Little Drops.....

I Have No Gift To Bring...

2011-12-23T11:59:00.000-05:00

At ChristmasA man is at his finest towards the finish of the year;He is almost what he should be when the Christmas season's here;Then he's thinking more of others than he's thought the months before,And the laughter of his children is a joy worth toiling for.He is less a selfish creature than at any other time;When the Christmas spirit rules him he comes close to the sublime...~Edgar Guest

A Hero's Welcome Home and A Send Off...

2011-09-20T15:45:00.000-04:00

Remember upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all.~~~~~Alexander the Great I'm hopeful that everyone has noticed that we had a Marine who earned the Medal of Honor. Cpl.Dakota Meyer was the first living Marine to have the medal placed around his neck since the Vietnam War. There was one headline that screamed...Kentucky Marine given Medal of Honor. Let me tell you something, this medal

Musical Interlude...

2011-09-17T11:09:00.000-04:00

Music is what feelings sound like.~~~~~Author Unknown Who could not love listening to Norah? And so it goes......

Marking Ten Years- This Day 9-11

2011-09-11T17:44:00.000-04:00

We must move from asking God to take care of the things that are breaking our hearts, to praying about the things that are breaking His heart.~~~~~Margaret Gibb The morning of September 11, 2001 brought utter disbelief to myself and so many others. It was a life changing event for those who were caught in the immediate results of the actions of 19 terrorist who thought they could bring us to

Lucky Enough...

2011-07-08T16:38:00.000-04:00

Every time we walk along a beach some ancient urge disturbs us so that we find ourselves shedding shoes and garments or scavenging among seaweed and whitened timbers like the homesick refugees of a long war.~~~~~Loren Eiseley I was lucky enough to take a road trip to the ocean prior to our Independence Day holiday. The drive down through Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina,

Cheating Hearts...

2011-06-08T06:13:00.000-04:00

There's one sad truth in life I've found While journeying east and west - The only folks we really wound Are those we love the best. We flatter those we scarcely know, We please the fleeting guest, And deal full many a thoughtless blow To those who love us best. ~Ella Wheeler Wilcox Heh, found this to be quite interesting... Seems to be an age old issue since relationships began.

Memorial Day 2011- It Bears Repeating...

2011-05-29T16:02:00.001-04:00

These heroes are dead. They died for liberty - they died for us. They are at rest. They sleep in the land they made free, under the flag they rendered stainless, under the solemn pines, the sad hemlocks, the tearful willows, and the embracing vines. They sleep beneath the shadows of the clouds, careless alike of sunshine or of storm, each in the windowless Place of Rest. Earth may run

Easter Morn ~ Alelujah

2011-04-24T11:30:00.000-04:00

Once more to new creation Awake, and death gainsay, For death is swallowed up of life, And Christ is risen today! ~George Newell Lovejoy The joyful news that He is risen does not change the contemporary world. Still before us lie work, discipline, sacrifice. But the fact of Easter gives us the spiritual power to do the work, accept the discipline, and make the sacrifice. ~Henry Knox

The World Over...

2011-04-23T16:16:00.000-04:00

I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing.~~~~~Agatha Christie Sometimes I can read something written by one of our Warrior Writers and get this sense of instant recognition that it was written by one that wears the uniform of the United States Military. Not always so as the link to

Lead, Follow Or Get Out Of The Way...

2011-04-16T11:41:00.000-04:00

I am more afraid of an army of one hundred sheep led by a lion than an army of one hundred lions led by a sheep.~~~~~Charles Maurice, Prince de Talleyrand-Périgord Most everyone will remember Gen. Stanley McChrystal from the debacle late last year where he resigned from his leadership post in Afghanistan. No matter the supposed statements by his minions, or his CinC, I happen to admire him

Spring Fever...

2011-04-10T20:23:00.000-04:00

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!~~~~~Mark Twain The Tulips returned and have brightened the landscape with their colors. Even the dandelions are a giant splash of sunshine amongst the greening grass. It's futile to resist... The

I've Learned...

2011-04-05T22:36:00.000-04:00

I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught.~~~~~Winston Churchill There will always be lessons in life to learn. Some we learn on the first try, others apparently we're forced to be taught again and again. One day, perhaps those lessons will stand us in good stead. Yeah, I'm waiting... I read this post over at USNI, and thought it spoke well of this Marine and his

Life Explained...

2011-02-16T10:08:00.000-05:00

Who will tell whether one happy moment of love or the joy of breathing or walking on a bright morning and smelling the fresh air, is not worth all the suffering and effort which life implies. ~~~~~Erich Fromm Anyone who has lived beyond the years of adolescence will tell you "Life isn't fair." While that might be true to some extent, they also will say "Life is what you make it.". A

Wise Words From A Great Leader...

2011-02-06T09:04:00.000-05:00

The old adage "You never know what you had until it's gone" has certainly been hitting home the last few years. We've been under rule of some of the most clueless, out of touch, 'I'm better than thou' elitist politicians in quite some time. There are some of us who still remember when we elected a man to lead our Country, they were men of integrity and honor. Men that had strength of

Love A Man In Uniform...

2011-02-01T16:09:00.000-05:00

My patriotic heart beats red, white, and blue.~~~~~Author Unknown So...who doesn't love a man in uniform. Well, maybe besides the men in those uniforms. Theirs is just a different type of love, brotherly love. How many people remember Elvis Presley looking super sexy in his uniform. C'mon! You've got to admit he was the quintessential sex symbol of those years. No, I don't remember

Bringing Up The Rear...

2011-01-31T08:50:00.000-05:00

If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere.~~~~~Frank A. Clark There's some pretty steep paths our Guys traverse while out and about in Nuristan Province. Here they're on their way back to FOB Kalagush after having been out on a search and destroy mission for IED's. . (Photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Matson) There's a few more photos that belong to this set

Christmas Wishes...

2010-12-25T09:14:00.000-05:00

Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.~~~~~Peg Bracken I've been wrapping the last few presents while awaiting my children and grand-children to arrive before we start our Christmas celebrations. In the meantime, the song that the great Frank Sinatra sings in the video below express it best my wishes for all of you! It has been said that only

Today's Must Read...

2010-12-23T15:22:00.001-05:00

Nurses don't wait until October to celebrate Make a Difference Day - they make a difference every day!~~~~~Author Unknown Just a few moments ago, I posted a link to The Sandbox (Garry Trudeau's Doonsbury mil-blog site) on my facebook page. While there are a few of my friends who will click that link, I wanted to post it again here so that there may be a few more that will read Clara's words...

Christmas Message...

2010-12-18T11:37:00.000-05:00

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas,

Jeezle...It's Been A While

2010-12-17T21:57:00.000-05:00

You know you are getting old when it takes too much effort to procrastinate.~~~~~Author Unknown Way back in August, I had this great thought that I'd redesign the blog. I went so far as to make it private while I contemplated the changes I wanted. As you can see, not that much was accomplished. So much for great thoughts, huh? While I've been on hiatus, there have been many new blogs

Men From The Bluegrass State...

2010-08-08T11:11:00.000-04:00

Difficult things take a long time, impossible things a little longer. ~~~~~André A. Jackson To all the men from Kentucky who make up the Kentucky ADT deployed to Afghanistan: HOOAH!! Panjshir Fish Farm Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:08:41 -0500 The National Guard posted a photo: U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jeffrey Casada, Kentucky National Guard Agribusiness Development Team leader and London, Ky., native,

Book Review ~ Afghan Journal...

2010-08-04T17:00:00.004-04:00

Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.~~~~~William Wordsworth Amongst the daily tasks of this thing I call 'my life', I try to catch a few spare minutes to lose myself in the writings of those books that I've purchased or have been blessed to receive for review. Just recently, one such book arrived in the rural mailbox at the end of my drive; Afghan Journal. This book is one that

A Peek Into The Heart Of A True Warrior...

2010-07-29T16:33:00.000-04:00

The words that a father speaks to his children in the privacy of home are not heard by the world, but, as in whispering-galleries, they are clearly heard at the end and by posterity.~~~~~Jean Paul Richter There are no words more eloquent than the words spoken from the heart of a soldier as he prepares to deploy to a war zone, leaving his wife and two small children. May we all be so blessed to

Just sayin'...

2010-07-21T19:39:00.000-04:00

Business is the art of extracting money from another man's pocket without resorting to violence.~~~~~Max Amsterdam Sorta puts it all into perspective, don't it? And so it goes......

Did You See...

2010-07-18T13:42:00.000-04:00

The goal is not to change your subjects, but for the subject to change the photographer. ~~~~~Author Unknown If you'd like to see what 'Our Guys' and others have been doing while in Afghanistan, you really need to visit these two sets of photograph compilations. It has been my opinion that photographs capture much more than we can see in our minds eye with the reading of words written. To

Mission Of Mercy...

2010-07-05T14:12:00.000-04:00

In nothing do men more nearly approach the gods than in giving health to men.~~~~~Cicero Y'all have heard me extol the wonderful job our medics and FST Doctors do for our wounded warriors. From the Pentagon Channel comes this 27 minute video that further explains just what goes into getting one of 'Our Guys' medical care after they've been wounded at the War front or become seriously ill while

Because Of Them, We Celebrate This 4th Of July...

2010-07-04T08:55:00.000-04:00

We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs but to secure liberty for their souls.~~~~~Robert J. McCracken Because there were men who were willing to procure for this country our freedoms from oppression, and taxation without representation, we are blessed with the freedoms that many take for granted. It was a arduous fight,

Salute To Our Flag...

2010-06-14T11:16:00.001-04:00

We take the stars from heaven, the red from our mother country, separating it by white stripes, thus showing that we have separated from her, and the white stripes shall go down to posterity, representing our liberty. ~~~~~George Washington, attributed Did you know today, June 14th, is Flag Day? Yup, 'tis true. Who better to give us a brief look at the history of the United States Flag than

From Time Long Ago...

2010-06-02T19:14:00.000-04:00

What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now.~~~~~Author Unknown With everything that's going on in our ever growing smaller world, I'm always amazed at the increasing number of citizens who don't support our actions against those who

Memorial Day ~ Remember And Honor...

2010-05-29T12:40:00.002-04:00

They are dead; but they live in each Patriot's breast, And their names are engraven on honor's bright crest. ~~~~~Henry Wadsworth LongfellowMemorial Day formerly known as Decoration Day has become a day our Nation uses to have big sales and family get-together's with BBQ's over a three day weekend. Yes, there are still Memorial Day Parades where towns and cities honor their own Fallen Heroes.

Message From The Brits...

2010-05-26T17:56:00.004-04:00

The reputation of a thousand years may be determined by the conduct of one hour.~~~~~Japanese ProverbOur British allies have served valiantly in this 'War on Terror' in Afghanistan. Be sure to check out Helmand Blog to keep up with the news that they post from their position.The other day, I noticed this 'Message to Terry Taliban' video and thought it worthy to share.Major Dan reminded me in

Woot!! The Man IS Back...

2010-05-23T12:13:00.003-04:00

Feelings are much like waves, we can't stop them from coming but we can choose which one to surf.~~~~~Jonatan MårtenssonWhen I first started reading mil-blogs a few years ago, looking for any and all types of information on what 'Our Guys' were doing while deployed, (has it only been 3 years?) I started reading a blog by a man who used the anonymous blogger name of "AfghaniDan". At the time of

Prescription Of The Day...

2010-05-22T14:00:00.005-04:00

In the sick room, ten cents' worth of human understanding equals ten dollars' worth of medical science.~~~~~Martin H. FischerCalling all Doctors! Report to the ER immediately! Yes, you really need to go visit this Doctor and his team in Afghanistan. He post 'Pictures of the Day'. You don't want to miss them. Really, you don't. Go to his waiting room, observe the actions of some of '

Alive...But Busy Reading...

2010-05-20T21:27:00.003-04:00

A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. It is one of the few havens remaining where a man's mind can get both provocation and privacy.~~~~~Edward P. MorganI know... I've been AWOL for a few weeks. Life is like that sometimes. So busy that you haven't a moment to spare. What

In The Korengal...

2010-04-30T15:11:00.004-04:00

He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from opposition; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach himself.~~~~~Thomas PaineJust watch this to see what 'Our Guys' are doing while in Afghanistan...God bless and keep them ALL safe.And so it goes......

Will They Remember...

2010-04-26T07:25:00.008-04:00

And even if you were in some prison, the walls of which let none of the sounds of the world come to your senses - would you not then still have your childhood, that precious, kingly possession, that treasure-house of memories?~~~~~Rainer Maria RilkeSgt. 1st Class Kris Alvey of Goose Creek, South Carolina, 1-178th Field Artillery Battalion, South Carolina Army National Guard plays with Afghan

Living Vicariously...

2010-04-24T20:40:00.004-04:00

I think that travel comes from some deep urge to see the world, like the urge that brings up a worm in an Irish bog to see the moon when it is full.~~~~~Lord DunsanyY'all remember when I invited you to travel along with a couple of Air Force Tech Sgt's who were touring all the regions of Afghanistan, don't you? Originally planned as a 30 day trip but due to travel travails finished with Day 35+.

A Day In The Life Of...

2010-04-23T13:37:00.006-04:00

If your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt.~~~~~Henry J. KaiserI've watched this video more than a few times over the last couple of weeks. The thought crossed my mind that I should share it with the few readers of this little bit of spit. My daily rounds of the blog-o-sphere is getting curtailed as my daily chore list becomes longer and longer. Most days there just isn't enough time to

Tax Day...

2010-04-15T13:26:00.003-04:00

If, from the more wretched parts of the old world, we look at those which are in an advanced stage of improvement, we still find the greedy hand of government thrusting itself into every corner and crevice of industry, and grasping the spoil of the multitude. Invention is continually exercised, to furnish new pretenses for revenues and taxation. It watches prosperity as its prey and permits

The Complexity Of Afghanistan...

2010-04-13T12:04:00.005-04:00

I tell you everything that is really nothing, and nothing of what is everything, do not be fooled by what I am saying. Please listen carefully and try to hear what I am not saying.~~~~~Charles C. Finn Doing the morning routine of clicking through all the news briefs and emails that hit the inbox overnight, I found this 'official' brief to be quite interesting. I have to agree with those who

Promises Of 'True' Friendship...

2010-04-08T22:00:00.001-04:00

Yes'm, old friends is always best, 'less you can catch a new one that's fit to make an old one out of.~~~~~Sarah Orne JewettGotta love my friends when they send me stuff like this...Friendship ~ None of that Sissy S*** Are you tired of those sissy 'friendship' poems that always sound good, but never actually come close to reality? Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true

Quote Of The Year...

2010-04-08T10:13:00.006-04:00

A picture, it is said, is worth a thousand words, but cannot a few well-spoken words convey as many pictures?~~~~~Author UnknownCan you tell that I have a penchant for adding quotes to this little bit of spit at the beginning of my posts? Sometimes quotes are snippets of wisdom, other times quotes are sarcastic and many times they hit the nail on the head of what many people are thinking yet

Broken Hearted...

2010-04-07T10:55:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I wish I were a little kid again, skinned knees are easier to fix than broken hearts.~~~~~Author UnknownThis coming Friday, April 9th, marks the start of the 5th Annual Mil-blog Conference in Arlington, VA. I attended the conference last year and had a blast. This year? Nope, won't be there. The cost of essential car repairs kept me from laying out the money that I needed to attend

BIG Wet Ones...

2010-04-05T06:19:00.006-04:00

Everyone who's ever taken a shower has an idea. It's the person who gets out of the shower, dries off and does something about it who makes a difference.~~~~~Nolan BushnellAs it's been said...Necessity is mother of invention. I thought it apropos after reading the following story featured in Army Times.How cool that someone took a problem, pondered a solution, and executed a plan to remedy that

Fitting Finish...

2010-04-04T19:33:00.003-04:00

On Easter Day the veil between time and eternity thins to gossamer.~~~~~Douglas Horton'Tis been a wonderful Easter Day. The song on the video is a fitting end as the sun slowly sinks below the horizon. With all the things that cause us concern, isn't it wonderful to know that Jesus is always there for us?Loved the photo montage that was used in the making of this video, didn't you? God's

HE Carried The Cross...

2010-04-04T04:48:00.004-04:00

Once more to new creation Awake,and death gainsay,For death is swallowed up of life,And Christ is risen today! ~George Newell LovejoyThank God in Heaven...HE AROSE!

A Cup Of Joe...

2010-03-31T16:37:00.005-04:00

This coffee falls into your stomach, and straightway there is a general commotion. Ideas begin to move like the battalions of the Grand Army of the battlefield, and the battle takes place. Things remembered arrive at full gallop, ensuing to the wind. The light cavalry of comparisons deliver a magnificent deploying charge, the artillery of logic hurry up with their train and ammunition, the

A Doctor Writes...

2010-03-30T11:23:00.003-04:00

We are not afraid to entrust the American people with unpleasant facts, foreign ideas, alien philosophies, and competitive values. For a nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people.~~~~~John F. KennedyIt's been a very unsettling time these last few days. The Health Care Reform has been signed into law. Revised

So...The President Makes A Surprise Visit...

2010-03-29T08:15:00.004-04:00

Some so speak in exaggerations and superlatives that we need to make a large discount from their statements before we can come at their real meaning.~~~~~Tryon EdwardsYes, I'm sure that most everyone has read the news of this trip. President Obama made a surprise visit to Afghanistan. He left Camp David under the cover of darkness and touched down in Bagram yesterday evening. He was

Journey Through Afghanistan Is At End...

2010-03-28T08:46:00.005-04:00

I have found out that there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.~~~~~Mark TwainWell... all good things must end. As it is with two of our Tech.Sgt's of the USAF who had the plan for a 30 day journey through Afghanistan. It took them a few more days than the thirty they had planned. But, with the travails of transportation in country,

Gone Fishin'...

2010-03-27T05:58:00.006-04:00

The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.~~~~~John BuchanOkay, so maybe I'm just dreaming of going fishing. Yup, I lurve to fish. It's been a good long while since I had the ol' pole out and was actually able to throw hook, line and sinker into a serene spot of water. But... it's getting to be that time

Well Deserved Rest...

2010-03-24T09:13:00.007-04:00

Trust only movement. Life happens at the level of events, not of words. Trust movement.~~~~~Alfred Adler Staying alert even while resting is just one thing 'Our Guys' do while out and about in Afghanistan. Providing security to the rest of the team and fellow travelers is always top priority. But, look at the snow still on the mountains behind him! U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Snipp of

From The Home Front...

2010-03-23T20:44:00.004-04:00

Every house where love abidesAnd friendship is a guest,Is surely home, and home sweet homeFor there the heart can rest.~~~~~Henry Van DykeYesterday, a few of our local Warriors came home. They spent a year in Iraq guarding convoys. Much has been said that the war is winding down there yet the need for 'Our Guys' is still strong. 130 members of Ohio National Guard's B Troop, 2nd Squadron, 107th

Missing The Mark OR Wake UP Call...

2010-03-23T19:02:00.008-04:00

Liberty has never come from the government. Liberty has always come from the subjects of it. The history of liberty is a history of resistance.~~~~~Woodrow WilsonThere's a man who pens a blog that I respect and admire. Robert A. Hall is a man who served our Nation not only as a Marine but also in the Massachusetts Senate for 5 terms. That's answering the call of service that few in

Read And Weep...

2010-03-22T15:41:00.006-04:00

Our government has become too responsive to trivial or ephemeral concerns, often at the expense of more important concerns or an erosion of our liberty, and it has made policy priorities more dependent on where TV journalists happen to point their cameras.... As a nation we have lost our sense of tragedy, a recognition that bad things happen to good people. A nation that expects the government

Dinner With The President...

2010-03-20T21:36:00.004-04:00

Politics, n: [Poly "many" + tics "blood-sucking parasites"]~~~~~Larry HardimanIn view of the political shenanigans going on with the campaign to pass into law what is being called 'Obamacare', I thought I'd share this little analogy that one of my friends emailed me. Sadly, it's not just the health care takeover that our government is trying to force upon us, but it seems our Government is out

Not So Funny Friday...

2010-03-19T17:23:00.003-04:00

I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.~~~~~William PennI had plans to post a few of the Friday Funnies this morning before I laid the body down to sleep. Alas, after reading this post, I didn't feel inclined to do so.

I'd Rather Be In...

2010-03-18T16:53:00.004-04:00

The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people halfway.~~~~~Henry BoyeTaken several years ago while visiting Tybee Island, Georgia. I'm thinkin' I need to spend some time on this beach very very soon! Perhaps then, I can ponder the changes and reflect on new solutions to the age old questions of life. Always much easier when staring at the endless cycle of tides and waves. And

Lovin' My Irishman...Happy St.Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T17:53:00.005-04:00

Oh, the music in the air!An' the joy that's ivrywhere -Shure, the whole blue vault of heaven is wan grand triumphal arch,An' the earth below is gayWid its tender green th'-day,Fur the whole world is Irish on the Seventeenth o' March!~Thomas Augustin Daly'Tis a great day to celebrate! The sun is shining, the weather is approaching balmy and I woke up this day for the wearing of the green. All's

A Bit Of Hope...

2010-03-17T16:41:00.007-04:00

Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence.~~~~~Lin YutangThe picture below doesn't surprise me any... what it does is make me proud as all get out. There are many Afghan children who are living in orphanages scattered throughout the country. They have a hard life with very little of the extras our children take for

Kapisa Gets New Outpost...

2010-03-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

The torment of precautions often exceeds the dangers to be avoided. It is sometimes better to abandon one's self to destiny.~~~~~Napoleon BonaparteSo....Kapisa has or will have a new outpost. Cool! Go here to read the official news.KAPISA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – French Army infantry soldiers from Task Force La Fayette provide security while engineers from the task force build a new combat

Mail Undelivered...

2010-03-15T19:36:00.004-04:00

He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present than the living man.~~~~~Antoine de Saint-ExuperyThis simply must be read. Fair warning though, take tissues with you. For all those who handled Dillon's undelivered mail...Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know your all's heart and prayers are with the Fox family, as are mine.And so it

Feeding The Masses In Helmand...

2010-03-15T12:36:00.006-04:00

Hunger: One of the few cravings that cannot be appeased with another solution.~~~~~Irwin Van GroveReading the news that came in overnight, there was a series of videos from the Telegraph UK highlighting a 2 week embed by photojournalist; Heathcliff O'Malley. The one that caught my attention was the one below... feeding 10,000 British soldiers.Whew! That's a whole heap of stomachs to fill.I

It's A Small World Afterall...

2010-03-13T12:14:00.007-05:00

One can be a brother only in something. Where there is no tie that binds men, men are not united but merely lined up.~~~~~Antoine de Saint-ExupéryI've heard it be said that "It's a small war." Meaning that it's likely to meet your neighbors or friends from home in the strangest of places. Much like the two National Guardsmen below who met up again in Afghanistan. I know from my own

Changes In Kapisa...

2010-03-11T04:51:00.003-05:00

Every beginning is a consequence - every beginning ends some thing.~~~~~Paul ValeryThere's been another transfer of authority in Kapisa province. Another group of 'Our Guys' will be making their way home after a year's absence. Let me hear those "WOOHOO's! HOOAH's, OOHRAH's and any other expression of joy for the men and women of this team. Written by U.S. Air Force 1st Lt.

Angel Flight...

2010-03-05T21:27:00.002-05:00

Angels descending, bring from above,Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.~~~~~Fanny J. CrosbyOver at Multiply, one of the troop supporters posted a video that is worthy of being shared. It is a song dedicated to the pilots of the planes that bring our fallen warriors home. You can buy the song via iTunes or video on CD where all proceeds benefit the Texas National Guard Family Support Foundation.I

Friday Funnies...

2010-03-05T12:02:00.004-05:00

Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritation and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place.~~~~~Mark TwainAck!! It's been a long time since I've posted a few Friday Funnies. Life is sorta busy right now. But really, would we want it any other way? Nahhh, probably not.So...without any further commentary from the nut gallery, Teh

Looking For Answers In Wardak...Updated

2010-03-04T05:38:00.005-05:00

Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.~~~~~Dr SeussStars and Stripes has a great article up from Monday that you should read about some of 'Our Guys', the 173rd, in Wardak, Afghanistan...Time is running short this morning or I would put up an excerpt. Since it is so close to time to leave for the paycheck place, I'll just give you the link to the story and hope that

Three Meals In Afghanistan...

2010-03-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

Home is the one place in all this world where hearts are sure of each other. It is the place of confidence. It is the place where we tear off that mask of guarded and suspicious coldness which the world forces us to wear in self-defense, and where we pour out the unreserved communications of full and confiding hearts. It is the spot where expressions of tenderness gush out without any

Blue Eyes...

2010-02-28T19:46:00.003-05:00

The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said.~~~~~Peter F. DruckerBetween catching up on all the laundry and various household chores, I've been out visiting friends in the blog-o-sphere neighborhood. Stopped in at Pattie's (she's a square peg), delighted to visit for awhile listening to her favorite music. Pattie has a wonderful new pet dog that she adopted from

Missing Bike Week...

2010-02-28T17:25:00.003-05:00

It takes more love to share the saddle than it does to share the bed.~~~~~Author UnknownWhat the heck was I thinking? I've got vacation time. BH wanted me to stay at his place. Even got an invitation to fly. *Sigghh* But did I? Uhm, Noooooooo. Seriously considering getting my head examined. It's not like I haven't been hit upside the head with a couple hundred clue-bats in the months

Must See These 43...

2010-02-26T15:33:00.005-05:00

For without belittling the courage with which men have died, we should not forget those acts of courage with which men have lived.~~~~~John F. KennedyThis morning on my drive to the paycheck place for a few hours of safety training, I passed what looked to be a pretty severe 2-3 car accident. Brake lights were bright red as the drivers in front of me slowed down to gawk at the destruction in the

Year Of The Census...

2010-02-24T22:46:00.005-05:00

Relying on the government to protect your privacy is like asking a peeping tom to install your window blinds.~~~~~John Perry BarlowAre you ready to be counted? And probed for information as to your life, what you do, how you play, even the number of televisions you own? Among many other private matters. Well, get prepared...2010 is the year the U.S. Census is being conducted. I find it

Relationships~ Part 2...

2010-02-21T21:49:00.011-05:00

There is a wisdom of the head, and... a wisdom of the heart.~~~~~Charles DickensAs promised, more snippets of personal wisdom/smartassery from the men and women who live their lives in front of the camera, and have become larger than life to some. Just not to me.I've always kept the perspective that everyone has to put their pants on one leg at a time, just like me. Even those in positions of

Route 605...

2010-02-20T09:30:00.006-05:00

He who finds Fortune on his side should go briskly ahead, for she is wont to favor the bold.~~~~~Baltasar GracianWatch the video below to see how 'Our Guys' search out those IED's (improvised explosive devices) that are planted by the bad guys to kill and maim the unsuspecting. The video was shot by a National Geographic reporter riding along with the Marine Team in Helmand province. Can you

Relationships~ Part 1...

2010-02-19T09:57:00.011-05:00

The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved - loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.~~~~~Victor HugoIn keeping with the desire to laugh everyday, a email from a friend had me laughing loud and long this morning. Anyone who has had a relationship with the opposite sex know the issues they can bring into your life. I've had my fair share of them,

Ohio River Valley...

2010-02-16T22:23:00.000-05:00

Ol' Man Winter returned this morning for another assault of his cold, wet, and treacherous residue. Final tally at N.Ky/Greater Cincinnat Int'l Airport was 23 inches of snow. Set the record, it did. Not so much fun having to be out driving in it. A.J. Foyt was not alowed to drive, Terry the turtle was given that privilege for the trek to and fro.the paycheck place. I had offers for pick up

Open Letter ~ The Families Also Serve...

2010-02-10T23:03:00.004-05:00

Our most basic instinct is not for survival but for family. Most of us would give our own life for the survival of a family member, yet we lead our daily life too often as if we take our family for granted. ~~~~~Paul PearshallEveryone knows how 'Our Guys' willingly answer the call to service. But there are those who stand in the shadows of those men and women in uniform that deserve recognition

Lessons From Afghanistan...

2010-02-09T19:09:00.005-05:00

It is not hard to learn more. What is hard is to unlearn when you discover yourself wrong.~~~~~Martin H. FischerA wise person once told me to always be willing to learn something new everyday. I've tried to keep the mind open enough to do that and still keep what I already know to be true from falling out. A difficult task on some days... Growing up with a father who was a

Calling A Spade A Spade...

2010-02-08T20:55:00.003-05:00

To treat your facts with imagination is one thing, but to imagine your facts is another.~~~~~John BurroughsI read this headline yesterday and couldn't help but shudder with revulsion. Not only for the child, especially for the child but, for the negative projection of the first lead words of that headline. U.S. soldier...U.S. soldier ‘waterboarded his own daughter, 4, because she couldn’t

Cooking With The Wounded~ Return Trip...

2010-02-07T15:42:00.003-05:00

No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.~~~~~Author UnknownOver the course of the last several weeks, I've received notice that Laughing Wolf (aka Blake Powers) has been extremely busy with the prep of organizing a return trip to Landstuhl Medical Center to cook for our Wounded Warriors. You can

Saturday Songs...

2010-02-06T14:25:00.003-05:00

If you worry about what might be, and wonder what might have been, you will ignore what is.~~~~~Author UnknownWho can resist the smokey sultry voice of Norah Jones? Each time I listen to one of her songs, I slip a bit more in awe of her and singing style. She sings the blues as well as Ray Charles. In fact, she collaborated with Ray on his last album. Methinks I shall be doing some

Mission Accomplished...

2010-02-06T10:05:00.004-05:00

We must all hang together or most assuredly we shall hang separately.~~~~~Benjamin FranklinReceived notice last night that the "Imposter with the chin hair and lots of bling " the milblog community had outed mid January has been arrested and charged by the Houston FBI under the Stolen Valor Act. Great news to read before laying the head down to sleep, eh? A reporter for ABC 13 had worked on

Stars of Silver...

2010-02-05T11:25:00.007-05:00

The stern hand of fate has scourged us to an elevation where we can see the great everlasting things that matter for a nation; the great peaks of honour we had forgotten - duty and patriotism, clad in glittering white; the great pinnacle of sacrifice pointing like a rugged finger to heaven.~~~~~David Lloyd GeorgeClicking through all the news and other items of interest, read a local

Carry On, Sir...

2010-01-31T19:37:00.005-05:00

Feelings are much like waves, we can't stop them from coming but we can choose which one to surf.~~~~~Jonatan MårtenssonHow much more of an impact on someone's life can you have than preventing them from taking their own life? Pretty huge 'little drop', wouldn't you say? We've had far too many of our soldiers return home after being deployed to the war fronts and commit suicide. Almost 600 men

Sex~ Texas Sized...

2010-01-30T15:15:00.006-05:00

When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate

Echoes Of My Mind...

2010-01-29T17:51:00.003-05:00

Things ain't what they used to be and probably never was.~~~~~Will RogersAhh Harry... Where have you been? And so it goes......

Links To News In Kapisa...

2010-01-28T17:16:00.007-05:00

History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives.~~~~~Abba EbanRunning on empty here, but have been reading a bit of news that has been found around the 'net coming out of Kapisa province. Task Force LaFayette and 'Our Guys' are staying busy, it seems. Always a good thing when progress is made, and all parties are giving it

When The Ta-Li-Ban Come Back...

2010-01-27T09:18:00.006-05:00

Everything in creation has its appointed painter or poet and remains in bondage like the princess in the fairy tale 'til its appropriate liberator comes to set it free.~~~~~Ralph Waldo EmersonIn light of the recent proposals regarding the Taliban in Afghanistan... I'm posting a poem. Hopefully, it will make you think of the consequences and possible outcome if the Taliban do come back

Two Boys~One Condition...

2010-01-25T13:59:00.008-05:00

I'd give all wealth that years have piled, The slow result of Life's decay, To be once more a little child For one bright summer day. ~~~~~Lewis Carroll, "Solitude"In my quest for those little drops of kindness that will forever change another person's life, I read this story at Christian Science Monitor. If this doesn't create a lump in your throat and more than a touch of pride for what 'Our

Doing Kentucky Proud In Kapisa...

2010-01-25T05:49:00.007-05:00

A love affair with knowledge will never end in heartbreak.~~~~~Michael Garrett Marino While visiting the various websites for news of the happenings going on with Our Guys, I read the following story about the Agriculture Development Team operating in the Kapisa province. What really makes it special to note, is that the ADT is comprised of members of Kentucky National Guard and Air Guard.

New Writer ~ Heading Out Soon...

2010-01-24T14:10:00.006-05:00

I would hurl words into this darkness and wait for an echo, and if an echo sounded, no matter how faintly, I would send other words to tell, to march, to fight, to create a sense of hunger for life that gnaws in us all.~~~~~Richard WrightEvery great once in a while, you come upon a blogger whose words strike a chord deep within. Guess what? Today, you are in luck because I'm going to point you

Sing It Again...Single Ladies!

2010-01-24T12:38:00.006-05:00

Lust is easy. Love is hard. Like is most important.~~~~~Carl ReinerHaving to fill the weekend with busyness for da 3 'ittle piglets led us to the local Showcase Cinemas. We picked Alvin and the Chipmunks Squeakquel to see. It was a cute movie, didn't quite hold da piglets attention like the movie "UP" did. Well, that is, until the music started. All three of them were bopping along, chair

Are You Helping...

2010-01-23T12:42:00.003-05:00

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.~~~~~Dr. SeussThe images coming out of Haiti are heartbreaking. There are a great number of our troops who are doing wonderful things trying to bring food, water and shelter to those who have lost their homes in the earthquake last week. I'm sure that a majority of America watched the telethon with all

What A Difference A Year Makes...

2010-01-19T22:08:00.002-05:00

Time is a brisk wind, for each hour it brings something new... but who can understand and measure its sharp breath, its mystery and its design?~~~~~ParacelsusY'all remember this time last year when I requested prayers for one of our local Marine's, don't ya? If not, go here and here to read the original

MilBlogs' APB...UPDATE

2010-01-18T10:33:00.007-05:00

The least initial deviation from the truth is multiplied later a thousandfold.~~~~~Aristotle*Update* Holy Smoke, Batman!! The track down and disclosure of identity of the douche bag Stolen Valor impostor below certainly didn't take long. When Mil-blogs unite, expect to see shit stuff happen at rapid fire pace. Check This Ain't Hell, But You Can See It From Here, for one of the fastest

Sunday's Sermon...

2010-01-17T10:43:00.005-05:00

Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture they do not understand, but the passages that bother me are those I do understand.~~~~~Mark TwainThe following sermon by a Virginia Preacher of a predominately black church was sent via email. Wanting to verify the truthfulness of the email prior to posting it, a search on snopes turned up nothing. There were other sites that stated that

Repeat After Me...

2010-01-16T16:41:00.003-05:00

Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don't unravel.~Author UnknownThe eldest seester; O'Wise One, had sent me the link to Ray Stevens "We the People" video the other day. After watching it again, I couldn't help but think that he did a fantastic job on voicing how a growing majority of Americans are feeling towards our (seemingly unconnected to their constituents) government officials.

History...

2010-01-12T20:59:00.005-05:00

History, in general, only informs us what bad government is.~~~~~Thomas JeffersonPondering the many complexities of our current war efforts in Afghanistan, I've often wondered how our history of this time will be written. And just who will write that history. Will it be the Generals who are in charge, or the men and women who were boots on ground during

Lives Saved...

2010-01-11T10:42:00.006-05:00

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.~~~~~Mark TwainOver the last several days, I've read a couple of worthy news items. Haven't had the opportunity to write as I had the grandchildren in residence. Those 3 little piglets keep a person hopping. So while I prepare myself to start another 3 week rotation on the reverse cycle, I thought I'd share those stories