Wow! It’s been busy here tonight! Just a few days before Halloween—so guess the parties are this weekend.
Lisa (my sister), Roy (my b-in-law) & Kayla (Aaron’s baby cousin—aka ”Little Pretty”) came by. See how cute they are (if you care to look at the photos). I’ll let you guess who or what they masquerade as. I’m not going there and Aaron would freak about you, Kayla De’on!
The Jewell’s were just here for a while…they were on their way to a costume party.
Tonight was football night for my dad, Greg & me. The Texas Tech Red Raiders matched up against the Texas Longhorns. Tech hosted and in the end, roasted. Since I lost Aaron, I’m pulled between the two teams. I’m Tech alumni and Aaron was a big time Longhorns’ fan. So usually, Greg will root for Tech (Greg stands firm, very, very firm, no matter what, who, where. I don’t like to think of him as rigid, or hard-headed).
Greg is simply Greg.
Dad, like the rest of the men in my family (save Greg) is a huge Dallas fan. College ball means something to him, but he doesn't do death threats.
Greg joined me in Lovington on December 26, 1992, three days after he ETS’d (remember, we’re both Army—I ETS’d on election day, November 1992—it’d be hard to forget that one. My mom is political—militant really, we couldn’t visit as we made the two-hour drive from Lubbock International Airport to Lovington, because we had to listen to the election results coming in on the radio—but my feelings weren’t bruised, after all, I’d just been home on leave in May, and now, I was home permanent, but oh, well, I am De’on—the eldest—not Gary—the babiest).
Anyway, back to my Greg story. He left Panama, went to his parent’s home in Indiana to pick up his two sons, and after maybe a two day visit, hit the road with Quin, who was four at the time, and Kaika, who was three. They drove a solid twenty-six hours. The boys couldn’t get very many drinks on the way (you know how you have to stop at the bathroom after pulling off the freeway, all those little time-killing covert actions that kids try to pull on you—who do they think they are, anyway? Chips to eat and not much water—come on boys, toughen up!).
The three reached my home in the middle of the night; Greg passed out in my bathtub in the wee hours of the morning and didn’t revive until three days later, so, I had time to get to know his kids. I tried the best tricks I could with the kids, even took them to the park to feed the ducks. Upon leaving, Kaika (his real name is Ikaika, which is Hawaiian for “the bold one,” or something like that). But anyway, it was the bold one who kicked me in the shin with his new pair of black-very-pointy-toe-cowboy-boots.
Nevertheless, I did raise Greg’s boys for several years.
But, back to my football story. Greg is a devout Tech fan. The only one who rivals him is my cousin, Tonya (Ya Ya). We call her the Princess. She calls her the Princess. But yes, a very devout Tech fan. She was once a cheerleader there. And now at age fifty-one, she is the one who still calls out, “I’m blind and I’m deaf, and I wanna be a ref!”
Greg just hollers, threatens. Shouts out at the refs, “You’re going to hate yourself in the morning!”
Yes, tonight we were in my living room, but it has not always been thus. I have set in a very crowded gym where this same ATTITUDE reared its ugly head in the most-rear-most-high-seat-in-the-United-Spirit-Arena in Lubbock, Texas.
I didn’t look up for three days.
Bobby Knight has nothing on my husband.
What is it about Indiana?
But yes, I brought Greg to Cowboy country. Remember, December is when he arrived. What happens in January?
Yes, it’s the Super Bowl ( Flashback to 1993) and the Cowboys are in the play-offs. The party is going, and out of maybe fifty people, my husband and one other are NON-cowboy people. But the other guy, he’d been around for twenty-years. Greg hadn’t been here a month.
I've been to better parties, although Greg did keep his mouth shut. I mean shut. Couldn’t say a word. He hasn’t got all right since Jerry Jones or Jimmy Johnson or one of the J words got rid of Tom Landry.
I don’t even know if that’s right. I mean, how long has it been since Tom Landry?
And besides, Greg is a Colts’ fan. That works now, but back in ’92—no one even knew who they were. I think they showed up for a couple of games. I can’t remember. Gary, my brother (the Baby, remember?), always the comic, bought Greg a hardhat for his birthday. (Greg was out on the oilrigs at that time). The hardhat was white with a crowning blue horseshoe on each side.
Greg loved it.
Anyway, Tech lost tonight. They made all of their 31 points in the first half—ooh, the excitement in my living room then…didn’t touch the last half.
Final score. Longhorns 35. Raiders 31.
Steve, another Longhorns’ fan—you won, buddy, whether you know it or not.
And Aaron, as usual, you win again, son.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
War Stories
My War Story for Tonight:
The Road To Baghdad
I've been a stranger here for awhile. I apoligize for that, and I apologize to De'on for having to maintain this blog by herself. I've been back in Kuwait for a few days, trying to arrange transportation to Baghdad. My visa to Iraq was approved while I was in Turkey, so I immediately returned here.
The U.S. elections have a long reach. The people who do business in Iraq are pretty much staying put in safer places until the elections are over. The insurgents stepped up their murderous acts and plots to undermine an Iraqi democracy during October with the hope of influencing the elections. Their hope is to make the Americans more weary of this war. Because of that increased violence, the contractors and other businessmen have put their activities on a temporary hold until the carnage subsides. Not good news for me.
I had hoped to tag along with one of the convoys going to Iraq. I can do so, but it might be a couple of weeks away. My last resort is to talk to the military officials and ask if I can ride with one of their convoys. I understand they used to allow it, but they've recently cut back on civilian passengers considerably. Just my luck.
I wish Americans could feel the mood here. The whole Middle East is concerned about Iraq's future. The abandonment of a democracy in Iraq would affect the entire region and the rest of the world. If the Islamic extremists are successful in establishing their dictatorship here, then the Christian and Jewish world is at peril. Yes, the rest of the Middle East would suffer, too, but the United States, Europe and Israel would face a danger not seen since 1939 when Germany invaded Poland and plunged the world into war.
Let's be candid. The Islamic extremists are not our friends, and there is no appeasing them. They want to destroy us. How many times do they have to say it before we believe them? Iran is enriching uranium, and its leaders are committed to destroying Israel and the United States. I want to stand on every street corner in the United States and belt it out: "My fellow Americans. These people are serious about this, and we had better get serious about it, too."
I love my country for many reasons. I love it because we are a compassionate country that believes we should share our wealth and resources with others. I love it because we work to correct our flaws, usually on the front pages of the newspapers so the world can see our dysfunction. We fought a war that ended human bondage and cost hundreds of thousands in American lives. As a southerner, I have a different opinion of that war than my northern friends, but I'm proud to live in a country that survived a movement that threatened the unity of the states.
I love it because of a tired black woman who, one day, said "no" when ordered to give up her bus seat to a white person. I love it because of American POWs who never succumbed to the unimaginable torture they endured as their captors tried to make them denounce their country. Yes, I love John McCain.
I love the United States because at the end of a horrific world war, we didn't seek revenge against Germany and Japan. Instead we invested in their future and helped them recover from the evil acts of their leaders. We didn't remain as conquerors as the Soviet Union did in Eastern Europe. We helped establish democracies for the people who, just a short time before, were our enemies.
I could list a million reasons why I love my country. I could write a lengthy, and probably maudlin, essay about why the American flag moves my heart with a desire to protect it. I know other people love their countries, too. I know they would give their lives to defend their homelands. But there's something about the rambuctious Americans with their constant quarreling and material excesses. We're teenagers compared to the sedate Europeans. We have the energy of testosterone-filled youth who can't get enough of life, and our older cousins across the Atlantic raise their eyebrows at our outbursts. We're a young country, but we're a bold one.
I wish Americans could see how a fundamentalist government restricts movement and speech in the Middle East. Want to buy a beer in Kuwait? Forget it. Not gonna happen unless you know someone dealing in the black market. You want the freedom to articulate your religious preferences? You won't find that here. Not in a country where the mosques call everyone to prayer several times a day, announcing it over speakers so the whole city can hear it. The list of restrictions goes on. Freedom in the Middle East is hobbled by the religious leaders.
Well, I didn't mean to run on, and this probably won't make any sense. I'm just a little homesick right now, I guess. And I haven't been here that long. I can't imagine how the military feels. I hope to be in Baghdad next week. Wish me luck.
I want to leave with you something that John McCain wrote in his book, "Faith of My Fathers." While he was a prisoner in Hanoi, he was held, at one point, in a cell with other POWs. He had been confined alone for a couple of yerars, so he was elated to be in the company of other Americans. One of the other POWs was a young man from Alabama. He had fashioned a crude American flag out of scraps, but when the captors found it, they beat him and tortured him terribly. The other men heard it all. McCain wrote that they threw this young American back into the cell, bloodied and damaged, and they helped him to a sleeping spot. During the night, McCain saw that young Southern boy crawl away from that spot to a corner where he began to assemble another American flag. People, that's why I love my country.
The U.S. elections have a long reach. The people who do business in Iraq are pretty much staying put in safer places until the elections are over. The insurgents stepped up their murderous acts and plots to undermine an Iraqi democracy during October with the hope of influencing the elections. Their hope is to make the Americans more weary of this war. Because of that increased violence, the contractors and other businessmen have put their activities on a temporary hold until the carnage subsides. Not good news for me.
I had hoped to tag along with one of the convoys going to Iraq. I can do so, but it might be a couple of weeks away. My last resort is to talk to the military officials and ask if I can ride with one of their convoys. I understand they used to allow it, but they've recently cut back on civilian passengers considerably. Just my luck.
I wish Americans could feel the mood here. The whole Middle East is concerned about Iraq's future. The abandonment of a democracy in Iraq would affect the entire region and the rest of the world. If the Islamic extremists are successful in establishing their dictatorship here, then the Christian and Jewish world is at peril. Yes, the rest of the Middle East would suffer, too, but the United States, Europe and Israel would face a danger not seen since 1939 when Germany invaded Poland and plunged the world into war.
Let's be candid. The Islamic extremists are not our friends, and there is no appeasing them. They want to destroy us. How many times do they have to say it before we believe them? Iran is enriching uranium, and its leaders are committed to destroying Israel and the United States. I want to stand on every street corner in the United States and belt it out: "My fellow Americans. These people are serious about this, and we had better get serious about it, too."
I love my country for many reasons. I love it because we are a compassionate country that believes we should share our wealth and resources with others. I love it because we work to correct our flaws, usually on the front pages of the newspapers so the world can see our dysfunction. We fought a war that ended human bondage and cost hundreds of thousands in American lives. As a southerner, I have a different opinion of that war than my northern friends, but I'm proud to live in a country that survived a movement that threatened the unity of the states.
I love it because of a tired black woman who, one day, said "no" when ordered to give up her bus seat to a white person. I love it because of American POWs who never succumbed to the unimaginable torture they endured as their captors tried to make them denounce their country. Yes, I love John McCain.
I love the United States because at the end of a horrific world war, we didn't seek revenge against Germany and Japan. Instead we invested in their future and helped them recover from the evil acts of their leaders. We didn't remain as conquerors as the Soviet Union did in Eastern Europe. We helped establish democracies for the people who, just a short time before, were our enemies.
I could list a million reasons why I love my country. I could write a lengthy, and probably maudlin, essay about why the American flag moves my heart with a desire to protect it. I know other people love their countries, too. I know they would give their lives to defend their homelands. But there's something about the rambuctious Americans with their constant quarreling and material excesses. We're teenagers compared to the sedate Europeans. We have the energy of testosterone-filled youth who can't get enough of life, and our older cousins across the Atlantic raise their eyebrows at our outbursts. We're a young country, but we're a bold one.
I wish Americans could see how a fundamentalist government restricts movement and speech in the Middle East. Want to buy a beer in Kuwait? Forget it. Not gonna happen unless you know someone dealing in the black market. You want the freedom to articulate your religious preferences? You won't find that here. Not in a country where the mosques call everyone to prayer several times a day, announcing it over speakers so the whole city can hear it. The list of restrictions goes on. Freedom in the Middle East is hobbled by the religious leaders.
Well, I didn't mean to run on, and this probably won't make any sense. I'm just a little homesick right now, I guess. And I haven't been here that long. I can't imagine how the military feels. I hope to be in Baghdad next week. Wish me luck.
I want to leave with you something that John McCain wrote in his book, "Faith of My Fathers." While he was a prisoner in Hanoi, he was held, at one point, in a cell with other POWs. He had been confined alone for a couple of yerars, so he was elated to be in the company of other Americans. One of the other POWs was a young man from Alabama. He had fashioned a crude American flag out of scraps, but when the captors found it, they beat him and tortured him terribly. The other men heard it all. McCain wrote that they threw this young American back into the cell, bloodied and damaged, and they helped him to a sleeping spot. During the night, McCain saw that young Southern boy crawl away from that spot to a corner where he began to assemble another American flag. People, that's why I love my country.
Blood Is Thicker Than Water - Part 3 (cont'd)
This is hard to read, but here's what it says:
Juggling Act
Sirs:
I am presenting this picture as positive proof that the boys at Fort Sam Houston have the San Antonio girls in the palms of their hands. At least this one seems to have the situation well under control. The girl is Miss Jo Ann Harrison and the soldier is Private Charles Manning. Little tricks like this help to make soldiers happy.
WilliamE. Kessel
SanAntonio, Texas
Tennis Fashions...2.98 at Sears...
Blood Is Thicker Than Water -Part 3
There's always the backstory...
Blood Is Thicker Than Water – Part 3
In the Pacific, relations between the United States and Japan continued to deteriorate due to Japan’s expansionist policy. In July 1939 Secretary of State Cordell Hull threatened to take economic sanctions against Japan if she did not pull out of China. It took a while, but finally in the summer of 1940 the U.S. embargoed heavy scrap iron and petroleum bound for Japan.
France caved to the pressures and desires of Japan’s quest for expansion and in September 1940, Japanese troops pushed in to the northern half of Indochina. The U.S. placed an embargo against Japan. There would be no iron or steel sent to her, but Japan remained firm. She announced an economic and military alliance with Italy and Germany—the “Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis.” By July 1941, Japan occupied the rest of Indochina; this posed a serious threat to Malaya, the Dutch East Indies and the Philippines. In retaliation, the U.S. froze all Japanese assets in the United States.
By late November 1941, it was obvious that the United States and Japan were moving toward war. The United States believed the Japanese would launch an attack against the Philippines; she did not anticipate it would be Pearl Harbor, and on December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked American bases at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii with little warning.
The stunningly successful attack wiped out many American aircraft on the ground and crippled one-half of the United States Pacific fleet.
On December 8, 1941, the U.S. declared war on Japan, as did Britain. The British dominions, the refugee governments of Europe and many Latin American nations soon followed the Americans and British. Four days later, Germany declared war on the United States.
On January 2, 1942, the twenty-six nations that stood against Germany, Italy, and Japan solemnly pledged themselves to uphold the principles of the “Atlantic Charter” and declared themselves united for the duration of the war.
Sources: Griffith Henson, A More Perfect Union Vol. II: Since 1877, Hobbs:1988, pp. 132-134
T. Walbank...[et al.], Civilization Past and Present, New York: 1992, pp. 894, 895
Blood Is Thicker Than Water – Part 3
In the Pacific, relations between the United States and Japan continued to deteriorate due to Japan’s expansionist policy. In July 1939 Secretary of State Cordell Hull threatened to take economic sanctions against Japan if she did not pull out of China. It took a while, but finally in the summer of 1940 the U.S. embargoed heavy scrap iron and petroleum bound for Japan.
France caved to the pressures and desires of Japan’s quest for expansion and in September 1940, Japanese troops pushed in to the northern half of Indochina. The U.S. placed an embargo against Japan. There would be no iron or steel sent to her, but Japan remained firm. She announced an economic and military alliance with Italy and Germany—the “Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis.” By July 1941, Japan occupied the rest of Indochina; this posed a serious threat to Malaya, the Dutch East Indies and the Philippines. In retaliation, the U.S. froze all Japanese assets in the United States.
By late November 1941, it was obvious that the United States and Japan were moving toward war. The United States believed the Japanese would launch an attack against the Philippines; she did not anticipate it would be Pearl Harbor, and on December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked American bases at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii with little warning.
The stunningly successful attack wiped out many American aircraft on the ground and crippled one-half of the United States Pacific fleet.
On December 8, 1941, the U.S. declared war on Japan, as did Britain. The British dominions, the refugee governments of Europe and many Latin American nations soon followed the Americans and British. Four days later, Germany declared war on the United States.
On January 2, 1942, the twenty-six nations that stood against Germany, Italy, and Japan solemnly pledged themselves to uphold the principles of the “Atlantic Charter” and declared themselves united for the duration of the war.
Sources: Griffith Henson, A More Perfect Union Vol. II: Since 1877, Hobbs:1988, pp. 132-134
T. Walbank...[et al.], Civilization Past and Present, New York: 1992, pp. 894, 895
Friday, October 27, 2006
Roll Call
Steve is accounted for.
We're waiting on Harrell and the Mushrooms.
Any troops that can send us a word, one way or another will be much appreciated.
Mom De'on
We're waiting on Harrell and the Mushrooms.
Any troops that can send us a word, one way or another will be much appreciated.
Mom De'on
There With His Brothers
"Marine Prayer" This one is a little different.
"Soldiers' Prayer" This one has music.
I wish there was more I could do.
TAPS
"TAPS"
10/21/06
Knier, Tony
Pending
10/25/06
Brown, Donald S.
DoD Confirmation
10/25/06
Gilbert, Thomas M.
DoD Confirmation
10/25/06
Chaires, Daniel B.
DoD Confirmation
10/25/06
Thornsberry, Jonathan B.
DoD Confirmation
10/25/06
Komppa, Charles V.
DoD Confirmation
10/23/06
Bock, Amos C. R
DoD Confirmation
10/23/06
Sare, Charles O.
DoD Confirmation
10/23/06
Buerstetta, Richard A.
DoD Confirmation
10/23/06
Overstreet, Tyler R.
DoD Confirmation
10/23/06
Eason, Carl A.
DoD Confirmation
10/22/06
Rogers, Nicholas K.
DoD Confirmation
10/22/06
Mock, Willsun M.
DoD Confirmation
10/22/06
Creed, Matthew W.
DoD Confirmation
10/22/06
Aguirre, Nathaniel A.
DoD Confirmation
10/22/06
Taylor, David G.
DoD Confirmation
10/21/06
Herzberg, Eric W.
DoD Confirmation
10/21/06
Watkins, Joshua C.
DoD Confirmation
10/21/06
Manoukian, Nicholas J.
DoD Confirmation
10/21/06
Elrod, Nathan R.
DoD Confirmation
10/21/06
Collinsworth, Clifford R.
DoD Confirmation
10/20/06
Witte, Kevin M.
DoD Confirmation
10/19/06
Lopez Jr., Edwardo
DoD Confirmation
10/18/06
Brozovich, Daniel A.
DoD Confirmation
10/18/06
Perez, Jose R.
DoD Confirmation
10/17/06
Winegeart, Daniel W.
DoD Confirmation
10/17/06
Paulsen, Ronald L.
DoD Confirmation
10/18/06
Montalvo, Jesus M.
DoD Confirmation
10/17/06
Dumas Jr., Joseph C.
DoD Confirmation
10/17/06
Unger, David M.
DoD Confirmation
10/17/06
Culbertson III, Russell G.
DoD Confirmation
10/17/06
Loudon, Christopher E.
DoD Confirmation
10/17/06
Haupt, Ryan E.
DoD Confirmation
10/17/06
Taylor III, Norman R.
DoD Confirmation
10/17/06
Frigo, Nathan J.
DoD Confirmation
10/17/06
Sizemore, Garth D.
DoD Confirmation
10/17/06
Booth, Joshua L.
DoD Confirmation
10/15/06
Baroncini, Jr., Lester Domenico
DoD Confirmation
10/15/06
Bicknell, Stephen
DoD Confirmation
10/15/06
Deese, Joshua
DoD Confirmation
10/15/06
Lootens, Jonathan E.
DoD Confirmation
10/15/06
Paine, Mark C.
DoD Confirmation
10/15/06
Babb, Brock A.
DoD Confirmation
10/15/06
Hines, Joshua M.
DoD Confirmation
10/14/06
Moore, Keith J.
DoD Confirmation
10/14/06
King, Charles M.
DoD Confirmation
10/14/06
Kane, Joseph M.
DoD Confirmation
10/14/06
Lauer, Timothy J.
DoD Confirmation
10/14/06
Simpson, Jonathan J.
DoD Confirmation
10/14/06
Chavis, Leebenard E.
DoD Confirmation
10/13/06
Craver, Johnny K.
DoD Confirmation
10/13/06
Stanton Jr., Kenny F.
DoD Confirmation
10/13/06
Hewett, Thomas J.
DoD Confirmation
10/12/06
Hawkins, Gene A.
DoD Confirmation
10/11/06
Walsh, Justin T.
DoD Confirmation
10/11/06
Adcock, Shane T.
DoD Confirmation
10/11/06
Sowinski, Nicholas R.
DoD Confirmation
10/09/06
Feniello, Shelby J.
DoD Confirmation
10/08/06
Jones, Derek W.
DoD Confirmation
10/09/06
Bowman, Jon Eric
DoD Confirmation
10/09/06
Williams, Phillip B.
DoD Confirmation
10/08/06
Secher, Robert M.
DoD Confirmation
10/08/06
Austin, Shane R.
DoD Confirmation
10/08/06
Johnson, Stephen F.
DoD Confirmation
10/09/06
Arechaga, Julian M.
DoD Confirmation
10/08/06
Monroe, Jeremy Scott Sandvick
DoD Confirmation
10/08/06
Fulkerson, Timothy
DoD Confirmation
10/07/06
Wood, John Edward
DoD Confirmation
10/07/06
Parrish, Lawrence
DoD Confirmation
10/07/06
Johnson II, Carl W.
DoD Confirmation
10/07/06
Asbury, Brandon S.
DoD Confirmation
10/06/06
Hale, John Edward
DoD Confirmation
10/06/06
Payne, Bradford H.
DoD Confirmation
10/06/06
Arvanitis, Nicholas A.
DoD Confirmation
10/04/06
Rosales, Benjamin S.
DoD Confirmation
10/04/06
Garvin, Edward M.
DoD Confirmation
10/04/06
Moudry, Christopher O.
DoD Confirmation
10/04/06
Obourn Jr., George R.
DoD Confirmation
10/04/06
Burke, Timothy
DoD Confirmation
10/04/06
Bright, Dean
DoD Confirmation
10/03/06
Rojas, Jonathan
DoD Confirmation
10/03/06
Isshak, Daniel
DoD Confirmation
10/02/06
Perry, Joseph W.
DoD Confirmation
10/02/06
Oremus, Michael K.
DoD Confirmation
10/02/06
Jarrett, Justin R.
DoD Confirmation
10/02/06
Ellis, James D.
DoD Confirmation
10/02/06
Armijo, Raymond S.
DoD Confirmation
10/02/06
Walker, Kristofer C.
DoD Confirmation
10/02/06
Greenlee, Satieon V.
DoD Confirmation
10/02/06
Narvaez, Joe A.
DoD Confirmation
10/01/06
Lannaman, Denise A.
DoD Confirmation
10/01/06
Nelson, Mario
DoD Confirmation
10/01/06
Haag, Chase A.
DoD Confirmation
10/01/06
Peterson, Justin D.
DoD Confirmation
10/01/06
Cosgrove III, Christopher B.
DoD Confirmation
10/01/06
Seal, Aaron L.
DoD Confirmation
Paper & Pen
Suggested Readings:
Susan Vreeland's "Girl in Hyacinth Blue" (Fiction)
and ElieWiesel's "Night" (nonfiction)
Portrait of the Week: "The Scream"
Susan Vreeland's "Girl in Hyacinth Blue" (Fiction)
and ElieWiesel's "Night" (nonfiction)
Portrait of the Week: "The Scream"
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Blood Is Thicker Than Water-Part 2, (cont'd.)
Well, I have tried and tried to load some photographs from Ordinary Men: Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland.
After 12 times...I'm spent.
This site "Holocaust Cybrary" has all you could want as far as photos, info, etc.
I hope everyone is okay. It's been a tough one for me. I know it has for all of you, too.
It's going to be okay.
Shalom,
De'on
P.S. I put up some new links. I'll change them every so often.
As far as I know, Steve is still waiting to get into Baghdad.
PSS..I got the other photos to load on "Corps Blogger"
After 12 times...I'm spent.
This site "Holocaust Cybrary" has all you could want as far as photos, info, etc.
I hope everyone is okay. It's been a tough one for me. I know it has for all of you, too.
It's going to be okay.
Shalom,
De'on
P.S. I put up some new links. I'll change them every so often.
As far as I know, Steve is still waiting to get into Baghdad.
PSS..I got the other photos to load on "Corps Blogger"
Blood Is Thicker Than Water-Part 2
Greg and I went to the Holocaust Museum's Permanent Exhibition on 5/23/06. Two hours was not enough time. There are no cameras allowed. Everything was a whisper. So many exhibitions, brushes, combs, and razors, pots & pans, photos, letters, rail cars, and piles of the Jews' shoes, "the last to see them," a sign read.
Click on images to enlarge for readability purposes.
Click on images to enlarge for readability purposes.
Prayer of Joy
Joy is the messenger, dear Lord, that bears our prayers to Thee.
PRAYER can be like incense, rising ever higher and higher, or it can be like a low earth-mist clinging to the ground, never once soaring.
The Eye that sees all, the Ear that hears all, knows every cry.
But the prayer of real faith is the prayer of Joy, that sees and knows the heart of Love it rises to greet, and that is so sure of a glad response.
from God Calling
Nov 1
PRAYER can be like incense, rising ever higher and higher, or it can be like a low earth-mist clinging to the ground, never once soaring.
The Eye that sees all, the Ear that hears all, knows every cry.
But the prayer of real faith is the prayer of Joy, that sees and knows the heart of Love it rises to greet, and that is so sure of a glad response.
from God Calling
Nov 1
Additions to our Prayer List
I received this email message last night. SC Eagle’s wife has been diagnosed with cancer in the brain, lungs and breast.
I know there are so many prayers going on today: please add this one to your list. For more info, visit the Save the Soldiers website. We have a link for them at the end of the sidebar.
SC Eagle writes at his website:
"We have finally received word back from the military. Hospice care is not covered. Which means, any home care we provide Ellicia here will be out of our own pocket. This is going to be expensive. So, reluctantly, and humbly, we'd like to ask those of you who stop by... Please help. Anything will be appreciated. Ellicia will likely need home care as her mind shuts down. And she wants to be at home, not in a hospital... home, surrounded by our children." And military insurance doesn't cover that.
+++
It is a hard time for all of us. Our muscles are tired, our spirits are weary. It is the perfect time to offer up the sacrifice of Thanksgiving. God tells us that HE will break the yoke of heaviness if we honor Him in this.
Please know that family members and brothers-in-arms are deeply in our prayers. We mourn with you and thank you for your blood sacrifice.
My heart breaks and I so want to hear from my troops. I'll take some time to mourn the events of Wednesdays bad news, and then I'll be back.
Stand Strong.
Ever Faithful,
De'on
I know there are so many prayers going on today: please add this one to your list. For more info, visit the Save the Soldiers website. We have a link for them at the end of the sidebar.
SC Eagle writes at his website:
"We have finally received word back from the military. Hospice care is not covered. Which means, any home care we provide Ellicia here will be out of our own pocket. This is going to be expensive. So, reluctantly, and humbly, we'd like to ask those of you who stop by... Please help. Anything will be appreciated. Ellicia will likely need home care as her mind shuts down. And she wants to be at home, not in a hospital... home, surrounded by our children." And military insurance doesn't cover that.
+++
It is a hard time for all of us. Our muscles are tired, our spirits are weary. It is the perfect time to offer up the sacrifice of Thanksgiving. God tells us that HE will break the yoke of heaviness if we honor Him in this.
Please know that family members and brothers-in-arms are deeply in our prayers. We mourn with you and thank you for your blood sacrifice.
My heart breaks and I so want to hear from my troops. I'll take some time to mourn the events of Wednesdays bad news, and then I'll be back.
Stand Strong.
Ever Faithful,
De'on
Blood Is Thicker Than Water-Part I
Blood Is Thicker Than Water-Part I
In order to understand anything, perhaps more especially war; we have to go back to the beginning, the root, the genesis. Due to where I want to go with this series, we can’t start that far back. So we will glimpse at the end of Word War I and drive quickly into the beginning of World War II.
Though I want to concentrate on the Pacific side of things during World War II, let’s journey there first.
Most historians agree that the Treaty of Versailles’ catastrophic failure after World War I aided in leading to World War II. The harsh state of affairs in Germany helped to give rise to an egomaniac, someone who considered himself an artisan, a man without conscience. Hitler, by no means a brilliant man, recognized the time was ripe for him to wedge a way into power.
The people weren’t hard to convince: bitter and hungry, Hitler had a captured audience.
An audience without hope.
On February 3, 1933, Hitler had a secret meeting with Germany’s top generals, only three days after he had been made chancellor. In this meeting, he spoke of the need to eliminate democracy and Marxism. In order to create a new domestic unity, Germany must be re-armed (they were not permitted a military under the treaty). Hitler used domestic reconstruction as but the first step in winning the confidence of the Germans.1
Hitler believed the Aryans a superior race. He believed they were capable of establishing a superior civilization. Hitler rejected the idea of colonies. They were unfit for the large scale ambitions he had in mind. He needed much more land to support a larger population.
In the second volume of Mein Kampf, Hitler makes no secret of the land he desires for his National Socialist regime. He writes: “…We stop the endless German movement to the south and west, and turn our gaze toward the land in the east….If we speak of soil in Europe today, we can primarily have in mind only Russia and her vassal border states.”2
Austria was occupied in March of 1938 and Germany rolled into Bohemia & Moravia in March 1939.
As seen in the photograph, the Fuhrer spoke to the Reichstag and announced that Germany was at war. German forces invaded Poland on September 1, 1939.
Though other powers may have made war possible by refusing to resist Hitler’s Germany earlier; there is no doubt that Nazi Germany’s actions made war inevitable.3
Two days after the attack on Poland, Britain and France declared war on Germany, thus creating the very Europe-wide war that Hitler had hoped to prevent. With his quick victory over Poland, however, Hitler believed that Germany could still handle the situation. Assuming a quick victory over Poland, Hitler had deliberately weakened his forces in the west, making Germany vulnerable to a British and French attack. Even Hitler believed that an Allied offensive now would create difficulties for Germany. At the same time, he doubted that the Western democracies would assume an offensive strategy. He was correct. The Allies, conditioned by their experiences in World War I, believed that time was on their side. Once again they could use a blockade and gradually grind Germany down. There was no need to follow an offensive pattern that would simply result in unnecessary bloodshed. 4
The United States emerged from World War I as the strongest country in the world; other states counted on Washington to take action but the government turned inward. They had returned to isolationism.5
1 Jackson J. Spielvogel, Hitler and Nazi Germany: A History (Upper Saddle River, 2001). p. 192-193.
2 Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf, trans. Ralph Manheim (Boston, 1971), p. 654.
3 Jackson J. Spielvogel, Hitler and Nazi Germany: A History (Upper Saddle River, 2001). p. 192.
4 Jackson J. Spielvogel, Hitler and Nazi Germany: A History (Upper Saddle River, 2001). p. 211-212.
5 T.Walter Walbank...., [et al.].Civilization Past and Present (New York, 1991). p. 806.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
News from the Middle East
I copied and pasted the article in. The link was too long and shot my sidebar. Sometimes looks are everything. Sorry about the advertisement. I couldn't get it out.
More From The Bay City Times Subscribe To The Bay City Times
'We're making a difference'
Bangor Township Marine says he's proud of the job he's doing in Iraq
Monday, October 23, 2006
By PATI LALONDETIMES WRITER
Marine Lance Cpl. Andrew Comtois spent his first night back in Bangor Township playing a few games of beer pong, eating nachos and sharing photos of his seven months in Iraq.
It was a simple way to celebrate his homecoming, but not without fanfare. About 40 relatives were waiting as Comtois, 20, got off the plane at MBS International Airport on Friday afternoon. The group included the family's two dogs, sisters Alison and Abby, and parents, Ron and Laurie Comtois, along with extended family members who waved flags and carried balloons.
''As soon as I saw them, my heart started racing,'' Andrew Comtois said. ''I was really excited. Everyone looks great.''
His homecoming, preceded by two weeks at his base in 29 Palms, Calif., will be a short one. But the John Glenn graduate plans on savoring the 12 days with his family before heading back to his base in California. He already knows he will go back to Iraq, probably next September.
While Comtois is glad to be home, he says he's proud of the job our military is doing in Iraq. Being part of the 1st battalion, 7th Marines, a mobile assault platoon, he and his battalion did mounted patrols in Humvees keeping roads free of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Comtois also helped in securing the area of operation for visitors.
''We're making a significant difference,'' Comtois said. ''When I first got there, I didn't associate with the Iraqi people. Now we are going to their supermarkets and they are giving us intelligence on where terrorists may be.''
Comtois' mission was named Hearts and Minds Operation, with the goal to win over the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people. He feels it's working.
He tells the story of Mick, who attended university in Iraq for four years, learning to speak English.
Mick now goes on all the patrols with the troops as an interpreter.
''That guy would do anything for us,'' Comtois said. ''He makes our lives easier.''
'We're making a difference'
That's not to say that Comtois hasn't had scary moments.
He recalled the time the Humvee he was riding in was hit by a roadside bomb. Although there were a few nicks and bruises, no one was seriously injured.
That type of story is what has his family worried. Grandmother Margaret Jane Gravlin said she frequently thought of her Marine and wondered if he was OK.
''There was always a question mark,'' she said. ''What is he doing? Is he going to get hurt? But he's home now safe and sound.''
Laurie Comtois said she was scared for her son's life, but thanks to satellite phones and e-mails, she heard from him about every 10 days.
''I'm so glad he's here,'' she said. ''We're glad to have him home.''
During his first few days home, Comtois had a few things he wanted to do. First on the list was watching the Detroit Tigers play in the World Series.
While in Iraq, Comtois had heard the Tigers were in first place, but didn't believe it. When he got to a small air base at Al Asad, he excitedly found out he had heard correctly. He's thrilled he'll be home to watch the entire World Series.
Ron Comtois says his son looks a little heavier than when he came home from boot camp, but that thankfully his attitude hasn't changed.
''He's still joking around,'' he said.
- Pati LaLonde is a features writer for The Times. She can be reached at 894-9666, or by e-mail at plalonde@bc-times.com.
***
Encouraging words from a Marine. Thought we all needed some good news. I’m sure there’s a lot more of this than we’re hearing from our illustrious MSM.
I think you’ll appreciate the article.
Love to all. Harrell, Mushrooms, let me know when you’re back.
Gotta go clean the bathroom. I’ll have another post in before the night is over. Steve’s in Kuwait, trying to get into Baghdad. Things are tough there right now. Security $’s are rising and many contractors are holding off going in until after the elections.
Not Steve.
More From The Bay City Times Subscribe To The Bay City Times
'We're making a difference'
Bangor Township Marine says he's proud of the job he's doing in Iraq
Monday, October 23, 2006
By PATI LALONDETIMES WRITER
Marine Lance Cpl. Andrew Comtois spent his first night back in Bangor Township playing a few games of beer pong, eating nachos and sharing photos of his seven months in Iraq.
It was a simple way to celebrate his homecoming, but not without fanfare. About 40 relatives were waiting as Comtois, 20, got off the plane at MBS International Airport on Friday afternoon. The group included the family's two dogs, sisters Alison and Abby, and parents, Ron and Laurie Comtois, along with extended family members who waved flags and carried balloons.
''As soon as I saw them, my heart started racing,'' Andrew Comtois said. ''I was really excited. Everyone looks great.''
His homecoming, preceded by two weeks at his base in 29 Palms, Calif., will be a short one. But the John Glenn graduate plans on savoring the 12 days with his family before heading back to his base in California. He already knows he will go back to Iraq, probably next September.
While Comtois is glad to be home, he says he's proud of the job our military is doing in Iraq. Being part of the 1st battalion, 7th Marines, a mobile assault platoon, he and his battalion did mounted patrols in Humvees keeping roads free of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Comtois also helped in securing the area of operation for visitors.
''We're making a significant difference,'' Comtois said. ''When I first got there, I didn't associate with the Iraqi people. Now we are going to their supermarkets and they are giving us intelligence on where terrorists may be.''
Comtois' mission was named Hearts and Minds Operation, with the goal to win over the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people. He feels it's working.
He tells the story of Mick, who attended university in Iraq for four years, learning to speak English.
Mick now goes on all the patrols with the troops as an interpreter.
''That guy would do anything for us,'' Comtois said. ''He makes our lives easier.''
'We're making a difference'
That's not to say that Comtois hasn't had scary moments.
He recalled the time the Humvee he was riding in was hit by a roadside bomb. Although there were a few nicks and bruises, no one was seriously injured.
That type of story is what has his family worried. Grandmother Margaret Jane Gravlin said she frequently thought of her Marine and wondered if he was OK.
''There was always a question mark,'' she said. ''What is he doing? Is he going to get hurt? But he's home now safe and sound.''
Laurie Comtois said she was scared for her son's life, but thanks to satellite phones and e-mails, she heard from him about every 10 days.
''I'm so glad he's here,'' she said. ''We're glad to have him home.''
During his first few days home, Comtois had a few things he wanted to do. First on the list was watching the Detroit Tigers play in the World Series.
While in Iraq, Comtois had heard the Tigers were in first place, but didn't believe it. When he got to a small air base at Al Asad, he excitedly found out he had heard correctly. He's thrilled he'll be home to watch the entire World Series.
Ron Comtois says his son looks a little heavier than when he came home from boot camp, but that thankfully his attitude hasn't changed.
''He's still joking around,'' he said.
- Pati LaLonde is a features writer for The Times. She can be reached at 894-9666, or by e-mail at plalonde@bc-times.com.
***
Encouraging words from a Marine. Thought we all needed some good news. I’m sure there’s a lot more of this than we’re hearing from our illustrious MSM.
I think you’ll appreciate the article.
Love to all. Harrell, Mushrooms, let me know when you’re back.
Gotta go clean the bathroom. I’ll have another post in before the night is over. Steve’s in Kuwait, trying to get into Baghdad. Things are tough there right now. Security $’s are rising and many contractors are holding off going in until after the elections.
Not Steve.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Blood Is Thicker Than Water--Intro
Blood Is Thicker Than Water: An Introduction to the Series
When starting this project, I knew it would be big…I just didn’t realize how big. There are several facets to Marines. A Marine, most likely is born a Marine. Although it’s usually in hindsight, most mothers can attest to it; though they may appear shocked at their child’s decision to become a Marine recruit, usually later, they are just as proud of their title as the Marine is of his (for readability purposes, please translate this generic his form into his or her). Looking back, a Marine Mom can point to precise signals of that warrior spirit she gave birth to: devout loyalty, the love of family, of country, and perhaps most of all, the love of their brothers; the United States Marine Corps.
Jarhead, Leatherneck: these are just a few of the titles they possess. Talk to just about anyone in any branch, and they’ll tell you: when the chips are down, it’s always good to have a Marine around.
In this MAXI series, I want to thread together the elements of two of“my Texas Marines,” their battles, their units, and the homefront. As well, I want to examine the pulse of the American people during World War II and The War on Terror.
I’m looking forward to this. I know I’ll learn a great deal. I’ll run the postings on Corps Blogger as well as Gunz Up.
Pictured above: Left to Right, Lt. Col. (R) Lonnie D. McCurry; Lance Corporal Aaron C. Austin, KIA April 26, 2004; and Sgt. Bennie L. Pickrell.
Or otherwise known to me: Uncle Lonnie (my great-uncle), Aaron Cole, and Uncle Bennie.
Once A Marine, Always A Marine.
Don’t Mess With Texas.
Three Marines, one state, one family. The photograph was taken at Aaron’s Homecoming Party in Lubbock, Texas, after he returned from OIF I. August 2003.
This event was actually the only time that Uncle Lonnie and Aaron met.
How strange, but how wonderful. Like looking back at my Marine and his spirit, with awe, I look back at how God began to piece family members together before the tragic event that would take place in our lives less than a year later.
Semper Fi,
De’on
Blue Star Family and Friends
About the Blue Star Family & Friends.
Primary Purpose:
The primary purpose of creating the Blue Star Blogroll is to facilitate a network of bloggers who have a special and sincere interest in the well-being of soldiers serving as part of the United States Armed Forces. Allied forces are also welcome.
Hopefully, it will help us find each other and provide a network of support for those of us with a child serving our country.
Eligibility:
First, get an understanding of what the Blue Star Banner stands for. The Blue Star Banner was first introduced during World War I to indicate that a child was serving the country in the military.
A summary of the history and meaning of the Blue Star Banner can be found at this. The post also contains links to other sites that give more information about the Blue Star Banner.
Secondly, but most importantly, members of the Blue Star Blogroll support our troops. Regardless of differences of opinion, we are united in our support and appreciation of the men and women in the Armed Forces.
Primary members of the Blue Star Blogroll would be anyone who has a child serving in the military.
Other members of the Blue Star Blogroll are relatives and friends of our military men and women.
If a family loses a military member, their Blue Star turns Gold.
Primary Purpose:
The primary purpose of creating the Blue Star Blogroll is to facilitate a network of bloggers who have a special and sincere interest in the well-being of soldiers serving as part of the United States Armed Forces. Allied forces are also welcome.
Hopefully, it will help us find each other and provide a network of support for those of us with a child serving our country.
Eligibility:
First, get an understanding of what the Blue Star Banner stands for. The Blue Star Banner was first introduced during World War I to indicate that a child was serving the country in the military.
A summary of the history and meaning of the Blue Star Banner can be found at this. The post also contains links to other sites that give more information about the Blue Star Banner.
Secondly, but most importantly, members of the Blue Star Blogroll support our troops. Regardless of differences of opinion, we are united in our support and appreciation of the men and women in the Armed Forces.
Primary members of the Blue Star Blogroll would be anyone who has a child serving in the military.
Other members of the Blue Star Blogroll are relatives and friends of our military men and women.
If a family loses a military member, their Blue Star turns Gold.
Monday, October 23, 2006
A Quick Update about Steve
I received an e-mail from Steve at 2:36 MST tonight. Since my wireless has been out all day, I’m just now able to pass it on:
Steve received an e-mail from the Iraqi embassy in Kuwait telling him that the visa was approved, and that it’s waiting for him there. At the time Steve sent the e-mail, he was in Istanbul headed to Kuwait, and then from there will be on his way to Baghdad.
This is very exciting news. We appreciate everyone’s prayers and support. When Steve gets to Baghdad, he will bring us up to date.
No, money and safety aren’t everything. And if people don’t get that, well, then it’s impossible to explain it to them.
But we keep trying, huh?
Steve received an e-mail from the Iraqi embassy in Kuwait telling him that the visa was approved, and that it’s waiting for him there. At the time Steve sent the e-mail, he was in Istanbul headed to Kuwait, and then from there will be on his way to Baghdad.
This is very exciting news. We appreciate everyone’s prayers and support. When Steve gets to Baghdad, he will bring us up to date.
No, money and safety aren’t everything. And if people don’t get that, well, then it’s impossible to explain it to them.
But we keep trying, huh?
Shock and Awe Diary
Aaron left on the USS Rushmore the first week of January 2003, headed for Kuwait. They were with the USS Tarawa and one other ship whose name escapes me presently. I began recording factual information on March 17, 2003. Periodically, emotions were recorded, but not often.
March 31, 2003 was one of those days that emotions ran high.
Sharing: 2 of 4 records the birds and their message of life to me on this day, which tumbled over (in red ) to the next day, April 1.
How strange that on these exact days, one year later, things got so bad in Fallujah. It was March 31, 2004 that the four contractors were strung up. The photos were in the next day's news. April Fool's Day. Aaron was killed 26 days after the contractors.
March 31, 2003 was one of those days that emotions ran high.
Sharing: 2 of 4 records the birds and their message of life to me on this day, which tumbled over (in red ) to the next day, April 1.
How strange that on these exact days, one year later, things got so bad in Fallujah. It was March 31, 2004 that the four contractors were strung up. The photos were in the next day's news. April Fool's Day. Aaron was killed 26 days after the contractors.
Our Towel
This snapshot has been posted one other time. I share it again, for a different purpose.
Left to right: LCpl. Jamie Vance and LCpl. Aaron Austin, USMC.
Our towel is hanging behind Aaron. This was taken in March 2004, before he was KIA in April 2004. Chantal Bryant gave me this when we met at the Marine Ball 2004.
Though I have many pictures of the first trip to Iraq; I only have two from the second. This one and one other that Rick Loomis of L.A. Times (embedded at the time) took of Aaron reading mail, one day before he was killed. Loomis has been good to share with me.
And Chantal, if you're reading, I could never thank you enough.
Left to right: LCpl. Jamie Vance and LCpl. Aaron Austin, USMC.
Our towel is hanging behind Aaron. This was taken in March 2004, before he was KIA in April 2004. Chantal Bryant gave me this when we met at the Marine Ball 2004.
Though I have many pictures of the first trip to Iraq; I only have two from the second. This one and one other that Rick Loomis of L.A. Times (embedded at the time) took of Aaron reading mail, one day before he was killed. Loomis has been good to share with me.
And Chantal, if you're reading, I could never thank you enough.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
LINKS
I guess I'm fasting from sleep. Trying to get something together for my Marines today.
You have so been in my prayers. I'll go to sleep after 11:09 A.M. CST and since I've been up all night, I might sleep for a while. But I'll be back so check in if you have time.
I'm working on other links for other branches. Bear with me, because you are mine too.
Please let me know of any links that you would like to see.
Submission info at end of sidebar.
God bless,
De'on
You have so been in my prayers. I'll go to sleep after 11:09 A.M. CST and since I've been up all night, I might sleep for a while. But I'll be back so check in if you have time.
I'm working on other links for other branches. Bear with me, because you are mine too.
Please let me know of any links that you would like to see.
Submission info at end of sidebar.
God bless,
De'on
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