SOLDIERS HAVE PARENTS??

We are a military family. All three of our sons enlisted while they were single (unmarried) and many of "Our Guys" (soldiers we consider family) have also been single. As a result, I have from time to time done some complaining about how about half of Army soldiers are UNmarried but that "family" resources and information were principally for spouses -- parents left out of the loop. (I actually asked what was being done for the "other half" of the Army while participating in a blogger's roundtable that included the Secretary of the Army...)

While recently cruising the Army Home Page on Military OneSource, I was pleased to see the following prominently featured on the page:

New to the Army? Help Keep Your Parents in the Loop

If you’ve just joined the Army and your parents aren’t familiar with military life, keep them in the loop with these materials:

• Resources for Parents of Soldiers
• When Your Son or Daughter Goes Through Basic Combat Training

I don't know how long that's been up there and I'm sure the Army didn't need any prodding from parents... however it got there and however long it's been there, THANK YOU!!

The information under "When Your Son or Daughter..." is pretty basic (it's a starting point), but you should also seek out additional information from sites specific to the military installation/branch of service where your child is undergoing training.

The "Resources..." page provides links to official and unofficial web sites that you might, as a parent, find useful, but also be sure to check out blogs like ParentsZone.org and other military blogs ("Milblogs" -- you can find blogs by branch of service as well as those blogs by parents at www.milblogging.com).

As the parent of a soldier, you should become familiar with some of the other resource information contained on other Army and Dept. of Defense sites for future reference... such as the Army Well-Being site and the Military Homefront page.

I'd really like the Army and the other services to produce content specific to parents (or non-spousal family) with the idea that these people are usually remote (away) from their soldier's military installation and typically have no idea how to contact the installation or chain of command (or even who that might be) in an emergency... or what resources are available to their soldier/sailor/marine/airman/coastie or to the family member (be that a parent, aunt, uncle, sister or brother...) when faced with serious issues involving their child (for example, post-deployment issues). (And, yes, I know that there are those who actually joined the military to AVOID their parents... but every soldier has a next-of-kin somewhere -- that are not "in the loop" but should be!)

I did also find some parent-related information for the other services (some official, some unofficial):

for Parents of Marines
A Parent's Guide to the Marine Corps
USMC - Recruit Training

Marine Parents.com

For Navy Parents
Navy for Moms
Navy Dads


For Air Force Parents
Parents of the Enlisted

AF -- you could do better... information or links for parents could easily be added to AFCrossroads.

For Coast Guard Parents (nice job CG!!)


For National Guard Families

General informational links for all branches, Guard and Reserves at Today's Military and Military.com

HELP OUR HEROES

Independence Day having just passed and people (hopefully) have been reminded of all the good things a Free America provides... so I thought it appropriate to remind people (although probably preaching to the choir) that THERE ARE THOSE STILL ACTIVELY FIGHTING on our behalf... as well as those who have fought and paid a heavy price... some of these Warriors could use a little help. So below is my "Help Our Heroes" list...

the newest addition to that list is a new and worthwhile NON-PARTISAN organization to advocate on behalf of veterans of ALL wars and all peace time service as well as for those who still serve -- the WARRIOR LEGACY FOUNDATION. For information on the necessity and mission of WLF, read Blackfive's post HERE. You need not be a veteran to join -- just someone who wishes to honor those who serve and those that have served. Membership is free, although donations are welcome.

HELP OUR HEROES

Adopt a Sniper

Adopt a Soldier

Any Soldier

Disabled American Veterans

Fisher House

Foster Care for Military Pets

Helmets to Hardhats

Homes for Our Troops

Soldiers' Angels (especially Project VALOur-IT !!)

USO

WARRIOR LEGACY FOUNDATION


Wounded Warrior Project

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, U.S.A.!!!

Happy Birthday

to the greatest country in God's universe!!

A reminder to Veterans and military personnel not in uniform* that you may -- if you choose -- render a salute to the U.S. flag during its raising, posting or lowering, as well as during the National Anthem. Placing a hand or your hat over your heart is also appropriate if preferred.


_____________
* The tradition/custom of the Navy and Marine Corps of not rendering a salute when not in uniform or when uncovered has not changed.

This Can Not Be Good

U.S.: American Soldier Captured in Afghanistan

Details as known HERE

Prayers for this soldier and his family. Sources in the know tell us that the family of this soldier has been notified.

Job Vacancies. Any Takers???

On my way to looking up something entirely unrelated...

Director - Office of Professional Responsibility

Department: Department Of Homeland Security
Agency: Immigration and Customs Enforcement


JOB SUMMARY: The President has challenged cabinet Secretaries and senior Federal agency heads to create a government that is more citizen centered, results oriented, and market based. To achieve this vision within The Department of Homeland Security, we are searching for high caliber leaders who possess high standards of excellence and enjoy challenges and opportunities.

Among the many things listed under "MAJOR DUTIES" besides the typical serving, managing, planning, directing, coordinating, developing, administrating, evaluating, implementing, exploring, maintaining and conducting, there is the responsibility to "establish and maintain effective working relationships with various high-level individuals, including Members of Congress and their staffs and other legislative and executive agencies. "

Not to mention

As a member of the agency's executive team, you will implement the President's Management Agenda within your specific area of responsibility. [Does anyone know what the President's Management Agenda is???]

Then we get to the qualifications for this position:

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show in your resume that you possess the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), the Technical Qualification, and other qualifications, if applicable, listed below.

And the no. 1 qualification for this position?

ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE: This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this Executive Core Qualification (ECQ) is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.

Pray tell! How exactly does an individual bring about strategic change OUTSIDE their organization??

The other qualifications for this position are:

ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE
ECQ 3 - RESULTS DRIVEN
ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN
ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS

So, any takers??

OH... and then there's THIS SPECIAL OFFICER VACANCY:

DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy - Office of Protective Operations, Clinton Protective Division, Chappaqua, NY [Wonder who quit??]

And THIS ONE looks vvvveeeerrrryyy interesting as well.

There Really Is No Place Like Home

Arrived home Wednesday afternoon... a few hours later there was a high-pressure gas line explosion and fire very near our home (contractor setting guard rail posts punctured the line) and then the electrical power was shut off for the next 4 hours while firefighters fought the fire in 90 degree+ temps (Noah was working at a fire station on the other side of town.) In the meantime, traffic was re-routed around the fire through our narrow and winding little mountainside community as we recognized immediately that our entrance gate was on one side of the mishap and our emergency fire road exit on the other, so we (our community residents) graciously called authorities and offered the use of our private roads to the town... threw open the gates while police and public works vehicles escorted many, many hundreds of cars Pied Piper-style first one way through the development and then returned with vehicles going the other way. This continued well into the night and through the next day. Since we had no electric and no gas (and no breeze!), we and the neighbors all brought out lawn chairs and watched the parade go past!! People were very grateful to our community and many waved and many called out their thanks to us -- although many people wondered what we were doing out on the road in our lawn chairs!! Later Wednesday evening the fire was controlled and the electricity was restored although the damaged road remained closed most of Thursday... we are a group of "doers" here and not a bunch of whiners... no one got on television wondering who was going to take care of them, or pay them or GIVE them anything... There was a problem, we had the solution and got it done.

DH, son Evan (directing traffic in the picture above) with baby Tom in his arms, SSM, Tom, Geri, Jacky & El

All pics except the group pic above were taken by Jacky... the group pic was taken by a road worker in a brief lull in traffic.

Then to top off the day, I stubbed and broke one of my toes in the wee hours of Thursday morning (sigh).

The following images are from our last day on the road through New Mexico and to our home in Arizona.

Arizona is a Free Range state -- no fences required (in most areas) for livestock. This little colt ran in front of our car on a frontage road with his mother casually looking on... but we were watching him and he was not in any danger from our car...

Oh, Beautiful for Spacious Skies

Oh YEAH! Stunningly beautiful vistas and interesting sights out every window... Colorado to New Mexico today...

Airborne near the AF Academy this morning... can you imagine the view???

if you look closely (or open this larger), you can see the antelope on the left...

PS: Dear Barack: If there is only one President of the United States, perhaps you should start ACTING like it. When someone in the media invites you to trash a sitting US Senator and war Hero who is entitled as is every other American citizen to voice an opinion on your performance, the PRESIDENT of the United States says Sen. McCain is entitled to his opinion and moves on. Your answer today proved just how classless and clueless you are and just how much you have to learn about being a gentleman.

PPS: The driving focus of health care is NOT cutting costs! It is providing quality health care. Twit.

Fruited Plains and Purple Mountain Majesty

Friday morning we were sleeping in at our hotel when the sister we were visiting called to say that there was a tornado right where we were... I forgot what living in the Midwest can be like.... so we pop on the TV, see the red blips, hear some sirens and say, "OK... maybe we should get dressed in case we have to head for the basement" (we didn't).

Of course, the record rains are not helping the farmers or their crops...

Yesterday we were off to see the wonderful ArmyWifeToddlerMom and got to finally meet her DH and huggable little ones! The most sparkling and happy people with whom to spend an evening! ADub cooked an absolutely scrumptious dinner. PN and SR were wonderfully behaved and the most engaging "little people"!! A wonderful time was had by all and we hope to see them again very soon!!

Today we drove across the great heartland of America -- where people still make things and grow things and work sun up to sun down and have (for the most part) avoided the consumption excesses that seem to plague so many of those who live in the larger coastal cities... and tonight we are with family in the land of the great Rocky Mountains!

Still snow on some peaks!!

We are just days from returning to the home we love so much... and while the breathtaking beauty of this country is undeniable, and the technology and bounty (such as wind farms, combines, corn fields as far as the eye can see, railroads, automobiles, etc.) are awe-inspiring, it is really the people along our journey that have made this trip so memorable and fun!!!! Hilary & John & Mr. Z, Jas, G, Ash & Av, James, Karen, Sue, Jim, Fran, Sue, Ruth, Shane, Michelle & Katy, Dick, Lin, Bob, Mish & Hata, ADub, Mr. ADub, PN & SR, Karen, Mark, Mary, Dan, Tim & Chris... We miss Tom Terrific, Noah, Ev & Virgil and our own beds... We will not miss the rain (there has been plenty of it -- although fortunately none on any day we have been driving!) nor the humidity and walls of mosquitoes and other bugs that we had forgotten live in the woodsy areas of the US. I swear when we get home, I will not set an alarm or drive longer than a few miles for at least a few weeks. All in all, we are having a BLAST!!

Niagara Falls

Remember you can click on the photos to enlarge them!

As we spent time in and around Niagara Falls we were thinking of the Greyhawks and know that they would be just as awestruck by the POWER and majesty of the Falls as they were when they first spied the Grand Canyon (Hi, G & Mrs. G!!) If you have not been to Niagara Falls, we highly recommend a trip there (plan to spend at least one full day -- you will need to spend more time if you want to take in the sights on the American and the Canadian sides (be sure to check out the new documentation requirements to cross into Canada / enter the U.S. -- we highly recommend the new U.S. Passport Card).

Interesting exchanges at the border crossings. On our way into Canada (near Buffalo) we had this exchange with the 30-something female Canadian border inspector (who never got out of her booth).

She: Hello. Where are you from?
Me: Arizona.
She: What is your license plate number?
Me: XXX NNN
She: What state is that?
Me: umm, Arizona.
She: Are you the only ones traveling in your car? (I admit the windows are darkened.)
Me: Yes.
She: Do you have any weapons or ammunition?
Me: No.
She: No guns, ammunition, pepper spray?
Me: Not with us, no.
She: Do you own guns and ammunition?
Me: Well, yes, we do, but not with us. We left them home.
She: You don't have any guns with you?

Me: No. Not with us. (I wanted to tell her that our trip to Canada was specifically the reason we weren't packing and that we actually considered canceling our visit to Canada because of it... but didn't. After all, I don't want foreigners bringing guns into my country either....)

After checking her cameras (which were trained on the back of our car) and checking her computer screen a few times and looking at our Passport Cards for the umpteenth time, she allowed us to pass. The DH and I said, "What was that about??" DH said, maybe she reads your blog?? BBBWWAAAHHAHAHAHA.

On our way out of Canada (into Detroit) earlier today, the U.S. border agent asked our license plate number, where we were coming from, where we lived... then he asked DH whether we had any alcohol or tobacco with us. I assumed he meant duty free in quantity... but DH -- his military career so ingrained -- took the question literally and answered, "Just a half pack in my pants pocket." It took all my willpower sitting in the passenger seat to not burst out laughing! Gratefully, they allowed us to return to the greatest nation on Earth!

Finally, if you are inclined or have plans to go to Niagara Falls and do the Maid of the Mist boat trip -- be prepared to get WET. Those dry cleaner bags they give you will only keep you dry if you are on the lower level of the boat and tucked somewhere in the interior. We, on the other hand, figured how bad could it be? And opted for the rail right up front on the upper deck! Despite our Herculean efforts to keep our hoods clutched and to keep the wind from tearing the plastic away, we were drenched top to bottom (ok, the middle stayed somewhat dry) by about 5 minutes into the ride. So either bring your all-inclusive rain gear or do as we did and throw your head back and laugh!!! Bring dry socks or wear sandals that are "wash & wear"!! Don't wear makeup or clothing that runs or wear watches that can't take copious amounts of water. It is STILL a once in a lifetime experience! Exhilarating!!

That big cloud of mist was the destination of the boat -- up close and personal (also wet & wild!!)

From below/behind the Falls -- fabulous (even for a horrible claustrophobic like me!)

That glow to the left of the "Casino" sign is Niagara Falls back lit at night. Beautiful.

Lastly, we were wondering whether the gentleman on our Maid of the Mist trip wearing the "al Jazeera Sports" t-shirt would be visiting the U.S. and whether he'd wear it through the border checkpoint??

Oh, Canada!!

Enjoying the hospitality of our neighbors to the north after a wonderful and relaxing weekend with family just outside Boston. Doing the Maid of the Mist and the Behind the Falls things today after a late night in the casino... we were in the company of our brethren from the Land of the Rising Sun... they apparently love the yen exchange rate and they are spending it here in Canada like crazy. This turn to the (north and) west means that we are on the return drive home... So far we have been through NM, TX, OK, AR, VA, MD, NJ, NY, MA, NH, ME, CAN... still to come: MI, IN, IL, NE, CO, back through NM and home.

the Falls from our hotel room

traffic leaving the Boston area (waaay do not miss commuting)

Micah... a 4-mo. old Bouvier... sweetest puppy!!

Massachusetts, New Hamshire & Maine...

brothers

me enjoying a bit of the bubbly and country music & BBQ

wild turkeys around Topsfield, MA

I'm the Big brother

Friends & Family

Still traveling... visiting friends and family... does a heart good...

Family...

cute couple

One of my guys (one of NY's FINEST) and his girls...

hardly any resemblance... LOL

granddaughters... just can't get much cuter

father and son

buddies... for more years than we can count

USS Wasp (LHD-1): #1 in the Fleet

We have this son we are so proud of... gearing up to leave this command but he has been deployed so often or the ship was unavailable in dry dock or staged for deployment... and this was the first time we have had the opportunity to tour his ship, the USS Wasp (LHD-1)! I was bummed that the aircraft and landing craft were not on board, but we did get to see [most] everything else.

After touring this ship, talking with a number of sailors and Marines, and seeing how well run and well kept this ship is, please allow me to say that if any numskull thinks they can save money by cutting back on funding for the Navy -- her systems or her people -- I am here to tell you that you are certifiable. These are some of the most competent, skilled, and dedicated people we have in the military. We came away confident in their dedication and abilities.... proud just doesn't cover it. Bravo Zulu !!! and Oorah !!! Ladies & Gentlemen. And a special BZ to Our Guy on the USS Wasp.

the ready room brought back fond memories for the DH
(the first is with flash, the other under red light)

the stripper pole (no, it's not really; just the nick name)

absolutely a must (lol)

loads of brass... polished to a mirror shine (or painted battleship grey)

she's a beaut, isn't she??

National D-Day Memorial -- A National Treasure!

On the drive between Blacksburg and Norfolk, Virginia, just off US-460 is the small town of Bedford, Virginia. This town lost more soldiers per capita on D-Day than just about any other town in America. Bedford, which is about 100 miles from the nearest large city, is tucked in the green magnificence of the Blue Ridge Mountains: surrounded by all of God's "mountain majesty". Bedford is also home to the National D-Day Memorial... stunningly beautiful, well crafted, reverent to the sacrifices and achievements of June 6, 1944. We had never heard of the Memorial, but it was the best 1-mile detour we have ever taken.

Others will blog today on the operational facts of D-Day and the meaning of D-Day and its (obvious) significance to the outcome of the war -- all of which the D-Day Memorial covers in detail -- but I will share the moving experience the National D-Day Memorial provided. Every regiment, battalion and division from every country that participated on D-Day on every one of the beachheads -- Juno, Omaha, Gold... is celebrated in a series of plaques -- and one for every destroyer, transport, carrier... and hundreds of brass plaques emblazoned with the names of every American killed on D-Day... and busts of the planners and leaders who saw the Allies to and through that horrific and eventually victorious day.

The National D-Day Memorial is set on 20 magnificent acres that contain a huge amphitheater with a mock of the Omaha landing with brass bodies strewn in water while air jets loudly spray the staccato sounds and effects of machine gun fire through the water... as a soldier pulls a buddy through the surf, one lies dead nearby and a trio of Marines struggle up the side of a netted hillside. All immortalized and honored in this Memorial. It is spectacularly landscaped with lush lawns and abundant trees and flowers... and benches and other places to sit and reflect... and perhaps remember those that were lost. When we were there, we saw a number of people shedding tears while running their hand over the name of a loved one on a plaque... and a message left in the guest book, "I miss you, Dad."

This privately founded and funded memorial is on the verge of bankruptcy -- many reasons -- cost, early mismanagement, maintenance... and Virginia legislators are planning to introduce legislation in the US Congress to turn this Memorial over to the US Parks Dept. I urge each of you to drop a quick note to your Congressperson and/or Senator drawing their attention to preserving and protecting this VERY deserving memorial. Or you may give a donation to save this Memorial at the National D-Day Memorial Foundation's site. Having been to the WWII Memorial and The Vietnam War Memorial, I assure you that the National D-Day Memorial is on par with those in its scope, its beauty and its message. We are a Nation of Memorials and Museums and this is a most important reminder of a Momentous day in our and the world's history.

I urge if you are anywhere near Bedford, Virginia please take the drive and visit this memorial -- and if you can't decide where to visit this summer, visit the D-Day Memorial and take the old folks and the kids along -- you will be so very glad you did!

the setting

the great arch is emblazoned "OVERLORD"

the names of the American fallen...

preparing for the 65th Anniversary

Leaders


honoring vessels...

scaling the cliffs

On June 6, 1944, 150,000 Allied soldiers clambered aboard heaving landing craft and braved six-foot swells, waves of machine gun fire, and more than 6 million mines to claim a stretch of sand at a place called Normandy. Their mission was to carve out an Allied foothold on the edge of Nazi-occupied Europe for the army of more than one million that would follow them in the summer of 1944. This army would burst forth from the beachhead, rolling across Europe into the heart of Germany, liberating millions, toppling a genocidal regime, and ending a nightmare along the way. But it all began on this beach in France, with an army of teenagers on a day called D-Day.

on the beach

leave no man behind

THE NEW DR. L

PROUD JUST DOESN'T COVER IT.




and with Mr. Z

AZ-NM-TX-OK-AR-TN

observations from days 1, 2 and 3:

I prefer the 75 mph speed limit on the interstates in AZ and NM than the 65 and 70 that are in place in TX, OK, AR & TN

so far we have seen cows (dairy & beef), horses (those Palominos and painted ponies are my favorite -- although we did pass a few Arabian horse ranches and those sure are some lean and dazzling animals!), burros, donkeys and a few sheep.

road kill: coyote, deer, armadillo, raccoon, possum... a beautiful golden retriever with a collar & tags. Please keep your pets on a leash or in a secure yard. That one broke my heart.

Lots of turkey vultures... and a spectacular Golden Eagle... a small falcon perched to strike on the limb of a tree.

Paid $1.98 for regular gas in AZ, $2.58 in OK... $2.35 TX... $2.19 also OK... $2.29 TN...

Arkansas will not have to water lawns any time soon... our hearts were broken with the number of planted fields mostly under water... they have had a foot +/- of water in May... streams, creeks and irrigation ditches filled to the brim.

Despite forecasts of rain for our journey west to east, we apparently have been chasing the rain because we had a few drops of rain back in NM, but mostly clear skies.

I have been reminded how horrible humidity is. Back home it's typically 20% humidity this time of year... the humidity in Okmulgee, OK last night was 88% (yuck!)

Left the Creek Indian Nation with a few dollars more than we went in with... small casino, but worth it :-)

In Dickson, TN -- the heart of moonshine country -- we had the best Chinese food we have had since leaving New York 5 years ago... go figger (Wang's).

we miss Tom Terrific.

The time and miles fly when you're driving with the love of your life and the man of your dreams...

Arkansas -- too much rain

There is something both comforting and inspiring about seeing a farm, barn and barnyard animals to a girl (and her beau) who grew up in the midwest

Saw these big birds on the TX-OK border... then heard about a plane running long at Vance AFB and we wondered if it was one of these?

mmmoooo

claims to be the largest cross in the western hemisphere... in TX... it is HUGE... and inspiring.

on to VA in the morning...

Hi-Ho-Hi-Ho!! It's On the Road We Go!!

Off on an All-American cross-country trip... a daughter's medical school graduation... son soon redeploying from a Navy cruise (you'd think it was a cruise boat or something but I assure you there is no Lido deck)... Atlantic City... New York (many dear friends to see! and adopted sons and their new babies!!)... new Yankee Stadium... Massachusetts (more family!!) Niagara Falls (Canadian side!)... Michigan... Illinois (still more family!!)... Nebraska (A-dub!)... Colorado (still more family!!) and we have mapped out the casinos along the way (ok, I've mapped them!!) Not sure how we're going to live a few weeks without our dear sweet and growing-up-too-fast Thomas! I'll maybe blog from the road and put up some pics... but I have a new mini-laptop and not sure how that will hold up!

Helping Grandpa

Can I touch this, Grandpa??

It's a BUGGG!

Look! Bird, Dad!!

Thomas taking his Dad for a walk (seriously... we do not walk Tom -- he walks US!)

Memorial Day 2009: Thank You

In 2005, I wrote

We Honor You

On this Memorial Day, I personally honor and thank the soldiers, marines and sailors in my family:

My Dad - who left high school at 17 and joined the Army – 82nd Airborne – and lost his left arm above the elbow at the close of WWII. As children, we called that my Dad’s “broken arm”. HOOAH, Dad.

My dear husband – from a small farming community in central Illinois who enlisted in the Navy at age 19 and spent the next 24 years in the Navy. He earned his wings, served two tours in Vietnam and was spit on, ridiculed, called foul names but still considers his years in the Navy to be the epitome of what life is about: duty, honor, country. BRAVO ZULU, dear husband!

In 2006, I wrote about Sgt. Kenneth Schall:

Terri Schall told us the story of her delightful and brave son who had a passion for the work he did in the Army. She told the story of his tenacity -- how he had crawled out on the 2nd story window ledge at his barracks to harass and convince a buddy to accompany him for a late night pizza after he had been turned down by the buddy five or six times.

and CDR Kirk T. Walsh

After graduation from the University of Colorado with a degree in Political Science, Kirk Walsh was commissioned an Officer in 1962 and enjoyed a 20-year career as a naval aviator -- flying aircraft including the Huey and Cobra helicopters and serving two tours in Vietnem.

And in Yes, In My Name, we remembered those close to us...

I know I say this a lot, but holidays have new meanings for me beginning this year. The change in my outlook is not just a one-year change, but a life-changing epiphany. The day our son was wounded irreversibly changed the intensity with which I view each day, but especially holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas had new meaning, as did New Year’s Day and Mother’s Day. And certainly Veterans’ Day.

However, I think one of the most significant changes for me is how I will view and celebrate and feel Memorial Day. My family has always remembered Memorial Day. Thanks to my mother, our family learned early to honor those that serve. We attended Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans' Day parades in our town: some years we sat and cheered from the curbs as we waved our American flags, while in other years we were participants.

In 2007, I let the words to one of my favorite songs speak for me in Bang the Drum Slowly

Bang the drum slowly play the pipe lowly
To dust be returning from dust we begin
Bang the drum slowly I'll speak of things holy
Above and below me world without end.

And last year, I shared President Bush's Prayer for Peace.

On Memorial Day, we honor the heroes who have laid down their lives in the cause of freedom, resolve that they will forever be remembered by a grateful Nation, and pray that our country may always prove worthy of the sacrifices they have made.

Amen.

Memorial Day 2009: To those who gave all in service to our country, we thank you. We honor you. We remember you.

Our Miss Java

Back in 1999, the family made a decision to get its first dog. I was working from home, the oldest children were out of the house and there was just Noah, so we said, "OK, what the heck... it won't hurt to look. We went to the local animal shelter in NY on a cold and blustery spring day JUST TO LOOK. In the second cement-floored cage, sat this pretty little soaking wet collie-shepherd mix... about 16 months old. She didn't bark or claw at us as most of the dogs did, but she approached the wire gate with her tail wagging all the rest of her and reached her snout through the wire and licked DH's hand. That was it. We were in love and Java was added to the family that day. We have never regretted it a single day.

We quickly discovered that she loved to run wildly in circles and be chased -- we called it "WILD DOGGIE!!!" And until her health and eyesight began to fail -- even after she had blown out both her knees and her hips deteriorated to constant clicking sounds -- she never refused an opportunity if someone said, "Wanna play WILD DOGGIE! WILD DOGGIE!!"

She loved the snow. She would sit out in the snow for hours. She would run in the snow, roll in the snow, jump through the snow. The more snow there was, the more she liked it!! Java never met a lake, pond, stream or muddy puddle that she didn't like either!! Once we were walking around the grounds at West Point and she took a great leap right off the top of a huge boulder to the lake 20 feet below to try and catch some ducks as they flew by us!! (It was difficult explaining to the MP why we hadn't yet gotten the dog OUT of the lake... she was having too much fun -- and I wasn't going in after her!) Java would not have hurt the ducks (if she'd managed to catch them) because she saw every creature as a gift from God as someone to play with! Squirrel, gopher, coyote, dog or cat... she just wanted to play!

And we learned through the years that Java did not have a mean bone in her body. She never growled, nipped or bit anyone -- ever. Even if you stepped on her tail or bumped into her or took her bone or her toys. She lived to give love. And even though we loved this dog more than any pet we ever had, we still got more love than we gave -- and she was happy in loving us. I knew how lucky we were to have her in our family and every day I would get down next to her and rub her ears (Jave LOVED having her ears rubbed) and I would say, "Have I told you today how happy I am that you came to live with us and how how happy you make us?" And I meant it.

Today, I lay on the floor snuggled right up next to her on her favorite blanket in the vet's office and talked softly and cried and stroked her ears and her chest and told her how much we loved her and how happy she made us... and I told her about all the family's favorite dogs that would be waiting to jump and play with her... and she sighed a deep sigh and pressed her nose to my neck... and I asked her to wait for me at the Rainbow Bridge...

Rainbow Bridge

for

JAVA, February 14, 1998 - May 21, 2009

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals that had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

2009 National Memorial Day Concert

From Military.com:

The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) presents the 20th Annual National Memorial Day Concert on Sunday, May 24 at 8 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. The concert will feature musicians such as Katharine McPhee, Trace Adkins, Denyce Graves, as well as readings from Katie Holmes, Colin Powell, Laurence Fishburne, Joe Mantegna, Gary Senise and Dianne Wiest. For more information, visit the National Memorial Day Concert website. Please check your local television listings for the exact date and time of broadcast in your area.

I love this concert. I watch it every year. It is not only good entertainment, but the images of the crowds are very moving and very patriotic.

National Memorial Day Parade

There was a time in our history when parades were an opportunity to honor and celebrate something. Grandparents, children and grandchildren sat on the curbs in every town across America and waved their flags, saluted and cheered -- especially on our patriotic holidays -- Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day. Sadly -- very sadly -- that had not been the case for a number of years... especially the part about celebrating our military and our veterans... although I can safely say that is not the case in our town -- which openly, notoriously and without shame salutes, celebrates and thanks America's Heroes every chance it gets!!

This year I am spreading the word about The National Memorial Day Parade which will take place on Monday, May 25, 2009 at 2:00PM on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th streets NW, Washington, DC. The parade has been held every year since it was re-established in 2005 after a 70 year hiatus in our nation's capital.

It is the largest Memorial Day Celebration in America and will have more than 250,000 in attendance honoring those who have served and sacrificed. There will be marching bands, veterans units, and uniformed military personnel from around the country.

The parade will also feature a special tribute to the U.S. Navy, and include Navy vet and Oscar winner Ernest Borgnine, fellow actors and veterans' supporters Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna, and music star Lee Greenwood. Also participating is Edith Shain, the nurse from the famous World War II “V-J Day in Times Square” kiss photograph. (How excited do you think she will be??)

For more information, visit http://www.nationalmemorialdayparade.com.

I hope you can be one of the many this Memorial Day who line the parade route in DC and salute America's Heroes who gave all for our Freedom. And if you can't make it to DC, I hope you will take the kids and grandkids -- and your neighbors and friends -- to the closest parade and cheer widely for those that gave all and for those that carry on.

x-posted at Milblogs

ARMY PATERNITY LEAVE

I know a bunch of "will-be-daddy" guys and some soon-to-be mommas who will welcome this news!!

Paternity Leave

What is it?

The Army's new paternity leave policy gives fathers additional time to be with their families when a new child is born. The policy, which was signed into law under President George W. Bush on Oct. 14, grants married Soldiers up to 10 consecutive days of non-chargeable administrative leave after the birth of a child. Paternity leave must be taken within 45 days of the child's birth; deployed Soldiers must take the leave within 60 days after returning from deployment. Leave not taken within the established time frame will be lost.

Single Soldiers who father a child out-of-wedlock are not eligible for paternity leave.

What has the Army done?

The Army recognizes the importance of families being together during significant events such as the birth of a child. It has developed a flexible paternity leave policy that allows male Soldiers to support their spouses during the joyous, but possibly stressful, time of adjustment following the arrival of a new family member. It also provides Soldiers returning from deployments uninterrupted time with their child to begin building bonds that will last a lifetime.

The policy allows Soldiers who have taken annual leave in connection with the birth of a child since October 2008 to request up to 10 days of leave be restored/re-credited to their leave account. Soldiers must provide documentation to support their claim (e.g., DA Form 31 or LES) and submit it through the unit S1 or Personnel Administrative Center.

My question is, "Does this apply to adoptions as well?? (It should!)

Outside Looking In

Except for the occasional (negative) story buried somewhere on page 25 (or unless you read Milblogs), you hardly ever hear about Operation Iraqi Freedom any more. No one even calls it that -- it's just called "the war". But it is important to remind people that the War goes on and that there are still soldiers -- importantly, Citizen Soldiers -- who are still deploying and leaving This World for That World... and leaving loved ones to carry on Between Two Worlds.

Talking to Stacy and her new daughter-in-law Kristy today and reading Melinda's posts made me all teary-eyed and I was reminded of that idiot Pennsylvania Congressman's comment a few years back about how the War "needed to get personal". How much more personal can it get than mothers and wives and children saying goodbye to their much-loved soldiers? How much more meaningful can it be for those who must sleep alone and/or be the single parent or to worry about their sons and husbands and daddies for the next twelve or fifteen months??

Stacy and I talk regularly and I am in touch with a number of other milmoms and milspouses via email... and while I have most definitely "been there, and absolutely done that", I am not "there" this time as I have no relations deploying this year. I am not discounting the Navy son's current at-sea deployment... but he's not boots on the ground and neither he nor we will worry whether the contracted and meagerly-paid Ugandans providing security have been adequately trained and armed, nor will we worry whether our son will have hot meals, safe showers, or whether he will have to duck for cover. Nor will we worry whether his combat or security operation has all the requisite Iraqi approvals. (As if just serving in a combat zone were not worry enough!!)

Of course, we and our daughter-in-law and their daughters miss our son (and he, us and them) while he is deployed; and, of course, we worry because being on a large Navy ship has its dangers and perils. But this time -- with these deployments -- I feel on the outside looking in. Yes, my heart speeds up when I think about Stacy's son Michael going again (he was last deployed when Noah was in Iraq) and when I think about Melinda's DH; and yes, I am often misty-eyed trying to find the right words of encouragement and solace for my close personal friends as well as for any number of moms, dads and wives (even a few sisters!) who have emailed.

My heart especially hurts for Melinda's daughters who must do without their Dad's loving arms and whispered encouragements and who cannot fully understand their father's Mission and commitment to it. I am saddened that Kristy will miss out on this most precious first year of marriage and I pray that this deployment will serve to strengthen their bond for all the years to come. I worry for Stacy and Melin and Kristy and all the other moms (and dads) and wives and children (and brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins) who will have sleepless nights, and suffer through the agonizing days, weeks and months of counting down to redeployment and homecoming. I do not envy them the hours of waiting on the beeps and boops and rings of telephones and computers to talk to a loved one and to know that they are OK.

Make no mistake: talking to Stacy and thinking of Kristy and Melinda brings back every twinge, palpitation, caught breath and skipped heartbeat of deployment. While all of us who have experienced the part of being HERE while they are THERE like to fool ourselves that we have buried and dealt with those emotions, they are never far away; the waves of fear and the tingling of tears are much closer to the surface than we care to admit, and they rush up and smack us and consume us with the least bit of prodding. But.it.is.not.the.same. when your Guy is here.

I will most definitely be there for Stacy, Kristy, Melinda, M1 and M2 and their Guys just as they were there for me and My Guys. I have fired up the old supply cabinet and replenished my boxes and labels. And I ask each of you to re-commit yourselves to taking REAL efforts to support our Troops overseas and let them know that we have not forgotten them. You can start by stopping by Stacy's and Melinda's blogs and letting them know that they and their soldiers are in your thoughts and prayers... and then GO HERE. You can make a difference.

x-posted at ParentsZone

Out of the Darkness

Every 16 MINUTES in the United States, a parent grieves. Every 16 MINUTES, someone commits suicide and leaves behind those who do not understand.

This is Kristin and her younger brother Christopher. Of course, they grew up. They were very close. Christopher joined the US Navy and was serving as a Hospital Corpsman when at the age of 21, he committed suicide. He was my brother-in-law's nephew. The family has been deeply and irreversibly affected by Chris's suicide.

Kristin says

My brother Christopher served three years in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. On January 27th 2008, at only 21 years of age, he was able to take his life. The series of events that led to his death that night could’ve been prevented. He screamed for help and his cries went unheard. A child is supposed to outlive their parent, grow old with their siblings and one day have children of their own. Chris left us still just a child. Please help my family and I honor Chris’ memory and raise awareness for the prevention of suicide.

The Out of the Darkness Overnight Experience is an 18-mile walk over the course of one night, from sunset to sunrise. Net proceeds benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, funding research, education, and awareness programs – both to prevent suicide and to assist those affected by suicide.

While Kristin has reached her original (modest) monetary goal, I ask that you consider donating to Kristin's efforts to not only honor her brother, but to honor all those in our military who have died by their own hand in the hope that this money and the efforts to raise awareness and further education and efforts at suicide prevention will save lives. And help Kristin and her family heal.

Kristin's Pledge page is HERE.

AHOY, NAVY SEALS !!!

Dunkin' Donuts & Homes for Our Troops!!! Apr. 21

Dunkin’ Donuts announced a special "Iced Coffee Day" event for April 21, when Dunkin’ stores throughout the country will sell small iced coffees for the reduced price of only 50 cents. Five cents from each cup sold will go to Homes for Our Troops, a national, non-profit organization that builds specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans.

Dunkin’ Donuts is also launching a nationwide call to recruit one million new volunteers to support Homes for Our Troops’ efforts. The first 200 people to sign up as volunteers will receive free Dunkin’ coffee for one month.

Not only is Homes for Our Troops one of my favorite charities, DD is (and has been) a favorite of mine and my family since I was in HIGH SCHOOL (and that was a long time ago!!) In fact, every morning of high school from sophomore year on (when we got our driver's licenses and cars :-) my twin sister and I and our friends went to the DD in Wheeling, IL and had 2 long johns and coffee before school EVERY DAY! and sometimes on the weekends as well!

So let's all support Homes for Our Troops... every little bit helps!

Annapolis Smile

My seeastar sent this to us... Go Navy (and Bravo Zulu, Seals!)

Taxed Enough Already Protest - Prescott

Prescott, AZ -- Everybody's Hometown (and Arizona's Christmas City)! The Protest started with a prayer to the Almighty asking that He impart on our elected officials real wisdom to deal with this economic problem... wisdom which has escaped them all so far!.Then there was the singing of the National Anthem and the Pledge. There were 4,000 people at the height of the TEA Party -- and people were riled up throughout. The cold temps may have kept people away, but there was an exuberant bunch on hand. We live in horse & cow country and while no one was suggesting we string up the horse thieves, the sentiment was not lost on this crowd. The crowd was filled with veterans and conservatives -- and the joke of the night was just how dang proud we all were to fall in one or both of those groups! I could not get my pics or videos to post up at PJTV... so I'm putting some up right here!

My Tax Protest Poster

My Taxed Enough Already (TEA) Party Poster!!

DON'T TAX ME, BRO!!

Veterans: Can't Catch A Break

Thanks to some mighty good and generous friends from Fort Benning who paid his expenses, Noah is currently away on his first vacation since he was wounded in 2005 and was medically discharged (we won't count his mid-Iraq tour R&R and his 30-day convalescent leave after he was wounded) and hasn't seen his mail in the past 3 days. Really. This poor kid just can't catch a break.

As this recent post illustrates, he has been busting his a$$ since the day he left the Army. He arrived here in AZ on a Friday and began his classes in Fire Science on Monday. He certified as an EMT within 6 months of leaving the service, has completed the basic and advanced Wildfire Academy, completed the seriously rigorous Firefighter Academy, as well as classes in fire codes, inspections, hazardous materials, fire management, business management, and many others. He currently has a 3.85 GPA. He tried to find a job (any job) to supplement his VA disability allowance, but what few jobs were/are available, could not (or would not) accommodate his class schedule -- which is inflexible because the classes in his degree program are offered progressively, i.e., one class is offered one semester and the follow-on class offered the next, then the next. If you opt not to take a class this semester, it's not offered again for 2 or 3 semesters AND you're then ineligible for the follow-on class. Since this degree program is not only geared to those seeking a first-time career, but also to those already working as firefighters and to those working in some other field but wanting to change careers, many of the classes are late afternoon/night classes (longer classes-- fewer days) or every weekend for say 10 weekends.

For the past 18 months, Noah has attended school full time, has almost full time hours as a student intern at the Veterans' Center, PLUS he is a single Dad with custody of his fifteen-month old son. He also attends regular counseling sessions. He has a lot on his plate for a 23 year old. Hell, for a man of any age!

So here's what has come in the mail since he left to relax a few days ago:

Even though Noah has had his son living with him for almost a year, it was considered "informal" because there was no court decree. Prior to his divorce being final, he and his (ex-)wife received a subsidy from the state for child care which enabled her to work full time and Noah to attend school and work. When custody was formally granted to Noah, he went to the Department of Economic Security and asked that the subsidy paper work be put in his name and he gave them a copy of his divorce decree -- only to learn that the State of AZ considered that a whole new application for a subsidy which, because of the budget deficit in this state, are frozen, and his "new" application WAS DENIED. There was no arguing with these people that nothing had changed except the formality of the baby's custody. If Noah wants to keep his son in the licensed child care center, it will cost Noah an additional $400-$500 per month!!

Next, he applied for health insurance through the State because he has no real income and (as I wrote here) he has no health coverage (the VA only covers his service-connected conditions):

Veterans of the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan who are medically unable to continue in the service but receive less than a 10% disability from their service branch, receive no medical insurance once they separate. For those with service-connected disability ratings of 10 or 20% (ratings are 0% or greater in 10% increments), they receive UP TO 12 months of medical insurance (Tricare) for themselves and their families after separation; for 10% and 20% ratings it is typically 6 months but can be 9 or 12 months depending on the medical condition. If a service member receives a disability rating of 30% or greater from the service branch (a medical retirement), medical insurance for themselves and their families continue at no cost to them FOR LIFE.

Remember: 90% of Soldiers, 83% of Marines, 73% of Airmen and 64% of Sailors who were injured, wounded or became chronically ill while in the service received a disability rating of 20% or less. Unless they were covered by an employer or can afford other insurance within say 6-9 months after their discharge, they and their families have no health insurance coverage.

Although the case worker told Noah that they do not count disability allowances as "income" for purposes of the "how poor are you?" test, they DID, in fact, count his VA disability and -- you guessed it -- his application for health insurance WAS DENIED. (He has already been turned down by other private insurers because he has too many combat-connected injuries/conditions -- and he can't afford those premiums any way!)

Next, Noah had applied through USAA (I'm not even linking them!!) for some life insurance because, well, he is a responsible parent (and a great Dad, I might add), and he wanted to be sure that his son would be provided for if anything were to happen to Noah. Now, USAA is a membership association and the single requirement for membership is that you (or a close family member) are or have been a member of the Armed Forces of the United States of America -- active, Guard, Reserve. Now my DH has been a member since the 60's and our children have been members since they got driver's licenses -- before any of the sons even entered the services. Today he received a letter saying that his application for life insurance WAS DENIED BASED ON HIS HISTORY OF (symptoms associated with) PTSD ??

WHAT THE HELL??!! This country has sent more than 1.7 million men and women to war over the past 8 years and as many as 20% of these men and women will suffer symptoms of post-traumatic stress and many of those will develop post-traumatic stress disorder/syndrome. This is a business organization who states its mission is "to facilitate the financial security of its members, associates, and their families through provision of a full range of... products and services;" and "to be the provider of choice for the military community"??? Well, USAA, in this regard you are doing a piss poor job of meeting those needs. Will this be just one more reason NOT to seek treatment for the invisible wounds of war?? I'm trying to figure out how they justify this -- if they're wary of say, suicide, don't most insurance policies limit benefits within 2 years (or some period) or say that benefits won't be paid in the event of suicide??

Golly gee!! I can't wait to see what comes in the mail for him tomorrow!! Seriously, I can't imagine Noah coming home to these things... He just can't seem to catch a break. And I'd venture to say he's not the only young OIF/OEF veteran facing such obstacles. (See HERE, for example.)

Doesn't all this just suck?? As a parent, I am frustrated and angry beyond measure! Already veterans and veterans organizations have had to rant and rail against the new administration to turn them from their proposal of having combat-wounded veterans pay for their care with their own private insurance (if & when they have it). I ask -- as I have asked before -- IS THIS HOW WE TREAT OUR WOUNDED?? IS THIS HOW WE TREAT OUR VETERANS??? Why would any parent now consider encouraging their child to enlist if it means that they will have to fight and claw for any and every benefit they have EARNED or have to fight against discrimination and reprisal for having served their country and been wounded in that endeavor?? Really. Why would anyone volunteer for that??

Medical School Class of 2009 -- Congratulations!!!

A little background. Medical school is four years. Four years of a combination of classrooms and practicals, exams and hospital and specialty rotations. A little after your 3rd year, you hope you have selected the areas of medicine that interest you (and de-selected those that you have no interest whatsoever in doing for the rest of your adult life.)

At this point, you begin researching and searching to do elective rotations and interviews at hospitals and in cities where you wish to work and live, respectively. Then you go meet the doctors and, in a single interview, you attempt to impress these jaded old souls that you are, in fact, the best candidate they have ever met and that they would be foolhardy and silly to select any one of the other 100 or so medical students vying for the slots that program in your specialty has open.

After you have concluded your interviews, you rank the places you wish for -- in order -- 1-5 (or fewer than five if you are supremely confident that you are that good...) Then those programs list their choices in order 1-5 -- both the medical school 4th years and the hospitals each hoping to MATCH somewhere on the two lists.

Then the third week of March every year, each of the medical schools has their "Match Day" ceremony. Some do dinners, some assemblies... On match day, the students know ONLY that they have matched somewhere* -- but (for the most past) they have no details. Then they are handed an envelope from the designated medical school official and their future (at least the next 3-4 years) is revealed.

For 4th year medical students and for their families and loved ones, it is a nervewracking time!!!

So the medical student daughter MATCHED HER NO. 1 CHOICE !!! So WHHHOOOOHHHOOOO punch the sky, jump for joy, and shriek in happiness (very soon-to-be) DR. L!! Dermatology in Virginia!!!

And our nephew matched his first choice as well!! So WHHHOOOOHHHOOOO punch the sky, jump for joy, and shriek in happiness (very soon-to-be) DR. M!! (His father graduated from the same school and will have the very emotional honor of "hooding" his son at graduation... it makes my eyes well up just thinking about it!)

And while the daughter's school didn't release the video, HERE is the video of our nephew's Match Day readings (fast forward through the talking heads for the first 10 minutes.) My nephew is in the next 6 minutes... (for privacy, I'll not say which one he is)... it is an interesting hour. Some are totally surprised... some are clearly disappointed... many are just non-committal. I was so proud of the military members (you will know by the military facilities with which they matched!)

But a great day of celebration (and relief!) was had in many households across America!!

So congratulations to all the very soon to be doctors of America!!

_______________

* While most students do match at least one of their choices, some don't... but some hospitals don't match with their choices either and those unmatched people/programs get a last chance just days before the Match Day to see if they can "match" somewhere.