Sunday, December 25, 2011

Christmas, Twenty-Eleven

Merry Christmas!

Our family, like many will have an empty chair at our Christmas dinner table. John is spending Christmas in a country, where he is not permitted to celebrate the birth of our Savior. So many of our Troops will be far from family and friends on Christmas Day, please join me in prayer for them.

My heart is filled with gratitude for all warriors who have made huge sacrifices for generations!

Merry Christmas!
(please pause my playslist on the right sidebar)

Friday, December 23, 2011

Somebody's Son


U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Blake Landry, a 374th Airlift Wing loadmaster, gazes out of a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft checking to make sure the pallet that was just pushed reached the island safely Dec. 12, 2011. Operation Christmas Drop will deliver care packages to more than 50 islands within the Micronesian States during the next two weeks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Carlin Leslie)
source: militaryphotos.net

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Friday posts are random photos of our Soldiers.
We must remember each and every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine have a face.
Our brave Heroes have family and friends who love them so.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

His Star Has Turned From Blue to Gold



Maj. Samuel M. Griffith, 36, of Virginia Beach, Virginia

A Marine Reservist, killed in action in Afghanistan. He is the 1857th Troop to die in Afghanistan since 2001.

1857 families will look at an empty chair this Christmas.

Griffith's mother said her son had a passion to serve his country and his community. "He was doing what he loved. That was his gift. That was his passion," she said.

Sam Griffith's hometown is Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, near Camp LeJuene, where his father still lives. Sam was an Eagle Scout who grew up dreaming of becoming an astronaut, and going to flight school and being a military pilot. He graduated from Enloe High School in Raleigh in 1993, and joined the Naval ROTC program at Penn State University.

When Sam Griffith graduated from Penn State in 1997, he was commissioned in the Marine Corps, where he trained as a pilot. He met his future wife, Cassandra, as a student at Penn State University. They married shortly after he returned from flight school Pensacola.

Maj. Griffith flew F-18s with All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 based in Beaufort, S.C., and also worked as an instructor for forward air controllers. Griffith was promoted to the rank of major in 2009. He deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan while on active duty.

Maj. Griffith received a series of awards and decorations, including two Air Medals and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. About two years ago, he became an inactive reservist in the Forward Air Control Unit for 4th Anglico.

Major Griffith arrived in Afghanistan less than a month ago with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He volunteered earlier this year to go to Afghanistan as a forward air controller, identifying enemy targets and calling in aircraft. He was one of 17 members from his 230 member Marine Reserve unit deployed in Afghanistan.

He leaves a wife and two sons.

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May Almighty God Bless this brave warrior.
May Almighty God bring comfort to his family and friends.
May Almighty God protect all who serve.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Monday Update...

A quick, 'Hello' to all my peeps!

It's been a zany several weeks. I am beyond exhausted, working 6 days/week... many of those days have been 10 & 11 hour work-days. But it is all good! I have a job which I truly enjoy, with a team of fun and energetic people! Where else can you wear jeans, Uggs and a Santa hat...and get paid? Funny story... last weekend (our busiest weekend) we had a bit of a lull in the shop, so the elf I work with ran off to her lunch break. A customer steps up with approx a dozen ornaments...she placed them all on the counter to decide which she wanted. A second customer stepped up, so #1 decided she had better hurry her decision process. So I begin to ring up her sale...at this point #3 is now in line. I glance at the computer screen...duh. nothing scanned! Had to start all over! So we quickly removed all ornaments from the pretty tissue and I re-rang the order, with #5 now in line. I get on my radio, to call in for some help... no reply. So...#1 begins to sing, 'Hark the Herald Angels'...and every visitor sang along! No grumpiness! No impatience! True Christmas Spirit!
One more Christmas Spirit story.... I am so grateful the owner of Good Earth is kind enough to allow our customers to donate gifts, which I mail to our Soldiers! This year, we once again gathered over a dozen boxes of items, which I packaged up and took to the Post Office. I was trying to quickly unload my Wrangler of boxes and the clerk at the Post Office desk asked for the custom forms. I dug into my bag and handed her the forms...of course the line was building behind me! A little while later an elderly gent approached me and told me he thought I lost something... He handed me a $100 bill, which I had in my bag and must have fallen out while I was rustling with boxes and forms. All in the Post Office cheered and wished each other a Merry Christmas. I was grateful he returned the money to me, it had been donated to offset shipping costs!!!
So... the moral of this post: Be kind to each other. Give without expecting to receive. Sing a Christmas Carol when you feel a little stressed. Take a deep breath and enjoy all of the little things our world has to offer. Yes, times are hard and people appear ugly... but if only one person at a time, showed gentleness and kindness...we could change it all.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Wednesday Hero 12/14/2011

Marguerite Gene Arenesen, George Warren & Thomas M. Sugg
Click Image For Full Size


Marguerite Gene Arenesen (left) a member of the Coast Guard in World War II, George Warren (standing), a Canadian-born immigrant who became a naturalized American citizen at age 17 and joined the Army Air Corps shortly after the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor and Thomas M. Sugg, a Navy veteran, share a moment in front of a Christmas tree at the Veterans Home in Barstow, California.


Photo Courtesy United States Marine Corps Taken By Keith Hayes

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
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.
Wednesday Hero Logo


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Warm thanks to Christopher Lee for his dedication to our Troops!

Friday, December 9, 2011

Somebody's Son



ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 3, 2011) Seaman James Odell stands watch as an EA-6B Prowler from the Wizards of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 flies above the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Will Tyndall/Released)
Source: militaryphotos.net

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Friday posts are random photos of our Soldiers.
We must remember each and every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine have a face.
Our brave Heroes have family and friends who love them so.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Wednesday Hero 12/07/2011

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Mrs Xoke

Sgt. 1st Class Bryan E. Hall
Sgt. 1st Class Bryan E. Hall
32 years old from Elk Grove, California 1st Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division April 10, 2009
U.S. Army

Bryan Hall received three Army commendation medals, as well as good
Army achievement, good conduct and war on terrorism medals. But his
family didn't learn about them until after his death. "He was such a
humble man," said his mother, Betty. "He was a special person, he
never boasted about his accomplishments or was arrogant and pompous,
he did his job," his sister, Kristi, said. "When he was done with his
job, he came home and he was a father, a husband, a son and a brother.
He embodied what I think every soldier would want to be."

Sgt. 1st Class Hall was a junior in High School when he signed up for
an Army early entry program. After he graduated he attended one year
of college before enlisting.

Bryan Hall, and five other soldiers, was killed on April 10, 2009 when
a suicide bomber detonated a truck packed with explosives at a police
station in Mosul, Iraq. Betty Hall said an Army commander told her
that by ordering his soldiers to fire on the suicide bomber's truck,
her son probably saved many lives by preventing the attacker from
entering the police compound.


You can read more about Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Hall here.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so
others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them
Hero.
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.

Wednesday Hero Logo

Monday, December 5, 2011

Happy Birthday, Sarge!!!

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave."
~ Elmer Davis
Please stop by and wish one of our finest, Sarge Charlie a very Happy Birthday!!!

Friday, December 2, 2011

Somebody's Son




SAN DIEGO (Nov. 30, 2011) The son of Electrician's Mate (Nuclear) 1st Class Randall White, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), waves to his father's ship as it transits San Diego Bay after departing Naval Air Station North Island on a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Trevor Welsh/Released)
source: militaryphotos.net

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Friday posts are random photos of our Soldiers.
We must remember each and every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine have a face.
Our brave Heroes have family and friends who love them so.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Wednesday Hero 11/30/2011

Spc. Joseph A. Graves
Spc. Joseph A. Graves
21 years old from Discovery Bay, California
110th Military Police Company, 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade
July 26, 2006
U.S. Army

Spc. Joseph Graves's dream was to work for the FBI and he saw that joining the Military was a way to help me do that. Joseph Graves enlisted in the Army at 17 and surprised his family when he went to jump school soon afterwards. "This was a kid I could hardly get to ski down a ski slope, because it was too intimidating," said his father, Kevin. "And now he's jumping out of airplanes." Spc. Graves was the lone casualty when his convoy was attacked by insurgents near Baghdad on July 26, 2006.


You can read more about Spc. Graves here

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
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.
Wednesday Hero Logo

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Talking Tuesday

First of all, thank you for the feedback on my Blog.
I updated to Internet Explorer 9, then reverted back to IE8...still having issues.
It appears it is a blogger issue.... if you scroll to the bottom of this Blog, you will find my right side bar found a new home at the bottom of the Blog. Not sure about you folks, but this does not work for me. I'm trying to mend...please stay tuned! (of course if you can help with a resolution, I would welcome comments!)

So now, let's chat about the important stuff. It's the Holiday Season already... not sure where Twenty-Eleven went, but it is as good as gone! These next few weeks will fly by, I'm certain of it. We are so busy; shopping and baking and visiting... Hours quickly turn to days, and days quickly turn to weeks.

And then there is the Soldier... far from home.

Our family knows first hand, the 'Vegetable Soup of Emotion' having a loved one Serving our Nation overseas during this joyous time of year. Oh yes, we are proud of John... but pride does not eliminate emptiness. And I'm talking about those of us in the comfort of our homes, living out our routine lives. I pray for my son constantly, and I constantly lift prayers for his wife...going through these days, weeks and months watching their little guy growing up... it is just tough some days. As I have said before, we are only one family. Thousands of families know our hearts.

I wanted to share with you three of my most highly regarded organizations:

USO has been supporting our Troops since 1941. Ask any Soldier who has traveled through an Airport, about the USO... they have been there for our Service Members for decades, and I will do what I can to support them to make certain they remain active in the future.

SoldiersAngels motto "May No Soldier Go Unloved". What better way to celebrate this Season of Giving, than to adopt a Soldier and send a package full of cheer. I've been an Angel for several years, I encourage you to take a few moments and sign up to become an Angel.

Wounded Warriors Project is all about helping our Warriors who return home injured. This group began with some veterans supplying comfort items for wounded Soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan...they now assist with transitioning back to civilian life as well.


"No one has ever become poor by giving."
Anne Frank

I've only named a few amazing organizations...I'd like to hear your most respected groups.

Your turn........................

Monday, November 28, 2011

Manic Monday...

Not quite sure what has happened to the layout of my blog...
on my laptop, the entire right sidebar has vanished.

What do you see?

I'll be back tomorrow with a 'Talking Tuesday'!

May Almighty God protect all who are serving our Country...stateside and so far from home.

Love you, John.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Wednesday Hero 11/23/2011

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Kathi

Wreaths Across America has been profiled before and it will probably be profiled again because they are a great organization.


Wreaths Across America was profiled last year and it will probably be profiled again next year because they are a great organization. For 20 years they have have laid Christmas wreaths on the headstones of our fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery. And this year, for their 20th year, their goal is to lay a wreath on every headstone, all 220,000, and they need our help. Head over to Help Wreaths Across America Cover Arlington and there you can find information on how you can do that. Whether it's via a donation or just getting the word out, anything we can do helps.


These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
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.
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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Thanksgiving Blessings...

Ah yes... I post that I am taking off for Vegas to witness my son's wedding, then I evaporate. OK... I'll fess up. I'm drowning in the sorrow of leaving three bones in the Casino. Yep, played the Penny Slots and lost it all (that is all I bet!)

But on to happier memories of the weekend... the wedding was fabulous! B was dashing and V was stunning! It was a beautiful ceremony at the Chapel in the Clouds (top of the Stratosphere which is the tallest building in Vegas and fifth largest building in North America). A group of us saw Phantom of the Opera...oh. my. goodness. Pure awesomeness! My daughter, K and I were able to get our photo taken with Elvis...actually it was Elvis Squared. Two Elvises who spoke little English and did not realize Maryland was a State. We were happy to provide a public service and geography lesson. Oh, and yes we did stand in front of a foam Las Vegas sign! Good memories! Sadly, Marie and John were not there... I wish B & V a lifetime of laughter, good health and much happiness!


May God richly bless this beautiful couple.


May they always keep a 'fun factor' in their marriage!

More blessings... not sure if I have mentioned that K is expecting #4!!! Our newest grandbaby will arrive around May 9th. Precious and Bright-Eyed-Beauty are calling the newest member of their family, Skittle. I ask that you keep our Skittle in your prayers!

Special prayer request...Di has a family member with serious health issues. The plan for now is Di and E-Man will join us for Christmas, however if she is needed elsewhere with family... we will pray for God's will. Di returns to work next week. E-Man is growing like a weed. Oh, how I miss this little guy. He looks exactly like a baby I snuggled only 22 years ago!



Over the next several weeks, I may evaporate, reappear, evaporate, etc. The Garden Center where I work, has made some big changes. They let our manager go. Um, go ahead... gulp with me. I pray for her and her daughter (who also is no longer with the company)during this difficult chapter of their lives. Times are tough, and none of us are exempt from hardships these days. So, being down two valuable members of the team, it will mean a bit of craziness... things always have a way of working out. On a brighter note, I am grateful the owner has allowed us to once again set up donation boxes for our 3rd Annual Soldier Drive. So far, the response has been overwhelming! And yes...I do have a box set up for my son, who will spend Christmas far away from home.

All is well with Marie and her new little guy. She will return to work after Black Friday...um, I mean Thanksgiving. Yep, my girls and I will keep our tradition and tackle our fellow maniacs at 1am on Black Friday. My Christmas shopping will be complete, by the time I return home.... except for a bit more online shopping. Of course we will cap the adventure off with a visit to IHOP... I NEED Pumpkin Pancakes! Anyone else partaking in the Madness????

There you have it...a synopsis of AirmanMom's life. I am richly blessed. Most days are very good. Some days make my heart hurt, when I think of my son so far from home...missing his son's first Thanksgiving and Christmas. When my heart feels heavy, I think back to when John told me he was deploying soon after his son's birth... "it's why I put my boots on".

Oh Dear God in Heaven, protect my son. Touch his heart with tenderness, console him in his difficult moments. John is far braver than I.

May Almighty God Bless each of you and your families during the Holiday Season.

May Almighty God protect all who are serving our Nation... far from home and stateside. It is with a thankful heart, I pray for each of them.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Wednesday Hero 11/16/2011

Sgt. Kevin Stewart(Left) & Spc. David Duque(Right)
Sgt. Kevin Stewart(Left) & Spc. David Duque(Right)
U.S. Army

Sgt. Kevin Stewart, left, congratulates Spc. David Duque on his becoming a U.S. citizen in a ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Nov. 9. Duque is a native of Cuba. Both soldiers are members of Company E, Forward Support Element, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.


Photo Courtesy U.S. Army Taken By Capt. Christopher Larsen

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
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.
Wednesday Hero Logo

Monday, November 7, 2011

Vegas Wedding!


Sing along....

Going to the Chapel (in the Sky)
gonna get married (to the most adorable girl)
Going to the Chapel (on 11/11/11)
gonna get married (to the neatest guy on this planet)
Gee, I really love them and
They're gonna get married
Going to the Chapel in the Sky!

AirmanMom has a heart full of love and warm wishes for my B and his girl, V.
V, we welcome you to our family. May the two of you be showered with all of God's richest blessings.

Yep.... we're going to Vegas Baby!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

So Thankful!

Every once in a while I am simply blown away... when I stop to think of how many blessings God has showered over me.

I am married to my best friend. After all these years, our favorite way to pass our time is to talk. We talk about everything and nothing. He is my rock. I could not ask for more.

I am Momma to four of the most amazing people in this world. Truly, I like my kids. If they were not mine, I would try to adopt them. Each of them are loving, kind, hard working, dedicated, God loving, respectful, witty...oh I could go on and on. Each of them hold gigantic chunks of my heart. I am who I am, because I am their mom.

I am Nana to six of the most precious babies you have ever seen on this earth. God has this awesome plan, for me to be a young mom...therefore making me a young Nana. Sitting on the floor reading books, or building with blocks, or swaddling baby dolls or pretending to drive a car or fly in an airplane... stepping into their imaginary world is pure awesomeness. Honestly, to look in the eyes of your child's eyes is one of God's sweetest of all gifts.

I am a mom-in-law to four (ok...the wedding is on Friday so I am pushing it a bit) really cool people. My son-in-laws love my daughters and are such good providers for their families. These guys have a great sense of humor! My daughter-in-laws are everything I could wish for my sons. Both my guys have chosen brides who are not only beautiful... but talented, funny and oh how my guys love their brides!

I have several good friends, who have known me forever...seen me at my best and at my worst... these girls are still a phone call away. We can laugh together, cry together and talk for hours endlessly.

I have a nice home, a reliable vehicle, an adorable Mutt and a job I enjoy. Yep...there is stuff. But honestly... The stuff could evaporate and I would still be the richest woman in the world.

This post needed to be written... I won't take my life for granted. It is a gift to have so much love to give and to receive so much love. I am blessed.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Somebody's Son

An Airman and Soldier secure an area near the Tarnek River in Qalat City, Afghanistan.

source: popularmilitary.com


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Friday posts are random photos of our Soldiers.
We must remember each and every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine have a face.
Our brave Heroes have familiy and friends who love them so.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

His Star Has Turned From Blue to Gold


HOUSTON — A solider from Houston with extensive experience in the mental health field died Saturday while serving in Afghanistan, the Department of Defense said.

Lt. Col. David E. Cabrera, 41, died less than a month after being deployed after a suicide bomb attack on the United Nations convoy he was riding with in Kabul, according to Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

Cabrera graduated from Sam Houston High School in 1988 and graduated from Texas A&M with a bachelor's degree in psychology in 1992. He then worked in family counseling and at different facilities in Giddings, Texas, and in Arlington, Texas.

In 1994, Cabrera earned his master's degree in social work from UT Arlington and then worked as a delinquency case management counselor for the state of Florida. He worked as a family therapist to underprivileged children and families in Palm Beach County.

Two years later, he joined the U.S. Army as a medical service corps officer and was deployed for nearly a year at the chief of Mental Health for Operation Joint Endeavor/Joint Guard in Hungary, Croatia and Bosnia. He later served as chief of the Family Advocacy Program at Wurzburg Army Hospital in Germany.

After his deployment, Cabrera served at a military prison in Fort Lewis, Wa., and at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

In 2004, he entered a PhD program in social work at Catholic University and was later assigned to manage the behavioral health and combat operational stress programs for more than 4,500 soldiers at Fort Lewis.

After finishing his degree in 2006, Cabrera was deployed to Iraq for five months. He returned to Fort Lewis and was then transferred to Heidelberg, Germany, where he ran several mental health support programs.

In January 2010, he left Heidelberg to join the faculty of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md., as the director of social work. There he saw patients, taught third- and fourth-year military medical students, conducted research in the fields of resilience, post-traumatic stress disorder and post-traumatic growth, and participated in a number of university field training exercises.

He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on Sept. 1, 2011, in a small ceremony at USU, surrounded by his family, friends and close colleagues.

"Lt. Col. Cabrera was a soldier's soldier. He was professionally happiest when in the field with his troops. His sense of service, love of God, family and country are an inspiration to us all," said Navy Capt. Dr. Mark Stephens, who was Cabrera's boss as chair of the USU Department of Family Medicine.

Sgt. James M. Darrough, 38, of Austin, was also killed in the same attack. Darrough was assigned to the 101st Finance Company, 101st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade and 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) out of Fort Campbell, Ky.

Sgt. Carlo F. Eugenio, 29, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., and Staff Sgt. Christopher R. Newman, 26, of Shelby, N.C., also died in the attack.


Source: Click2Houston.com

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AirmanMom was asked by a friend to post the story of this brave Soldier. He is the husband of the friend of a friend, who had been stationed at Walter Reed to counsel wounded warriors returning from Afghanistan & Iraq. He was deployed to be part of a unit that was to travel by convoy between units & he was going to do similar counseling there. My Boss and I were talking of Lt. Col Cabrera, and Mr. B. mentioned that his daughter had been to a birthday party this past weekend with one of David Cabrera's young children. Such sadness.

May Almighty God Bless this brave Warrior who served his Nation proudly.
May Almighty God comfort his family and friends.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Wednesday Hero 11/02/2011

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Beth & Cindy

1st Lt. Ashley White, Sgt. First Class Kristoffer B. Domeij & Pfc. Christopher Horns
1st Lt. Ashley White, Sgt. First Class Kristoffer B. Domeij & Pfc. Christopher Horns
October 22, 2011
U.S. Army

On Saturday, October 22, 2011, three United States Soldiers were killed in Kandahar, Afghanistan. They were 1st Lt. Ashley White, 24, 230th Brigade Support Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, North Carolina National Guard; Sgt. First Class Kristoffer B. Domeij, 29; and Pfc. Christopher Horns, 20, both with 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.


These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
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.
Wednesday Hero Logo


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Too many...
Too young...

Thank you, Christopher Lee for keeping our Heroes in the hearts and mind of all.

Monday, October 31, 2011

Introducing.... Di's Blog


As so many of you know by now... John was married earlier this year to Di. She is as cute as a button, a strong Christian, an Airman... and oh how she loves my son. What more could AirmanMom ask for in a D-I-L? Well...she gave me one more thing...a perfect grandboy. E-Man is every bit as handsome as his Daddy and appreciates good music, when he hears his Mommy sing. God richly blessed John and Di, when he chose them as this little guy's parents. God also had a plan, when it was time for John to deploy and leave his wife and eight day old baby at home. Granted, we mere mortals don't always understand the hows or whys... this is where our faith enters. We need to trust that God will guide us through our trials... To me, this does not mean we sit back and let God do all the work, we must face our challenges and work through them. God will give us the strength we need, I believe this.

So...where is this post going? I ask that you take a few moments and read Di's Blog. She has so many gifts...singing, writing and being a good mommy to my grandboy! Please continue to lift this precious family in your prayers. Please keep all our Warriors who are so far from home,in your prayers...along with their families. As so many of you know first hand, Military is not an easy life. Yes, it is a choice to sacrifice a 'normal' world to serve our Nation... I for one am so grateful for those who make this choice.

Please stop byMamaWifeAirman and share your words of encouragement.

May Almighty God watch over my son while he serves.
May Almighty God give Di the strength she needs to be the best wife and mommy during these days of trial.
May Almighty God place His loving hands on all who serve and the families who love them so.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Afghan Bombing Kills 5 Troops

A Taliban suicide bomber rammed a vehicle into an armored NATO bus Saturday, killing 17 people, including 12 Americans and a Canadian in the deadliest attack on the U.S.-led coalition in Kabul since the war began.
Read the entire story HERE.

May Almighty God bless these brave warriors.
May Almighty God comfort their families.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

F-16 Dawn




Three F-16 Fighting Falcons taxi for takeoff Oct. 15, 2011, at Buckley Air Force Base Colo., during an operational readiness exercise. The ORE evaluated Airmen with mission readiness in preparation for real-world deployments.
(U.S. Air Force photo/Wolfram M. Stumpf)

Friday, October 28, 2011

Somebody's Son




PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct. 25, 2011) Musician 1st Class Chris Sams of the U.S. 7th Fleet Band, Orient Express, performs for students during a master class at Wat Koh High School. The band is visiting Cambodia as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2011. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Musician 3rd Class Joshua Haney/Released) Source: militaryphotos.net



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Friday posts are random photos of our Soldiers.
We must remember each and every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine have a face.
Our brave Heroes have familiy and friends who love them so.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Wednesday Hero 10/26/2011

Sgt. James Hinson
Sgt. James Hinson
U.S. Marines

Sgt. James Hinson, Marine Barracks Washington motor transportation operator, prepares a dish for a homeless person during a So Others Might Eat volunteer event in northwest Washington, D.C., Oct. 20, 2011. Fifteen Barracks Marines volunteered to assist the SOME staff in feeding homeless men and women from the nation's capitol region.


These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
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.
Wednesday Hero Logo


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Thank you, Christopher Lee for all your efforts to make certain our Heroes are nevr forgotten.

Monday, October 24, 2011

C'Mon Airlines...Get With the Program!

After a year in Afghanistan, 25 Fort Bliss Soldiers struggled with an airline to get back home.

The group had flown into Baltimore, Md., Friday evening, but on Saturday when they went to check in their luggage and weapons at the Baltimore Washington International Airport, a Delta Airlines weight policy threatened to keep them on the ground.

"They were told [by airline officials] that because of the weight of the weapons, they could not be checked in," said Capt. Aaron Poe. "The Soldiers were then told they could check them in separately on another flight. But the Soldiers didn't feel comfortable doing that."

Each box weighed about 100 pounds, which was considered to be above the weight standards allowed by the airlines.

According to Delta Airlines policy, active-duty U.S. military personnel on orders to or from duty stations may check the following without charge:

-- Up to four bags in the economy class in all cabins on Delta connection flights

-- Up to five bags in business elite, first and business class on Delta aircraft only.

Each bag may weight up to 70 pounds. In addition, active military personnel traveling on personal business may check up to two 50-pound bags at no charge.

Passengers with bags that weigh more than 70 pounds are charged $175 a bag.

"Our weight policy was recently changed to accommodate members of the military personnel," said Joe Perone, spokesman for the airlines. "And after checking with the Baltimore Washington International Airport, all military baggage was checked in."

But Capt. Poe and Capt. Waldo Galan said it took officials several hours to work with the Delta Airlines Military Liaison to get the group home.

"They basically told us it is what it is and weren't giving us many options," Poe said. "In the end, the majority of our Soldiers were allowed to check in and board onto their plane while a lieutenant stayed behind and got on the next flight with the weapons. He ended up having to go to a Home Depot to buy another box so that he could distribute the weight evenly. And then he was charged a nominal fee of $500 to check in the boxes."

Officials with Delta Airlines said that there were no issues, that no baggage was left behind in Baltimore and that everything was transported.

All 25 Soldiers -- and the weapons -- were scheduled to arrive at 8:30 p.m. on different flights Saturday at the El Paso International Airport.


October 24, 2011
El Paso Times|by Alex Hinojosa

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Wednesday Hero 10/19/2011

Lt. Richard Biedermann (Ret.)
Lt.Richard Biedermann (Ret.)
89 years old from Tulsa, Oklahoma
May 28, 1922 - October 3, 2011
U.S. Navyy

When Dick Biedermann asked the organizing committee of the Oklahoma Honor Flights how much more was needed to be raised he was told $10,000. His response was "Piece of cake. I can raise that". And in only four weeks he did just that. In fact, he raised $16,000 and in doing so was able to help send 105 of his fellow WWII veterans to D.C. to see the national WWII Memorial back in February of this year. He was scheduled to go with them but he had taken a fall the week before and was unable to go. But this was nothing new for the retired Naval Lieutenant. He was always helping others. The Ronald McDonald House, the United Way, the Tulsa Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association and so on. He saw it as his mission.

Sadly, Richard (Dick) Biedermann passed away on October 3 after a long battle with heart disease. He was buried on October 6 with full military honors by the VFW and Patriot Guard Riders.


You can read more about Dick Biedermann here and view his obituary here.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
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.
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Thnak you Christopher Lee for your dedication to our Troops.

Monday, October 17, 2011

John is Safe!!!


Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.
1 Chronicles 16:8

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Words for all Deployed...



My country,' tis of thee,
sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing;
land where my fathers died,
land of the pilgrims' pride,
from every mountainside let freedom ring!

My native country, thee,
land of the noble free, thy name I love;
I love thy rocks and rills,
thy woods and templed hills;
my heart with rapture thrills, like that above.

Let music swell the breeze,
and ring from all the trees sweet freedom's song;
let mortal tongues awake;
let all that breathe partake;
let rocks their silence break, the sound prolong.

Our fathers' God, to thee,
author of liberty, to thee we sing;
long may our land be bright
with freedom's holy light;
protect us by thy might, great God, our King.

Samuel F. Smith

Friday, October 14, 2011

Somebody's Son


My youngest grandboy, in John's shirt.

John, I love you with all my heart.
I love Di and your son with all my heart.


GodSpeed, John.


(special thanks to Amy for this amazing photo)

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Yellow Ribbon...



AirmanMom's home proudly waves an American Flag every day.

AirmanMom's American Flag will now be tied with a Yellow Ribbon for the next six months.

May Almighty God protect my son, while he is so far from home.
May Almighty God give strength to his wife, during this challenging time.
May Almighty God watch over their sweet boy.
May Almighty God give this proud Momma a peaceful heart.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Wednesday Hero 10/12/2011

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Cindy

Capt. Theodore
Capt. Theodore "Ted" Williams (Center)
83 years old from Inverness, Florida
VMF-311, Marine Aircraft Group 33 (MAG-33)
August 30, 1918 - July 5, 2002
U.S. Marines

Everyone knows Ted Williams as one of the greatest Baseball players of all time, but many may not know that he also served his country during W.W.II and Korea. Williams joined the V-5 program to became a Naval aviator after enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1942. He received his pilots wings two years later in 1944. He never saw action as Japan surrendered as he was in Pearl Harbor awaiting orders. He did, however, in the Marine Forces Reserves and was later recalled in to active duty during the Korean War. He flew 39 combat missions before being hospitalized with pneumonia which resulted in the discovery of an inner ear infection that ultimately disqualified him from flight status.


You Can Read More About Williams here and here

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
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.
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Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Two Grandboys in Two Days!!!

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made
~ Psalm 139:14 from NKJV


Please allow me to introduce the newest blessings in our family....


Coop was born on October 7, 2011. 8lbs. 12 oz. Sweet blessing!


E-man was born on October 8, 2011. 7 lbs. 6oz. Sweet blessing!

May Almighty God Bless these two healthy and beautiful boys.
May Almighty God give their parents strength through the long nights, and joy through the short days.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Wednesday Hero 10/05/2011

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Steve

F/O Leland H. Pennington
F/O Leland H. Pennington
24 years old from Alma Place, New York
332nd Fighter Group
1921 - April 21, 1945
U.S. Army Air Corps

Sadly, little is know about Flight Officer Leland Pennington's military career. He joined the Military sometime in 1941 or 1942. He became one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. Then in 1945, after a bombing run on the Attnang-Puchheim marshalling yard in Austria, F/O Pennington was lost after completing a successful escort mission.


You can read more about F/O Pennington here and here

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
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.
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Many thanks to Christopher Lee for his dedication to our Troops.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Somebody's Daughter




Byrnes Michelle, a US army soldier from te HHB 3-7 Field Artillery Regiment 3rd Bct 25th ID, scans the eyes of an Afghan man with an Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) during a mission in Turkham Nangarhar bordering Pakistan on September 28, 2011. Turkham is a border crossing town in the Nangarhar province of Afghanistan and the Khyber Agency of Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas. A decade of fighting in Afghanistan has since snowballed into a huge effort involving around 130,000 foreign troops from dozens of countries, with the resilient Taliban using homemade bombs and guerrilla tactics in a bid to undermine the Afghan government and the NATO mission.

source: militaryphotos.net


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Friday posts are random photos of our Soldiers.
We must remember each and every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine have a face.
Our brave Heroes have familiy and friends who love them so.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

American Soldier

Thursday thought...
John deploys within the next few weeks.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Wednesday Hero 09/28/2011

Thanks to Greta Perry & John Donovan

Second Lt. Perla Kimes

Second Lt. Perla Kimes
U.S. Army

Second Lt. Perla Kimes has her bars of gold pinned on during a commissioning ceremony this summer at the Leader Development and Assessment Course on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.


Photo Courtesy U.S. Army

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
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.
Wednesday Hero Logo


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Thanks to Christopher Lee for his continued support of our Troops!