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


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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.

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


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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 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

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.

His Star Has Turned From Blue to Gold...

Airman from Westminster is killed in Afghanistan
A 24-year-old airman from Westminster was killed when an improvised explosive device hit his vehicle in Afghanistan, the Defense Department said Saturday.

Airman 1st Class Matthew R. Seidler died Thursday in the attack, which killed two other airmen. They were patrolling in Helmand, a southwestern province that remains a Taliban stronghold.

"When he joined the Air Force, he blossomed. He became himself," said a cousin, Kalyn Masek, who last communicated with Seidler on Tuesday, his birthday. "I was really, really proud of him and the man that he'd become."

Seidler, an explosive ordnance disposal technician, entered active duty in November 2009. He was assigned to the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado.

"He loved what he did" for the military, said Masek, who was surprised when Seidler told her that he was joining the Air Force. Being involved in the disarmament of explosives fed his intellect, she said, and excited him in a way that prior false starts in his professional life had not.

Seidler graduated from Westminster Senior High School in 2006. He took classes for a year in business administration at Stevenson University and then started in a multimedia design program at Carroll Community College before deciding to join the military.

"He was extremely smart," said longtime friend Bryan Vana, who'd known Seidler since middle school. Vana said he was taken aback when Seidler asked him to be a reference for his Air Force admission, but said the decision made sense because military service would satisfy Seidler's desire for new, evolving challenges.

Andrea Masek said she often played poker with her nephew. Poker and other strategy games were his favorite pastime, she said, and he had a serious demeanor at the table.

"He was very logical, analytical," she said.

Seidler and Kalyn Masek, only a year apart in age, were "attached at the hip" growing up. When they were children, their families would go to Deep Creek Lake together, Kalyn Masek said, and the two of them would "cause trouble and get dirty" while playing hours on end.

Shy growing up, Seidler became an adventurous adult, she said. When they were young, she was always the one to bring him out of his shell. But after he joined the armed services, she said, he became the encouraging, outgoing one. On his Facebook page, where his father announced his death to friends and family, Seidler posted photos from trips he'd taken to Paris and New York and hiking and camping in the mountains. He also shared samples of his graphic design work and his preference for the Baltimore Ravens.

Seidler's parents and brother live in Westminster, Kalyn Masek said.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Mark Donnithorne, his squadron commander, said Seidler's role as an explosives disposal technician was vital to the operation.

"We will never forget Matt's sacrifice and dedication to his critical, yet dangerous, mission," he said.

"This is a tragic day for Team Pete, the 21st Space Wing, the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron and especially for Matt's family," Col. Chris Crawford, 21st Space Wing Commander, said in a statement Saturday. "We will come together to help Matt's family and friends through their grief."

Also killed were Senior Airman Bryan R. Bell, 23, of Erie, Pa., and Tech. Sgt. Matthew S. Schwartz, 34, of Traverse City, Mich.

By Steve Kilar, The Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Sun reporter Annie Linskey contributed to this article.

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May Almighty God Bless this Maryland Son.
May Almighty God comfort his family.
May Almighty God protect each and every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine.

Um...yeah... Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, Peeps!

I've been in a complete decompress mode and have not even posted New Year wishes!

Hopefully, everyone enjoyed the Holiday Season and I do hope many warm memories were made. It is the time of year to let go of the icky and focus on blessings. So many of us know hard times, no room for comparisons... hard is hard and there is something about the Holidays which make a hard day, seem a gazillion times harder. But it is also the time to look around and feel truly loved.

Life is just funny like that. Not really a 'Ha Ha' funny...more like a quizzical funny. Our family was so blessed to share Christmas with Di and the E-Man. I held that little guy and just did not want to let him go...ever. It was as though I had stepped into a time machine...marching back 22 years to the day I held my littlest guy with the exact ears and hair and eyes. He (go ahead and fill in the blank with either name E-Man or John) would coo and gurgle and fall asleep in my arms. Love that!

Courtesy of Skype...we were able to take a family photo, which included John in Kuwait! Rather cool, huh? Looking back I now wish we had skyped B & V2 on another laptop to include them as well. Arrgghhh... Old-Lady Brain! (always comes up with the best ideas-two weeks after the fact!)

I am rather proud of myself... only one meltdown on Christmas! I led the family in prayer before we ate...and totally lost it as I lifted John in my prayer. Please understand...I am so proud of my son, but in my heart.. he should have been here to hold his son on the little guy's first Christmas. Next year...

Well...this is a totally scrambled post. Yep, I'm pondering whether or not to delete it or go ahead and post. Truth is... being AirmanMom has me feeling like Vegetable Soup of Emotions more often than not.... John's deployment is going well, for this I am grateful. He has received 'Jr Tech Squadron Airman of the Year'...I am so very proud of his accomplishments! Di and E-man are plugging along...good days and not so good days-for this I pray for strength. Our Nation has so many houses on so many streets, filled with families waiting for deployed ones to return home... for this I pray for peace. Operation Welcome Home welcomes our heroes as they land on U.S. soil...for these volunteers I am so very grateful. The USO is there for our Troops...always! Their dedication is so appreciated.

I'll close these jumbled words for now...decompress a little more and post some photos soon!

May Almighty God protect each and every Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine.
May Almighty God comfort families who have lost loved ones.
May Almighty God make the days lighter for those who have deployed family members.
May Almighty God bring peace into our hearts.

Somebody's Son

SANGIN, Afghanistan (Dec. 27, 2011) Hospitalman Victor Castro, assigned to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 8, hands out candy to an Afghan child during a security patrol in Sangin, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Marines conducted the patrol to help maintain security in the surrounding areas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Armando Mendoza/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 Hero 01/04/2012

1st Lt. Loren Douglas Hagen
25 years old from Fargo, North Dakota
U.S. Army Training Advisory Group
February 25, 1946 - August 7, 1971


The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Loren Douglas Hagen, United States Army (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as the team leader of a small reconnaissance team with the U.S. Army Training Advisory Group, in action against enemy aggressor forces while operating deep within enemy-held territory in the Republic of Vietnam, on 7 August 1971. At approximately 0630 hours on the morning of 7 August 1971 the small team came under a fierce assault by a superior-sized enemy force using heavy small arms, automatic weapons, mortar, and rocket fire. First Lieutenant Hagen immediately began returning small-arms fire upon the attackers and successfully led this team in repelling the first enemy onslaught. He then quickly deployed his men into more strategic defense locations before the enemy struck again in an attempt to overrun and annihilate the beleaguered team's members. First Lieutenant Hagen repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire directed at him as he constantly moved about the team's perimeter, directing fire, rallying the members, and resupplying the team with ammunition, while courageously returning small arms and hand grenade fire in a valorous attempt to repel the advancing enemy force. The courageous actions and expert leadership abilities of First Lieutenant Hagen were a great source of inspiration and instilled confidence in the team members. After observing an enemy rocket make a direct hit on and destroy one of the team's bunkers, First Lieutenant Hagen moved toward the wrecked bunker in search for team members despite the fact that the enemy force now controlled the bunker area. With total disregard for his own personal safety, he crawled through the enemy fire while returning small-arms fire upon the enemy force. Undaunted by the enemy rockets and grenades impacting all around him, First Lieutenant Hagen desperately advanced upon the destroyed bunker until he was fatally wounded by enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, First Lieutenant Hagen's courageous gallantry, extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, at the cost of his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon him and the United States 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.