One Step Closer...

"Mom, I beat the crap* out of somebody today!"





So began the conversation with my son on Friday afternoon. I was strolling the waterfront of the Puget Sound in Seattle, picture perfect day...at least by Pacific Northwest standards!

My first question of course was the welfare of my own son...

Ahhh... SF Training...how could I forget?
John is now certified to use an M16 and a Baton. He is inching closer to deployment.

One thing of interest...John shared that his instructor was getting a bit PO'ed since John wasn't getting angry enough while using the baton. John simply is not an angry spirit. He went on to share that the instructor started asking John about his girlfriend...trying to push a button. Instructor said, "Imagine walking up to your girlfriend's front door, a bunch of thugs* won't let you see her...what would you do?"
John's reply.."Walk away!!! I'm not retarded."


Hmmm...wrong answer!

I have no doubt my son will do what needs to be done, when/if it needs to be done.




"A soldier fights, not because he hates what's in front of him, but because he loves what's behind him!! "




Please note my * I inserted my words, not the exact quote of my military son!

John is back to work this week.
Life goes on.......

Mother and Child Reunion

As I have mentioned numerous times, I am a proud Blue Star Mother.
I have written of the heartache that a Gold Star Mother must endure... a pain I can only thank God I do not know.

My week in Seattle was wonderful, I logged on briefly now and again...

Today, I finally sat down to read my oodles of e-mail.

One kicked me in my gut and took my breath away....

Mothers,

I received this notice from Michele (Oregon's former Gold Star representative) . I see that sometimes no matter what the grief just can't be dealt with and this brings up the fact that we so need each other now so please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers. And each other. - PEACE AND HONOR -Pat

What i know is that Sgt. Michael Vaughn's mother committed suicide yesterday. There was a Veterans Service Medal presentation being done yesterday and there was a replica of the Vietnam War memorial on display. Sgt. Vaughn's Dad was there at the service. His mom had been there earlier in the day. Sgt. Vaughn died April 23, 2007. He was an only child. His mother had never been able to deal with his loss. Please remember this grief stricken Mom in your prayers. I did a Gold Star book for this family last year, but they didn't want it presented in person, so it was mailed to them. Thanks for helping keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.
Michele

I have received a few e-mails regarding this horrific event. This mom, so filled with intolerable grief was unable to accept her truth.
Then again...
what mother would want to accept anything as tragic as losing a child?
It is not the order, as we understand it to be.
Parents are to be buried by their children, no parent should bury a child.

My prayer is that God brings this mother and child together once again...into a peaceful place for all of eternity. Certainly, they have both known enough pain.

May Almighty God Bless us all!

A Special Mother's Day

Gold Star Mother's Day, 2008

On Sunday the 28th of September, please take a few moments and remember the remarkable mothers who have paid an extraordinary service for our country.

Several months ago, I created a post titled, "Their Stars Have Turned to Gold". In the post, I shared that as a Blue Star Mother, I receive e-mails sharing the lives and final moments of brave Airman, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines on a regular basis. As I stated in the post, these e-mails are difficult to read... for a mom with two sons in the military. However, I am blessed to have my two sons a phone call away. Gold Star Moms are blessed knowing their child payed the ultimate sacrifice for a country they love.

Shortly after World War I the Gold Star Mothers Club was formed in the United States to provide support for mothers that lost sons or daughters in the war. The name came from the custom of families of servicemen hanging a banner called a Service Flag in the window of their homes. The Service Flag had a star for each family member in the military. Living servicemen were represented by a blue star, and those who had lost their lives were represented by a gold star. Gold Star Mothers are often politically and socially active. Today, membership in the Gold Star Mothers is open to any American woman who has lost a son or daughter in service to the United States. On the last Sunday in September, Gold Star Mother's Day is observed in the U.S. in their honor.

Today, membership in the Gold Star Mothers is open to any American woman whose child has died in the line of duty of the United States Armed Forces. Stepmothers and adoptive mothers are eligible for membership under certain circumstances. Husbands of Gold Star Mothers may become Associate Members, who do not vote or pay dues.

Just as when it was founded, the Gold Star Mothers continues to concentrate on providing emotional support to its members, doing volunteer work with veterans in general and veterans' hospitals in particular, and generally fostering a sense of patriotism and respect for members of the Armed Forces.

The group currently has 933 members.

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Throughout our history, the men and women of the Armed Forces have put our Nation's security before their own, doing their duty in the face of grave danger. On Gold Star Mother's Day, we pay solemn tribute to the mothers of the patriots lost serving this great Nation.

Gold Star Mothers inspire our Nation with their deep devotion to family and country. These extraordinary women serve their communities, dedicate their time to helping members of our Armed Forces and veterans, and bring comfort and hope to families whose loved ones laid down their lives in the defense of our liberty. Nothing can compensate for their sacrifice and loss, yet Gold Star Mothers demonstrate tremendous courage and resolve while working to preserve the memory and legacy of all our fallen heroes.

On this day, we honor our country's Gold Star Mothers and remember their sons' and daughters' noble service and great sacrifice. We offer them our deepest gratitude and our most profound respect, and we ask for God's blessings to be upon them and their families.

The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1895 as amended), has designated the last Sunday in September as "Gold Star Mother's Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in its observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Sunday, September 28, 2008, as Gold Star Mother's Day. I call upon all Government officials to display the flag of the United States over Government buildings on this special day. I also encourage the American people to display the flag and hold appropriate ceremonies as a public expression of our Nation's sympathy and respect for our Gold Star Mothers.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Bye, Daddy!

Woo-Hoo!!!! This week is being spent on the other coast.
My husband is working at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, so I am meandering around the Seattle area. Our hotel is in a quaint town, filled with charming boutiques and coffee shops! Yesterday I took the foot ferry to Bremerton, then boarded the Washington State Ferry to Seattle. It's an hour long ride across the Sound. Perfect down-time to read and people-watch. Ahhh...but truly that is one of the main attractions of this area... Seattle is an "artsy" place. Seattlites are extremely colorful, nonconformists sort of people. Beyond the many tattoos, earrings and grunge-look, the city owns a laid back attitude. I walk up to a crosswalk and cars actually stop! (never seen in the DC area) Being a product of the 70's, I feel as though Seattle is a stop in a time-machine. This is not my first visit, and I can assure you it will not be my last. Several times I've told my husband, Seattle is THE only place which I would pack up and leave the only county I have ever spent my 29+ years!
Tuesday was spent strolling the main street, shopping and chatting with shop owners. I was encouraged to take a drive along Beach Drive, which parallels the Sound. Truly, it was a great suggestion, the road was scenic and the cars behind me didn't mind my tourist-style driving at all! I made my way to Manchester State Park and decided to take a hike. It never ceases to amaze me, when you listen to the "little voices" in your head and something awesome occurs! I was walking along the hike trail and I came to a fork...I began walking to the right, stopped and turned to the left. Around a bend was a clearing, with several people standing around...it seemed a bit odd at first...but hey, I'm in Seattle, life is different here. I saw a couple Coast Guard ships and asked an elderly gent who was taking pictures what was going on. He informed me the CG was escorting a boat through Rich Cove.
As I looked around, it was then I noticed the signs..."I Love You, Dad" Several moms and their small children were waiting for a final glimpse of their husbands and daddies as they departed for deployment. Then it appeared, the USS John C. Stennis. Three-thousand sailors were on the ship taking them to Southern Caliornia for two months of pre-deployment exercises. The Stennis is scheduled to leave for a seven month deployment in January. As I snapped a few pictures, I heard one voice above the rest...a little boy screaming at the top of his lungs, "Bye, Daddy" and then he looked at his mom, almost hoarse asking, "Do you think he heard me, Mom?" She replied that of course Daddy could hear him. The little guy obviously wanted to make certain...so once again at the top of his lungs, with all his voice kept saying, "Bye, Daddy" until the ship was out of sight. I asked one of the moms if I could take a picture of her and her child with her camera in front of the ship as it passed by...she was thrilled. May Almighty God Bless these dedicated Sailors and watch over their families who love them so.













~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A prayer request for my brother-in-law, Phil who was rushed to ER with 100% airway blockage, is now laying in ICU with a tube offering him 100% breathing abilities. I mentioned Phil in my blog in early August, a VietNam Vet with several Purple Hearts. He and my husband share the same birthday of August 8. Phil has suffered several heart attacks over the years, and also battles what is now known as PTSD. He is an amazing man... loving, gentle, giving and always smiling.
May God's gentle hands touch Phil and may God give strength to the family who loves Phil so.

Wednesday Hero 09/23/2008

Click Image For Full SizeYeoman 3rd Class Margret Ueberlauer


Yeoman 3rd Class Margret Ueberlauer hands out toys to HIV infected children during a community relations project at the Camillian Center in Pattaya, Thailand. The USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Bastard Beauty

An F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from Joint Base Balad, Iraq, refuels from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from the 763rd Expeditionary Refueling Squadron during a mission over Iraq, Sept. 3, 2008. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon II.

How do you say, "WOW"?

2008 National POW/MIA Recognition Day

A Pentagon ceremony for National POW/MIA Recognition Day will be held on Friday, Sept.19, 2008. This ceremony will feature troops from each of the military services. The president will issue a proclamation commemorating the observances and reminding the nation of those Americans who have sacrificed so much for their country.

Observances of National POW/MIA Recognition Day are held across the country on military installations, ships at sea, state capitols, schools and veterans' facilities. This observance is one of six days throughout the year that Congress has mandated the flying of the National League of Families' POW/MIA flag. The others are Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day. The flag is to be flown at major military installations, national cemeteries, all post offices, VA medical facilities, the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the official offices of the secretaries of state, defense and veterans affairs, the director of the selective service system and the White House.

Americans will have the solemn privilege to honor our military service personnel who became Prisoners of War or Missing in Action (POW/MIA) while serving in conflicts around the world. Service personnel from all wars still remain POW/MIA. It is with the utmost importance to exercise this privilege and honor all of our heroes.

Please join me today in prayer for those who have put their lives on the line for our freedom. Stop for a moment and remember those souls who became a Prisoner of War.
Stop for a moment and remember those souls who became Missing in Action.
Stop for a moment and remember the families who wait for their loved ones.
Stop for a moment and remember.

May Almighty God Bless us all!



The following is a letter from President George W. Bush, dated 9/17/2008:

National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2008
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we honor the brave and patriotic Americans who were held as prisoners of war, and we remember those who are still missing in action. For their valor and selfless devotion to protect the country they love, our Nation owes them a debt we can never fully repay. On this day we underscore our commitment and pledge to those who are still missing in action and to their families that we will not rest until we have achieved the fullest possible accounting for every member of our Armed Forces missing in the line of duty.

To observe this important day, the National League of Families POW/MIA flag is flown over the Capitol, the White House, the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and other locations across our country. The flag is a solemn reminder of our Nation's enduring obligation and promise to our courageous service members who remain missing and a tribute to those who have been imprisoned while serving their country in conflicts around the world.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Friday, September 19, 2008, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. I call upon the people of the United States to join me in honoring and remembering all former American prisoners of war and those missing in action for their valiant service to our Nation. I also call upon Federal, State, and local government officials and private organizations to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

September 18th

On September 18, 1947 the United States Air Force was formed as a separate branch of the military, it was initially born as the United States Army Air Corps. It was the last branch of the U.S. military to be formed. The role of the USAF is "To provide sovereign options for the defense of the United States and its global interests. To fly and fight in Air, Space, and Cyberspace" Currently, over 320,000 active personnel serve this branch of our military.

Air Force Motto: Above All

The purpose of the United States Air Force:
* To preserve the peace and security, and provide for the defense, of the United States, the Territories, Commonwealths, and possessions, and any areas occupied by the United States
* To support national policy
* To implement national objectives
* To overcome any nations responsible for aggressive acts that imperil the peace and security of the United States

Air Force Core Values:
*Integrity First
*Service Before Self
*Excellence In All We Do


There are 101 Air Force bases in the United States and Guam of various configurations; Bases, test /training facilities, etc. This includes the USAF Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.

In the armed services, a military cadence or cadence call is a traditional call-and-response work song sung by military personnel while running or marching. In the United States, these cadences are sometimes called jody calls or jodies.

While at Lackland AFB for John's BMT graduation, he sang a variation of this Jody to me:

Mama, Mama can't you see

What the Air Force done to me

Mama, Mama can't you see

What the Air Force done to me

Whoa, Whoa

Used to drive a Chevrolet

Now I'm marchin' everyday

Whoa, Whoa

Used to eat at Burger King

Now I drink from my canteen

Whoa, Whoa

Used to eat at Dairy Queen

Now I tote my M-16

Whoa, Whoa

Used to drive a Subaru

Now I'm wearin' Air Force blue

Whoa, Whoa

Standin' tall and lookin' good

We should be in Hollywood

Wednesday Hero 09/17/2008

L/Cpl. Jason Hanson
21 years old from Forks, Washington
3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force
July 29, 2006


L/Cpl. Jason Hanson died when a gasoline truck near a building he was in exploded, causing the building to collapse in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Three other Marines were also killed in the blast. Lance Cpl. Anthony E. Butterfield, 19 yrs. old, of Clovis, California; Cpl. Phillip E. Baucus, 28 yrs. old, of Wolf Creek, Montana; Sgt. Christian B. Williams, 27 yrs. old, of Winter Haven, Florida.

Hanson graduated in 2003 and joined the Marines in 2005. He married his wife just before shipping out.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

A word beginning with the letter "D"

DEPLOYMENT

The definition according to www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary: 1 a: to extend (a military unit) especially in width b: to place in battle formation or appropriate positions.
The definition according to Mom: 1: GULP!



As I mentioned recently, John is pulling it together for deployment. He wants to go soon, hoping another Airman with a family can remain stateside. I'm proud of him. Making the decision to enlist in any military branch these days, in most cases results in deployment. Fact of life, period the end.
When my oldest son enlisted in 1999, our country enjoyed peace. Thinking back...Oh, how much we took peace for granted. B was deployed numerous times, it all feels so fuzzy now... Constant praying was my tool to get through those days.
Our world is so different in 2008. Countless resources are only a click away. Organizations to support our troops are everywhere. Families have endless numbers of ways to reach out to their loved ones and each other. If you scroll down, on the right hand side of my blog, is a list of links to visit. Please let me know of your favorite Military Support Site, I would like to add it to my list.
One of the blogs I follow somesoldiersmom is a wealth of information. This weekend's post is by far one of the most useful I have read! I urge everyone to read it, whether you have a member of your family in the service or not. It is an enlightening read, truly worth the time.
So as my son, and countless other Airman, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines prepare themselves for deployment...families everywhere need to prepare themselves to see their loved ones off.
Our prayers must be in abundance.
Our faith in the United States needs to be true.
Our gratitude for the sacrifices of these brave men and women must remain constant.
Almighty God bless us all.



"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." -- Elmer Davis

Where did time go?

Just a quick update on what is going on with my son at Wright-Patt...
John is doing well at his job, he seems to like it a bit more than at the beginning. He will be in SF (Special Forces) Training for a week, coming up soon. He told me his goal is to be deployed by springtime. I've asked about the extraction of his wisdom teeth, it appears it will happen in military time, when somebody decides and then I suppose it will be done asap! John had his last Hep A & B shot yesterday and some kind of "Inactivated Influenza Vaccine". Needless to say he is feeling sick because of these shots. Nothing like a small dose of the flu...UGH! I'm hoping he feels better today.



I came across this picture of John with his buddy when John was about 8 years old... something about the faster they grow up and away, the more a mom needs to cling. Posting random pictures of him as the little guy I simply adored, will be my therapy for days which simply feel tough...for no reason whatsoever!







Where did time go?

Happy Friday!

Life is good!
Please pause my playlist and enjoy!

We will never forget

September 11, 2001

2,996 people lost their lives on this day in the year 2001.

New York City,New York

Somerset County, Pennsylvania

Washington, DC

This day changed our world forever.
Living in fear has all new meaning, as a result of these terror attacks.
We are America, we overcome!

My oldest son was in the United States Air Force. He had enlisted immediately after his high school graduation. July 26, 1999 he departed for Lackland AFB for Basic Military Training. On September 11, 2001... trying to reach him, to speak with my son, was my strongest desire of the day. His strongest desire for the day, "Momma, I'm packed and ready to go!" Truly, a "vegetable soup of emotion" day. Pride, fear, anxiety, love....lots and lots of love.

Each and every American now has a memory of where they were, what they were doing and how they got through those horrible hours, days, weeks and years following this tragedy.

May Almighty God bless the souls lost on September 11, 2001.
May Almighty God bless the families left behind.
May Almighty God bless our leaders.
May Almighty God bless each and everyone of us living a post 9/11 life.

"Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)"

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

The greatest is love
The greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
~Alan Jackson

Wednesday Hero 09/10/2008

SSgt. Andy Pena



Staff Sgt. Andy Pena performs in-flight calibrations on a HH-60 Pave Low while flying Sept. 3 over Ellington Field, Texas. He and members of the 55th Rescue Squadron deployed from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., to Ellington Field in response to Hurricane Gustav with less than 24 hours after notification. Sergeant Pena is an aerial gunner.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Have Every Right To Dream Heroic Dreams. Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

It Matters Not WHY

"I swing before your eyes as a bright gleam of color, a symbol of yourself, the pictured suggestion of that big thing which makes this nation. My stars and my stripes are your dream and your labors. They are bright with cheer, brilliant with courage, firm with faith, because you have made them so out of your heart. For you are the makers of the flag and it is well that you glory in the making." ~Franklin Knight Lane


What is the truth behind this picture? According to several internet sources, 84 trash bags full of American flags were found around dumpsters, following the Democratic National Convention. The DNC responds "I mean, c'mon, we were never ever going to throw out flags."

A strong serving of "vegetable soup of emotions" has settled inside me. It matters not how or why this picture came to be.

This image slays me.

On one side... if anyone was truly this disrespectful of our flag, I feel nauseated.
On another side, if this picture was "staged" and our flag was used in such a cruel political game, I feel ashamed.

Our sons and daughters have fought for generations under this emblem of greatness. Under no circumstances should our Banner of Freedom be abused!

The outside of my home is adorned with an American flag. The inside of my garage is the home of flags which have become tattered and torn from the elements. One day The American Legion Post will receive my flags for proper disposal.

What does this picture portray of our nation? In my heart, I know we are better than this... I realize this one photo may be receiving far more media coverage than it deserves. I acknowledge the fact, I could cruise through my small town and snap pictures of over a hundred flags waving proudly.

It matters not why or how this photo came to be...it is just wrong.

May Almighty God Bless Us All!

So many blogs, so little time...

Quite often I visit Milblogging.com to keep up with the most recently added Military blogs. Some are worth a quick once over, some are worth saving and reading on a regular basis. I found such a blog this morning and felt the need to share.
soldiers-mom is a perfect blend of information, along with personal glimpses of this special mom and her *two* soldiers. SoldiersMom offers outstanding resources for all military families and supporters.
I encourage all to take a few moments and glance at this valuable blog.

Wednesday Hero - 2nd Anniversary

My heartfelt appreciation goes to Indian Chris, the owner/moderator of the "Wednesday Hero" website. His weekly dedication of presenting the faces and stories of these heroes, is a valuable service to all his readers. May the readership and blogs who post, grow over the next year. This valuable service keeps these men and women, in the forefront of our thoughts and prayers.
Happy Second Anniversary, Wednesday Hero!
Job well done!

Wednesday Hero 09/03/2008

Lance Cpl. Ryan T. McCaughn
19 years old from Manchester, New Hampshire
1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force
November 7, 2006


"I just can't believe it," said Nicole Cote, mother of L/Cpl. McCoughn. "It's not supposed to happen this way. Your kids aren't supposed to leave you." McCoughn joined the USMC during his Senior year of High School. "He said he needed to do this. He said if he could keep one dad from going to Iraq and he could take his place instead, then he'll feel like he's accomplished something."

Lance Cpl. Ryan T. McCaughn was killed on November 7, 2006 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. He leaves behind his mother, father, step-father and two brothers.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Not A Nightmare-Real Life

Gustav has hit the Gulf Coast.
Fortunately, it has been downgraded to a Category 2 Hurricane...but what devastation it will leave behind. For so many who are displaced from their homes, this is not a nightmare-it is real life. Ninety-Four people or more have already lost their lives, as this storm made its way through the Caribbean.
My prayers go to each and every person touched by this storm.
My prayers go to each and every member of our National Guard, who will protect abandoned homes and businesses.
My prayers go to each and every government official, who must make a decision of how to handle this disaster.
My prayers go to each and every volunteer who will supply time and materials to help rebuild lives of strangers.