Beto Ochoa
cesarzambrano
epicsurvivor
jseedubya
Murder of Ravens
no2liberals
nuke
Robert D
swampie
bridget
vimto1
Filed under: Patriotism | Tagged: illustration | 8 Comments »
Free your mind
Posted on March 10, 2013 by nuke
Texas Buries A Hero~R.I.P Chris Kyle
Posted on February 12, 2013 by no2liberals
The shock we all felt a little over a week ago when the news of his murder was announced still is with many Texans.
An American Hero, a legendary SEAL from Texas, loving husband and father, has left his loved one’s hurting and an entire state circling around them to show his life was with meaning and well spent, short though it was.
Chris’ memorial service was held on Monday at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Approximately 7,000 attended, as his coffin rested on the big blue star on the fifty yard line.
Mrs. Kyle gave an emotional eulogy, which breaks my heart to watch.
His young son and daughter wrote a farewell message to their father, which was printed on the back of the memorial service program.
Farewell note to Dad
Today, a funeral procession I have never heard of or seen departed Midlothian, Texas, about 25 miles SWest of Dallas, on a 220 mile journey for Chris’ final resting place in the Texas State Cemetery, reserved by state law for Texans that have made a significant contribution.
The procession departed at around 8a.m. The temperature was in the mid 40′s, it was raining and the wind was out of the North. The cold matched the feeling so many were left with after hearing of his death, the rain was like tears from Heaven.
On the 220 mile journey, people stood out in the weather to show their respect to a fallen hero that few ever knew. It was an inspiring tribute and a reflection on how genuinely good hearted and grateful Texans are for those who serve with honor.
Every city and small town on the long journey down the heavily traveled, but now shut down, I-35 turned out on the road side and overpasses.
R.I.P. warrior!
God Bless the Kyle family and God Bless Texas!
Navy SEAL Tridents hand punched into Kyle’s coffin
Filed under: military, n2l, Patriotism | Tagged: military, texas | 3 Comments »
Happy 65th Zoomies!
Posted on September 18, 2012 by nuke
The National Security Act of 1947 established the Department of the Air Force.
To Fly, Fight, Win, in air, space and cyberspace.
Happy 65th Birthday. Thank you for what you do every day.
See Also, Matt Bracken’s new short story, What I Saw at the Coup
Filed under: military, Patriotism | Tagged: matt bracken, USAF | 3 Comments »
Subic and Clark to be re-opened
Posted on June 11, 2012 by nuke
It doesn’t seem like it’s been 21 years since the Navy and the Air Force pulled out of Subic Bay and Clark AFB in the Philippines, but this story from Business Insider makes me hope we can get N2L to bring us some more adventures from the SYM …
Travis Tritten at Stars and Stripes reports that the Pentagon has apparently been fanning the old flame of friendship with the Philippines and will be re-opening two bases it left in 1991 — Subic Bay and Clark Air Base … source
Filed under: military | Tagged: clark, n2l, philippines, subic, sym | 2 Comments »
Amazing Courage and Bravery. 68th anniversary of D-Day
Posted on June 6, 2012 by nuke
President Reagan’s Address at the Ceremony Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Normandy Invasion, D-day at Point-du-Hoc – 6/6/84.
Isn’t it nice to see an American President make a speech without using a teleprompter?
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Make a contribution to the WWII Museum here
.
Filed under: military, News and politics, Patriotism, video | Tagged: 40th DDay Anniversary Speech, Reagan, World War II Museum | 3 Comments »
My Confederate Ancestors Were True ‘Freedom Fighters’
Posted on May 31, 2012 by no2liberals
How far we have fallen as a nation in the past 150 years.
Contrary to what most historians and uninformed educators have told generation after generation about the reason for the “War Between The States,” it was not exclusively about ending slavery.
I am a descendant of people who fought in the American Revolution against the British for freedom and liberty, as well as being eligible to join ‘Sons of Confederate Veterans.’ My confederate ancestors didn’t own slaves and didn’t want to, what they wanted was to be left alone by a Federal government that was intruding on individual and states’ rights…they wanted the freedom and liberty that this nation originally intended for its citizens.
Just as freedom loving American citizens fought to create this nation, so did the Confederacy fight to preserve those worthy goals. In the end, the Federals prevailed and the slow steady demise of our individual freedoms and liberties have continued unabated.
I have often thought of the historical significance of the “War Between the States”(a.k.a. War Of Northern Aggression) from many different perspectives and even more so in recent years, with so much discussion of the 10th Amendment. My thoughts were refocused yesterday on just what the conflict 150 years ago means to us today.
I came across a fascinating article, The Last Trench. It is too long to post in its entirety here, but I highly recommend clicking on the link and reading it to the end. I found it highly thought provoking and I quote the author’s final thought in the article and am in complete agreement:
To each and every foe of freedom and liberty in the federal government, let this message soak to your miserable bones: Your threats, your mistreatment, your unceasing attempts at intimidation, your arrogant abuse and slander of all that is holy, your raw brutality upon the helpless, your vulgar use of armed might upon the weak, your shedding of innocent blood, your rushing to a new world order of old world tyranny, none of this will save you from the justice you so richly deserve. Understand — you miserable pestilence upon mankind — that we shall do our duty as our ancestors before us. Know that we realize that we are now in the last trench. So step forward! Come! Our Colours await you — you need but take them from us…
Blood, honour, soil, faith and folk. Know ye then, enemies of liberty, that the last trench insures eternal memory and glory to those who stand in it. While granting to those who attack it only a miserable empty death for filthy lucre’s sake.
Come now our enemies before us! Drink of this cup we have prepared for you! And as you in your brutish force move toward us — understand that while we are in the last trench — you are in your last moments. Victory or Death — Live free or Die!
God Bless America and Go To Hell all filthy tyrants and usurpers.
Filed under: government corruption, n2l, Patriotism, The South | 1 Comment »
Memorial Day: Remembering Our Fallen Heroes
Posted on May 28, 2012 by no2liberals
Gone from this mortal plane…never forgotten.
The following video is a labor of love for approximately twenty years by blogger and military historian War Chick. We have become internet buds over the past few years based on the connection we have with this story of a soldier few have ever heard of. She heard of Ricardo from her father who was his friend and has honored his memory by devoting so many years in telling his story, a story that no movie script writer could dream of.
Ricardo Carrasco was the Uncle of one of my best and dearest friends, a man I served with in the USAF. My friend told me about his Uncle once during one of our many mind and soul cleansing conversations. I have no doubt that Ricardo and his nephew had the same blood and spirit coursing through their arteries.
*Cross-posted at Urban Grounds*
Filed under: military, n2l, Patriotism | Comments Off
Veterans Day in Magnolia
Posted on November 11, 2011 by nuke
At the Pike County Veterans Memorial, Magnolia, Mississippi, November 11, 2011.
Today’s service began at 11:11 A.M. on a gloriously sunny morning in front of the Court House.
The Mrs. and I found a semi-shady spot to visit with many of the veterans and families. The JROTC of South Pike High School presented the colors. Many thanks to Maj (ret) J.W. Rayborn for his service with these fine young people.
A special Veterans Day speech was delivered by Willie Dunbar, student body President of North Pike High School. Willie is a Senior at North Pike, and is an impressive young man in his own right.
Several of us, including Willie and his mom Rhonda, and his Principal, Darryl Brock, along with the American Legion commander Nickie White and his wife, and Jim Coleman and his wife joined Mrs. Nuke and the staff from the local VA clinic for lunch at Chili Willie’s.
A wonderful service, and a memorable day. Thanks, Lord for letting me be there.
Filed under: military, Mississippi, Patriotism, The South | 1 Comment »
Welcome Home
Posted on June 3, 2011 by nuke
(Pearl Harbor: Nuke’s nephew gets a warm welcome from his family)
Filed under: family, military | 14 Comments »
A ‘Memorial Day’ Masterpiece
Posted on May 30, 2011 by no2liberals
*UPDATED* The long version of the Washington Times article with photos is HERE.
I received an email several weeks ago from my internet buddy WARChick about a Memorial Day piece she was working on. Then, a few days ago she emailed me again to inform me that the piece I had previewed would be published at the Washington Times, both online and in print.
It is a fascinating story of the uncle of my dear friend Grandpa Bob, who served with me in the USAF. Of all the men that I knew and served with, Bob is the only one that I have maintained a close friendship with for the past 36 years. His uncle, Ricardo, served in the U.S. Army in Korea.
I first read Ricardo’s story four years ago and posted a thread of WARChick’s excellent piece here.
The article at the Washington Times is titled ‘KIRKLAND: Killed in Korea twice in one day’-(A forgotten warrior dies rather than leave his ‘fellahs’ at the front).
WARChick has been working on this story for twenty years. She has gathered information from any and all sources available, too include contacting Paramount pictures concerning the movie itself, which has not been shown on any screen since the 1950′s.
So, please, go and read this story at the link above. It is a work of love by WARChick and as strong a testament to the good character, devotion and selflessness of our service members, as one can find.
Have a great Memorial Day, a day of remembrance for those who fell in military service. And please, for this one day remember it is for our fallen, not for our active duty or vets.
*Cross-posted*
At Urban Grounds.
Filed under: military, n2l | 6 Comments »
Shopping at Sears
Posted on December 2, 2010 by nuke
source: Free Republic …
How does Sears treat its employees who are called up for military duty?
By law, they are required to hold their jobs open and available, but nothing more. Usually, people take a big pay cut and lose benefits as a result of being called up for active duty.
Sears is voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs, for all called up reservist employees for up to two years.
I submit that Sears is an exemplary corporate citizen and should be recognized for its contribution. I suggest we all shop at Sears at least once, and be sure to find a manager to tell them why we are there so the company gets the positive reinforcement and feedback it well deserves.
I decided to check this before I sent it forward. So I sent the following e-mail to the Sears Customer Service Department:
I received this e-mail and I would like to know if it is true. If it is, the internet may have just become one very good source of advertisement for your company. I know I would go out of my way to buy products from Sears instead of another store for a like item, even if it’s cheaper at that store.
This is their answer to my e-mail:
Dear Customer:
Thank you for contacting Sears.The information is factual. We appreciate your positive feedback.
Sears regards service to our country as one of greatest sacrifices our young men and women can make. We are happy to do our part to lessen the burden they bear at this time.
Bill Thorn
Sears Customer Care
If you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping, drop by Sears . Or, if you’re like me and hate going to the mall, then buy something on Sears.com.
This is worthy.
Pass it on.
Filed under: 'War on Terrorism', military, Patriotism | Tagged: sears | 3 Comments »
I saw America today
Posted on November 11, 2010 by nuke
Rod Smith, Patriot Guard Rider
October 21, 2010, Laurel , Mississippi
I saw America today.
I was among more that 200 people gathered on the tarmac at the Meridian Air Navel Station to welcome Sgt. Eric C. Newman, 30, of Waynesboro , Miss. home from Afghanistan.
He did not exit to cheers and hugs but was greeted by respectful silence. Military men and women, bikers, policemen, firemen, all in formation riveted their attention as Sgt. Newman disembarked from the plane carrying him.
He exited in a flag draped coffin, killed in action in Afghanistan.
The family stood near the hearse and as Sgt. Newman’s casket approached he was greeted by his new wife and his mother as they draped their arms around the casket where their beloved husband and son lay. There would be no married life for the newly married couple and another mother had given her son in the name of freedom.
I saw America today.
The procession formed with a police escort in front leading the hearse carrying Sgt. Newman which was followed by his family, more than 100 bikers, including the Patriot Guard Riders, scores of police officers, firemen, and friends. I rode near the front and I never could see the end of the procession as we rolled over the hills from Meridian to Waynesboro .
I saw America today.
On the 60 mile journey truckers, the big rigs, pulled to the side of the road, exited their trucks and put hand over heart in honor of Sgt. Newman and the American flag. Down the road from one big shiny rig was a humble logging truck, driver standing on the ground, hand over heart.
For sixty miles a mixture of people stood by the side of the road, flag in hand as we rolled past. At every junction where a side road entered there were people. At the overpasses there was always a fire truck displaying a large American flag. Every fire department along the way had their fire truck standing by to honor this young American who gave his life for us.
There was a young Boy Scout, in uniform, proudly saluting Sgt. Newman and the American flags that passed him.
A man in bib overalls stood by a ragged old pickup truck giving honor. Just down the road was a man dressed in suit and tie by his expensive SUV.
Something in the bright blue sky above caught my eye. It was two jet fighter planes flying over the procession, the thoughtful action of fellow soldiers.
I could see a woman kneeling, holding something out in her hands. At first I thought it must be a camera but as I passed I could clearly see it was a folded American flag. Just like the one that was given to my mother when my father died. Yes, it was her way of saying, “I lost a loved one as well.”
I saw America today.
As we left the main road and entered Waynesboro two fire trucks were parked in such a way as to form an arch with a giant American flag suspended between the two.
The streets were lined solid with people. No cars were moving. I observed someone in a wheel chair on the side of the road. When we drew closer I saw several in wheel chairs, some on crutches. They were old, and fragile. They were residents of a nursing home. On down the road there was another group from yet another nursing home, all waving tiny American flags.
As we wound our way through town hundreds of people lined the sides of the streets. We passed an elementary school. The children lined the fence three deep, most with flags, some with red, white, and blue balloons which were later released.
Next we passed the high school. Again the students respectfully lined the streets adjacent to the school. All were standing respectfully in honor of Sgt. Newman.
And did I mention the yellow ribbons? They were on trees, mailboxes, fences, and anywhere people could place them.
I saw America today.
When we had finished the escort all the bikers were asked to meet at the First Baptist Church of Waynesboro. There they gathered us up and escorted us to the Western Sizzlin ’ where the people of the town treated us to lunch for doing something of which we were proud to be a part.
Today, I saw America and I’m proud to be an American. God bless America .
t-p connect
Filed under: military, Mississippi, Patriotism | Tagged: laurel ms, patriot guard, rod smith, veterans day | 14 Comments »
Veteran’s Day Tribute
Posted on November 11, 2010 by no2liberals
Happy Birthday, America
Posted on July 4, 2010 by no2liberals
From the seeds of discontent with a tyrannical monarchy, to the contentious discussions of a new nation’s Constitution, our independence was fiercely fought and justly earned.
The fight for independence began this day two hundred thirty four years ago and is ongoing.
Reflect on what we have been given from those who earned it. Honor them by remaining vigilant in guarding their legacy so that those who follow may have the same opportunity.
May God continue to bless America!
Filed under: n2l, Patriotism | 6 Comments »
Fred Thompson adopts the Reid Doctrine
Posted on November 19, 2009 by nuke
The Reid Doctrine™: The bold declaration of pre-emptive surrender made by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in April 2007.
It was quickly echoed by both Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Joe Biden, as well as Barack Obama, John Kerry (who served in Viet Nam), and a host of other Democrats.
At The Politico, Ben Smith reports that a Republican, Fred Thompson, has adopted the Reid Doctrine™ in his criticism of Obama’s handling of the “overseas contingency operation” in Afghanistan …
“It really doesn’t matter how President Obama divides the Afghan baby, how he splits the difference between McChrystal and Biden. Because the war has been lost,” Thompson said on his radio show today. “I say this because of one sad and simple fact. The president does not have the will and determination to do what’s necessary to win it. His heart’s not in it, and never has been. The Taliban knows it. Al Qaeda knows it. Our allies know it. And the American people know it. {snip}
“Take your time, Mr. President,” Thompson said. Unless you have a total change of heart and mind, it really doesn’t make any difference.”
Obviously, the irony of accusing Obama of delivering a half-hearted effort is lost on Big Fred.
Regardless, this rhetoric is no more acceptable coming from a Republican than it is from a Democrat.
Shame on you, Fred Thompson.
More at HotAir
Filed under: 'War on Terrorism', military | Tagged: afghanistan, ben smith, fred thompson, hot air, Kerry, obama, Politico, the weekly standard | 2 Comments »
World War II in HD
Posted on November 16, 2009 by nuke
WWII in HD is the first-ever World War II documentary presented in full, immersive HD color. Culled from thousands of hours of lost and rare color archival footage gathered from a worldwide search through basements and archives, WWII in HD will change the way the world sees this defining conflict. Using footage never before seen by most Americans–converted to HD for unprecedented clarity–viewers will experience the war as if they were actually there, surrounded by the real sights and sounds of the battlefields. Along the way they’ll meet a diverse group of soldiers whose wartime diaries and journals show in visceral detail what the war was really like.
This visually astonishing landmark series presents the story of World War II through the eyes of 12 Americans who experienced the war firsthand.
Narrated by Gary Sinise.
Outstanding work.
Filed under: military, TV | Tagged: WWII | 8 Comments »
muslim backlash
Posted on November 8, 2009 by nuke
While the Obama administration and members of the MSM doggedly wring their hands in fear of the much-anticipated anti-muslim backlash, here is a composite of the Ft Hood dead: the victims of the most current muslim backlash.
From top left, Specialist Jason Dean Hunt, 22; Sgt. Amy Krueger, 29; Private Aaron Thomas Nemelka, 19; Michael Grant Cahill, 62; Private Kham Xiong, 23; Staff Sgt. Justin M. DeCrow, 32. From bottom left, Private Michael Pearson, 21; Russell Seager, 51; Francheska Velez, 21; Capt. John Gaffaney, 56; and Major L. Eduardo Caraveo, 52
photo credit: AP, Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1225627/Fort-Hood-shootings-Army-major-Nidal-Malik-Hasan-kills-12-injures-31-shootout-troops-army-base.html#ixzz0WJR8ppEu
Filed under: 'War on Terrorism', military, multiculturalism and political correctness | Tagged: ft hood, islamic terrism, leftist-islamist convergence | 2 Comments »
“The Surge” A Success Story!
Posted on November 6, 2009 by no2liberals
Thanks to the outstanding website, Big Hollywood, for informing us of a long due documentary on “The Surge.”
First, the trailer.
Understanding the Surge – The Trailer from ISW on Vimeo.
The author of the piece at Big Hollywood states the following:
The documentary will be released on Monday, November 9th, and available as a free download at UnderstandingTheSurge.org, as a generous gift by The National Philanthropic Trust and the Ware Family Foundation. This way, everyone can hear the real story of the Surge. As the director and co-writer of this film, I hope audiences will take a look and see for themselves, there are some important lessons to be learned.
Here’s hoping our elected leaders are tuning in.
I wholly concur!
There is a time line of events from the website Understanding The Surge, as a reminder of why the surge was needed, along with the brilliant and simple counterinsurgency plan that accompanied it.
For detailed info on how events in Iraq transpired, from the re-invasion in 2003, through the insurgency, to the current status of security in Iraq, the pdf available from the Brookings Institute Iraq Index is invaluable. There are graphs showing the rise and fall of violence in Iraq, as well as many other valuable surveys and polls to illustrate how effective the surge has been, and why it is viewed by many now, and even more in the future, as an historic military accomplishment.
I wrote about the pending surge back in Jan 2007, Why 21,500 Additional Troops Is Actually Enough (As A Force Multiplier).
I believed in the plan and the leadership at the time, and feel my confidence was well placed.
We now have a video record of the actions in this documentary, and I will mark my calendar for Monday, 9 Nov 09, to see this film in its entirety.
*Cross-posted at Urban Grounds.*
Filed under: 'War on Terrorism', military, n2l | 3 Comments »
Ft Hood killer still alive
Posted on November 5, 2009 by nuke
This is strange. He was first reported dead, but now KWTX is reporting that Malik Nidal Hasan is still alive.
FORT HOOD (November 5, 2009)— Army Maj. Malik Nadal Hasan whom Fort Hood officials identified as the soldier who opened fire Thursday afternoon on post, killing 12 and wounding 30 others, is not dead, according to the post’s commander, who earlier said the gunman was dead.
Lt. Gen. Robert Cone declined to comment on Hasan’s condition.
Hasan was reportedly taken to Scott & White Hospital in Temple.
Fort Hood ended its lockdown Thursday evening.
h/t n2l
I guess we need to have us a fair trial then hang this bastard. Or, maybe a firing squad. I’m sure they could find volunteers.
Filed under: 'War on Terrorism', military | Tagged: ft hood, hasan alive | 8 Comments »
Fort Hood on lockdown
Posted on November 5, 2009 by nuke
7 12 are dead, 12 20 31 injured at the Soldier’s Readiness Processing Center, Ft. Hood, Texas.
News reports of 2 shooters, one now in custody, and one at large.
Developing …
Fox News is now reporting there may be two shooters on the loose, and the possibility of terrorism as the motive.
Update: The murderer has been identified as Psychiatrist, Maj Malik Nidal Hasan. Two other suspects have been questioned and released. MPs are searching for a third suspect as the Post remains on lockdown.
Nidal Hasan, M.D., M.P.H. Fellow, Disaster and Preventive Psychiatry
Department of Psychiatry, F.Edward Hebert School of Medicine Uniformed Services University of the Health Science (BI)
This is beginning to sound eerily similar to the case of Sgt Asan Akbar, whose March 2003 fragging incident in Kuwait sent shockwaves through the 101st Airborne.
Update: T.J. Aulds reports this quote:
“They were telling him that one guy was shouting something in Arabic while he was shooting,” Tom Hunt said. “He couldn’t say much more than that.”
I wonder if it sounded anything like aloha snackbar …
Filed under: military | Tagged: ft hood, lockdown, malik Hasan, shooting | 13 Comments »
Applebees says “thank you” to vets
Posted on November 3, 2009 by nuke
On Veteran’s Day, Applebees Restaurants are saying “thank you” to those who serve.
All active duty military, and all military veterans are invited to eat — for free!
A worthy idea, indeed.
Filed under: military, Patriotism | Tagged: applebees restaurant, veterans day, video | 7 Comments »
Band of Brothers
Posted on October 25, 2009 by nuke
Today is St. Crispin’s Day.
Although I’m not sure what St. Crispin’s Day is all about, William Shakespeare made sure it would be never forgotten in Henry V.
This clip is from the movie Renaissance Man.
Filed under: military | Tagged: band of brothers, danny devito, renaissance man, shakespeare, st crispins day, we few we happy few | 20 Comments »
A Proud American Walks To Thank Her!
Posted on October 4, 2009 by no2liberals
This gentleman’s name is Sinh Tho Nguyen, a resident of Ft. Worth, Texas, but his history is more interesting than his current residence.
Born in Viet Nam in 1969 to a Viet Namese mother, and a U.S. Army father he never knew, Sinh immigrated to the U.S. in 1992. Since that time he has become a U.S. citizen, graduated from the University of Texas-Arlington, served in the U.S. Army, and earned his Masters degree while serving at Fort Mead, Maryland, taking night courses.
Just over a year and a half ago he got the idea to walk from shore to shore to thank America, and it’s military active duty and vets. Working as a contract meter reader in Ft. Worth, he was able to fund his journey with twenty five thousand dollars, and some good advice, not to cross from California to Texas in the summer. Sinh’s original plan was to cross from San Diego, California to Atlantic Beach, Florida, near Jacksonville. Instead, he reversed his course, and began his trek at Atlantic Beach.
As recently as 26 Sep 09, he was in Mesa, Arizona, with a planned arrival in San Diego by Thanksgiving, averaging about twenty four miles a day.
Sinh’s planned trip required a two week stay in Ft. Worth, as his badly battered feet required medical attention, due to the blisters and bruises caused by the heat, the walking, and the wearing of Croc shoes.
Carrying a U.S. flag, with a sign on his back which states “Shore to Shore, A walk across America to honor those who serve,” Sinh has an infectious positive attitude, and a radiant smile. Taking time off from his Phd program, Sinh has nearly completed his journey, and has found out more about the true nature of America for his effort. Not only is he expressing his love of this country, he has found many that share that feeling, and have given back to him what they could in support of his effort.
I hope one day I can meet with Sinh. His expression of patriotism is inspiring, and he possesses the gratitude that too many Americans have never known, or forget unless reminded.
While Sinh’s story won’t command the headlines that the latest salacious celebrity faux pas or our current president’s apology for America’s existence will, he is truly a man to be admired and respected.
*Cross-posted*
LGF2 and Urban Grounds.
Filed under: military, n2l, Patriotism | 5 Comments »
Jared Monti, Medal of Honor
Posted on September 17, 2009 by nuke
“Duty, honor, country, service, sacrifice, heroism,” the president said during his first Medal of Honor ceremony. “Jared Monti knew. The Monti family knows.”
President Barack H. Obama, 17 September 2009.
Sgt First Class Jared C. Monti’s parents, Paul and Janet Monti of Massachusetts, received the nation’s highest honor on their son’s behalf in a ceremony today.
Monti’s platoon — part of the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment — was on an intelligence-gathering patrol when it was ambushed by more than 60 insurgents in Afghanistan’s Nuristan province. After calling in artillery support and directing his men’s return fire, Monti braved withering enemy fire to try to pull the comrade to safety from an exposed position. Monti, who was 31, was mortally wounded on the third attempt. source
Filed under: 'War on Terrorism', military | Tagged: jared monti, medal of honor | 1 Comment »
Tell Them…WELCOME HOME!
Posted on September 13, 2009 by no2liberals
Listening to the radio while driving the other day, I happened upon a host, Jeff Bolton. His show is one of many I listen to, as he has been a strong supporter of our military.
Several callers in a row were veterans of Viet Nam, and at the end of one of the calls I was expecting him to say what so many have said, since G. Gordon Liddy first started doing so in the early 90′s, and that was to say “Thank You For Your Service.”
It was a false expectation on my part, as Bolton said something I was completely unprepared for. Something that made my eyes well up with tears, and caused me to gasp a little.
He stated, for this Viet Nam vet, who probably never heard these words before…WELCOME HOME!
Of course. He was correct, it was seldom said. Even by family and friends. It was as if everyone wanted to forget it ever happened, that it was in the past, and the less said about it, the better.
I came home just as Saigon was falling, more than two years after combat operations ended, and yet, I still had some mental midget yell “baby killer’ at me at LAX. I heard of much worse greetings by returning combat vets.
When I returned, it was a rush to get to a court room in East Texas and begin what would be a custody battle for my children that would last another six years. While my mind was occupied with immediate concerns, my heart still hadn’t made the disconnect with the strong affection I had for the life I had been living in the Philippines, nor of the experiences I had during the evacuation of Saigon in Operations New Life and Operation Babylift.
On several occasions I would attempt to relate some of my experiences with family and life long friends, but they would cut me off and change the subject. They didn’t have to participate in the ugliness or the beauty of it all, and did not want to be reminded of it.
They just did not want to know about it.
Subsequently, it took me much longer to process it all and put it in its proper perspective.
For the vets and active duty personnel here, you will understand what I mean, when I say it is other vets and active duty I feel a stronger kinship with. We know the looks in fellow warriors eyes, without saying a word. For those who never wore a uniform, this is not intended to denigrate you in any fashion. It is just not possible to understand without having been there, even with all the invaluable support you provide.
My reaction to Jeff Bolton’s comment surprised me, and hurt me in a self-pitying way. No, no one ever told me Welcome Home, not even those who loved me most, but it wasn’t their fault, they just didn’t understand. It also hurt for those many I knew who came home to be buried, and for those who were never the same again. They too were never welcomed home.
So, a lesson learned and not to be forgotten.
Whenever you encounter a vet or a returning service member, don’t be shy, shake their hand, thank them for their service, and never fail to always extend a heart felt WELCOME HOME!
It means much, much more than you will ever realize.
*Cross-posted*
At lgf2.
Filed under: military, n2l, SYM | 7 Comments »
