghanistan and US Forces, of course!! Bet that didn't surprise anyone who knows me...
Here's just a few posts and news articles that I've kept up with this past week. Did I say few?? I'll try to limit myself to the best of the best.
News Items...
From Army Times this story of a woman collecting shoes to support Veterans, before she goes blind from an auto-immune disease.
One of our own helping a small child in Afghanistan recover after being caught in the middle of a firefight.
From France 24 - French Troops in Kapisa securing the area for the upcoming elections. Also be sure to watch the video that accompanies the story.
Graeme Wood of The Atlantic is filing reports from Helmand, Afghanistan. Several articles and some outstanding photography if you click on this link.
Photographs from Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan. Posted to Picassa Web Albums by Amy Koler.
And now from the blogs...
The Wordsmith; Old Blue has painted a beautiful moonrise picture with his eloquent words. Read and you'll see for yourself the same moon he depicted from his vantage point in Kabul.
Keep up with the British Forces in Helmand Province. They're also on Twitter as @BritishSoldier.
SemperFi Hank of Devil Dog Brew writes another great piece over at Knee Deep in the Hooah! Be sure to check out the links he included.
My dear British Canadian friend; Brat, has a great piece up on the 'talk' Mr. Obama gave last night regarding his urging the passing of the great Health Care Remake. I'm left wondering where his "great" speech writers disappeared to.
BabaTim of Free Range has a insightful post on the suicide attacks that occurred the other day in Gardez.
Troy who pens the blog; Bouhammer, brings us a heart breaking story of one of 'Our Guys' who was killed in Afghanistan last week. SFC Jason Fabrizi was on his fourth tour. Please pay this Hero the honor he deserves.
Okay, these ought to last y'all for a bit. It's fast approaching that time of the night where I leave for the paycheck place. I'll be checking back in from time to time tonight from my phone.
Oh, isn't it amazing the technology we have to keep us connected with those we love?
And so it goes......
~~~~~Author Unknown
Whew! The week has disappeared like brownies at a church supper. Here it is Thursday, and I've not posted since Monday. I've been keeping busy with work and trying to sleep during the daylight hours. Not working out too well, but I get by on the few hours where I do close my eyes and shut down the thought processor. The rest of my time seems to be spent sitting here in front of the computer or out in the garden.
Momma came to visit me the other day so that we could get etch out more rows into the empty spaces and implant a few thousand more of those little seeds into the waiting soil. After sweating a few quarts of toxins while meditating in God's waiting room, I came inside to grab a towel to wipe the sweat from my eyes. Of course, once inside I stopped to check on twitter to read the latest news updates, as well as checking for chat messages. Just can't seem to stop myself from doing that little quick peek. Within a few minutes, Momma followed me. As she walked in from the deck off the kitchen door, her comment to me almost made me laugh out loud. "You really are addicted to that thing, aren't you?" Why Yes, Yes I am. But being connected by this little silver thread is all I have at this point. I intend to make full use of it when I can, while I can. Wouldn't you?
I've come across a few great posts whilst reading those on my blog roll. Some I've found by following those little links that are posted by friends on twitter. Some come from the google alerts I receive in email format. Google Alert is a great tool to use to keep abreast of breaking news as it happens. Wanna guess what I get alerted on? Afghanistan and US Forces, of course!! Bet that didn't surprise anyone who knows me...
Here's just a few posts and news articles that I've kept up with this past week. Did I say few?? I'll try to limit myself to the best of the best.
News Items...
From Army Times this story of a woman collecting shoes to support Veterans, before she goes blind from an auto-immune disease.
One of our own helping a small child in Afghanistan recover after being caught in the middle of a firefight.
From France 24 - French Troops in Kapisa securing the area for the upcoming elections. Also be sure to watch the video that accompanies the story.
Graeme Wood of The Atlantic is filing reports from Helmand, Afghanistan. Several articles and some outstanding photography if you click on this link.
Photographs from Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan. Posted to Picassa Web Albums by Amy Koler.
And now from the blogs...
The Wordsmith; Old Blue has painted a beautiful moonrise picture with his eloquent words. Read and you'll see for yourself the same moon he depicted from his vantage point in Kabul.
Keep up with the British Forces in Helmand Province. They're also on Twitter as @BritishSoldier.
SemperFi Hank of Devil Dog Brew writes another great piece over at Knee Deep in the Hooah! Be sure to check out the links he included.
My dear British Canadian friend; Brat, has a great piece up on the 'talk' Mr. Obama gave last night regarding his urging the passing of the great Health Care Remake. I'm left wondering where his "great" speech writers disappeared to.
BabaTim of Free Range has a insightful post on the suicide attacks that occurred the other day in Gardez.
Troy who pens the blog; Bouhammer, brings us a heart breaking story of one of 'Our Guys' who was killed in Afghanistan last week. SFC Jason Fabrizi was on his fourth tour. Please pay this Hero the honor he deserves.
Okay, these ought to last y'all for a bit. It's fast approaching that time of the night where I leave for the paycheck place. I'll be checking back in from time to time tonight from my phone.
Oh, isn't it amazing the technology we have to keep us connected with those we love?
And so it goes......
Monday, July 20, 2009
Our Friends From Canada ~ Thank YOU!
Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of souls.
~~~~~David Thomas
The TIC's *troops in conflict* in Afghanistan has increased dramatically over the last few weeks. Our allies have taken many hits against the Taliban. Canadians and British forces have suffered tremendous losses of their Heroes as well as our own Hero Warriors.
I've long considered those who stand beside us in this fight to be part of the family of 'Our Guys'. As we all should.
Today, I'd like to thank each and every Canadian and British family for their sacrifices against this global war on terror. They have not gone unnoticed. May God's protective arms surround all OUR Warriors as they wage war against tyranny.
And so it goes......
~~~~~David Thomas
The TIC's *troops in conflict* in Afghanistan has increased dramatically over the last few weeks. Our allies have taken many hits against the Taliban. Canadians and British forces have suffered tremendous losses of their Heroes as well as our own Hero Warriors.
I've long considered those who stand beside us in this fight to be part of the family of 'Our Guys'. As we all should.
Today, I'd like to thank each and every Canadian and British family for their sacrifices against this global war on terror. They have not gone unnoticed. May God's protective arms surround all OUR Warriors as they wage war against tyranny.
And so it goes......
Friday, July 17, 2009
A Farmer's Helping Hand...
A good example has twice the value of good advice.
~~~~~Author Unknown
Did you know that farmers always help other farmers? Yep, it's true. I grew up on a small farm, and it was always accepted that come harvest time, neighbors helped each other complete the tasks that would take their family through the winter. Farmers also used the barter system. It works because each individual farm contributed what they had and what they could spare.
Good system, that.
Read the USAF Press release on how farmers in Nebraska chose to help Afghan farmers half a world away deal with a problem with grain storage. Brings a smile to this 'ol country girl face, it does...
~~~~~
Once again, be sure to do the clicky click thing to finish reading the rest of this great story. Not only are 'Our Guys' helping to improve the lives of those in Afghanistan, we have some great American's here at home joining in as well. Now that's a world wide community effort!
Good job by all of them.
And so it goes......
~~~~~Author Unknown
Did you know that farmers always help other farmers? Yep, it's true. I grew up on a small farm, and it was always accepted that come harvest time, neighbors helped each other complete the tasks that would take their family through the winter. Farmers also used the barter system. It works because each individual farm contributed what they had and what they could spare.
Good system, that.
Read the USAF Press release on how farmers in Nebraska chose to help Afghan farmers half a world away deal with a problem with grain storage. Brings a smile to this 'ol country girl face, it does...
Nebraska Community Lends Helping Hand to Afghan Farmers
By Army 1st Lt. Lory Stevens
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, July 17, 2009 - Members of the Task Force Warrior agribusiness development team visited several villages in Afghanistan's Kapisa province July 13 to assess grain bins that once occupied farmlands in Imperial, Neb.
Special to American Forces Press Service
Development team members relocated and reconstructed the bins to help Afghan farmers with grain-storage issues.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Eldon Kuntzelman, center, meets with local farmers in Afghanistan's Kapisa province, July 13, 2009, to discuss issues concerning grain-bin assembly and grape vineyards. U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Lory Stevens
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.
"These completed grain bins are the first in Afghanistan, and serve as an excellent way for farmers to store their grain," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Eldon Kuntzelman, a team agronomist.
Kuntzelman first thought of the idea to ship grain bins to Afghanistan in June 2008, during predeployment preparations.
"It was reported to the [agribusiness team] that grain storage was an issue in Afghanistan," he said.
Kuntzelman worked last summer alongside team members and community volunteers to disassemble eight local grain bins donated by Kip Bremer, Kurt Bernhardt and Wayne Bahler, all farmers from Imperial. Another farmer, Gregg Smith, also offered some of his grain bins.
~~~~~
Once again, be sure to do the clicky click thing to finish reading the rest of this great story. Not only are 'Our Guys' helping to improve the lives of those in Afghanistan, we have some great American's here at home joining in as well. Now that's a world wide community effort!
Good job by all of them.
And so it goes......
Thursday, July 16, 2009
ISAF ~ A Tribute...
Our job is not to make up anybody's mind, but to open minds and to make the agony of the decision-making so intense you can escape only by thinking.
~~~~~Author Unknown
Just found this on YouTube. It had the option for translation, so I did.
ISAF is the acronym for International Security Assistance Forces. That means there are men and women from over 40+ other countries who are deployed to Afghanistan, making them ALL 'Our Guys'.
May God protect them...
And so it goes......
~~~~~Author Unknown
Just found this on YouTube. It had the option for translation, so I did.
ISAF is the acronym for International Security Assistance Forces. That means there are men and women from over 40+ other countries who are deployed to Afghanistan, making them ALL 'Our Guys'.
May God protect them...
And so it goes......
A Hero Gets A Throwdown...
Food is so primal, so essential a part of our lives, often the mere sharing of recipes with strangers turns them into good friends.
~~~~~Jasmine Heiler
Turner recently returned here, where he was once an instructor at the Army Center of Excellence, Subsistence, to film a special for the Food Network -- or so he thought.
With food service training students watching and learning, Turner, who works in the Pentagon's Executive Dining Facility, began entertaining and engaging the soldiers gathered for a special day of culinary training.
Turner, who is known for singing while he cooks, shared his cooking philosophy and culinary tips, as well as his unique vocabulary. Words like "marinipulating, splaining," and ingredients dubbed "ooh, wee and wow," rolled off his tongue as he cooked. Salt, otherwise known as "ooh;" "wee," known as pepper; and "wow," representing garlic, are staples in most of Turner's original recipes. Turner asked the audience to help him by shouting "ooh, wee, wow" when he used these ingredients.
~~~~~
How cool is that? One of our Heroes gets to have a throwdown with his own Hero. I've watched Bobby Flay on the Food Network for a good long time. I've also watched "The Grill Sergeant" on the DoD video clips. Both are great guys to watch, cooking.
Please do the clicky click thing on the title link to continue reading the rest of the story. Then come this fall, you will be able to watch this throwdown between these two good men yourself. I know I'll be watching.
And so it goes......
~~~~~Jasmine Heiler
Face of Defense: Army's 'Grill Sergeant' Takes on Culinary Hero
By Kimberly Fritz
Special to American Forces Press Service
|
With food service training students watching and learning, Turner, who works in the Pentagon's Executive Dining Facility, began entertaining and engaging the soldiers gathered for a special day of culinary training.
Turner, who is known for singing while he cooks, shared his cooking philosophy and culinary tips, as well as his unique vocabulary. Words like "marinipulating, splaining," and ingredients dubbed "ooh, wee and wow," rolled off his tongue as he cooked. Salt, otherwise known as "ooh;" "wee," known as pepper; and "wow," representing garlic, are staples in most of Turner's original recipes. Turner asked the audience to help him by shouting "ooh, wee, wow" when he used these ingredients.
~~~~~
How cool is that? One of our Heroes gets to have a throwdown with his own Hero. I've watched Bobby Flay on the Food Network for a good long time. I've also watched "The Grill Sergeant" on the DoD video clips. Both are great guys to watch, cooking.
Please do the clicky click thing on the title link to continue reading the rest of the story. Then come this fall, you will be able to watch this throwdown between these two good men yourself. I know I'll be watching.
And so it goes......
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
PSA- Help Needed For 'Our Guys'...
If you haven't any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.
~~~~~Bob Hope
The last few days, I've tried to keep up with the news from other places and with the reading of all my friends blogs. I'm not always successful in completion though. There are a few things that I've received in my emails and other places that I thought some of y'all might be interested in. Surely there are a few like minded people out there in the wondrous world of the blog-o-sphere...
Anyways, just a few public service announcements that will hopefully garner some help for those organizations that need it the most. Those taking care of 'Our Guys'.
Wrap the Troops in Love
~~~~~
~~~~~
Those two I've highlighted are just a sampling of what we here at home can be doing to help show support for all those men and women who are stationed throughout the hot spots in our little world. Soldiers' Angels and Operation Gratitude do so much within that mission.
There are many out there doing their best to take care of them, won't you please consider how you may help? I know how these times of rough economics has taken a toll on myself. Still, just one little blanket or scarf will let one soldier know that someone at home is thinking of them and sending a bit of love their way. Is that too much to ask?
If you prefer t-shirts then hie yourself over to see Bouhammer. Troy has been tireless getting things together that will support 'Our Guys'. He's now working with Greta, (@kissmygumbo, and a most amazing Soldiers' Angel) along with Vision Strike Wear to bring us new designs for "Twitter" t-shirts. The proceeds of all shirts sold will go to the SA project called Valour IT. Another most worthy cause. It's one that brings communication via voice activated computer programs and computers to those who have been wounded in action. Please go visit him now to let him know you are willing to join in.
And so it goes......
~~~~~Bob Hope
The last few days, I've tried to keep up with the news from other places and with the reading of all my friends blogs. I'm not always successful in completion though. There are a few things that I've received in my emails and other places that I thought some of y'all might be interested in. Surely there are a few like minded people out there in the wondrous world of the blog-o-sphere...
Anyways, just a few public service announcements that will hopefully garner some help for those organizations that need it the most. Those taking care of 'Our Guys'.
Blankets of Belief Kickoff!
07/14/09
Wrap the Troops in Love
Category: General
Last holiday season our deployed heroes loved receiving their homemade Blankets of Belief from Soldiers' Angels, and it we’re doing it again this year! The blankets were a wonderful reminder to the troops that we believed in them as they faced the challenges of deployment to a war zone during the Holidays.
Blankets can be either sewn or quilted, and we even have instructions for no-sew blankets--check out the Blankets of Belief page for all the details! Knitter and crocheters, please email crochet@soldiersangels.org to learn how you can get involved.Together, let's ensure all of our heroes deployed this upcoming holiday season know we remember them and believe in them!
Dear Knitters and Crocheters,
I hope you’re all enjoying a wonderful and restful summer! Hot though it may be, I also hope you are able to give some thought to warm scarves and caps for the 2009 Operation Gratitude Holiday Drive! In touching base with my faithful workers now, perhaps you will be inspired to pick up those needles to ensure that our upcoming drive is the most successful yet!
2009 Holiday Drive
We would like nothing better than to include a scarf or cap inside each one of the 60,000 care packages we plan to send this winter! As we strive towards this tremendous goal we will need everyone’s help--not just in knitting and crocheting, but in spreading the good word as well.
How You Can Help!
Aside from making as many scarves and/or caps that you possibly can in the next few months, please help us to get our message out as well! If you know of any knitting or crocheting groups, or newsletters that support projects such as these, please let them know about our scarves and caps and ask for their participation. Here is the basic information to pass along to any interested parties:
Requirements
Any pattern may be used, but we recommend keeping the scarves and caps very simple! A basic stitch with a soft yarn and a subtle color is perfect, but please adhere to these measurements as closely as possible: 5-7” across and no more than 50” long! It saddens me to receive a beautiful scarf that I cannot fit into a care package, so the size is very important.
Where and When to Send
Beginning September 8th the Van Nuys Armory will be accepting items for our 2009 Holiday Drive, so please hang onto your scarves and caps until then. From September 8th to December 5th the address to send items to is:
Operation Gratitude
Van Nuys Armory
17330 Victory Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA 91406
~~~~~
Those two I've highlighted are just a sampling of what we here at home can be doing to help show support for all those men and women who are stationed throughout the hot spots in our little world. Soldiers' Angels and Operation Gratitude do so much within that mission.
There are many out there doing their best to take care of them, won't you please consider how you may help? I know how these times of rough economics has taken a toll on myself. Still, just one little blanket or scarf will let one soldier know that someone at home is thinking of them and sending a bit of love their way. Is that too much to ask?
If you prefer t-shirts then hie yourself over to see Bouhammer. Troy has been tireless getting things together that will support 'Our Guys'. He's now working with Greta, (@kissmygumbo, and a most amazing Soldiers' Angel) along with Vision Strike Wear to bring us new designs for "Twitter" t-shirts. The proceeds of all shirts sold will go to the SA project called Valour IT. Another most worthy cause. It's one that brings communication via voice activated computer programs and computers to those who have been wounded in action. Please go visit him now to let him know you are willing to join in.
And so it goes......
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Afghan Quest...
Love means nothing in tennis, but it's everything in life.
~~~~~Author Unknown
It's time for a new chapter in the saga of Bill and Bob's Adventures .
Old Blue, a very dear friend, has started a dot com. I've had to keep it secret for far too long. Thankfully, he made the announcement today. Blue has called this new blog "Afghan Quest", because he is now en-route to that place where the news is more troubling by the day.
As most everyone who has had the pleasure of reading his words knows, he writes with authority and exudes experience from his last tour in Afghanistan. Seriously, if you ever wanted to know what it's like to be a lone American among the Afghan people, you need to go read his archives. His ability to paint exquisite word pictures has been something I've admired from the very beginning. I'm not just saying that because I'm biased. 'Tis true. Read his thoughts and perspective of the things that can be done from the war front called Afghanistan. Can you say...Counter Insurgency (COIN)?
While I may become a tad bit anxious about Blue and those things that happen in Afghanistan during the next year, I couldn't be more proud of him and all of 'Our Guys' who are serving there. May God keep him and every one of them safe. That's asking a lot, I know. But we have to have faith...
Please, if you will, bookmark his new blog, and know without a doubt that what you read will be the truth as he sees it happening. Oh, I'm sure that there will be oodles of pictures like the one above as well. Yeppers, that was from the first tour. It's going to quite the experience to see what's changed.
And so it goes......
~~~~~Author Unknown
It's time for a new chapter in the saga of Bill and Bob's Adventures .
Old Blue, a very dear friend, has started a dot com. I've had to keep it secret for far too long. Thankfully, he made the announcement today. Blue has called this new blog "Afghan Quest", because he is now en-route to that place where the news is more troubling by the day.
As most everyone who has had the pleasure of reading his words knows, he writes with authority and exudes experience from his last tour in Afghanistan. Seriously, if you ever wanted to know what it's like to be a lone American among the Afghan people, you need to go read his archives. His ability to paint exquisite word pictures has been something I've admired from the very beginning. I'm not just saying that because I'm biased. 'Tis true. Read his thoughts and perspective of the things that can be done from the war front called Afghanistan. Can you say...Counter Insurgency (COIN)?
While I may become a tad bit anxious about Blue and those things that happen in Afghanistan during the next year, I couldn't be more proud of him and all of 'Our Guys' who are serving there. May God keep him and every one of them safe. That's asking a lot, I know. But we have to have faith...
Please, if you will, bookmark his new blog, and know without a doubt that what you read will be the truth as he sees it happening. Oh, I'm sure that there will be oodles of pictures like the one above as well. Yeppers, that was from the first tour. It's going to quite the experience to see what's changed.
And so it goes......
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Crossroads...
The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said.
~~~~~Peter F. Drucker
I've come to a crossroad in my life. I have to decide a few things that will mean major changes for me and this little blip of a blog that's barely discernible out in the blog-O-sphere. Not that it matters too much to anyone but me. Still I've wrestled with this decision far longer than I should have. I can't put it off any longer.
I've gotten advice from a few of my closest confidants. Their advice was to pray about it, and let God's plan reveal itself. Being somewhat impatient at times, I'm trying to listen and hear what his plan for me in the future is, but it's not always so clear. Cause sometimes what we hear isn't the answer we want.
Thus, if my postings become few and far in between, y'all will know that some of those changes took place. As my Grandma was apt to say..."It's time to sh*t or get off the pot."
And so it goes......
~~~~~Peter F. Drucker
I've come to a crossroad in my life. I have to decide a few things that will mean major changes for me and this little blip of a blog that's barely discernible out in the blog-O-sphere. Not that it matters too much to anyone but me. Still I've wrestled with this decision far longer than I should have. I can't put it off any longer.
I've gotten advice from a few of my closest confidants. Their advice was to pray about it, and let God's plan reveal itself. Being somewhat impatient at times, I'm trying to listen and hear what his plan for me in the future is, but it's not always so clear. Cause sometimes what we hear isn't the answer we want.
Thus, if my postings become few and far in between, y'all will know that some of those changes took place. As my Grandma was apt to say..."It's time to sh*t or get off the pot."
And so it goes......
Monday, July 6, 2009
We Know You're Out There...
The future is called "perhaps," which is the only possible thing to call the future. And the only important thing is not to allow that to scare you.
~~~~~Tennessee Williams, Orpheus Descending, 1957
Just a friendly reminder to all those men and women in uniform that we love each and every one of YOU.
If you'd really like to show your support for 'Our Guys', why not go to Soldiers' Angels and sign up to adopt one or 10 soldiers? You could even visit any one of the numerous support organizations that take care of them. They are out there just waiting for someone to say "hi."
Ya know, THEY are the reason we wake each morning and sleep soundly each night as they stand guard protecting us from the evil prowling the perimeter of our world...
And so it goes......
~~~~~Tennessee Williams, Orpheus Descending, 1957
Just a friendly reminder to all those men and women in uniform that we love each and every one of YOU.
If you'd really like to show your support for 'Our Guys', why not go to Soldiers' Angels and sign up to adopt one or 10 soldiers? You could even visit any one of the numerous support organizations that take care of them. They are out there just waiting for someone to say "hi."
Ya know, THEY are the reason we wake each morning and sleep soundly each night as they stand guard protecting us from the evil prowling the perimeter of our world...
And so it goes......
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Thankful for 233 Years Of Freedom...
All we have of freedom, all we use or know -
This our fathers bought for us long and long ago.
~~~~~Rudyard Kipling, The Old Issue, 1899
The Fourth of July is the one day out of 365 that we set aside to celebrate our Nation's independence. But it must be celebrated each and every day of the year so that we never allow ourselves to become complacent to the power struggle within our government.
With all that's going on in Washington D.C. nowadays it's looking much like we are very close to what our ancestors saw many years ago. Unfortunately for us though, it's not at the hands of another country but by our own leaders.
We owe so much to those men and women who have defended us throughout our Nations' 233 years. Many have paid the price to preserve what our forefathers started. Our American Forces are deployed around the world fighting those who want the United States destroyed.
Today, especially today... I'm trying very hard to "keep holding on."
May God keep all those who are wear the uniform of the United States Armed Forces within his arms of protection. May he keep their families strong here on the homefront. May God keep our resolve for The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA to be forever known as "land of the free and home of the brave."
Wishing all of America a very HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
And so it goes......
This our fathers bought for us long and long ago.
~~~~~Rudyard Kipling, The Old Issue, 1899
The Fourth of July is the one day out of 365 that we set aside to celebrate our Nation's independence. But it must be celebrated each and every day of the year so that we never allow ourselves to become complacent to the power struggle within our government.
With all that's going on in Washington D.C. nowadays it's looking much like we are very close to what our ancestors saw many years ago. Unfortunately for us though, it's not at the hands of another country but by our own leaders.
We owe so much to those men and women who have defended us throughout our Nations' 233 years. Many have paid the price to preserve what our forefathers started. Our American Forces are deployed around the world fighting those who want the United States destroyed.
Today, especially today... I'm trying very hard to "keep holding on."
May God keep all those who are wear the uniform of the United States Armed Forces within his arms of protection. May he keep their families strong here on the homefront. May God keep our resolve for The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA to be forever known as "land of the free and home of the brave."
Wishing all of America a very HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
And so it goes......
Friday, July 3, 2009
Retirement For Wounded Warrior...
We're still not where we're going, but we're not where we were.
~~~~~Natash Jasefowitz
Lt. Col. Timothy Maxwell, a founder of the Wounded Warrior Regiment, receives the Legion of Merit for his dedicated service to the Wounded Warrior Regiment, by Col. Daniel P. Kelly, his retiring officer, June 26, 2009, at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Quantico, Va. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Jahn R. Kuiper
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.
Yeppers, You've guessed it, there's more to read about one of 'Our Guys' if you do the clicky click thing on the title link.
I did another search for the Wounded Warrior Regiment. There are two Battalions for Wounded Warriors. Bn. West is located at Camp Pendleton, California. Bn. East is currently located at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. They are building a new complex with a Fisher House to be completed by 2010.
If Y'all know of any Marines out there who need this information, (Brandon, did you know this?) Please be sure they know they've got other Marines who are ready and willing to help them. Always faithful or as they say...Semper Fi!
And so it goes......
~~~~~Natash Jasefowitz
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.
Wounded Warrior Regiment's Founder Retires
~~~~~By Pfc. Jahn R. Kuiper
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va., July 2, 2009 - U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Timothy Maxwell stood stoicly silent as the crowd at his retirement ceremony rose to their feet and applauded. For those in crowd who knows of his incredible journey they can't help but let their emotions flow.
Special to American Forces Press Service
Maxwell, one of the founders of the Wounded Warrior Regiment, retired after 22 years of dedicated service on June 26 in a ceremony at the National Museum of the Marine Corps here.
Maxwell deployed six times and on his final deployment, in Iraq, he suffered a severe traumatic brain injury during an Oct. 7, 2004, mortar attack on the forward operating base where he was stationed. Shrapnel tore though the left side of his brain.
While recuperating, Maxwell discovered that his recovery was made easier when he was around other wounded warriors. He began advocating for wounded warriors and their families and worked diligently to establish the Wounded Warrior Barracks.
After all he has accomplished, Maxwell feels its time to step down.
"I've decided its time to go because a year ago I went for surgery to pull out piece of shrapnel near my brain stem," said Maxwell. "It crippled me on my right side. Now I can't represent the Marine Corps like I should. Marines are known for looking good in their uniform and when I can't look good in my camies it's time to go."
"[Assistant Commandant] General Amos approved the idea, Col. Kelly (a friend and fellow WW advocate with Maxwell) was the one who developed the idea, but it was Lt. Col. Maxwell who planted the seed for the Wounded Warrior Regiment," said Lt. Col. David J. Lofgren, the Executive Officer for the Wounded Warrior Regiment. "He got the wounded warriors together so they can heal together. The worst thing for a wounded warrior is the isolation. You feel like you're sandbagging it when the rest of your unit is out there fighting."
Yeppers, You've guessed it, there's more to read about one of 'Our Guys' if you do the clicky click thing on the title link.
I did another search for the Wounded Warrior Regiment. There are two Battalions for Wounded Warriors. Bn. West is located at Camp Pendleton, California. Bn. East is currently located at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. They are building a new complex with a Fisher House to be completed by 2010.
If Y'all know of any Marines out there who need this information, (Brandon, did you know this?) Please be sure they know they've got other Marines who are ready and willing to help them. Always faithful or as they say...Semper Fi!
And so it goes......
Thursday, July 2, 2009
DUSTWUN...*Updated*
Patience: A minor form of despair disguised as a virtue.
~~~~~Ambrose Bierce
DUSTWUN, an acronym for "Duty Status-Whereabouts Unknown", formerly known as MIA. (Missing in Action). That is one status I hope I never have to hear about someone dear to me, because he has told me his plan should he be captured, and what or rather whom that last bullet is for...
One family has heard it within the last few days though. One of 'Our Guys' supposedly walked off his Combat OutPost (COP) with 3 Afghan counterparts. Reports of his being captured by Taliban or other 'bad guy' operatives have gone viral.
From CBS News comes this report.
"Taliban seize US Soldier in Afghanistan"
From the New York Times/Asia comes this article.
U.S. Soldier may be in Taliban hands.
From Quqnoos, an article quoting the CBS News report.
Taliban Capture US Soldier in Afghan East.
There are several more articles basically stating the same things as the ones listed above. U.S. Forces - Afghanistan's Notes put up this notice on Facebook early today.
This is never a good thing. Some of those available resources are more of Our Guys' who are boots on ground.
Vampire 06 and his Team have been conducting search operations.
On Facebook and Twitter, prayers are being requested for this Soldier and his family. You all know what to do. PRAY!! Please pray that he is returned safely. Please God, let him return back to base unharmed.
The Marines started a massive operation in Helmand province this morning as well. Each and every one of 'Our Guys' need our earnest prayers more than ever. With the Fourth of July coming up, let us not forget the why's and how's of what we are celebrating, never forgetting all of our ancestors who paid for our freedoms and Our Nation's Independence!
Also remember in your prayers all those men and women who are in far off countries guarding our backs here at home. And especially those who are preparing to deploy. It's going to be a extremely hot summer, in more ways than just weather.
*Update*
This just came in on my tweetdeck. Via CNN.
U.S. Soldier sold to militant clan.
And so it goes......
~~~~~Ambrose Bierce
DUSTWUN, an acronym for "Duty Status-Whereabouts Unknown", formerly known as MIA. (Missing in Action). That is one status I hope I never have to hear about someone dear to me, because he has told me his plan should he be captured, and what or rather whom that last bullet is for...
One family has heard it within the last few days though. One of 'Our Guys' supposedly walked off his Combat OutPost (COP) with 3 Afghan counterparts. Reports of his being captured by Taliban or other 'bad guy' operatives have gone viral.
From CBS News comes this report.
"Taliban seize US Soldier in Afghanistan"
From the New York Times/Asia comes this article.
U.S. Soldier may be in Taliban hands.
From Quqnoos, an article quoting the CBS News report.
Taliban Capture US Soldier in Afghan East.
There are several more articles basically stating the same things as the ones listed above. U.S. Forces - Afghanistan's Notes put up this notice on Facebook early today.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMissing U.S. Soldier Captured
July 2, 2009
Release Number 20090207-01
KABUL, Afghanistan – A U.S. Soldier, who has been missing since June 30th from his assigned unit, is now believed to have been captured by militant forces. We are exhausting all available resources to ascertain his whereabouts and provide for his safe return.
We are not providing any further details at this time in order to protect the welfare of the Soldier.
This is never a good thing. Some of those available resources are more of Our Guys' who are boots on ground.
Vampire 06 and his Team have been conducting search operations.
On Facebook and Twitter, prayers are being requested for this Soldier and his family. You all know what to do. PRAY!! Please pray that he is returned safely. Please God, let him return back to base unharmed.
The Marines started a massive operation in Helmand province this morning as well. Each and every one of 'Our Guys' need our earnest prayers more than ever. With the Fourth of July coming up, let us not forget the why's and how's of what we are celebrating, never forgetting all of our ancestors who paid for our freedoms and Our Nation's Independence!
Also remember in your prayers all those men and women who are in far off countries guarding our backs here at home. And especially those who are preparing to deploy. It's going to be a extremely hot summer, in more ways than just weather.
*Update*
This just came in on my tweetdeck. Via CNN.
U.S. Soldier sold to militant clan.
And so it goes......
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