Thursday Thoughts

My Prayer
Author: Jaimie




Lord, This is my prayer
Let them know that we care







Bring them back safe and sound
As they are all freedom bound






Watch over them day and night
Watch over them as they fight






Give them courage
Give them Strength

As they go to great length
A thanks to them all

Help the families of the ones that fall

Again I say
As I pray
Lord, this is my prayer
Let them know that we care

Wednesday Hero 10/01/2008

This Week's Post Was Suggested And Written By Kathi

SSgt. Renee A. Deville
44 years old from Webster New York
401st Civil Affairs Battalion
September 1, 2008


SSGT Renee A. Deville was an Army Reservist who deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 401st Civil Affairs Battalion from Webster, N.Y. She arrived at Walter Reed August 10, 2006, after being injured in a mortar attack.

While at Walter Reed, Deville was assigned to Chosen Battery, Warrior Transition Brigade, and was among three graduates of the Army's first Basic Noncommissioned Officers Course Stand Alone Common Core offered to Warriors in Transition.

Deville, who successfully completed every aspect of the course from a wheelchair, was lauded by SGT Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston as exemplifying the Army's 'Warrior Ethos', at the graduation ceremony for the course on March 28, 2008.

Deville was also the impetus for a new playground being built behind the Mologne House at Walter Reed in 2007.

An October 2007 Washington Post article about the opening of the playground says that SSGT Deville's mention of her children's limited recreational options to Col. Bruce Haselden, the garrison commander, helped set in motion the playground project.

Staff Sgt. Renee Antoinette Deville died September 1, 2008 in her room at the Mologne House at Walter Reed. She was 44.

She is survived by her husband and 4 children, her mother, a brother, and two sisters.

SSGT Deville was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery on September 19, 2008.

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

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

One Step Closer...

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





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

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

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

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


Hmmm...wrong answer!

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




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




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

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

Mother and Child Reunion

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

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

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

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

Mothers,

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

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

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

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

May Almighty God Bless us all!

A Special Mother's Day

Gold Star Mother's Day, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

The group currently has 933 members.

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

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

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

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

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

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

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

GEORGE W. BUSH

Bye, Daddy!

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













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

Wednesday Hero 09/23/2008

Click Image For Full SizeYeoman 3rd Class Margret Ueberlauer


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

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

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