Flag Day

Hi Folks,

My post is short and sweet this time. I borrowed it from a man named Red. In these times of trouble and tribulation maybe we ALL need to remember what it means to ALL of us who live in the best county in the world. Clik onthe link, The Pledge, on the left. You may have to paste it to your browser but it is worth it.


http://unknownprogrammer.home.comcast.net/~unknownprogrammer/index.html

Hooah!

Memorial Day

1218 HRS. 05/25/08 (Sunday afternoon for you civilians)

It's strange how things work out. I had no real intention to post for a while as my family has been tied up in the ICU for the past week. ABNMOMMA's father had been ill. Our family was sadden when he passed away Thursday morning. He was a good man and a Veteran of the US ARMY. Nothing seemed right and I was resigned to not post on this important day. I returned home and read some emails and to my surprise a couple of my fellow bloggers mentioned my not posting. I had a couple of ideas but they just didn't seem right.

It's been said I have never had an original idea. So today I am borrowing from a man I will call a friend of mine, (he might disagree) but, here goes.

I went to a local church today, pastored by a retired ARMY Chaplin. He had invited me previously and today seemed appropriate. Here's a plug for you Pastor (Chaplin) Flesher, http://www.greencastlebiblechurch.org/. It was a good service started off by the Pledge of Allegiance being led by Sgt. David Grubb, and Iraqi Veteran. A moment of silence for those who gave their lives for us. Then a prayer by an Air Force retiree who in his prayer gave blessing for living in the greatest county in the world and being allowed to pray in any church or way we wished. This struck me as exactly what the thousands of Veterans who have died did for us.

How do we, the living, say Thank You to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice? How do we, the living, say Thank You for allowing us to pray in any way and any church we want? How do we, the living, say Thank You for those who never returned to the county they died for while in places named, The Argonne Forest, Pork Chop Hill, Omaha Beach, the Mekong Delta, Mosel or some unnamed mountain or valley in places like Afghanistan? The answer is we can't. I truly believe we can't. Saying Thank You is not enough, but it's all I have! May you find Peace in Heaven.

We go out wave our flags, go to the cemetery watch the parade and then off to the barbecue. I was in a major retail store yesterday and the display for grills was bigger than the display for flags. What has this county become? Folks, it is NOT about money, big houses, or fast cars. It's about Freedom, it's about Democracy, it's about being able to pray in any church, at any time, in any way.

A soloist sang a song, entitled "How can it be (he died for me)". Today, I will change that slightly and ask myself, Veteran, How can it be you died for me?

The Heart of It All

Hi Folks,

Mathew 8

5And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
6And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
7And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
8The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
9For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
10When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
11And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
12But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
13And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

I was going to start of with "My fellow Americans", but I hear someone else all ready said that!

I will warn you now this is more personal blogging than thought provoking, then again, some would say I have never really had a thought provoking idea.

WOW, is all I can say! ABNPOPPA has been pressed back into service for the US ARMY. Nah, I didn't re-enlist, and didn't get called up, too old. I did, get a call from Fayetteville, home of the 82n AIRBORNE Division to report for duty as a youth monitor, aka, grandpa or baby sitter. Am I up to the challenge, you betcha Charlie! Three grandsons, 10,11, and 14 and me for 72 fun (?) filled hours. One of my fellow bloggers suggested something like chocolate about an hour before mom and dad get home. I am thinking about that!

It seems some of the husbands and wives get to visit Myrtle Beach this weekend as part of their debriefing since returning home from Iraq. Debriefing? Gotta think that one over. Anyway since ABNMOMMA'S dad has been in the hospital for some breathing difficulties, I am in Fayville, as I like to call it. and it's easier to type.

This is one town let me tell you. Flags and signs supporting our soldiers and of course Fort Bragg. What can I say? Fort Bragg, Home of the 82nd AIRBORNE, Special Ops, Delta Force. For an older Army veteran like me this is the mecca for our fighting forces. I am sure the Marines and Air Force and Navy and Coast Guard might disagree. Next week is All American Week and there is going to be more parades, brass, exhibitions than one can imagine. There have bowling tournaments, baseball games for our returning soldiers. The media may want to say the returning veterans are not getting greeted the way they should be and people are ready to give up on the GWOT but these soldiers want to win. You can just feel a difference in the air. You can feel the Pride, the Dedication, and the Courage of these young men and women soldiers as they walk with pride and their heads held high! These are the GREATEST Soldiers in the world.

You can run stories about barracks in poor repair but forget to mention they are barracks from WWII and haven't been lived in for two years. The media also forgets to mention about the millions of dollars spent in new barracks for our fighting forces. Sorry, not meant to be a slam fest.

This is double high for ol' ABNPOPPA. Mom and dad away and the boys and grandpa play. And I am so lucky to be playing in Fayville and Fort Bragg. All I can say is WOW!

I am so lucky to be an American G-d Bless the USA and blogging from Fort Bragg!!

Hoooah! ATW!

This War Just Got Too Damn Close

Lance Cpl. James Fredrick Kimple

Lance Cpl. James Fredrick Kimple (Freer), 21, was killed in action on Saturday, May 3, 2008, in the Province of Iraq. He served with First MLG CLB1 Security Company and was stationed out of Camp Pendleton, Calif.

This young man lived just a few short miles from our home. Jacob played basketball against his school during his high school years. Please remember his family in your prayers as they go through these trying times.

James died doing what he wanted to do since age 16. He did it for his family and his country and will always be our hero. The few, the proud, one of our finest.

Please go to this web site to read more about this Fallen Warrior.

lancastereaglegazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/OBITUARIES/805070305/1023

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a trust fund which has been established at Fifth Third Bank for the education of his three children. All I can say is:

Freedom isn't Free.

National Prayer Day

May 1, 2008
National Day of Prayer

Have you heard this on the news? Have you heard it at work? Have you read it in the newspaper? I think not! Folks, let me tell you I have heard more hoopla over Sweetest Day, Grandparents Day, and St. Patrick's Day. What gets me is only a portion of this great county we live in can celebrate these days. Never heard of Americans from Italy celebrating St. Patrick's Day with the same zeal as my Irish friends...have you? Mom and Dad don't celebrate Grandparents Day 'cause they have their own days to celebrate. What I am getting at is what has got to be one of the most important days of the year and nobody seems to be celebrating it, or at least a very few. This is not just Catholic Day, Jewish Day or even Muslim Day or Baptist Day. We in America what ever faith we are can certainly celebrate National Day of Prayer.

Why aren't the TVstations announcing it or the newspapers printing it. Hey America! National Day of Prayer!! One day every free American can celebrate. C'mon folks for once in your life do something a little different perhaps, say a prayer. I know my G-d won't mind receiving an extra one or two and I am sure the Jewish G-d, and the G-Ds of the other faiths will have some time to listen also.

Some may say this is blasphemy because there is only one G-d, but I think you get my point. Take a moment, ask a friend or relative or for goodness sakes someone you don't even know. Give thanks for living in the GREATEST county on Earth, The United States of America. And, while you're at it you might just remember the 140,000 young men and women in the military currently fighting to keep us free and safe, giving us the chance, without fear of reprisal, to pray any doggone place we want. Better yet, call your local TV and radio station and ask them where the coverage on National Day of Prayer is. I think I will. So in keeping with my thought of National Day of Prayer I, ABNPOPPA, am going to pray now for all of you and the soldiers, and the leaders of all the countries, and people of all faiths for a better tomorrow......Will you say a prayer for someone now, here's your chance.........

G-d Bless,

ABNPOPPA

Children of ABNPOPPA & ABNMOMMA

This blog was not meant to be a running diary of my life and family however, it was strongly pointed out to me by a good friend we had more children. My friend pointed out my other children may feel left out since they had not been mentioned as my posts have been of my son, Jacob, who is with the 2-319th AFAR, 82ND AIRBORNE DIVISION. I tried to explain to my friend our other children received the same attention when they excelled only not over the world wide web.

This I find quite hard,but easy to do as our other two children are safe and secure in the US of A and not in the military. So now if you do simple math you know we have 3 children. They are two young men and one lovely daughter, all adults with families of their own. I wrote a story once and described them in this manner.

I was married to a beautiful, younger woman who graciously allowed me to help her raise 3 wonderful children; they are, Aaron, the elder, a carpenter by trade and a builder of ,strong sound buildings and homes. He took time to build ABNMOMMA and me a beautiful home. One we had been wanting for the first 20 years of our marriage. As I say to people who visit it, Aaron was the ramrod, I just wrote the checks. I am always careful to point out his signature door arch that he has put into every home he has built. He is quite the perfectionist and creative in his work. He has given me the next line in my family generation and an athlete. His son, Ryan, the spitfire is a soccer player extraordinaire, in poppa’s eyes or course. And his daughter is always willing to talk with poppa on the phone, and sometime never stop.

Our daughter, Sarah, is by degree a teacher, or rabbi in Hebrew. She worked her way though college and earned two degrees. One in what my un-political correctness terms as Special Education. Because of her I have grandchildren who can “sign” at 5 years old and have vocabularies better than old ABNPOPPA. She is the first child in my family to go to college and earn a four year degree. The whole family is exceptionally proud of her and what she has accomplished. Although educated she and her husband decided that raising a family in a Christian home was more important therefore, she is a stay at home mom. Her husband is a farmer, provider, father and good Christian man who believes in being a helpmate as was intended by G-d. I am extremely proud to call him my son-in-law and never worry about my daughter or the grandchildren.

Of course, if you have read my Blog you know of Jacob, the warrior, who has taken up the sword to protect the clan and homeland. Jacob could have been Joshua save the fact his great grandfather was named Jacob.

As you might have noticed our children's name all are Biblical which was somewhat intended. I wonder though about their occupations. A carpenter, a rabbi, and a warrior, do you believe G-d works in strange ways? Hmmm?

Where have all the Great American ICONS Gone?

ICON: An important and enduring symbol: One who is the object of great attention and devotion;*

There is going to be a lot of buzz over the next couple of weeks with the passing of Charlton Heston. Charlton Heston like John Wayne, Audey Murphy, Presidents Truman, Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Reagan, General Douglas MacArthur and General George Patton was a true American ICON. You see you don’t have to be a man of war or a president to be an ICON. You can also be a man of peace. Another one just came to mind, actually two, the Reverend Billy Graham and Bishop Fulton J. Sheen. An ICON can be a woman like Shirley Chisholm Black or Betsey Ross, or Clara Barton, Rosa Parks, or Grandma Moses.

These men and women were leaders in their respective fields. Some were heroes, some were movie stars, some made statements of sorts that changed the way this county grew and became a world leader. They all believed in America and the American Way of Life. They believed fiercely in their cause. They believed with hard work and a strong will they would and could help make this county better for all people. All were looked up to and respected for their Honesty, Character, Integrity and belief in this county. A belief that they had been born in the greatest county in the world. A country where everyone had a chance to excel and be the best at what ever they choose. The choice was theirs. A country God had smiled on and had given opportunity that is only found in the United States of America.

As I look around with the passing of Charlton Heston I ask myself, who will take his place? Who are the ICONS of America now? Do I look to Hollywood with their self-centered egotistical actors? Do I look to Washington DC for those who think they are elite and powerful? Who will take up the torch? Who will my grandchildren remember like I did of the Bishop Sheen’s, John Wayne’s and Charlton Heston's? I look over the county side and see no one. I ask myself, is it I who have set the bar too high that no one can measure up? Have my hero ICONS set the standard so unattainable that no American can now measure up? Who and where will the next Great American ICON be, where will he or she come from?

Silently I wait.

* The American Heritage^® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.

What Soldiers are Made Of

We have all heard American Soldiers are the best trained, best equipped and best led soldiers on Earth. They are made of something that only an American Soldier has. That something is born and bred into them. You can't buy it, you can't manufacture it, and it sure doesn't come in pill or capsule form. I have seen paratroopers jump from planes I swear I could throw a baseball up and hit. I've watched them tumble, roll, get up, gather up their 70 plus pounds of gear and run across a field just to hear their cadre say "Way to go Airborne!" Some of them barely are tall enough to keep their reserve chute from dragging the ground. Some them are probably outweighed by the gear they carry to survive in combat. But, their heart is as big as the very sky they fall so effortlessly from.

Who are they? What are they made of? Just flesh and blood, like you and me. But, with something inside them you can't name, some kind of drive that only a few have. One minute they are under fire from the enemy in life and death situations. The next they smile at a child that knows only he is hungry and the " American soldier" has given him something to eat, a smile and a pat on the head. Or maybe the soldier has just smiled at a puppy which reminds him of his child's puppy, safe and free in Anytown USA. He has been asked to do things he never thought he could or would do. He has pushed his body to the limit and then pushed again. He has accomplished that which he would have thought un-doable. Then shortly thereafter knelt to pray with his comrades for a successful mission and everyone of them is ok.

Ask them why they do what they do and you will get many answers. Words like Pride, Patriotism, Freedom, Family, Tradition are words you will likely here. I assure you when you pin them down they will say something like "it's just something I have to do, I don't really know why." If you have read my previous post you know about my son's battle buddy, Kody. If not, read it now, this post will make more sense.

Let me tell you about one soldier. Son of a former Marine and barely old enough to shave. At 19 he was one of the first surge paratroopers to enter Baghdad, not in the safe "Green Zone". On the border of the notorious Sadr City. His unit spent their first months kicking in doors, and I might add, kicking "butt" (sorry Chaplins). Patrols that lasted 3 days with little or no sleep. The chow was the wonderful MRE's. You know what? These soldiers were happy to have them! Did they complain about them? Hell yes! Have ever eaten an MRE? Most of these soldiers say "it doesn't taste too bad." But, cardboard tastes good if you put enough ketchup on it! Did they go on? Hell yes! Did they do their job to 110% of their capability? Hell yes, and then some more!

After 13 months this kid of soldier gets the message his father has passed away. He is on his way home, sad as the occasion may be, but home. No more mortars, IED'S. No more patrols where you don't know what is behind the next door or around the next corner. He spends his time at home with his family and lays his Marine father to rest. Now he has to pick up the pieces of his life and go on with his head held high. That's what his father would have said. "I'm in a better place now he would have told him. You have to take care of you now."

He has his ticket back to Fort Bragg, his home base. Home in the US of A. SAFE, HOT SHOWERS AND CHOW! What more could you ask for after what he has been through. Ride it out for a month until his unit gets back. What does this solider do? He requests to go back to his unit, they are still at the Combat Outpost and have a month to do. He gets a ticket, flies 18 hours, grabs some chopper rides and is back with his unit. Would you have done it? Do you have the guts to do it. I have asked myself that question many times since I found out about it.

Did this soldier take the easy way out, Hell no! He's an American soldier, an American Paratrooper, he has pride, faith and a heart that knows no boundaries. This, is what the American soldier is made of. You can't label it, you can't touch it, and you can't put a name on.

So, the next time you see someone in a military uniform, dog gone it, don't be afraid, walk up to them and say, Hi, I just want to thank you for my FREEDOM and keeping my family safe! The next time you go in "Harm's way" I'll be praying for your safe return. Who knows after you say it a couple of times you might just start a new revolution!

I waited to post this until the 2-319th Black Falcons arrived home last week. They are safely on the ground arriving at 0441 Hrs. , 4:41AM, Wednesday , March 19th.

Welcome home! and Thanks!

Thank You.

This post is pre-written and will be posted as soon after BOG (Boots on the Ground) return date for my son, March 17th as possible. Unlike most of my posts is is relatively short but needs to be said.

My wife bore me a son
We gave the war a boy
God gave me back a man
Thank you Lord

To all the people who have supported me and my family and my son for the past 15 months no "Thank you" is enough but, it's the only thing I have to give. Your prayers and support helped me through some very tough times. I wish to name a few of you here and if I have forgotten someone please forgive me.

In no special order

Airborne Dad, theonepercenters.blogspot.com, Mighty Mom, texassiren.blogspot. com, Pastor Ed Boston, Dotherighthing blogspot.com, Infantry Dad, infantrydad.blogspot.com, Chaplin Lynn, worthmysalt.blogspot.com Pastor (Chaplin,retired) Flesher, greencastlebiblechurch.org, Don and Sue, Uncle Don, St. John Lutheran Church members, Sarah, my daughter, and all the members at Hope Bible Church, Walmart employees, George, Betty, Pat, Patricia, Steve.

Barb F and Dave P of Greencastle. may your sons be safe from harm.

Subvet, agangershome.blogspot.com, all the kind and wonderful people who have seen my "Proud Parent" lapel pin and asked me to send my thanks to my son. I feel like the people at these dumm award shows on TV. Sarah, my daughter, and all the members at Hope Bible Church, At work, Jennifer, Steve, Mary Mac, my boss, "J", who has put up with my moods (?) , Jackey, Charline, Margene, Teresa, Ian, Mary C, Debbie, Alice and Otto, Charlie C, Darrel, my other brother, Jeff, even if he likes the 20 car, Dayngr, dayngrzone.blogspot.com.

I have to mention this guy by himself for being one heck of a human being and one hell of a photographer, Andrew Craft,acraftphoto.blogspot.com/. I must tell you why. An exploded IED photo was posted on the net by Mr. Craft. It was near where my son was stationed. I had not heard from my son for a couple of days. I em'd Mr. Craft who was kind enough to em back and tell me NO servicemen had been hurt in the explosion. My anxiety level dropped to zero with his email. Thanks again Andrew. He does great work in my humble opinion.

Finally a special thanks to my daughter-in-law, Ally. What a girl, she bleeds Red, White (opps) and Blue and Army green (?), I am an old guy remember! She has put up with my 15 months of guidance, hmm, and said nary a word. She has been there for "our soldier" All The Way!!

To anyone I forgot I apologize. Thanks to all and

God Bless America

Dilemma

For those of you who have read my thoughts, rantings, and raves I thank you. For those of you who have not maybe you are better off. I come to ask, oh boy here it comes, HELP! No I don't need money,you are off the hook. If you have read my first post I say this is not a red blog or blue blog. I just try to make it a blog that on occasion will be interesting, make people think and comment. Therefore give me information I may not have (aka comments).

We are currently in the midst of a a very long (winded) presidential campaign. Too long in my ever so humble opinion but, that's another story. Here's where I need your help. My candidate for the highest office in this land dropped out! Now I have to decide between currently 3 people, but in November 2 people. I am looking for why or why not to vote for a particular candidate. If you haven't all ready figured it out I am not a straight line party guy. I vote for the person whom I think will be the best for the America, not personally for me. My thoughts are if it's good for America, it's probably good for me. That is OK for me.

Being a male, sometimes chauvinist pig, ladies first. Sorry Gloria S. I ain't changing at this age!

Hilary Clinton: Don't really know much about the woman save what I hear and read. She's about my age, which is good. Don't need too young or too old of a president. She likes giving everyone health care. That is good. Being associated with the medical profession for over 30 years I don't know any person who has not received medical treatment when they really needed it. Who's going to pay for the health care? She stood by her man during some pretty tough times. That says to me she is capable of making a commitment and standing by it. Why she was so committed on that one I am not sure. She really has never managed anything that I know of, that's not good. She's a US Senator that, isn't a recommendation in my book.

Barack Obama: Don't really know much about him either. First time Senator with no significant mention of his record in the Senate. Seems to like to make people feel good. I have heard his speeches about raising minimum wages, that would be nice. If I pay a stock person at Wal-Mart more money to stock the shelves doesn't that make the cost of the merchandise go up? He got an endorsement from Louis Farrakhan, but rejected it. That seems reasonable. He doesn't place is hand over his heart during the National Anthem (saw the video). He doesn't wear a flag lapel pin. I don't wear a Flag lapel pin however, I am not running for the Presidency of the United States. If he wore it for political purposes that wouldn't be good. By not wearing it he shows commitment, that's good. He's a US Senator that, isn't a recommendation in my book.

John McCain: The first thing that comes to my mind is "war hero". My heart goes out to him for all he has suffered. Is being a "war hero" a qualification for the most powerful post in the world? He's from Arizona, never been there, hear it's got a lot of sand and is pretty hot and dry. I don't know what his management qualifications are. I will interject the thought, doesn't being President of the United States require some management experience? None of the candidates have any that I see. Some of the people say he's too old. Experience is not bad. My father-in-law is 76 and sharp as a tack. He doesn't always go along with party lines. Is that good or bad? Commitment keeps coming to mind. Is that good or bad? He's a a US Senator that, isn't a recommendation in my book.

Folks, there is my dilemma. Can you help me? I really would appreciate you comments and opinions. Now how many people ask you for your opinion?