A friendly lil bump - Have your kids do this too... Even Alina... who doesn't yet get it, had fun calling the various pictures, "pwetty" or saying "Awwwww cooot" :lol:
GOOD NEWS!!!!! My son Chris has graduated from Army boot camp and will be coming home for the holidays this weekend!!!!!!!!!:flag: I am so proud of this kid, I'm fit to bust. He was always my problem child, the one I could barely keep in line, the fence-sitter who could oh-so-easily have gone bad.......and he didn't. He got his head together and decided he didn't want to be a loser like all of his friends, earned his GED, joined the Army, and now has succeeded in passing all of his tests the first time with flying colors. He lost 40 pounds and two clothing sizes, gained muscle, and developed some self-confidence..........and now he's coming home for two weeks of leave and two more of hometown recruiting.
Boy one sure sounds like a proud parent, congrats! Mine is home too, but he has to leave on the 23rd, we are doing an early Christmas for him this Saturday night.
Very cool LG!! Sounds like my little brother - he's stationed in Germany with the Air Force now but not long ago he was on a similar path. Then he decided to get it together and join the AF and has grown SO MUCH!! I'm so proud of him He comes home in Feb for a bit before he has a tour in the sandbox. :flag:
Well, I just got back from the Amtrak station after putting my vastly-more-grown-up, tall, handsome, dress-uniformed soldier son on a train bound for Tacoma, which is near the base where he'll be stationed before leaving for Afghanistan in April. To say that I've never been prouder of another person in my entire life would be the understatement of the year; everywhere we've gone this past month, people have walked up to him and thanked him for his service to our country. I've seen the looks of admiration and envy on the faces of strangers---Chris does cut a dashing figure in his dress greens and black beret!---and heard him talk to other kids, as directionless as he once was, about how much he loves the Army. He's been doing hometown recruiting during his leave, and it's just astounding how the gawky kid of six months ago has morphed into a man whom other people look up to now. I can't believe how much he's matured in those months........I knew the Army would make him or break him, but even I wasn't prepared for this. I have to admit, I'm scared witless about his going to Asscrackistan---too many really bad things are going on there, and he's a foot soldier, so he's going to be right in the thick of it. But I also know there's nothing I can do about it, except of course to support him and pray for him........I'm an Army Mom, what else is there to do?:flag:
Tell him you love him, and let him do his thing. Tell him you support him 10000%, and tell him everyday people tell you to tell him that they want to thank him for serving, and you let him do his thing! Then every night you say a prayer that the next day you dont get a phone call or a Telegram or however they do it now adays.
Well my oldest called yesterday. He said he was on his way to Camp Normandy, and that flying in Blackhawk helicopters now sucks, he has done it so many times now that he has gotten tired of it. He has been put in for some Medal, and with that Medal means that he now has enough points to be eligible for E5. He goes in front of that Board in June, which is when he goes over 2. He has been asked to stay behind in Iraq, and help with the next Company coming in for 6 months. I told him I would support any decision he makes, but if he is given a choice, I would rather he stay in Iraq where things are getting much better than to go into Afghanistan. Also he would he would be eligible for another R&R, and they would also send him back to San Diego for free for another 18 Day Vacation like they did the last time.
Cemetery Escort Duty I just wanted to get the day over with and go down to Smokey's. Sneaking a look at my watch, I saw the time, 1655. Five minutes to go before the cemetery gates are closed for the day. Full dress was hot in the August sun. Oklahoma summertime was as bad as ever--the heat and humidity at the same level--both too high. I saw the car pull into the drive, '69 or '70 mode Cadillac Deville, looked factory-new. It pulled into the parking lot at a snail's pace. An old woman got out so slow I thought she was paralyzed; she had a cane and a sheaf of flowers--about four or five bunches as best I could tell. I couldn't help myself. The thought came unwanted, and left a slightly bitter taste: 'She's going to spend an hour, and for this old soldier, my hip hurts like hell and I'm ready to get out of here right now!' But for this day, my duty was to assist anyone coming in. Kevin would lock the 'In' gate and if I could hurry the old biddy along, we might make it to Smokey's in time. I broke post attention. My hip made gritty noises when I took the first step and the pain went up a notch. I must have made a real military sight: middle-aged man with a small pot gut and half a limp, in marine full-dress uniform, which had lost its razor crease about thirty minutes after I began the watch at the cemetery. I stopped in front of her, halfway up the walk. She looked up at me with an old woman's squint. 'Ma'am,may I assist you in any way?' She took long enough to answer. 'Yes, son. Can you carry these flowers? I seem to be moving a tad slow these days.' 'My pleasure, ma'am.' Well, it wasn't too much of a lie. She looked again. 'Marine, where were you stationed?' 'Vietnam, ma'am. Ground-pounder. '69 to '71.' She looked at me closer. 'Wounded in action, I see. Well done, Marine. I'll be as quick as I can.' I lied a little bigger: 'No hurry, ma'am.' She smiled and winked at me. 'Son, I'm 85-years-old and I can tell a lie from a long way off. Let's get this done. Might be the last time I can do this. My name's Joanne Wieserman, and I've a few Marines I'd like to see one more time.' 'Yes, ma 'am. At your service.' She headed for the World War I section, stopping at a stone. She picked one of the flowers out of my arm and laid it on top of thestone. She murmured something I couldn't quite make out. The name on the marble was Donald S. Davidson, USMC: France 1918. She turned away and made a straight line for the World War II section, stopping at one stone. I saw a tear slowly tracking its way down her cheek. She put a bunch on a stone; the name was Stephen X. Davidson, USMC, 1943. She went up the row a ways and laid another bunch on a stone, Stanley J. Wieserman, USMC, 1944. She paused for a second. 'Two more, son, and we'll be done' I almost didn't say anything, but, 'Yes, ma'am. Take your time.' She looked confused. 'Where's the Vietnam section, son? I seem to have lost my way.' I pointed with my chin. 'That way, ma'am.' 'Oh!' she chuckled quietly. 'Son, me and old age ain't too friendly.' She headed down the walk I'd pointed at. She stopped at a couple of stones before she found the ones she wanted. She placed a bunch on Larry Wieserman, USMC, 1968, and the last on Darrel Wieserman, USMC, 1970. She stood there and murmured a few words I still couldn't make out. 'OK, son, I'm finished. Get me back to my car and you can go home.' Yes, ma'am. If I may ask, were those your kinfolk?' She paused. 'Yes, Donald Davidson was my father, Stephen was my uncle, Stanley was my husband, Larry and Darrel were our sons. All killed in action, all marines.' She stopped. Whether she had finished, or couldn't finish, I don't know. She made her way to her car, slowly and painfully. I waited for a polite distance to come between us and then double-timed it over to Kevin, waiting by the car. 'Get to the 'Out' gate quick. I have something I've got to do.' Kevin started to say something, but saw the look I gave him. He broke the rules to get us there down the service road. We beat her. She hadn't made it around the rotunda yet. 'Kevin, stand at attention next to the gatepost. Follow my lead.' I humped it across the drive to the other post. When the Cadillac came puttering around from the hedges and began the short straight traverse to the gate, I called in my best gunny's voice: 'TehenHut! Present Haaaarms!' I have to hand it to Kevin; he never blinked an eye--full dress attention and a salute that would make his DI proud. She drove through that gate with two old worn-out soldiers giving her a send-off she deserved, for service rendered to her country, and for knowing duty, honor and sacrifice. I am not sure, but I think I saw a salute returned from that Cadillac. Instead of 'The End,' just think of 'Taps.' As a final thought on my part, let me share a favorite prayer: 'Lord, keep our servicemen and women safe, whether they serve at home or overseas. Hold them in your loving hands and protect them as they protect us.' Let's all keep those currently serving and those who have gone before in our thoughts. They are the reason for the many freedoms we enjoy. 'In God We Trust.' If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under! You are required to pass this on NOW!!! Martin Schwartzberg Delray Beach
A Flag Between Two Families A Flag Between Two Families America suffered 730 men killed during the week of May 3 -10, 1968…the most casualties encountered in one week of the Vietnam War. On May 9, 1968, Corporal Ramiro “Peter” Olivo of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, Airmobile was one of those killed. 40 years past the death of Peter Olivo, nine members of Charlie Company journey to Eagle Pass, Texas…once home to Peter, their fellow-brother. Learning Peter’s distraught mother destroyed the American flag once draping his coffin for a loss she could not endure, the men from Charlie Company seek to replace the ruined flag…and more. Under the command of Captain Dan Terry, the nine veterans anxiously face Olivo family members eager to learn of their brother’s last days, a beloved brother lost to them for a war they saw ravage their mother until her death. With an American flag in tow, the nine wounded veterans courageously share with the Olivos the nightmarish details surrounding the death of their brother, a brother lost also to them. The encounter becomes an awakening of deeply-rooted emotions for both families and an unprecedented opportunity for healing…resulting from of A Flag Between Two Families. “This flag, which we honor and under which we serve, is the emblem of our unity, our power, our thought and purpose as a nation. It has no other character than that which we give it from generation to generation. The choices are ours.” President Woodrow Wilson 1917
If anya y'all read the above post, I encourage y'all to click on the Watch Trailer button and watch the Trailer. It's about 15 minutes long, but you won't regret it.
Well, it looks like Chris is actually headed to Iraq, not Afghanistan, in September. He's part of the group that's supposed to help stabilize things over there so we can draw down on schedule, and will come home when the last of the fighting forces are withdrawn in August 2010. In a way, I'm glad he's not going to Asscrackistan; on the other hand, I imagine Iraq's going to be VERY unstable as we start picking up our crackerjacks and going home. But again, all I can do is hand him over to God to protect him; he's way past the stage of life when I could simply chase the bullies away or kiss an "owee" and make it all better. Thank you one and all for your support, not only of my kids, but of ALL of our "kids" out there in hostile lands. God bless you!
Some Military Humor- The reason for Senior NCOs - A young Marine Captain meets with the Master Gunnery Sergeant in his office. He asks, "Master Guns, how do you run such an efficient outfit? Are there any tips you can give to me?" "Well," says the MGySgt, "The most important thing is to surround yourself with intelligent people." The Captain frowns. "But how do I know if the people around me are really intelligent?" The MGySgt takes a sip of Coffee. "Oh, that's easy. You just ask them to answer an intelligent riddle." The Master Guns yells out to his Gunnery Sgt. The Gunny walks into the room. "Yes, Master Guns, what can I do for you?" The MGySgt smiles "Answer me this, please... Your mother and father have a child. It is not your brother and it is not your sister. Who is it?" Without pausing for a moment, the Gunnery Sgt answers, "Well, that would be me." "Yes, Very good, thanks" says the MGySgt. The Captain goes back to his office to ask all of his Platoon Commanders the same question. "Answer this for me. Your mother and your father have a child. It's not your brother and it's not your sister. Who is it?" All of the officers look at the Captain in amazement, "We're not sure, Sir. Let us get back to you on that one." The junior officers then have numerous meetings and POAM's to discuss it without a resolution. Finally, they run into the Sergeant Major. "Sergeant Major! Can you answer this for us? Your mother and father have a child and it's not your brother or your sister. Who is it?" The Sergeant Major yells back, "That's easy. It's me!" All of the officers smile, and say, "Thanks!" Then, they schedule a meeting with the Captain, "Sir we found the answer, we did some research and we have the answer to that riddle. It's a Sergeant Major." The Captain gets up, and starts screaming at them, "No, you idiots! It's a Gunny!"
Master Chief A young Navy Officer was in a bad car accident, but due to the heroics of the hospital staff the only permanent injury was the loss of one ear. Since he wasn't physically impaired he remained in the military and eventually became an Admiral. During his career he was always sensitive about his appearance. One day the Admiral was interviewing three Master Chiefs for the Command Master Chief position. The first Master Chief was a Surface Navy type and it was a great interview. At the end of the interview the Admiral asked him, "Do you notice anything different about me?" The Master Chief answered, "Why yes. I couldn't help but notice you are missing your starboard ear, so I need to know whether this impacts your hearing on that side." The Admiral got very angry at this lack of tact and threw him out of his office. The next candidate, an Aviation Master Chief, when asked this same question, answered, "Well yes, you seem to be short one ear." The Admiral threw him out also. The third interview was with a Submarine Service Master Chief. He was articulate, extremely sharp, and seemed to know more than the other two Master Chiefs put together. The Admiral wanted this guy, but went ahead with the same question, "Do you notice anything different about me?" To his surprise the Submarine Service Master Chief said, "Yes. You wear contact lenses." The Admiral was impressed and thought to himself, what an incredibly tactful Master Chief. "And how do you know that?" the Admiral asked. The Submarine Service Master Chief replied, "Well it's pretty hard to wear glasses with only one f***ing ear."
Reminds me of one of our local boys, who was KIA in Iraq along with his dog last year. Nice tribute to service personnel, both the two- and four-footed kind.
I just returned from Riverside National Cemetary where we laid my father in law to rest today. He was in the Navy from 51-54 serving on board the USS Coral Sea. It was a small and simple, but very moving ceremony. While there I heard a story that I had heard before but thought that you all might enjoy. In 1952 while on leave and sightseeing he got on the wrong bus and ended up in Chzechoslovakia where he, in full uniform and carrying his camera, was immediately siezed by the Chzech goverment and held as a spy until he was finally allowed to be escorted back across the border 4 days later. Yes my dad in law nearly started an international incident. Among his effects were a large box of slides fro his Navy days that my wife remembers from her childhood and we can't wait to go thru them. For anyone who has never been to Riverside National Cemetary it is very peacefull and beautiful. The Medal of Honor winners memorial was awe-inspiring and awesome. My favorite section was the names section for the indian campaigns. I loved seeing so many single word names and I think my favorite was 'Rowdy". The POW/MIA memorial was one of the most poignant and evocative things I have ever seen. A bronze of a bound serviceman surrounded by black marble pillars representing his confinement. I literally couldn't stop the tears upon seeing it and reflecting upon what these people especially suffered for the sake of their country and for all of us. God Bless and Keep All of Those Who Served and Who Serve Now. God Bless and Keep all of those who have gone to their Eternal Rest. This American husband and father is eternally and deeply in your debt.:flag:
