His Star Has Turned From Blue To Gold

May Almighty God Bless this brave Warrior. May Almighty God bring comfort to his family.

Home...Very Soon!

Please continue to keep John, Di and the little E-Man in your prayers. John will be ending his six-month deployment very soon!!! Upon his return home, this sweet family has many adjustments... I know in my heart, they will overcome the challenges which post-deployment brings. This Momma is praying he returns through BWI... It will be so awesome to see John's face and give him a hug! May Almighty God keep peace in their hearts, as they endure these final weeks of deployment. May Almighty God watch over John as he travels back to U.S. soil. May Almighty God wrap this young family in his loving arms, as they settle into their new family life.

Luke's Wings

Please allow me to introduce an organization which helps the families of our wounded Warriors. Luke's Wings reunites our wounded with their families, helping with expensive travel costs. Here is the first paragraph of their Mission Statement: Luke's Wings is an organization dedicated to the support of service members who have been wounded in battle. Recognizing the immediate need for families to be with their loved ones at such a difficult time, Luke’s Wings provides families with the means to visit during the service member’s hospitalization and rehabilitation. By purchasing travel agency services and travel tickets for loved ones, Luke’s Wings provides an immediate and invaluable service to the families of our men and women at arms while also helping to encourage and motivate the service member’s recovery. Please visit their site to learn more about their dedication to our wounded. Please lift these brave Warriors and their families in prayer.

Happy Easter

He is Risen!

MilBlog Nominations April 9th

The 2012 MilBlog Conference will take place on May 11-12. On Monday, April 9, 2012 the MilBlog Nominations will open. Please stop by the site to nominate your favorite Military Blogs. CLICK HERE for more information!

Somebody's Daughter

ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 2, 2012) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Amber Hand runs away from an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter after removing chocks and chains aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). Kearsarge is underway conducting Afloat Training Group 1.4 basic phase training. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tommy Lamkin/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.

His Star Has Turned From Blue to Gold

A soldier from Griffin was killed in Afghanistan this week.

Pfc. Johnathon F. Davis, 20, died Thursday of wounds suffered from "enemy small arms fire," the Department of Defense said in a statement. Davis was killed in the Kandahar province in Afghanistan.

The Griffin High School graduate was able to talk to his parents this week, said family spokesman Randall Valimont, pastor at the Griffin First Assembly of God church. Valimont said Davis told his parents that he couldn't wait to be home. Davis' wife, Kristen, is eight months pregnant.

"He was so looking forward to the baby being born," Valimont said.

He described Davis, who was the second of five sons, as an adventurous practical joker. The family is close-knit, Valimont said, and Davis had strong religious beliefs and loved his country.

Davis wanted to be a police officer once he left the Army, Valimont said.

Valimont said Davis' father, Kerry, is a lay pastor at the church, where the family has been members for more than a decade. Davis' oldest brother is in the Navy.

The church will dedicate its Easter program to Davis' memory, Valimont said.

"He was just a good kid," he said. "I can't tell you how shocking this is. It's a devastating thing to see."

Roy McClain, commander of the VFW Post 5448, called Davis a remarkable young man. McClain said Davis' wife is the granddaughter of a member of the post.

"He was full of life and energy and very patriotic," McClain said.

McClain said Davis was excited about his deployment in February.

Davis had just graduated from cavalry scout school, McClain said. He was a member of the 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, N.C.

Source: Arielle Kass with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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May Almighty God Bless this brave hero.
May Almighty God Watch Over and protect this Warrior's precious baby.
May Almighty God comfort all who love him so.

Happy Birthday, Kel

This beautiful person introduced me to a love I had never known in my life, the day she was born.
I can still remember the moment I met her, as though it was yesterday.
Over the years, she has grown from the sweetest of babies, to an adorable toddler, to a studious student, to a teenager (I'll say no more) to a loving wife and now a devoted mother, a good friend to many and a strong Christian.
My daughter is truly one of the most amazing women I know.
She has been a blessing in my life, since the first April 2nd we met...
I love you so, Kel.

Somebody's Son

I happened upon this photo on Soldier's Angels Official Facebook page. I have no idea who this brave Warrior is...and truly it matters not. He is brave, he is strong and he loves his Mom.
May Almighty God heal his body, mind and spirit.
May Almighty God provide strength to his family.

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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.

In Other Words, "Shut the Hell Up"

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is truly sacred ground.

Many visitors to D.C. like to 'check it off'... as just another place seen among all the Monuments. Honestly, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Vietnam Memorial are two places which respect and silence are a must. I've walked The Wall countless times and have offered my own "Shhhhh" when I hear voices louder than needed... unless of course they are Vets. The Wall belongs to them...

But as far as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, "It is requested that everyone maintains a level of silence and respect".
Enough said.

(please pause my Playlist on the right sidebar)

Wednesday Hero 03/21/2012

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Michael

Capt. Joseph McConnell 32 years old from Dover, New Hampshire
39th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Wing
January 30 1922 – August 25 1954


At the age of 28, Joseph McConnell was considered too old be a jet
pilot in Korea, but he wouldn't let that stop him. He persisted and
was assigned to 39th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st
Fighter-Interceptor Wing in 1952 and was credited with shooting down
16 enemy planes in a four month period and became America's first
Triple Jet Ace when he shot down three of those planes in a single
day.

You Can Read More About Capt. Joseph McConnell
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 Wednesday Hero. 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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Special thanks to Christopher Lee for his dedication to our Heroes!

Army Staff Sgt. Robert Bales

You know the name.
Perhaps you have read several articles, regarding his alledged actions.
I choose not to share any of these article.

Will we ever learn the entire truth? I doubt it.

What we do know is this...
We know for certain that War is Hell.
War breaks the human spirit.
War brings indescribable stresses to those who serve... body, mind and spirit.
War creates incredible challenges for family left at home.
War leaves empty chairs at Thanksgiving Dinner.

Please join me in prayer for all the brave Warriors who serve today, yesterday and tomorrow.
Please lift their families in prayer as well.

Somebody's Son

ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 13, 2012) Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Jacob Kosta runs in the hangar bay aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). George H.W. Bush is in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brian Read Castillo/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.

DD 214 Increased Social Security Benefits For Vets (who served between Jan 1957-Dec 31 2001)

I received this and thought it should be passed on. If you are veteran and meet served per the dates listed you may qualify.
Click Here

Subject: DD 214 Increased Social Security Benefits For Vets


DD FORM 214 -- EXTRA SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT for those with active duty between
January 1957 to December 31, 2001. See the web site & notes below to possibly increase your Social Security Benefits.

DD FORM 214 -- SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT Please share this with anyone who had
active duty service between January 1957 to December 31, 2001, and planning for retirement. In a nutshell it boils down to this:

You qualify for a higher social security payment because of your Military
service, for active duty any time from 1957 through 2001 (the program was done
away with 1 January 2002). Up to $1200 per year of earnings credit credited at
time of application - which can make a substantial difference in social security
monthly payments upon your retirement. You must bring your DD-214 to the Social
Security Office and you must ask for this benefit to receive it!
Soc Sec website: Click Here This is something to put in your files for when you apply for Social Security
down the road.. It is NOT just for retirees, BUT anyone who has served on active
duty between January 1957 to December 31, 2001.
FYI - this benefit is not automatic, you must ask for it! We've all been on
active duty between 1957 and 2001 or know someone who has.
Passing on good information for all you military folks when you apply for social
security. I know this may be too early for some of you to think about social
security but, keep living and you will get there.
Regional Resource Coordinator
Maryland's Commitment to Veterans Project State of Maryland- Southern Region
Human Services Partnership Building La Plata, Maryland 20646

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Thank you, Jeanne for sharing this important information!

Wednesday Hero 03/14/2012

Maj. Britt Reed


Maj. Britt Reed reads a Dr. Seuss book to children during a celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday at Fort Rucker Primary School March 2.

Photo Courtesy U.S. Army Taken By Angela Williams

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 Wednesday Hero. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Congratulations, John!

Love him so!

Looking for Prayer Warriors...

B is looking to make a career move...
Until official word is out...all I can do is ask my Prayer Warriors to join me in prayer. I do believe God's plan is the right plan; His is the path my son is meant to travel.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

His Star Has Turned From Blue to Gold

US Marine Cpl. Conner T. Lowry, 24, of Chicago, Illinois.
A 24 year old Marine was killed in Afghanistan on March 1st.
He leaves behind family and friends who love him so.
Marine Cpl. Lowry was coming home in a couple months...for good.
Yes...he is coming home. For good.
Please join me in prayer...May Almighty God bless this brave Marine.
May Almighty God wrap His comforting arms around this family.
We must always remember... each and every Warrior has a face, they have a family.

Somebody's Son

Airman Daniel Fournier, of Mansfield, Conn., and the 103rd Security Forces Squadron, admires his 3-month-old son Hunter, who was born during deployment at the Bradley Air National Guard base in East Granby, Conn., Monday, Jan. 30, 2012. Twenty-five Connecticut National Guard airmen, who were responsible for security at Bagram Airbase, returned home after their July 2011 deployment.
source: Charles Krupa | AP

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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.

Congratulations, John!!!

Congratulations to my son, John!
It is now official...he is a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force.
A couple days ago was his four year anniversary of enlisting.

Oh the places he'll go...



I love you son, my son!

Wednesday Hero 02/29/2012

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Michael

1st Battalion, 9th Marines


This weeks post is a little different. Rather than an individual service member, or a group, Wednesday Hero is profiling an entire battalion. 1st Battalion, 9th Marines (1/9) aka "The Walking Dead". Activated on March 1, 1942, 1/9 has had a long and distinguished service history. Seeing deployments in WWII, Vietnam, Somalia and Iraq. During the Vietnam War they earned the nickname "The Walking Dead" because of their extremely high casualty rate. 1/9 was deactivated in September 1994 but were once again called back into service in 2005. There has also been four Medal Of Honor recipients from 1/9; Pfc. Frank Witek, 2nd Lt. John Leims, Sgt. Walter Singleton & Cpt. Wesley Fox.

You can read more about 1st Battalion, 9th Marines 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 Wednesday Hero. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Somebody's Son

SRE KALA, Helmand province, Afghanistan – U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Brandon Mann, a dog handler with Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, and native of Arlington, Texas, and Ty, an improvised explosive devise detection dog, post security during a patrol here, Feb. 16.
source: militaryphotos.net

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Friday posts are random photos of our Soldiers (and sometimes a Service Dog).
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.

Happy Birthday, Bright Eyed Beauty

Our family received an incredible gift five years ago today.
She has an innocent wonder, which I pray she holds onto always.
Her heart is the size of this universe, so much caring and love inside a little girl.
Often I look at her the words to the song, "Chasing Cars" comes to mind....
"Forget what we’re told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden that's bursting into life"
Happy Birthday, Bright Eyed Beauty...the world is a much better place because of you!
Love you so.

Wednesday Hero 02/22/2012

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Cindy

Col. John Glenn
90 years old from Cambridge, Ohio


We all know John Glenn the astronaut. Monday marked the 50th anniversary of his historic flight where he became the third American in space and the first to orbit the Earth. And John Glenn the U.S. Senator from Ohio. But what many may not know is that before that he had a distinguished career in the United States Marine Corps during which time he saw action in WWII and Korea and was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, US Navy Presidential Unit Citation, China Service Medal and many other awards.

You can read more about John Glenn's time in the military and NASA Here, 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 Wednesday Hero. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

John and His Son...

Only 60'ish days til John returns home!
In the meantime, he chats with his son online...

Somebody's Son

Maj. Brian Deas, 416th Flight Test Squadron F-16 test pilot, preflights his jet before joining the day-time war exercise during Red Flag Feb. 1. (Lockheed Martin photo by Chad Bellay)
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.

Govenor Christie Got it Wrong!

With all due respect...I must say that the State of New Jersey is wrong.
On Saturday, all flags across New Jersey will be lowered, as Whitney Houston is buried.
Excuse me?
What the FU%#???
Really?
Governor Christie strongly defends his decision to lower flags to half staff for Whitney Houston.

Let me get this straight....
December 7th, we lower our flags in remembrance of Pearl Harbor Day.
September 11th, we lower our flags in remembrance of Patriots Day.
Memorial Day until noon, we lower our flags.

Somehow, some way... Whitney Houston is of equal importance as these dates in our American History?

Did I miss something? Will her family receive a folded flag?

I am angry about this.

What is going on folks? Please understand...in my opinion no celebrity deserves the same honor as those who have paid the ultimate price for our nation!

Our Sarge was laid to rest a couple weeks ago...did the state of Florida lower flags when he was laid to rest? Here is a man who passed away due to complications of Agent Orange, which he contracted courtesy of Vietnam. This man lived his entire life loving and serving his homeland... a true Patriot.

Governors can use their discretion to lower flags in honor of 'prominent citizens'. Whitney Houston was given an amazing gift...the voice of an angel. She entertained many and was handsomely compensated. Yes, she did perform the Star Spangled Banner beautifully at a Super Bowl.... but does that place her in the same league as our Fallen? I think not.

This is my flag. This flag represents our nations' strength and unity. Our warriors defend our flag each and every day.

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

Wednesday Hero 02/15/2012

Sgt. John Batemon
B-Company 304th Military Intelligence Battalion, 111th Military Intelligence Brigade


Sgt. John Batemon, B-Company 304th Military Intelligence Battalion, 111th Military Intelligence Brigade removes his shoes and shows off his injuries after the 12-mile march and range portions of the Best Warrior Competition.

Photo Courtesy U.S. Army Taken By Natalie Lakosil

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 Wednesday Hero. 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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Warm thanks to Christopher Lee for remaining so dedicated to our Heroes.
I'm not sure what was going on with Blogger yesterday...tried to post, but could not.

Somebody's Son

PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 8, 2012) Airman Ishmael Charles signals for the start-up of an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Tophatters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14 on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is on a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate/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 Hero 02/08/2012

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Cindy

Sgt. Jimmie Begay
86 years old from Sawmill, Arizona
1st Marine Division, 2nd Battalion
February 1, 2012


The Navajo Nation has lost another code talker. Sgt. Jimmie Begay passed away Wednesday night at Tsehootsoi Medical Center in Fort Defiance at the age of 88 from a head injury he sustained after a fall. Sgt. Begay enlisted in the Marines in 1942 when he was 17 years old.

Sadly there isn't much information on Sgt. Begay, but you can read more about him 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 Wednesday Hero. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Somebody's Son

Lance Cpl. Nick Lacarra, a 20-year-old improvised explosive device detection dog handler with Combined Anti-Armor Team 2, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and a native of Long Beach, Calif., holds security in a field with his dog Coot while halted during a partnered security patrol with Afghan Border Police here, Jan. 30. In southern Garmsir district, an area with a history of tribal conflict, the growing ABP force has deepened its roots and established governance through the mentorship of the 3/3 Weapons Co. Marines.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder)
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 Hero 02/01/2012

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Cindy

Pfc. Donny Eslinger & Smoke
20 years old from Jemison, Alabama
1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Bravo Company


It was a mission just as important as any other they had encountered during their time in Afghanistan.

This time the 1-24 Infantry Battalion of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team were determined to reunite soldier Donny Eslinger - who was seriously injured in a mortar attack in September - with a puppy he rescued during his deployment called Smoke.

And now it is Smoke's turn to rescue Donny, says his father Seminole County sheriff Don Eslinger Sr, who reunited the puppy with his owner today.

When Donny, who was serving in Afghanistan, encountered the pup in August he fell in love with him and stashed him in his backpack to hike back to camp.

You can read more about Pfc. Eslinger 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 Wednesday Hero. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Home Depot Helping Wounded Warriors

Not sure about you... but I find reading/listening to the news to be depressing. I've never quite figured out why bad news can't be balanced with good news. Wouldn't it be nice to hear a story about the sad state of our economy, but then follow up with a 'pay it forward' story!

I can share a feel-good story today! Operation Homefront is an organization which helps wounded warriors with auto repair, food assistance, vision care, child care and so much more! They have joined forces with Home Depot to help with home repairs, appliances or home modifications. Please read more here:
Home Depot/Operation Homefront

Good Night, Sarge

Sarge Charlie

May you rest in eternal peace.
Forever in my heart, you live....

Somebody's Son

Lance Cpl. Shane W. Stokes, a Springfield, Mo., native and an infantryman with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, walks with a new friend he met while patrolling through a local bazaar. Mobs of curious children following patrols became a common sight in the village of Regay and the surrounding area, once the Marines and Afghan Uniformed Police patrolmen cleared the area of insurgent influence and emplaced a new security presence there.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Earnest J. Barnes)
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.

Prayer Request

It was just about four years ago, I began blogging. Quickly, I discovered there are tons of bloggers out there! Some blogs are no less than amazing. I've always been mindful there are real people on the other side of the screen, sharing whatever is important at that moment. Real people... not just laptops spewing out words. Real people.

One of the first blogs I began to follow was SargeCharlie. Sarge is a Vietnam Vet. Sarge is a Patriot. Sarge is an all round good guy. From the first time I happened upon his words and his face...he has always reminded me of my dad. (a slightly younger version). Sarge, like my dad has had to face an insane battle with lung cancer. Sarge is strong and Sarge is brave...a good soldier. He's up against something huge... and it looks as though.... well. My heart hurts.

Please lift Sarge and Miss Bee in your prayers. Please pray for peace and comfort. Please stop by his blog and leave a hug.

Wednesday Hero 01/25/2012

Maj. Merlyn Hans Dethlefsen
53 years old from Royal, Iowa
354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing
June 29, 1934 - December 14, 1987


The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Major Merlyn Hans Dethlefsen, United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, near Thai Nguyen, North Vietnam, on 10 March 1967. Major Dethlefsen was one of a flight of F-105 aircraft engaged in a fire suppression mission designed to destroy a key anti-aircraft defensive complex containing surface-to-air missiles (SAM), an exceptionally heavy concentration of anti-aircraft artillery, and other automatic weapons. The defensive network was situated to dominate the approach and provide protection to an important North Vietnam industrial center that was scheduled to be attacked by fighter bombers immediately after the strike by Major Dethlefsen's flight. In the initial attack on the defensive complex the lead aircraft was crippled, and Major Dethlefsen's aircraft was extensively damaged by the intense enemy fire. Realizing that the success of the impending fighter bomber attack on the center now depended on his ability to effectively suppress the defensive fire, Major Dethlefsen ignored the enemy's overwhelming firepower and the damage to his aircraft and pressed his attack. Despite a continuing hail of anti-aircraft fire, deadly surface-to-air missiles, and counterattacks by MIG interceptors, Major Dethlefsen flew repeated close range strikes to silence the enemy defensive positions with bombs and cannon fire. His action in rendering ineffective the defensive SAM and anti-aircraft artillery sites enabled the ensuing fighter bombers to strike successfully the important industrial target without loss or damage to their aircraft, thereby appreciably reducing the enemy's ability to provide essential war material. Major Dethlefsen's consummate skill and selfless dedication to this significant mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

Maj. Dethlefson retired from the Air Force in 1977 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He died in 1987 of natural causes and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

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 Wednesday Hero. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Sweet Looking Aircraft

DoD's first production F-35B Lightning II joint strike fighter soars over Destin, Fla., on its way to its new home at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The Marine variant of the JSF belongs to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 501. The Marines of VMFAT-501 received two F-35Bs Jan. 11. Both aircraft were escorted in by Marine F-18 Hornets. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Joely Santiago)

Wednesday Hero 01/18/2012

Capt. Eddie S. Ray
57 years old from Seattle, Washington
Company B, 1st Light Armored Infantry Battalion, Task Force Shepherd, 1st Marine Division


The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Eddie S. Ray, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Commanding Officer, Company B, First Light Armored Infantry Battalion, Task Force Shepherd, FIRST Marine Division, in the Emirate of Kuwait on 25 February 1991. During the early morning hours of G+1 of Operation Desert Storm, an Iraqi mechanized division counter-attacked elements of the FIRST Marine Division in the vicinity west of the flame and smoke engulfed Burgan Oil Fields in Southeastern Kuwait. As dense black smoke shrouded the battlefield, an Iraqi mechanized brigade engaged the FIRST Marine Division Forward Command Post security forces. During the ensuing intense ten hour battle, Captain Ray repeatedly maneuvered his Light Armored Vehicle Company in harm's way, skillfully integrating his Light Armored Infantry weapons, reinforcing TOW's, and AH-1W Attack Helicopters to decisively defeat main Iraqi counter-attacks. Leading from the front and constantly exposed to large volumes of enemy fire, Captain Ray led swift, violent attacks directly into the face of the vastly larger enemy force. These attacks shocked the enemy, destroyed 50 enemy Armored Personnel Carriers, and resulted in the capture of over 250 Iraqi soldiers. Operating perilously close to the attacking enemy, Captain Ray's courage, composure under fire, and aggressive war fighting spirit were instrumental in the defeat of a major enemy effort and the successful defense of the Division Forward Command Post. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Captain Ray reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

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 Wednesday Hero. 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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My warmest thanks to Christopher Lee for his dedication to our Troops.
Thanks to all who post Wednesday Hero posts!
Most of all... heartfelt thanks to each and every Hero!

Somebody's Son

INDIAN OCEAN (Jan. 10, 2012) Aviation Electrician's Mate Airman Michael Johnson, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81, carries tie-down chains to an F/A-18E Super Hornet aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans/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 Hero 01/11/2012

Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey M. Day


Col. Jessie O. Farrington (Left), U.S. Army Aviation Center for Excellence deputy commander, presents Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey M. Day (Right), of the Directorate of Evaluation and Standardization, with the Air Medal with Valor for exceptionally meritorious achievement in valor.

Photo Courtesy U.S. Army Taken By Nathan Pfau

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

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