Farewell, Twenty-Ten!

Please allow me to wish each of you a Happy New Year!

Yep, I'm a few days early...but I am going in for foot surgery tomorrow morning and may be out of the loop (in other words loopy) for the next several days. New Years Eve in the AirmanMom home, will consist of Percocet, an elevated leg and quiet. It's all good. Finally, the Craziest of Sinus Infections is gone! After four weeks of being out for the count, I began to feel better a few days before Christmas! Somehow, shopping for the Grandgirls, wrapping gifts, stuffing of stockings and a great meal was done! John came home! Sadly, B did not. Marie was not able to join us, since she works night shift and had to work Christmas Eve. Kel and her three babies were here. Since there was a threat of a huge snowstorm, the Airman coming from Langley chose not to make the four hour drive (which was a very good choice, since his area got walloped!) John's girlfriend joined us.... so all in all, it was a very good Christmas!

To all who have ever served our Nation, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
For those who serve today, I pray for your constant protection.
...and for those who make the choice in the future to serve our Country, do it! Be strong and brave.

To all of you who read my Blog...I wish you and your families a New Year filled with many smiles, an abundance of good health and all the good stuff this life has to offer. May Twenty-Eleven be a good year for all!!!

May Almighty God Bless each and every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine.



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December 29th Update....
I arrived at the Surgery Center at 7:30am, slipped into one of the stylin' hospital gowns and was invited to relax on a gurney. An IV was inserted into my hand (have I ever mentioned how much I detest needles?) and then the waiting began. I met the Anesthologist, asked the surgeon how he was feeling and waited longer. The nurse informed me there was a delay. Uh-huh. Turns out, they ran out of pins for my foot. The pins were to be sent 'over-night' but failed to be delivered...someone was sent to the local hospital to grab a few. The hospital only had one left. At which point my surgeon told me he felt it best to postpone the surgery until next week. Doc also mentioned he wanted me to have a 'lower extremity arterial evaluation' since my feet are extremely cold all the time and the pulse at my ankle bone is very weak. So...I'll have the evaluation done on Thursday and we will try to get surgery done next Wednesday. Mr. AirmanMom and I planned on a quiet New Years Eve... we'll keep the plans the same. Happiness to all of you!!!!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas one and all!
May God Bless and Protect each and every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine!
May we all keep the true meaning of Christmas in our hearts throughout the New Year.

(please pause my playlist on the right sidebar)

Wednesday Hero 12/22/2010

I sat here trying to think how to start this post. What did I want it to say? How long did I want it to be? I wasn't sure how to begin. I turned on some Christmas music to help get me in the right frame of mind to write a Christmas Wednesday Hero post, but it wasn't really helping. I mean, how do you properly thank a group of people who have given up everything in their lives to serve you and protect people all over the world with just a single post on a silly blog? Many of these Men and Women haven't seen their friends and families in months and many won't be seeing them for many more months. How do you thank them? They are away from home during the time of year when everyone should be together. How do you thank them for that? Some of them will never see their home or loved ones again because they laid down their life for a complete stranger. How do you thank them for that? I guess the better question would be are we able to thank them enough?

To all those who have completed their service, the ones who are serving, the ones who have payed the ultimate sacrifice and those who may have never served but help those who have and are, Thank You and Merry Christmas.

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.


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Christoper Lee...outstanding post. Thank you for all you do for our Troops!

Please Come Home For Christmas...

MARJAH, Afghanistan (Dec. 17, 2010) Marines assigned to 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, patrol the streets of Marjah, Afghanistan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien/Released)

I do not know this Marine...
...he made me think of the soulful song originally performed and written by Charles Brown, "Please Come Home for Christmas".
Somebody, somewhere is missing and loving this Warrior. A Christmas table will have an empty chair, waiting for this Soldier to return home to his family and friends.

May Almighty God safely bring home all our Soldiers!



Bells will be ringing this sad sad New Years
Oh what a Christmas to have the blues
My baby's gone I have no friends
To wish me greetings once again
Cries will be singing Silent Night
Christmas carols by candlelight
Please come home for Christmas
Please come home for Christmas
If not for Christmas by New Years night
Friends and relations send salutations
Sure as the stars shine above
But this is Christmas yes Christmas my dear
The time of year to be with the ones you love
So won't you tell me you'll never more roam
Christmas and new Years will find you home
There'll be no more sorrow no grief and pain
And I'll be happy, happy once again
Oh there'll be no more sorrow, no grief and pain
And I'll be happy, Christmas once again

Christmas Cheer!

Many times, I have mentioned how much I do enjoy my work...

After many years of working as an Accounting Manager at a Weight Watcher Franchise (which sold to National) and then working as an Assistant Controller for a Canon Distributor... stress caused me to begin breaking my teeth. Yes, I'm a bookkeeper and still have a small bookkeeping biz (I am very proud of my little piece of entrepreneurism). So I came to one of those infamous 'crossroads in life'...and chose to become part of the "Desperate Housewife" crew at a local garden center. After a year, our location was closed and I was offered a position in the D.C. location...which I refused (travel time at least an hour for a part-time job). So...off I went to interview at Good Earth. Five years later, I can honestly say that I love going to work! The people I work with are a second family. We take care of each other. Over the past four weeks, while I have been completely down for the count with a sinus infection...they have covered for me. Thankfully, four antibiotics and two rounds of steroids later...I can say I do feel better. Last week, one of the guys from Good Earth delivered a Christmas Tree to our home!!! Yep...an absolutely gorgeous 9-foot Fraser Fir! This weekend, Hubster set it up and we now have it decorated! Yay! I wasn't sure how Christmas was going to come together this year...I shopped for about an hour on Black Friday, until I almost fell over in a Target restroom (would have been truly traumatizing if I hit the icky floor-for me and my daughter!) My daughter drove me home...and other than a bit of on-line shopping for the babies...nothing has been done. But it is all good. Bumps in the road remind us of the road we are on...or should be on. So this Christmas will focus on the babies. What a sweet blessing they are! We have also invited John's girlfriend who has been on a Stateside Deployment at Andrews AFB to join us on Christmas Day. We have opened the invitation to Airmen she works with, to join us on Christmas Day. Men and Women who are unable to join their own families, can share a yummy meal, sing some Christmas Carols and enjoy watching little ones playfully enjoy the Spirit of Christmas.

So...back to Good Earth...This is the second year we have taken donations for our Soldier Drive. This year, we received 210 pounds of gifts! Hubster and I filled 25 boxes and mailed them to Justin, Leslie and Darrell. My warmest thanks to all who took the time to shop for our Soldiers! The boxes were filled with lots of toiletries, candy, Beanie Babies, Trolls, Puzzle Books, Pen, Envelopes, Cocoa Mix... and special thanks to Erasmus Perry Chapter DAR for all of the hand-made Izzy Dolls and special thanks to Sandie for the dozens of hand knitted Helmet Liners!!!! Hubster at one point told me he had goosebumps, while we packed box after box. When I first saw all of the items, I cried. Such an incredible outpouring of love for our Troops!

I am so grateful to live in a Nation where we have all the Freedoms we do. My heart if filled with thanks for all who have ever served, those who serve today and those who will make the choice to serve tomorrow! May Almighty God Bless and Protect each and every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine!

Former Redskin Line Backer-Current Backer of our Troops

USO tour: bringing some cheer to our Armed Forces overseas
By LaVar Arrington
On Thursday afternoon I met up with some awesome guys at Dulles airport. The list of men included Rodney Peete, Zach Thomas, Andre Reid, Javon Kearse, Antonio Freeman, Ron Dayne and coach Bobby Bowden.

It brought a giant smile to my face to see guys that I respect so much and to know that we all came together to do something for our troops. Your're probably wondering what I'm talking about. Well, here's the breakdown.

I was contacted by officials from the USO and Tostitos for a campaign to bring the taste of home to our soldiers in the Middle East. So we all packed up our bags to fly over the holiday season to play a flag football game with the troops.


My knees are bad and I have not worked out in quite some time, but when I received the invite there was no way I would miss out on this extraordinary opportunity. The military, especially the Army, holds a very special place in my heart. My father served as a soldier in the Army. He was drafted and went and fought for our freedoms in Vietnam, just like the soldiers I'm going to spend time with on this trip.

While serving my father was almost fatally injured. He lost his leg from his knee down and lost his foot on the other leg. He almost made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us and that would be to lay his own life down in the line of duty like so many have done through the years and continue to do now.

I could be home Christmas, shopping and going about my everyday duties but instead I proudly will spend the next six days spending time with my dad's brothers and showing my support the best way I can.

My dad sacrificed his body for our country, and for me to have this opportunity, which falls ridiculously short of my dad, I am just so honored. I am honored to have a chance to, in my own way, provide a service by spending time and sharing some stories with our men and women of the Armed Forces, to bring them a piece of home and if just for a couple of minutes take their minds off of the everyday rigors of military life.

If I can do that, then I've made a difference.


By LaVar Arrington | December 17, 2010; 1:55 PM ET

His Star Has Turned From Blue to Gold

MANASSAS, Va. - Sean Cutsforth, who grew up in Manassas, Va., was a very athletic kid. His mother showed off a photograph she snapped years ago showing her young son sleeping in bed wearing a catcher's mask.

"It was new equipment," laughed Vickie Cutsforth, remembering that night. "He just wanted to try it on. He'd fall asleep with his new bats, everything."

On Wednesday, Vickie Cutsforth was visited by representatives of the U.S. Army bearing terrible news. Her 22-year-old son had been killed by small arms fire while on patrol in Eastern Afghanistan.

Sean received a baseball scholarship to Virginia Wesleyan College, but after three semesters, he announced to his family that he wanted to leave school to join the Army.

"He looked at all the services, met with recruiters and such. [Sean's] was a well thought-out decision," recalled Sean's father, Robert Cutsforth.

"He wanted to serve his country," agreed Sean's mom. "That's what we had to let him do."

Sean was assigned to the 101st Airborne, based in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. He deployed to Afghanistan in February and was scheduled to return to the U.S. early next year.

Family members say Sean loved the Army and was considering making it a career. His family has asked that Sean Cutsforth be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The Army has agreed.

He is survived by his parents, his three siblings, and his wife Ashley, who, family members say, is pregnant.

By JOHN HENREHAN/myfoxdc

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SPC Cutsforth is a local hero. May Almighty God comfort his family.

Wednesday Hero 12/15/2010

SSgt. Brent Schneider
From Amarillo, Texas
2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment


A Green Country military mom is especially proud of her soldier son. He's on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, and now he's been honored for his bravery under fire with a Silver Star.

It's not his first medal.

For a mother with a son in a war zone, Lisa Wheat is pretty cool, calm and collected.

"I'm comfortable because I know the training he's had. He's had excellent training. And I just have all of the confidence in the world in him," Lisa Wheat said.

You can read the rest of the article here and the Stars & Stripes piece here.

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.


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Thanks to Christopher Lee for his commitment to sharing stories of our heroes!

Sarge Needs Our Prayers

This world is truly filled with some amazing people.

Sarge is one of them.

Sarge Charlie served our nation, and as a result of his service has suffered numerous medical issues as a result of exposure to Agent Orange. Agent Orange. As Sarge tells it, "this crap would kill a tree that was a 100 years old but it would not hurt anyone on the ground????????????????" Agent Orange is killing our VietNam Vets. One by one. Our soldiers are falling....again.

Please join me in lifting prayers for Sarge as he faces more Chemo Treatments. Pray hard for his wife, Miss Bee that she know strength. Pray for each of our Warriors past and present...for they are our protectors of freedom and yet they know no freedom from broken bodies and minds as a result of war.

Sarge, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sacrifice then and your sacrifice now. You are loved.





Please stop by to visit Sarge and leave a few words of encouragement. Please keep Sarge in your prayers.

Wednesday Hero 12/08/2010

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Cindy




By now I'm sure you've all heard about 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines "Darkhorse" and the heavy casualties they've taken since being deployed to Afghanistan in September. Almost 20 causalities in October and November. Below is a list of the 3/5 Darkhorse Marines that I was able to find. If I missed anyone please let me know. I'm not able to profile them all individually, but you can go here to find more information on these men.

Marine Sgt. Ian M. Tawney
Marine Lance Cpl. James D. Boelk
Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph C. Lopez
Marine Lance Cpl. Alec E. Catherwood
Marine Lance Cpl. Irvin M. Ceniceros
Marine Pfc. Victor A. Dew
Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph E. Rodewald
Marine Lance Cpl. Phillip D. Vinnedge
Marine Cpl. Justin J. Cain
Marine Lance Cpl. John T. Sparks
Marine 1st Lt. William J. Donnelly IV
Marine Lance Cpl. James B. Stack
Marine 2nd Lt. Robert M. Kelly
Marine Lance Cpl. Randy R. Braggs
Marine Lance Cpl. Brandon W. Pearson
Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew J. Broehm
Marine Sgt. Matthew T. Abbate

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.

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So many prayers have been lifted... we have so many prayers left to lift.
May Almighty God protect each and every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine.


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I just received an E-Mail from Christopher Lee sharing the tragic news of two more fallen warriors...

Sadly, there are two more names to add to to today's post.

Marine Cpl. Derek A. Wyatt
Marine Pvt. Colton W. Rusk

December 7th

Pearl Harbor

Sunday, December the seventh,
In the year of 1941,
While most of Hawaii still slept,
Came the planes of the Rising Sun.

Waves of bombers and fighters flew,
From the decks of the Japanese ships.
While our planes were still on the ground,
"Banzai" was spoken from their lips.

The winds of war had been blowing
Across the oceans of our earth,
Though not till Pearl had been bombed,
Did we realize what freedom's worth.

Wars are fought and won on two fronts,
At home and on the battle line.
Both are equally important,
When war consumes our heart and mind.

The attack brought us World War II,
With death, pain and separation.
All who had served were well aware
Of their sacrifice for nation.
_Tom Zart

His Star Has Turned From Blue to Gold

AFGHANISTAN — PFC Buddy McLain, U. S. Army, 24, of Peru, died Monday, Nov. 29, in Afghanistan as a result of enemy fire.

He was born in Portland, Aug. 3, 1986, a son of Larry and Patti (Shannon) McLain. He was a graduate of Mountain Valley High School, Class of 2006. He served in the U.S. Army with the 2nd Squadron, 61st Calvary, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. He was a member of the Napoleon Ouellette Post 24, American Legion and Rumford Falls Aerie 1248, FOE.

Buddy enjoyed fishing and spending time with his dad and spending time at Howard Pond. He enjoyed riding dirt bikes and loved his Ford Mustang. He was an avid Yankees fan and he also loved the Patriots. He enjoyed ice fishing, camping, playing his guitar, music especially AC/DC and Pink Floyd.

The most important part of his life was spending time with family and friends. He cherished the time he spent with his wife and infant son Owen.

He was married in Peru, March 11, 2009 to Chelsea Freeman, who survives of Peru. Other survivors include a son, Owen Patrick McLain of Peru; his parents, Larry and Patti McLain of Mexico; three brothers, Dustin McLain of Mexico, Cote McLain of Clarkesville, Tenn., and Greg Gibbons of Rumford; father and mother-in-law, Andrew and Brenda Freeman of Peru; a brother-in-law, Dustin Freeman of Lewiston; and close friends, Wayne Puiia and Bob Fulton, of Rumford, Seth Hutchinson of Appomattox, Va., and Jeremy Bybee and Nicholas Miller of Clarksville, Tenn.

Buddy will be missed by all who knew him and his memory will live on through his son Owen.
-www.sunjournal.com

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May Almighty God Bless this brave Soldier and may his family find comfort in God's love.

Goodwill Towards Men

Operation USO Care Packages
Posted on December 4, 2010 by USO.org

Operation USO Care Packages event at Ft.Belvoir, Va! Thanks to all our volunteers helping out today!

USO President and CEO Sloan Gibson with CEO of USO Metro DC Elaine Rogers and Wee-Man

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AirmanMom asks each of you...
If you write one check this Christmas Season or opt to volunteer any time to an organization...please Choose USO.

May each and every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine who must spend the holidays far from home...feel loved.

Wednesday Hero 12/01/2010

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Steve

Cpl. Ira H. Hayes
3rd Parachute Battalion, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines, 1st Headquarters Battalion, HQMC
January 12, 1923 – January 24, 1955


Ira Hamilton Hayes, participant in the famous flag raising on Iwo Jima, was a Pima Indian, born at Sacaton, Arizona, on 12 January 1923. In 1932, the family moved a few miles southward to Bapchule. Both Sacaton and Bapchule are located within the boundaries of the Gila River Indian Reservation in south central Arizona. Hayes left high school after completing two years of study. He served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in May and June of 1942, and then went to work as a carpenter.

You can read more about Cpl. Hayes here.

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.