*walmart IS INAPROPRIATE!

Here's one post I bet you never thought you would see on my blog.  It affects every Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Airman, and Coast Guard person and their family and friends.  This just about has me ready to quit my part-time gig with the company.  I am spreading the word and asking all my bloggers to do likewise.  Here is the bottom line.

Wal-Mart is gouging the family and friends  when they ship packages to an APO address.  I am coping and pasting part of the article reported in the Stars and Stripes for you to read and then the link for you to continue on the whole article.  I  am also suggesting a world wide boycott of Wal-Mart and asking you to approach or call the store manager of your local store and complain.  With this posting you will have chapter and verse at hand and there is nothing they can do but accept your complain and perhaps move it up the line.

By Mark Patton, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Wednesday, December 16, 2009

WIESBADEN, Germany — Overseas military customers ordering gifts online from certain retailers might get an unpleasant surprise when shipping and handling fees are tacked on at the end of the purchase.
Those same customers might be most surprised to find that retail giant Walmart had the biggest markup.
On a $120 purchase, Walmart.com charged $10.35 to ship to an APO address, compared with $2.10 to a stateside address. For most items, Amazon.com charged the same to ship to an APO address as a stateside address. And Target offered shipping on a $120 purchase to an APO address for less than to a stateside address.  Continue the complete article by cliking here.

I hope to post the corporate office number tomorrow night on this blog and at Conservative Outrage.

This is absolutely disgraceful on the part or any major American Company.

*The lower case is done on purpose as any company that behaves in this manner does not deserve to be recognize with the professionalism of an upper case starting character.

Pops

Another Safe Landing....Well Sort Of!

Ah, another day in the life of an AIRBORNE soldier!  Up at 0300 hours, on base at 0400 hours.  gear up for a nice "Hollywood" jump at an airshow, home and down a suds or two and call it a day.  Well, that was the plan.  Let's see when does a plan go wrong?  Hmmm.  Oh I remember.  Just when you think all is well.  It's like ABNMOMMA  once told me. Never walk into the Emergency Room and say, gee it's quiet in here.  She was a nurse you remember.  Anyway back to my story. 

Specialist Jacob and some other fine soldiers from the 82nd were scheduled to make a nice crowd pleasing "Hollywood" jump at an airshow today.  Hollywood is a term used for a nice easy jump just the parachute and backup.  No heavy equipment or gear.  Jus step out, grap some silk and float to Mother Earth.  Grab your chute back to the trucks and ride and ready for home.  Hmm, now where did this all go wrong.  Oh just about the time the wind started picking up and the air show got canceled, AFTER, everybody was loaded up in the birds.  Not being one to waste a chance for training it is my understanding someone higher up than a Sgt. decided if the wind layed low for a while the group might as well jump.  Well it did lay low FOR A WHILE.  It started to pick back up when the last person went out the door of the second bird.  The other two planes in the formation stopped their jumpers.

It is my understanding from a somewhat highly irriated Specialist and a couple of Sgts. they knew they were in trouble on the way down.  Something about being sideways, I  think he said.  It is usually feet first.  Apparently the young Specialist and 3 Sgts.  landed on everything but their feet and couple of them on their heads.  After being drug a couple of hundred feet and wobbling back to the pickup point said Specialist and said Sgts. were escorted by the Medic to the Docs office for evaluation.  Bumps, bruises, bangs and abrasions were examined along with their mental capcities.  All were informed to head home and report back in the morning.  Oh yes, take 800 MG of ibroprofen.  Just for good measure.

I await a text message from Specialist Jacob to make sure his brain wasn't severly scramble.

Film at 11:00.

Merry Christmas  to all and I have to get up a 0400 tomorrow myself so, to all a good night.

I'll proof  this tomorrow.

Pops

Damn, Wait and see for another day!

I just finished listening to President Obama make his speech from West Point.    I see the pundits on TV are all ready slamming the President's  plan.  From a strictly personal point of view it has taken  him 3 months to make this decision so I will give myself a couple of days to digest it. I wasn't motivated to the point of standing up and cheering his speech and was turned off by his several references to the previous administration as failure there.  That had nothing to do with the mission at hand. I felt it unnecessary and low class.

I have spent most of the day searching the web and blogs and news sources for solid units for deployment info but have found none I feel creditable enough to say Specialist Jacob is going or staying.  Damn, wait and see for another day!  I really don't want to put my Google earth to work again,  I don't really want to have Reuters and other world news media on my favorites to monitor war news, and I really don't want to search the DOD web site for soldiers I might have met. I sure as hell don't want to wait out the dreaded "unidentified soldier, pending notification of next of kin".  These are all things parents, wives, husband's and love ones go through when "their soldier" deploys.

Like all parents and love ones we will deal with it the best way we can and pray for our soldier as we pray for all soldiers in harms way.  God Bless America and those who defend our freedoms.

They call me Pops

NON-URGENT REQUEST

Today is ABNMOMMA'S birthday.  While I will be somewhat sad about missing her my heart will be with the Speilman family who wife and mom passed away a few days ago from the dreaded disease breast cancer.  As I have said before I had 32 years with ABNMOMMA and all our children are grown.  She held everyone of our grandchildren.  Now the Speilman family has no wife, no mom and no grandma.  Don't worry about me just say your prayers for Chris Speilman and his four children.

I will behave and celebrate her birthday by doing something she was always getting after me to help with "house cleaning".  Can somebody help me.? What is the ratio for vinegar and water for cleaning glass?  That's what she always used and I don't know what the mixture is!

Merry Christmas to all and please help!

Pops 

Veterans Day

No words can or will ever be enough for what you Veterans have given us, the American People.  Quite simply,

Thank You and God Bless,

Pops

In Memory

No words can express this Nation's gratitude to our Fallen Warriors, or Heroes. I will only link to the Fox News Channel's site with bios on the Fallen Warriors, military and civilian at Fort Hood this week. God Bless them and give strength to their families at this time of need and comfort.


The Fort Hood Fallen:


Pops

A Time for Reasoning

Good Evening,

Even though I have the pleasure of having my AIRBORNE Soldier home for the next week I am skipping posting about us. I am simply copying and pasting part of an article from PatriotPost.US I was reading. It just made me do a little deep thinking. Here is the partial text by Mark Alexander:

In a recent discussion with a colleague, I lamented the fact that too few American citizens understand their obligation, before all others, to support and defend our Constitution, much less, engender the ability to do so. She responded that, though she considered herself a conservative (mostly because she identifies closely with some conservative principles), understanding our Constitution was not her "passion."

My friend holds degrees from the nation's finest academic institutions and is professional in all her endeavors. However, like most Americans under 50 years of age, she never had a basic civics course and consequently has a difficult time articulating even the most fundamental constitutional principles.

The fact is, as Americans, we not only enjoy the rights affirmed by our Constitution, we have obligations to understand the mechanics of that affirmation in order to sustain it for our generation and those to come.

No matter what our calling, our occupation or our passion, we have a debt and duty as citizens to both learn about and support our Constitution, and we are obliged to do so above and before all other pursuits, for without constitutional Rule of Law, there are no other pursuits.

You can read the complete article here: Patriot Post.

Sometimes things don't always go right

There is a saying in families associated with police work, you may have heard it. It goes like this. Some days you get the "bear" some days the "bear" gets you. In Ohio, the "bear" most often refers to our State Troopers who wear a Smokey Bear like hat. In Ohio, they are know as tough but honest and absolutely hell on speeders. Traffic Enforcement IS their number one priority.

Sometimes, here in Ohio, the "bear" just refers to a situation. If you get the "bear" the situation turned out in your favor. If the "bear" gets you.....well you get the point.

In the photo to the left you will notice small brown spots on Specialist Jacob's neck. These are called riser burns. Something like floor burns for you jocks. In the 82nd AIRBORNE it is a sign something did not go quite right while "exiting a high performance military aircraft at an altitude of approximately 900 feet".

Now, I am not quite sure how all this happens. I believe the risers are the straps that hold the BIG silk like canopy to a harness that holds the paratrooper. Accordingly if you are not in the proper position while "exiting a high performance military aircraft" when the BIG silk like canopy is opened these straps may slide rapidly up your face and cheek and give you RISER BURNS!

I have been informed that said paratrooper WAS in the proper position when "exiting the high performance military aircraft". I can only imagine this was truly The Day the World Stood Still. At least for a second or two because that is the only thing I can think of that would cause the paratrooper to be out of position. We all know a paratrooper never does anything wrong!

Where is he NOW!

Ah, that's right fellow bloggers where is the elusive ABNPOPPA? You get two guesses. Keep in mind I just came back from Kansas City visiting Aaron, the elder, and grandchildren. Sarah, the daughter, lives four miles from the homestead. Jacob, the Warrior, lives at Fort Bragg (or where ever Uncle Sam tells him). Well for those who know me well, you guessed correctly. Fort Bragg. Hey! what good is having kids out of state if you can't go bother them once in a while!

Actually, most likely this will be my last trip for a while. My current employer, the world's largest retailer is cutting back hours in preparation for a big Christmas, yes, I said Christmas season. In order to not pay too much to their hard working employees they give us time off. Of course it is just before the season but none the less time off.

Not meant to offend any persons from West Virginia but the turnpike was a mess last night. Rain, trucks, idiots going 75MPH when the conditions dictated about 35. I had a dead man grip on the steering wheel for about 125 miles. Whine, whine my old arthritic hands hurt today from squeezing so hard for hanging on for dear life. Must of had an Angel on board or at least watching over me.

So far on this jaunt we have accomplished nearly NOTHING. Jacob says the ARMY has been working them long and hard. Just to prove his point he took about a two hour nap today. He got a 4 day weekend. Probably because the General knew I was coming. LOL. I tried to outdo him but failed. Tomorrow is Saturday and I WILL TRY HARDER!! We did manage breakfast at the Waffle House and picked up some manly groceries. Pop Tarts, chips, pop, etc. You know real healthy stuff. He mentioned something about mowing the lawn, fortunately, I was able to talk him out of it. It's not knee high yet.

Not sure what's in store for din din but I believe pizza was mentioned however so was BW3. Any body have a coin to toss?

Yo'al have a good weekend, I know I will!

Pops

Blogging from .....Kansas City

GOTTCA!



Yes, I know you were expecting to see "Blogging from Fayville" Like I said GOTTCA! As I sometimes do I forget that I have other children besides the Warrior, Jacob. I really am not going to start a blog for each of the 3 children so I will use Mark 1:11 to blog about Aaron, the elder, and his children. Aaron is a carpenter by profession if you call building Target Stores, Bass Pro Shops, Arrowhead Stadium a carpenter, then that is what he is.



He's been a carpenter for about 15 years and lived in Kansas City for about the last 7 years. After soccer games today we went and toured the Bass Pro Shop in Blue Springs Mo. My golly, what they can do with concrete nowadays. On this project, Aaron was charged with doing some major concrete forming projects.



First I don't believe there is a straight line or square section of concrete more than 8 footling. The concrete is about 5 or 6 different colors, has animal tracks and leaf impressions in it and in some places in the store it looks like marble. He told me the smooth effect was because the dried concrete goes through a process where actual diamond dust is used in a grinding wheel to achieve the marble like finish. Another area looks like brown raw slate. Here again the concrete is stained a multitude of brown colors and muriatic acid is applied. Someway, somehow a rough slate effect is achieved.



If you have never been to a Bass Pro Shop it is an experience to say the least. This one has an aquarium with a locally caught catfish that weighed in at a WHOPPING 103 pounds! WOW! There were some other fish in there also but this catfish just dwarfed them. They also had stuffed animals of about every kind from North America. I took some pictures of my grandson Ryan, in front of a couple and hope to post them in the next few days. Tauri, my 5 year old granddaughter was being a little camera shy today. I did manage to get a sneak a couple of piks of her without her knowing, I think.

After the tour of the Bass Pro Shop we went home and watched Ohio State football, and of course my team the Oregon Ducks, It was happy in the house as both teams won. A cookout of dogs, brats, burgers and chips finished off the day. Children and grandchildren are so much fun. What a wonderful day. Now a shower, night-time snack and off to sleep. Tomorrow is another day.*

This post proofread by Ryan, age 10 and a straight "A" student.

I just wanted to let you all know a little more about my youngin's and what they are like.


God Bless America and our brave warriors!



Pops

CUT BAIT OR FISH, MR. PRESIDENT!

This is a blog about my AIRBORNE son and his comrades. I am very reluctant to use this blog however, after careful consideration I am using it. Why? Because this affects him and every Soldier, Sailor, Marine and Airman fighting for OUR Freedom.

From about two months after 9-11 the Democratic far left has been screaming President Bush made the wrong move by going to Iraq instead of Afghanistan. President Obama was one of the loudest voices. He and other Democrats wanted the US's war effort directed toward the killing (maybe) or capturing of Bin Laden reportedly in Afghanistan. President Obama used that as a platform, so to speak, as one of his campaign promises.

After being elected he fired, President Bush's Commander of the war effort and replaced him with "his" new commander. Gen. Stanley McChrystal was installed and advised to develop a new plan for Afghanistan. He did just that. This week the Washington Post leaked a report that said,

Senior military officials emphasized Monday that McChrystal's conclusion that the U.S. effort in Afghanistan "will likely result in failure" without an urgent infusion of troops has been endorsed by the uniformed leadership. That includes Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mike Mullen and Gen. David H. Petraeus.*

Once again, a Democratic President is in a position of having American troops fight and die in a war without the Commander in Chief's full and total support. IMHO this is TREASON or at the very least cowardice on the part of President Obama. He has either purposely or through malfeasance failed to uphold his Constitutional oath.

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." **

Malfeasance: noun Law. the performance by a public official of an act that is legally unjustified, harmful, or contrary to law; wrongdoing (used esp. of an act in violation of a public trust). ***

The oath says to the best of my ability and maybe this is as good as it gets, if so step down President Obama our young Warriors deserve better. Perhaps he could stay in the White House for a while and off the television long enough to read "his" General's report.

It is further being reported that when previously faced with this assessment in March of this year President Obama failed to act on it and said he needed more time. This classified report is only now coming out. It now appears President Obama does not believe HIS own Commander he assigned to conduct this war effort. It is also being reported on Fox News that General McChrystal was instructed by his superior, Secretary of Defense Gates NOT to appear before Congress after the report was prepared and given to this Administration.

According to top Presidential advisers President Obama "wants more time" before making a decision about what to do in Afghanistan. MR PRESIDENT HOW MUCH MORE DAMN TIME DO YOU WANT? HOW MANY MORE OF OUR YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN MUST BE KILLED OR MAIMED BEFORE YOU GET A SET OF KOHONIES AND GET INTO THIS WAR, (which you wanted as Senator, all 105 days) OR GET THE HELL OUT!!!

It seems to me President Obama is willing to rush forward with a health care plan, a plan to bail out the auto industry, a plan to raise energy costs by $1700+ for the average American, spend Trillions of $$$$ to put Americans back to work but unwilling to make a decision where the lives of our brave young Warriors are at stake.

And yes, I am upset to say the least, I have a dog in this fight and want him to have every advantage he and his warriors can get!!!

Pops,
Damn right I'm proud of my AIRBORNE soldier!

*By Karen DeYoung
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 22, 2009

**http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/pihtml/pioaths.html

*** Wikepedia

I Went to Church Today

I went to church today as is my habit on most Sunday mornings. I have seldom mentioned going to church on this blog but, on occasions it seems appropriate. I am not going to try to convince you that you need to spend Sunday morning or Friday evening or whatever your Sabbath day is, in a temple or church or whatever. That's not what this post is about.

It's about the sometimes strangeness I see in totally what appears to be unrelated happenings in my life. Most of my followers know ABNMOMMA passed away in March of this year as the result of lung cancer. Many of you also know that my Pastor's wife, Linda, was diagnosed a short 5 weeks later with Stage 3 Breast cancer. Some of you even know I wondered out loud in my emails to you and on my blogs if these two incidents had some meaning to them. Meaning that I and my good friend Pastor were not aware of.

Thursday I emailed Pastor and asked him to say a few words for the family of Staff Sgt. Michael Murphrey at this Sunday's service. I admit with Pastor be retired US ARMY this didn't take much encouragement from me. Pastor fulfilled his promise as did our associate Pastor during morning prayer. I know Pastor begins to work on next Sunday's sermon and service on Tuesday so by Thursday when my email arrived late in the evening this Sunday's service was most likely completed.

After morning prayers the first Congregational song was "The Steps of a Good Man". It is from a passage in Psalms. It goes like this:

Psalms 37: 23-26 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand. I have been young and am now old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful and lendeth and his seed is blessed.

I never had the chance to meet Staff Sgt. Michael Murphery but I am certain of one thing. This is the kind of man God had in His Plan described in this Psalm. He gave his all for his family, friends and country. I am certain, in my mind, the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.

What does this mean. Do you see any possible Divine intervention in these two incidents in my life? It has to make you wonder. It does me.

As I proof read this before posting I noticed one mistake and I want to correct it here. Does it make me wonder, NO, Why? Because I know He has a plan. I just don't know all the details.

God Bless America and all our brave Warriors!

May He Rest in Peace

No words can ever express the sadness one feels when we loose a young warrior. This extended family of military parents has more often than not never met. As my friend and fellow blogger stated today, we wouldn't know each other if we walked through an airport together. This is true. But are hearts are joyful together as we celebrate the returning home safely of our young warriors.

In joy there must be sadness and with sadness there is pain. A pain that cannot be explained or described. This is the pain I and my extended military family feels at the lost of one of our warriors. Today, the Department of Defense announced:

Staff Sgt. Michael C. Murphrey, 25, of Snyder, Texas, died Sept. 6 in Paktika province, Afghanistan. More

May God be with his family and loved ones and may he Rest in Peace.

AIRBORNE! ALL THE WAY, SIR!

Pops

I'm OK

First the good news, I'm OK. While at work today I nearly had a heart attack! But, I'm ok. My day started off quite normally as can be for a semi-retired part-time produce employee for the world's largest retailer. Toss the potatoes and squeeze the tomatoes. Stack the CoC (Corn on Cob), cull the lettuce etc. You get the picture. I was a little discourage because I had planned to have a little cook-out this weekend with my daughter and her family, Pastor and Linda, my partner from the county and his wife and Jacob, if he got a 3 day pass.

My, partner Steve emailed me and said he and his wife would be out. That was nice. I hadn't ask Pastor yet, figured I'd do that at church on Sunday. Jacob had been in the field since Monday and I had few messages from him save, "I in the field" Wednesday. Wednesday night, "I'm in the field". Thursday afternoon my daughter called and said she and her family were not going to make it as her husband, "J" as we call him as signed them up for a Corn Seed Selling dinner a month ago and had just told her. Besides farming about 500 acres he sells corn seed and paints silos for other farmers. I was a little disappointed and told Steve, my partner it may be a threesome as Sarah just canceled and I hadn't heard from Jacob.

Wrong thing to say. Shortly after the conversation with Steve, I get the text from Jacob, "I still in the &%%$#@@#&**&^$ field. Well that about bottomed me out. Held my head up high and said a couple Hail Marys, which is interesting because I am not Catholic. But, I felt the need to do something.

This morning I get a text from Jacob saying "How's work today?" Keeping a stiff upper lip I say doing well, 8 skids/pallets, for those of you from Loma Linda, still at work until 1045hours. That was at 0945hours. Text: "Just got back from the field" Well, I have something to be thankful for another exercise completed and Jacob back safely. Back to work. Needless to say more than slightly disappointed but nonetheless thankful he is in one piece. I don't like those night jumps but he doesn't seem to mind. I guess that's why he is AIRBORNE and I was military intelligence. No wisecracks please. I have heard them all.

Now I am sweating culling the lettuce 'cause I am running out. I'm getting mad at who does the ordering, my manager, my store manager and Sam Walton just for starting the business. Then with 3, 4x4 foot skids on the floor some jerk is tapping me on the shoulder saying "Hey, Buddy, where can I find some watermelons?" Can you say I D I OT! Do you know what that really spells. J A C O B!

I turned around and there stood Specialist 4th Class Jacob. That's when I almost had the heart attack! He had a grin on his face from ear to ear like the canary that ate the cat! I was so excited I literally was speechless! And for any of you that know me personally that's saying something. It took me a full five minutes to somewhat regain my composure. I know I looked like a fool but my eyes welled up and all I could say was "what are you doing here?" The reply, "I just wanted to surprise you". He succeeded! He even conned his sister and brother into keeping up the ploy!

Folks we so often hear about the bad side of the younger generation. We so often criticize them. We so often say we are blessed to live in this county. I am very much aware I am not the only parent who has been surprised by his/her soldier child but........This kid (our kids) are truly great. Yes, we must at sometime let them leave the nest and fly but we are blessed by the Grace of God to have them in our lives if even for a short time.

Thank you God and Thank you Jacob.

Has it been THAT long!

Goodness gracious! I just looked at the date of my last post and it was August 19,2009. In a way I guess that is good. Since then Jacob has been on CQ, in the field and made another night jump. It was suppose to be at 2100 hours. Of course with the ARMY he finally made the jump at 0030 hours. To quote Jacob, "Dad, I landed so soft you would have thought G-d was setting me on the ground. I never had a landing that good". Coming from Jacob that is quite a big deal.

On a sad part I saw on the news where 45 brave young warriors had made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan last month. A co-worker at the world's largest retailer said to me she didn't understand all the fuss over Michael Jackson's death. Why, she asked was he revered for making music. I agreed with her and threw in Elvis. Then I casually said I don't understand why these 45 young warriors weren't given the same media coverage. Dianne replied they are the true heroes, they are the ones who should be on the news and revered. Of course I agreed.

It made me wonder, why isn't the media covering the Afghanistan war on terror. When George Bush was the President a day didn't go by without a body count. Now that Hussein Obama is President ABC and NBC don't run anything Afghan news at all. Is there anything to this media bias? I'll report, you decide. G-d Bless those young warriors and may G-d stand silently by their loved ones with his comforting arms around them.

On a lighter side I went to McDonalds the other day with Jacob's niece and nephew. Happy Meals are still in with the little ones I guess. While doing the order, wait, wait, and watch to very active 4 and 7 year old grandchildren I see a sign BEHIND the counter. It read:

Braille Menus and Picture Menus available upon request.

Now I don't mean to be un-politically correct HOWEVER, does that make any sense to ANYBODY!!!

Please correct me if I am wrong but Braille is a means for blind people to read by touch. Let me say again, THE SIGN WAS BEHIND THE COUNTER!!!

Picture Menus I would surmise are for people WHO DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH or perhaps can't read a regular menu. am I missing something here. If you can't read .........Oh I give up!

Have a good Sunday and a great week.

G-d Bless American and y'all!

The day the music stopped

Friends you have got to clik on this link and read today's post from Citizen Soldier. If it don't make you pop the buttons off your shirt, check your pulse, YOUR NOT ALIVE!

The Ups and Downs of a Military Parent

The text msg read; Leaving Fayville now. That was at 2030 hours Thursday night. We had waited all week to see if Jacob's 3 Day pass would be approved. I found out at 3:30PM Thursday afternoon with the first text msg. At that time no departure time was discussed. I, like the dummy I am assumed he would get up early in the morning and drive in Friday. WRONG!

The ups and downs. UPPER Great he's on his way. I will see my son in a short approximately 8 hours. Hoooorahhh!.........Let's see it's 2030 hours, translated to civilian time 8:30AM, plus 8 hours means he will get here about.....oh my....4:30AM. Let's see, again. he gets up at....0430hours drives 8 hours gets here at 4:30AM that's 24 hours without sleep. The next to last part is through West Virginia and the West Virginia Turnpike. Great, up-down-around a curve, up then a curve, down, at night time. Horse manure! DOWNER

Ok, think this through. UPPER If he gets here at 4:30AM you will have 20 minutes to visit, go to work while he sleeps and be home by noon. Then you can go to dinner and visit over some decent chow and a brewsky and ice tea (for me). Both can get to bed early, he can sleep in, you can go to work and be home and go from there.

DOWNER, I couldn't get to sleep at my normal time 9:30PM. Last time I looked at the clock it was 12:10AM. I had been tossing and turning and worrying about Jacob driving by himself and especially through the mountains. At 3:50AM I'M awake. The alarm hasn't gone of and I feel like I haven't slept all night. UPPER Shower, shave, coffee, reading the Internet news and Jacob walks through the kitchen door. DOWNER, It's 5:00AM and I'm late for work 'cause we been talking and I haven't paid attention to the time.

Home at 1:00PM. Jacob's asleep on the couch. He wakes up and says he couldn't get to sleep because he was too tired. Been there, done that, and own the T-shirt. UPPER Finally we get ourselves together and go to BW 3's for dinner. After watching NASCAR qualifying at BW3'S we go home. DOWNER We have a few left over items to discuss about ABNMOMMA which leads to other issues about me and what will happen when my time comes. The next thing I know it's midnight. He's going to watch TV I am going to bed. We have made plans to meet up with my ex-partner at the county and his father to go paint balling on Saturday. This a concern for me as:
A. I'm 61 years old and Steve's dad is only 51. Jacob and Steve are in their 20's
B. Jacob's unit was part of President Bush's surge force and he has earned his CAB. Both indicate he has been involved in some not so nice times. How will he react.

DOWNER Paint ball didn't go over well on a couple of counts. Jacob did pretty well but said it gave him some chills. The old man tripped over a tree root, fell smack on his kisser and someway hurt hurt his foot to the point it's very tender to walk on.
UPPER Sunday morning we both get up about the same time, drink about 2 pots of coffee and eat some stale donuts. I can hear ABNMOMMA groaning and then smiling saying something like that's my boys. DOWNER We finally decide it's time for him to head by to Fayville. We pack the car with a few things and Michael's leftover clothes, 10 pounds of hamburger I got from Wally World, final goodbye and he off to pick up Michael at his other grandparents.

DOWNER
Text; 1:30PM south bound on 33
Text 2;56PM West Virginia
Text 4:47PM Beckly (West Virginia)
Text 7:30PM Nc
UPPER
Text 9:59PM Made it.

Now as we have said so often, we deal with it. Phone calls and text msgs are nice but there is nothing like a hug from your soldier!

GOD BLESS AMERICA & ALL OUR WARRIORS

Bumper Stickers on a Marine Base

I hadn't realized it had been so long since I had posted. Specialist Jacob has just returned to his battery after spending a month in heaven as he says. He was assigned to the General's pool of drivers for the month of July. The highlight of his month long detail was driving the wife of a foreign head of state around while the head of state went to meetings. He said she did some shopping and had several meeting on base with other wives. He was most impressed when he transported her to a fancy restaurant, the name of which I forget. Shortly after arriving she returned, asked Jacob if he had eaten which he hadn't. She left and returned with what he called a huge plate of food for him. He said that really caught him off guard.

I have stolen a bumper sticker seen on a Marine base by my friend and fellow blogger Citizen Soldier. Go to his web site for some more very interesting bumper stickers. Here is one for Jacob.

Artillery Brings Dignity to What Would Otherwise Be Just A Brawl"

God Bless America and our Warriors

Darrell "Shifty " Powers RIP

This email message was sent to me by a soldier who is currently protecting and serving us in Afghanistan. If he has time to send this to me we certainly have time to pass it on

Memorial Service: you're invited.
> >> We're hearing a lot today about big
> >> splashy memorial services.
> >> I would like a nationwide memorial service
> >> for Darrell "Shifty" Powers.
> >> Shifty volunteered for the airborne in
> >> WWII and served with Easy Company of the 506th
> >> Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the
> >> 101st Airborne Infantry. If you've seen Band of Brothers
on HBO or the History Channel, you know
> >> Shifty. His character appears in all 10 episodes,> and
Shifty himself is interviewed in several
of them.
I met Shifty in the Philadelphia airport
several years ago. I didn't know who he was at the
> time.
I just saw an elderly gentleman having
> >> trouble reading his ticket. I offered to help,
> assured him
that he was at the right gate, and noticed
> >> the "Screaming Eagle", the symbol of the 101st
> Airborne,
on his hat.
> Making conversation, I asked him if he'd
> >> been in the 101st Airborne or if his son was
> serving.
He said quietly that he had been in the
> >> 101st.
I thanked him for his service, then asked
> >> him when he served, and how many jumps he made.
Quietly and humbly, he said "Well, I guess
> >> I signed up in 1941 or so, and was in until
> sometime
in 1945 . . . " at which point my heart
> >> skipped.
> At that point, again, very humbly, he said
> >> "I made the 5 training jumps at Toccoa, and then
jumped into Normandy . . . . do you know
> >> where Normandy is?" At this point my heart
> stopped.
I told him yes, I know exactly where
> >> Normandy was, and I know what D-Day was.
At that point he said "I also made a
> >> second jump into Holland , into Arnhem .."
I was standing with a genuine war hero . .
... and then I realized that it was June, just
> after the
anniversary of D-Day.
I asked Shifty if he was on his way back
> >> from France , and he said "Yes. And it's real sad
because these days so few of the guys are
> >> left, and those that are, lots of them can't make
the trip." My heart was in my throat and I
> >> didn't know what to say.
I helped Shifty get onto the plane and
> >> then realized he was back in Coach, while I was
> in
First Class. I sent the flight attendant
> >> back to get him and said that I wanted to switch
> seats.
When Shifty came forward, I got up out of
> >> the seat and told him I wanted him to have it,
that I'd take his in coach.
He said "No, son, you enjoy that seat.
> >> Just knowing that there are still some who
> remember
what we did and still care is enough to
> >> make an old man very happy." His eyes were filling
> up
as he said it. And mine are brimming up
> >> now as I write this.
Shifty died on June 17 after fighting
cancer.
There was no parade.
No big event in Staples Center ...
No wall to wall back to back 24 x 7 news
> >> coverage.
No weeping fans on television.
And that's not right.
Let's give Shifty his own Memorial
> >> Service, online, in our own quiet way.
Please forward this email to everyone you
> >> know. Especially to the veterans.

Rest in peace, Shifty.

"A nation without heroes is nothing.
Roberto Clemente

How Did I Let This Happen!!!

That is the question I keep asking myself. Now and all the way back from Fayville. What was I thinking? Well, the answer to that was........I wasn't! At least not conscience anyway. Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you what I am whining about. Well not really whining about. Let's be kind and say questioning my mental makeup, my intelligence level, my......my......sanity (?)! Oops, off track again. I allowed my son and his wife to talk me into bringing my 15 year old grandson home with me. FOR THE SUMMER!! What was I thinking? Me and a 15 year old. I can't even take care of myself!

I guess that proves grandpa can't "just say no". What in the world will a 61 year seasoned citizen do and talk about with a 15 year old kid. When I was 15 I knew everything, much more than my mom and dad. I am certain I knew more than my grandfather. At least I thought I did! OK, so here goes.

First let me say this. Michael, my grandson, son of Jacob and Ally came to stay with us two summers ago after Jacob was deployed to Iraq. He then came back last summer. Now he is here this summer. What started out as grandma and grandpa trying to calm his fears about Jacob being deployed and him being the oldest has turned into a tradition. One, I do not think I will regret. At this time of my life I could use a little company. Let me give you a quick rundown of the first couple days.

Monday got home around 2000 hours. I unpacked, Michael played on the computer.
Tuesday 0400 hours, I got up to go to work. Michael was playing on the computer.
Wednesday 0400 hours, I got up o go to work, Michael was playing on the computer.
Thursday 0400 hours, I got up to go to work. Michael was playing on the computer.
Ditto
Ditto
Sunday 0800 hours, I got up to go to church, Michael sleeping on the couch by the computer.
Sunday 0900 hours, I got Michael up to go to church.
Sunday 1200 hours, I took us out to lunch. Just like 4 of the previous 6 days. Michael never buys!

I took him to the mall. Gave him $20.00 to get something to eat. Did I get my change back. No. He's just like his father. We went to the mall again. I had to buy diner with him having money (mine) in his pocket. He forgot his Sunday go to Meetin' shoes. I had to buy him some new ones. Can't go to church in Nikes, can you? I am done eating he is poky butting along. AHHAH! Now I know what's taking so long. Long brown hair, cute face in shorts and a Ohio University T-shirt. Well, good news, he appears to be normal!

On the serious side. Michael is a prince of a grandchild. He is always there to help me and her when necessary. He doesn't complain about mowing the yard or helping wash the windows. His pants don't hang down to his knees and he quite a smart guy. He would eat anything ABNMOMMA put on his plate and do anything she asked of him. I hope he can eat my cooking. We all know it's not even close to hers, edible but that's about it.

Today we were talking about grandma and her type of cancer. He goes into a dissertation on dominate and recessive genes and how they may have been involved in her illness. Later he asked if I thought Jacob was going to be deployed again. Secretly I think he worries about this more than he lets on. I told him I honestly didn't know however, the likelihood was great that he would. He then asks if Iraq or Afghanistan is going to be another Vietnam. He said he doesn't understand why we were in Vietnam. I did my best to explain it to him. Did we lose the Vietnam War he asks? No, the military did not lose the Vietnam War, the politicians may have but not our soldiers.

You want to know what a 61 year seasoned citizens and a 15 year old young man talk about for two and a half hours? Try, I didn't quite understand the sermon today. Can you be religious and NOT go to church. Hmmm. Had to think on that. Why didn't he ask the Pastor that one? Well I believe it does say somewhere, "wherever two or more are gathered in His name"

Needless to say folks this is going to be a very good summer for me and I hope for Michael.

God Bless All,
Pops
Deo Volente

Fay'ville

Folks it was a quick but wonderful trip to the Home of the 82nd AIRBORNE. Nothing compares to Fort Bragg and the men and women stationed there. My apologies this is late but I was doing something nearly every minute. Really I didn't have that many minutes to start with. I got in about 2000 hours Friday night. Visited with Jacob and family for a couple hours then headed for the motel. Arrived there about 2200 hours. Showered, shaved and turned on the tube and, and, AND I COULDN'T GET TO SLEEP!!! Keep in mind I get up at 0400 hours to go to the Big W by 0500 hours. I should have crashed like North Korean missile launch! About 0230 hours I finally got sleepy and turned the tube off and dropped off to Never, Never, Land. Not Neverland Ranch!

Do I sleep until noon. Heck no! The ol' bod is use to getting up at 0400 hours and that's what it did. Do you have any idea what there is to do in Fay'ville at 0500 hours on a Saturday morning? Not a whole lot, that's for sure. After waking the rest of the clan up Jacob and I went to breakfast/lunch by the time he got moving. Some nice conversation and then back to the hotel. Fort Bragg had a concert with a country and western fellow, I don't remember his name and the Golden Knights descended. Oohs and Awes coming from everyone. They signed autographed pictures for what seemed like hours.

Then came the salute. About 8 howitzers lined up and as every state in the Unions name and nickname was called the state flag was marched out and a cannon fired off. The crowd cheered as their states name was called. That was the good part. Every state received a huge round of applause that was only drowned out by the roar of the cannon. America Proud.

On to the fireworks which were pretty darn good if you ask me. Although having seen more than a couple of displays I was not hanging on each thump, whoosh, and bang like the little kids. It was a very good evening. Home for Jacob and family and back to the hotel for yours truly. A little better sleep this night as everything seemed to be catching up.

THEN;

Sunday and the party. Sgt. Anderson, who will be referred to by his Christian name, Kody, was kind enough to have a little 5th of July get together and I was cordially invited. There is nothing quite like a party where the main game is "beer pong" If you know what that is, OK. If you don't your are probably better off. Kody did the grilling and the section guys and their wives did the chillin'. His bacon wraps were fantastic. I know because I ate more than I should have. His wife Nicole, made Sgt. Taggart and me her Asian Salad. We both like it......A LOT! Sgt. Taggart was kind enough to respect my senior years and allowed me to get my second helping first. Good thing too. After he got his there just wasn't much left.

The evening broke up about 2300 hours with most people leaving and going home. Of course there are always the selected few who wish to continue their partying ways. With the help of two other designated drivers this group was taken to a nice small neighborhood tavern. Which I understand they helped close up at quittin' time. I was a little out of place and made a diplomatic exit after depositing Specialist Jacob there. That was quite a reversal of previous times when I would pick him up at a watering hole, not drop him off. We both got a good laugh from that one.
I do believe I felt better on Sunday morning than he did.

Bottom line it was a wonderful time and we got to spend some time together talking about ABNMOMMA which I think was good for him. I was lucky enough to have my grandson Michael come home with me just like in the past. He was very diplomatic saying he didn't care if I couldn't cook as well as grandma, we could just eat out more often. From the mouths of babes, go figure.

Well, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

God Bless America and our wonderful brave warriors!

Pops

BLOGIN' FROM FAY'VILLE

Hey! What more could the father of an 82nd AIRBORNE Paratrooper ask for on Independence Day than to celebrate it with a bunch of battle hardened warriors! As the title indicates I am at the home of the 82nd AIRBORNE and Special Ops Units, Fayetteville, North Carolina. There's more Red, White and Blue here than any place in the world, IMHO, of course. I mean this town just ozzes Patriotism. You can almost smell it in the air. Perhaps that's gun powder.

I had an easy drive down from Ohio, home of Pops and of course my beloved ABNMOMMA. It was a little lonely as she always had the directions but somehow I made it. I am sure I saw her riding shotgun a couple of times just before each critical turn. That's where I need help the most.

Along with some goodies for the grandkids I brought Jacob 2 of his favorite pizzas from Ohio. I kept them warm by placing them on the floor of the car near the transmission. I don't really think he cared if they were warm. Not the way he and Mike, my grandson, were wolfing them down. Of course he greeted me with a cold tall frosty beer, of the A&W variety. It's one of those silly parent/son things I was talking about earlier.

His wife is planning our day tomorrow and of course fireworks at the end of it. Sometime during the day I have to get up the nerve to find out if there is a place we can go and jump out of a real live airplane. I don't think the ARMY will let me use their equipment like they may have done for President Bush. This may come to a shock to him 'cause I always said I don't think it's going to happen. I will keep you all posted and will tell the truth if I chicken out!

At some time we are going to try and get an update on Specialist Lesh. I will post it immediately if we are successful.

For those of you who read this have a Happy and Safe 4th of July! Remember those who keep us safe and free and those who have gone on to their just reward.

God Bless,
Pops, Deo Volente

Update

Although the news on Specialist Lesh is slow and sparse a Sargent in Jacob's section was able to make direct contract with him. He said "I'm ok but coming home" Of course coming home means his wounds are serious but we rejoice in him actually speaking on the phone. I will be heading to Fayville in the morning and hope to actually talk with the Sargent who spoke with him. Until then please keep Specialist Lesh in your prayers for a quick and speedy recovery.

Bless all of you who have given up prayers and passed this along. I know many of you have as I have had comments from several new bloggers.

Have a wonderful 4th of July and remember our warriors who keep us free.

Pops

Deo Volente

Emergency Prayer Request

Emergency Prayer Request

Good Evening fellow bloggers and followers.

I have an Emergency Prayer request.

I received a text from Jacob at 1203 hours this afternoon. He knows I get out of church around 1200 hours. When I saw the time I knew it was important. I called immediately. As best as has been determined at this point one of his fellow soldiers that he has kept in contact with since Basic Training and AIT was seriously injured yesterday. It seems he was involved in a secondary IED attack while going out on a rapid response to a primary IED attack. He received numerous shrapnel wounds on the left side of his body and face. He was talking and we are hoping no brain damage occurred. It appears the IED was packed with ball bearings which cause severe damage when traveling at explosive speeds.

Please put in your prayers and pass it on to your friends the complete and full recovery of Specialist Monte "Ike" Lesh.

Thank you so very, very much and Jacob thanks you also.

Pops

Silly Things Parents Do

I received a text this morning from Jacob. Nothing unusual there. He often texts (?) me during the week. Secretly I think he is checking up on the old guy. Nonetheless I got a text. It was short and sweet so to speak. This is our brief but informative transmissions:

Jacob: Tonight, 2130 exiting another high performance military aircraft, make sure you wave.

Pops: Roger that, don't look down!

Jacob: Never!

Pops: K (For non texters, short for "OK")

Simple enough wouldn't you say. Notice the "make sure you wave" Therein lies the Post Title, Silly Things Parents Do. Go get a beverage, box of popcorn, turn off the TV and tell your spouse you are reading something written by a NUT. Well I am a Buckeye and Buckeyes are nuts!

It started a long time ago in a land far, far way, Georgia I believe is the name of the province, Fort Benning is the name of the hamlet. I received a phone call from PFC Courtright telling me he would be "exiting a high performance military aircraft" at a certain hour. Being the good father I am (I think so and I'm the one that counts for me) I told him I would wave to him as he floated down from the heavenly sky. Of course he thought I was joking and said he would wave back if time permitted. Fat chance he has about, I don't know 20-30 seconds to make sure everything is ok, drop his pack and prepare for the sudden stop. But I ramble.

At the precise hour like all good husbands at the appointed time I am sitting in my Lazy Boy with my remote in MY hand. ABNMOMMA was not allowed to handle the remote if I was home. I exited a high performance civilian Lazy Boy and since our passive solar house faces south, imagine that, walked out on the front porch, looked south, extended my right arm in the air and did a manly beauty queen wave. After about 10-15 seconds I returned to my former position as the King of my castle in my throne and again took up the remote and began to surf.

A puzzled look came over ABNMOMMA'S face. After a short time she couldn't stand it and asked the question, "What were you doing?" I explained in detail of course, it's the manly thing to do. She gave me that wifely look like, what did I marry, immediately put her nose back in the book she was reading and mumble something my ears were not to hear, which they didn't.

Ever since that first "exiting a high performance military aircraft" Jacob has gotten word to me of the jump. I in turn have gone to the front porch at the appropriate time and waved. More often than not shortly afterward I get a message informing me of the quality of the contact with mother earth.

In case you are wondering, yes, I will be on my front porch at 2130 hours tonight, looking south and waving.

Parents do the silliest things.

Tell me/us/the blog-o-sphere about your silly thing with your kid or kids!

They call me Pops

A Great Cartoon

Hi Gang,

All is well at the Mark 1:11 Outrage Blog. Just taking a little time and working on some good posts. I hope you will think they are good.

For a great laugh go over to the Jungle Hut, Jungle Mom does a Saturday Morning Cartoon and today's is so worldly appropriate. Check it out @ The Jungle Hut.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads.

Pops

Let George Do It

Before I get started I want to wish Sgt Mark, soon to Civilian Mark Middlebrook a very happy life and good luck with his new college life and puppy Glider. Most of you know Sgt. Mark from his father's blog, The One Percenters. Sgt. Mark is leaving the Army today. Drop over to Sgt./Civilian Mark's blog Outside the Wire and wish him a good life. Congratulations for a job well done and thank you for your service to our country. HOOOOOOAAAAHHHH!


Has you may have noticed this blog has been a little quiet lately. With Specialist Jacob home at Fort Bragg and doing training missions and the like our family has taken a little breather. I would take this time to say that my lovely daughter has taken the time and opportunity to schedule us a little 4th of July trip to Fayville. Now this will be fun. It is the first time I have ridden 8 hours in a van with four children ages 6, 4,2, and 6 months. My son-in-law Jason remarked this will be the first time he has been in a van for 8 hours with me! Just kidding Sarah, just kidding, (She reads my blogs, when she's bored, I think). Jacob is scheduled to "exit a high performance aircraft at approximately 900 feet altitude" and fall effortlessly to the ground and land on his feet, we hope, on July 4th.

But, that's not why I am blogging today. Ever since Jacob joining the ARMY and got his AIRBORNE wings I have thought about jumping out an airplane. I have a friend who doesn't live far from here with two sons in the ARMY, both AIRBORNE and I am embarrassed to say she has jumped! Every time I see her, usually at the world's largest retailer while I'm working she asks me if I have jumped yet. I beg off and come up with some excuse as to why I haven't. Well today I am MOTIVATED.

Today, at the young age of 85 the First President Bush bailed out of an airplane to celebrate his birthday. Now this guy has got some intestinal fortitude if you ask me. If he can do it I am here to tell you I can do it. When I go to Fayville in July I am going to see how Jacob and I can get together someplace and sometime and give it a shot. NO GUTS, NO GLORY. (Besides, I am tired of being called a "leg" by him and his buddies!") Maybe I get a little respect like an old guy should get. Then again, maybe I'll get a broken leg! Ouch! Hmmm, Broken leg, time off work, Let me think about this.

God Bless America and our Brave young Warriors

Is This What our Sons and Daughters are Fighting For!

It is taking all the control I can muster not to let off with a string of epithets that would make this post XXX.

This seven minute video is despicable to say the least. Catch the bumper sticker on the white van at the end of the video.

Clik here for a disgusting muslim (I refuse to use a capital M) protest.

In God We Trust, America, Love it or Leave it!!!

Pops

This kid has to be military

Things are going well with Jacob and the ARMY so I have decided to post something lite. No Airborne Dad not lite beer! Lite humor!!

MOSES AND THE RED SEA

Nine year old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday School. Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then he radioed headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were save."

"Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?" his mother asked.

Well,no, Mob but if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!"

This child has to have a parent in the military!!

Give credit where credit is due. This story stolen from the May/June 2009 issue of Backwoods Home Magazine.

Pops

Are you going to finish strong!

My fellow blogger the Most Rev. Gregori has absolute the most awesome video about shear guts and determination at his blog LET THE TRUTH BE KNOWN. It is a must viewing. I give it a 10 for 10! Clik on his blog and then on the video. If this dosen't make you so glad for what you have you ain't gotta a heart!

How you going to FINISH?

By the way, Specialist Jacob landed on his feet Tuesday night and then fell on his butt. He called and whined about a bruise. I am going to have him view this video and then ask him again how the ride down and landing was. Betcha, he changes his mind!

AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY!

First let me thank all of you who responded to my post of the passing of my wonderful wife. I thank you for your prayers and comments. I wish I could personally thank you all in person. She was a wonderful person who will be greatly missed by me, her children, her grandchildren and patients. Bless you all.

A gentleman from the Funeral Home came to visit me today. He was a nice man and very considerate. He wanted to know how I and the family were doing. He left me with a brochure which I really didn't want but being a kind and gentler man today than two weeks ago I accepted it. I only mention this as the reason I am posting tonight. It discussed proper etiquette regarding Thank you cards and other appropriate issues. What it didn't discuss was when it was acceptable to return to your internet/blogging friends and family. Again, I just wish it were possible to personally thank all of your for your kind thoughts and prayers.

Mark 1:11 was named and dedicated to my youngest son, Jacob, who is in the ARMY. He is currently stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina with the 82nd AIRBORNE Division. He is in the same unit that Airborne Dad of the One Percenters son, Mark, is in although as of this time they have actually never met.

Mark 1:11 for those of you who may not know it is a Chapter and verse in the Bible. It is what God said about Jesus after Jesus was baptized by John.

Passage Mark 1:11:
¹¹And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

I felt this was an appropriate passage and summed up my feelings for him even before he joined the ARMY. I explain all this to lead up why I am posting tonight. During the past two weeks he spent nearly every hour of his leave with me. He drove me to the Doctors, to the Mall, and yes to the Funeral Home. He stood by while I wept and he stood by while I slept. Ramrod straight in his dress greens and spit shined boots. Nearly never showing emotion only concern for me and his brother and sister. In a statement, "he was there." This is not to say his brother and sister were not, but only to say he was. His mother was so terribly proud of him and worried like all mother's and father's do when he was deployed. She prayed daily not only for him but all the soldiers, sailors, marines and airman. She was a Blue Star mom and proud of it. She would approve of my posting tonight. This is why.

Jacob called today. He was on his way home from work. It was about 6:30PM for you civilians, 1830 hours for the military families. It was the usual questions about how you doing.? How was work? I returned on Tuesday. Everything OK? I did inform him I had received his text about his need to spill the contents of his stomach on his first run Tuesday morning. I got it about the time I was eating my breakfast. What timing. He just chuckled and said he would try to do it again. I told him he need not bother as I have been on runs and got sick also, so I know the feeling.

Then as a matter of fact he told me he had received the Army Achievement Medal today. He said it was presented by the BC (Brigade Commander) at an awards ceremony this afternoon. It was for dedication to his job and outstanding achievement in the performance of his duties. Of course I wanted to know all the facts and what it was about. He simply replied, I was just doing what I am trained and paid to do dad, that's all. Just my job.

After we hung up I thought to myself, Isn't that what they all are doing? What they are trained to do. Protect us, uphold the Constitution of the United States and keep us safe from harm. Every young man and woman who puts on a military uniform should be called up in front of the brigade and given a medal. Thanks to them all.

ABNMOMMA would approve of my posting, I'm sure.

The End of a Chapter

¹ The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
² He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
³ He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
⁴ Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
⁵ You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
⁶ Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.

ABNPOPPA and ABNMOMMA'S Great Adventure began on April 22, 1977. From a very strong discussion about woman's lib in college to the red color she wanted to paint the living room. Always, always a great adventure. At the young age of 21 she took up the challenge of raising a six year son which she was not the birth mother. She blessed me with a daughter and second son, Jacob, the warrior paratrooper.

We honeymooned in a two man pup tent because we couldn't afford a motel and it rained four of the 5 days. Soaked sleeping bags, soaked clothes but never a complaint. Always a smile and it will be better the next time.

She nursed not only the children she raised but in her 32 years as a Registered Nurse gave only the best care she could give to thousands of patients both in the hospital and later as a nurse who went to the patients homes because they couldn't travel to the doctor's office or pay to stay in a nursing home. I had the honor of driving her thru snow and ice to visit patients when the Sheriff''s department said any one on the roads would be arrested because they were so bad. Her patients needed her service and she was going to see they got it. During one winter blizzard the local police department sent out a four wheel drive vehicle to see she got to where she had to go.

She nursed her patients and nursed her family spending hours and hours with her mother when she developed pancreatic cancer. She nursed ABNPOPPA when he had emergency surgery on Christmas eve and she nursed more neighborhood kids than you could count.

She was a nurse's nurse.

She was a mom, grandma and wife to me for the best years of my life. On Tuesday morning she left the world we lived in together for nearly 32 years after a heroic battle against lung cancer. She was 53 years old.

This is not the end to our Great Adventure, only the ending of a chapter in the book. She has gone on to map out our next chapter as she always did finding places to stay, usually with a beach and usually with some historic sites. I will only have to say as I always did, where are we going and when do we leave.

Let not your heart be troubled, she has gone on to prepare the way, the same as our Savior.

ABNMOMMA, I love you Tiger! Thanks for giving me the best years of my life.

Pops

Things I don't need to know*

After a whirl wind tour through the sunny south, Thanks in part to AIRBORNE DAD who did some kind of special sun dance for us yankees, we arrived back at Fayville on Sunday evening. Specialist Jacob and his 1500 close friends had gotten back on Saturday from there camping trip.

This trip was very special to us as we got to visit with Jacob's battle buddy, Sgt. Anderson's mother who had also recently arrived. We missed each other when our boys came back from their tour in Iraq. This was our first time to just chat and visit. It was just fantastic. For those of you who don't know Sgt. Anderson lost his father while he was stationed in Iraq. See my post of February 12, 2008. It tells Sgt Anderson's story. The story is continued on my post of 3/30/08.

Sgt. Anderson, who will now be called by his Christian name Kody, fired up the grill, got out some of his "secret Lousianna sauce" and barbecue up some fine steaks, burgers and dogs. Several of "the guys" just happened to show up at dinner time and like all good soldiers and their families they shared with each other. Even the beverage. I believe it was soda pop. At least the cans were silver like Diet Coke! Kody's new bride whipped up a southern salad of green onions, carrots, sun flower seeds, sliced nuts, and her mother's recipe for the dressing. It was fantastic.

What struck me as the oldest person there was this. First, as I looked on and listened to these young men who had just spent 10 days in the muck, mud, rain and cold there were no complaints. Not one. They discussed, no they dissected the training session in a manner of a surgeon. What went right. What went wrong. What could be improved on. How can we do this better. Jacob is the oldest and is only 28 but as I listened I knew I was listening and observing professional soldiers. The finest soldiers any country can produce. Truly, The One Percenters.

The second thing about these young men was the respect. When Kody saw me get out of my car with ABNMOMMA he immediately stood up, removed his sacred LSU hat and came to the car. He shook my hand and then gave me a bear hug like none other. He immediately went to ABNMOMMA and hugged her, a little easier then escorted her to the garage and secured her a chair. It was raining slightly and we did the cook in the garage barbecue. As the other soldiers arrived, it was always the firm handshake then the bear hug. ABNMOMMA and Kody's mother were always addressed as mom or Mrs. or mame. Lady's first through the serving line and appropriate seating at the table. Not one swear word was uttered in the presence of the ladies. Can't say as much in the presence of the men (me).

Every time I am blessed to see these young warriors I feel a sense of pride that sometimes in nearly uncontrollable. Guess, I'm getting to be an old softie. Be that as it may. These guys and gals are the absolute best people on earth, IMHO!

God Bless them for what they do and keep on doing.

*Better discussed NOT in mixed company. That's all I am saying.

10 Days with 1500 Close Friends.

As you may have noticed things have been a little quiet on this blog. Mainly because Specialist Jacob has been spending the past week + with about 1500 or so of his close friends "in the field". I can tell you from a lifetime of living with him practice makes perfect but he hates practice. He would much rather play the game. Be it track or basketball in school or defending your country in real life. This kind of thinking scares the bejebers (are there 2 "e"s in bejebers?",out of me and ABNMOMMA but we have learned to live with it. That's the way he became a 92% foul shooter in high school, that's reason he went 8 for 8 at the foul line in the last minute and a half in a league champship game. Practice, practice, practice until it becomes automatic. That's the reason we have the best military forces in the world, period!

We have received no messages or phone calls from the young man much tothe displeasure of his mother but wifey has. Judgin from her verbage of he said he is "tired, dirty, and cranky" perhaps no message is a good message. He gets very cranky when he doesn't get his 2 to 3 hours of sleep. I am the same way. If I don't get my nap in the afternoon.....boy am I cranky.

Anyway just to let you know we are still on board with this blog and currentlly coming to you from Key West, Flordia I will be signing off now. Just another note. I am doing this from the laptop at the pool!. Really can barely read what I am typing so don't get on my case about the spelling. Half the time I can't find the little hand or icon or what ever you call that thing!

God Bless Amrica and our military who keep us free.

TROOP WITHDRAWAL

I should be happy but I am not. Here's why. The troop withdrawal announcement has just provided the enemy with some very important information. President Obama has used our fine fighting warriors for another photo op. Going to Camp Lejuene and making this televised announcement is just that. A photo op and here's why.



What he said:

Let me say this as plainly as I can: by August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end.



What I read:

Hello Mr. Taliban, I just wanted to let you know you can begin to increase your influence and violence after August 31, 2010. Feel free to increase your attacks on American troops. You see I was suppose to have all troops home in 16 months, well at least that is what I promised. But you know, words, just words. This gives you plenty of time to harass our troops and gain plenty of media to show more carnage and suffering.



What he said:

I intend to remove all U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of 2011.


What I read:

If August 31, 2010 didn't give you enough time to plan, let me give you this absolute date. December 31, 2011, got that? Start ramping up your terror campaign for January 1, 2012.



What he said:

The drawdown of our military should send a clear signal that Iraq’s future is now its own responsibility. The long-term success of the Iraqi nation will depend upon decisions made by Iraq’s leaders and the fortitude of the Iraqi people.



What I read:

We don't really need a strong presence in this area of the world. We can just turn it over to a nation with the very beginnings of a military and democracy. So what it took us nearly 200 years to develop into the world's best military power and strongest democracy. Iraq can do it without our continuing help in a couple of years. Israel, oh don't worry about them. I going to through them under the bus just like my grandma and Reverend Wright.





What he said:

The first significant shift could be with the 22,000 Marines in Anbar province, .....The Marines have already tested exit routes through Jordan with plans for a full-scale exodus during the "2010 calendar year," said Terry Moore, deputy assistant chief of staff for logistics for Marine Corps Central Command.

What I read was:

OK, guys, we know where they are going and most likely when they are going. Send out a couple of low key guys and keep an eye on the Marines. Let me know when they start to rampup. I'll start working on the ambush plans.

What he said:

This effort will be led by our new Ambassador to Iraq – Chris Hill. From his time in the Peace Corps, to his work in Kosovo and Korea, Ambassador Hill has been tested, and he has shown the pragmatism and skill that we need right now.

What I read:

Isn't the Peace Corps like a community organizer? Ah yes, the work in Kosovo, great job. Makes you well skilled to handle this minor problem. Another bureaucrat with impeccable record of what? Great job in Korea. Didn't they just launch or promise to launch missiles while our Secretary of State, Senator Clinton, was there? Change is coming to Washington D.C. you have my word on it. Where did I hear that?

I could go on and on, sentence by sentence and dissect what's wrong with the President's speech. I think my humble opinion has been made. Am I happy many of our troops are going to be out of harm's way, of course. What parent or loved one wouldn't. The bigger problem is this.



It was announced! Why in Hell do we have to announce everything! I liken that to the great basketball player Magic Johnson driving hard down the court and just before the famous no look pass going into stop action and saying, Hey, defender, I'm going to look left then pass to the right behind my back. Now what do you think the defender is going to do? I'll blog you, decide.





Why do we have announce everything? Can't we just quietly and with out a bunch of hoopla slowly withdrawal our brave young men and women warriors? Why do we have to make such a big media spectacle of this? Does President Obama not understand the dangerous position he has just put our troops in? Or.....does he not care? Is he THAT beholding to the "far left" code pink and move on .org and the morons that got him elected.

When does a 1st time elected president start to campaign for his second term? The day after he is elected for his first term. That's what this announcement and spectacle is about. Nothing more, nothing less. Re-election at all cost.


To do this to our fine and brave warriors is a CONSERVATIVE OUTRAGE.