The Olympics and National Pride

So the XX Olympiad closed this evening. I have to admit, I'm a bit of an Olympic junkie. Every time the Olympics are on (winter or summer games) I swear that I'm not going to watch them this time, but I am always compelled to watch at least the Opening Ceremonies and then I'm hooked. Dear Husband and I actually sought out and watched Curling this year for heaven's sake!

Growing up I dreamed of being in the Olympics, but back in the Dark Ages just about every kid I knew thought that being the best amateur athlete in the world was something to truly aspire.

I think the Olympics have lost the true meaning with all the professional athletes competing. The Olympics are supposed to be a celebration of sports. And I know that they allowed the pros in to level the field because of the countries that subsidize their "amateur" athletes. But now that this has been the case for a number of Olympics, I am of the opinion that it has not improved the Games. It has become about only the athlete's personal achievement and the next or newest endorsement deals and hype and commercials and the commercial value of the individuals. It's not about doing the best for the USA because you are competing for the USA. I suppose that's just the times we live in. I'd like to see it get back to being more of a show case of sport's "young 'uns" and young guns -- real amateurs. Maybe we could restore some of the spirit if we required some percentage of a team's athletes to be truly amateurs? And I think the only way to deal with performance enhancing drugs and blood loading, etc., is if an athlete tests positive, ban the athlete from the Olympics for life and perhaps other competitions for 5 years -- effectively the athlete's best years; who can continue to train at competition levels for that length of time and not compete? If the penalties are severe enough, it will serve as a deterent. And, yes, I agree that testing methods must be improved to reduce the number of false positives.

Like most reviewers, I found the coverage of the Olympics to be lackluster and uninspiring. Then again, perhaps it was because most of the athletes were lackluster and uninspiring -- either their personalities or their competitions or both. I saw a comedian at some point over the past two weeks who said just once he wanted to hear a story about an athlete that wasn't a tear jerker or hard luck story about how the parents sold their home and live in different countries so their child could get to the games. He suggested that maybe it would be a breath of fresh air to hear that some guy had been born rich, had every advantage, private coaches and was just at the Games to get girls! LOL

I really like Apolo Ohno; he's a no excuses kind of guy. When he loses a race because he didn't skate well, he says, "I didn't skate a very good race." or "I didn't skate a very smart race." No whining. Sasha Cohen (who is a Soldiers Angel and has adopted soldiers!) said, "I tried my best. I didn't skate as well as I wanted and I made mistakes. I am grateful for the Silver Medal." And I like Shaun White and Toby Dawson. They participated and won with enthusiasm and charm. These competitors and a few others seemed to not just enjoy their achievements, but seemed genuinely taken with the Olympic experience. They each said how proud they were to be representing their country and meant it!

But the Games are over and the most striking thing to me about "Team USA" was its lack of cohesiveness and pride. I didn't see one athlete on the medal stand cover their heart when the US flag was raised, although I have been told that one or two athletes did; I just didn't see them do it. I didn't see even one sing along or even mouth the words to our national anthem. That was so appalling and embarrassing to me especially when compared to the Italians and a few other countries that sang with gusto whenever their anthem was played.

I don't care what your politics are. If you want to compete with that "USA" on your uniform, I think singing the anthem and putting your hand over your heart to salute your flag ought to be the bare minimum you can do and the US Olympic Committee ought to make the athletes sign a pledge to do so. I have given money to the US Olympic effort for years, but I don't intend to give any more unless they make me believe that "our" athletes will show some respect for our flag and the country that makes it possible ($$$) for them to compete in our name!!

And my thanks and apologies to those who have inquired about my lack of posting. We're fine, but have been busy with personal and time consuming family matters recently. If things settle down a bit, I'll be back to posting regularly very soon.

Copyright 2006. All rights reserved.

An Unnatural Order

I believe that the saddest thing that can happen to someone in this life is to have a child die. It upsets the natural order of life. Our children should outlive us. They should have 100 years to experience all the good that life has to offer. Sometimes, it doesn't happen that way.

My sweet friend Cathy from "Updates on My Soldier" and her husband have lost their beloved son David. David had been ill a few months but his death was unexpected. Dave's brother Dan is on his way home from Iraq. Please go over and let Cathy and her family know that you are thinking of them at this difficult time.


Updates on my soldier: My Son David

COME to his assistance, All you Saints of God! Meet him, you Angels of the Lord. Receive his soul, and present it to the Most High. May Christ who called you, receive you; and may the Angels lead you into the bosom of Abraham. Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.

Into your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brother. In this life you embraced him with your tender love; deliver him now from every evil and bid him enter eternal rest.

The old order has passed away: welcome him then into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping nor pain, but the fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

Amen.

OK... REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR THE MILBLOG CONFERENCE

REGISTRATION FOR EVERYONE STARTS ON THE 16TH.

GO HERE TO REGISTER. (oh, and here's a helpful hint... only hit the "Submit Form" button once... you will not get a confirmation response... just check the "Conference Registrants" list to see if you're registered -- that list updates almost immediately!)

The 2006 Milblog Conference

APRIL 22, 2006, Washington, DC

The 2006 Milblog Conference is designed to bring milbloggers together for one full day of interesting discussion on topics associated with milblogging, and will explore the history of milblogs, as well as what the future may hold for this medium which the military community is using to tell their stories.

Registration for this event is free of charge. All registrations are first-come, first-serve.

For our troops and others who are unable to attend the event, live video feed of the conference will be available so that you can log-on and watch the conference from any location worldwide.

Once again, a very, very heartfelt thank you to the Departmental Network of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, who have graciously donated time and resources to this conference and have been invaluable to this effort. The VFW designed the conference site, are hosting it and will be running the video feed.

SO GET ON OVER AND SIGN UP!!!

Details at the 2006 Milblog Conference Website: HERE

SURE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!

The conference is not sponsored, sanctioned, censored by, or in any way affiliated with the Department of Defense.

LAST DAY FOR MILBLOG CONFERENCE PRE-REGISTRATION

REMINDER: PRE-REGISTRATION FOR MILBLOGGERS AND MEMBERS OF THE MILITARY (ACTIVE OR VETERAN) CONTINUES THROUGH MIDNIGHT TODAY (FEB. 15.)

REGISTRATION FOR ALL OTHERS STARTS ON THE 16TH.

GO HERE TO REGISTER. (oh, and here's a helpful hint... only hit the "Submit Form" button once... you will not get a confirmation response... just check the "Conference Registrants" list to see if you're registered -- that list updates almost immediately!)

The 2006 Milblog Conference

APRIL 22, 2006, Washington, DC

The 2006 Milblog Conference is designed to bring milbloggers together for one full day of interesting discussion on topics associated with milblogging, and will explore the history of milblogs, as well as what the future may hold for this medium which the military community is using to tell their stories.

Seating is limited to 300 seats. Non-milbloggers and non-bloggers are welcome to attend the conference, but because this conference is for milbloggers, milbloggers are being allowed to pre-register for the first [150] seats.

Any unclaimed milblog/military (active, reserve, military, & their significant others and family) seats will be released to non-milbloggers and the public at 12:01AM on the 16th.

Registration for this event is free of charge. All registrations are first-come, first-serve.

For our troops and others who are unable to attend the event, live video feed of the conference will be available so that you can log-on and watch the conference from any location worldwide.

Once again, a very, very heartfelt thank you to the Departmental Network of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, who have graciously donated time and resources to this conference and have been invaluable to this effort. The VFW designed the conference site, are hosting it and will be running the video feed.

SO GET ON OVER AND SIGN UP!!!

Details at the 2006 Milblog Conference Website: HERE

SURE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!

The conference is not sponsored, sanctioned, censored by, or in any way affiliated with the Department of Defense.

A BIG THANK YOU FROM TALL'AFAR IRAQ

Get on over to The Mudville Gazette and read the letter from the Mayor of Tall'Afar, Iraq about the brave men of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment...

In the Name of God the Compassionate and Merciful

To the Courageous Men and Women of the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, who have changed the city of Tall’ Afar from a ghost town, in which terrorists spread death and destruction, to a secure city flourishing with life.

To the lion-hearts who liberated our city from the grasp of terrorists who were beheading men, women and children in the streets for many months.

To those who spread smiles on the faces of our children, and gave us restored hope, through their personal sacrifice and brave fighting, and gave new life to the city after hopelessness darkened our days, and stole our confidence in our ability to reestablish our city.

Read the rest... HERE

and welcome home to the 3ACR!!!

THE GREYHAWKS CHECK IN

I am so excited that the Greyhawks of milblogging fame will be participating in the 2006 Milblog Conference! From Andi via the Milblog Conference website:

I'm pleased to announce that Greyhawk and Mrs. G of the Mudville Gazette will be moderating the on-line forum of the Milblog Conference.

For the troops who are blogging from theater, or anyone else who cannot physically attend the conference, the VFW will offer video feed of the event. You will be able to log-on and view the conference from any location worldwide. There will also be a chat-room for this forum, and the Greyhawks will moderate the discussion.

We're all pleased to have the Greyhawks participate in this event.

I also want to thank the Departmental level of the VFW, once again, for their tremendous support for this conference.

Sure do wish they could be there in person -- but we'll take their input and assistance with open arms! WHOOOHOOO!

******************

REMINDER: PRE-REGISTRATION FOR MILBLOGGERS AND MEMBERS OF THE MILITARY (ACTIVE OR VETERAN) STARTED LAST WEEK AND CONTINUES THROUGH FEB. 15. REGISTRATION FOR ALL OTHERS STARTS ON THE 16TH. GO HERE TO REGISTER. (oh, and here's a helpful hint... only hit the "Submit Form" button once... you will not get a confirmation response... just check the "Conference Registrants" list to see if you're registered -- that list updates almost immediately!)

The 2006 Milblog Conference

APRIL 22, 2006, Washington, DC

The 2006 Milblog Conference is designed to bring milbloggers together for one full day of interesting discussion on topics associated with milblogging, and will explore the history of milblogs, as well as what the future may hold for this medium which the military community is using to tell their stories.The milblog community is diverse, and we intend to showcase the full spectrum of milblogs, including those who have blogged from theater, veteran members of the armed forces, spouses and parents.Due to seating limitations only 300 seats can be guaranteed. Non-milbloggers and non-bloggers are welcome to attend the conference, but because this conference is for milbloggers, milbloggers will be allowed to pre-register: 150 seats are reserved for milbloggers who wish to attend. Any unclaimed milblog seats will be released to non-milbloggers and the public.Registration for this event is free of charge. Pre-registration will begin on February 8 and continue through midnight February 15. Any slots not filled by milbloggers will be given to the general public. Registration for the public will begin on February 16. All registrations are first-come, first-serve.For our troops and others who are unable to attend the event, live video feed of the conference will be available so that you can log-on and watch the conference from any location worldwide.

Hearty thanks to the Departmental Network of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, who have graciously donated time and resources to this conference and have been invaluable to this effort. The VFW designed the conference site, are hosting it and will be running the video feed.

SO GET ON OVER AND SIGN UP!!! Details at the 2006 Milblog Conference Website: HERE

SURE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!

The conference is not sponsored, sanctioned, censored by, or in any way affiliated with the Department of Defense.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF WORRY

At the invitation of a girlfriend, I recently took up ceramics at a local shop and have become acquainted with a number of women who also like the satisfaction of making something. For the most part, all the women are in the same age group as me (“old” as we joke) with grown or mostly grown children. More specifically, none of our children live with us. As we work on our projects in close proximity for hours at a time, we (surprise!) talk. We talk about the world, we talk about our town, our work, our men, our parents, our children. We offer advice, we joke, make comments and offer suggestions. We tell stories, share tales of adventures, advice on investments, banks, local businesses, places to eat or not. All in all, it’s like a 2nd grade finger painting class without a teacher to tell us “shhhh”.

Just as I know about theirs, my friends at the shop know about my children, including Noah’s career and recent history. If any object to “the war”, they haven’t said so and most openly profess their support for the soldiers and their mission. On more than one occasion, someone just joining our little group will, upon learning that Noah is in the Army and that he has been in Iraq, stop whatever they are doing, open their eyes big as saucers and drop their jaw as they exclaim, “I have always wondered how you do it… I mean have a child in Iraq or Afghanistan. I don’t sleep at night and mine is only [pick one] at college – in another city – in their first apartment!”

I know that kind of worry, too. But trying to describe the worry of having a child at war is a measureless task and I’m not certain the words even exist that could encompass all such worry entails. It is where simple words fail. A parent's worry of a child at war is so intense and all consuming that I can think of nothing to compare.

I think of all the other worries of a child’s lifetime – the first time you leave them with a babysitter other than grandma; first illness or injury requiring a trip to the emergency room; first time without the training wheels; first day of school; every time up at bat in the bottom of the 9th with two on and two out down by a run with the playoffs at risk; first time behind the wheel and then first time behind the wheel without you there; the first time they are hours late past curfew and don’t call; the first time you send them somewhere that you can not get to in 15 minutes (a week at Boy Scout camp, an exchange student to France…); and sending them off to the next phase of their lives – whether basic training or college.

OK, put all those “little” worries in your head… now pack them all in just one heartbeat, multiply it 100-fold and live it every heartbeat of every day they are in harm’s way.

The worry is distracting, physically taxing, mentally exhausting, maddening, emotional, intense. It is numbing but you are never numb to it. It is not always just this side of paralyzing although it can be. The time they are away has ups and downs, peaks and valleys, and it’s never static. It really is like carrying a sack of anything on your shoulders around the clock. Sometimes it is a 5-pound sack but at other times ‑‑ depending on what’s happening where they are or how long it’s been since you last heard from them -- can be a much larger burden to carry… an invisible weight you carry day in and day out. It’s the first thing you’re aware of in the morning and the last thing at night. The worry and the thoughts about their safety occur a million times a day. You fantasize about what the moment will be like when they are out of the danger zone, but it is second to the fantasies you have of the time you will welcome them home and hold them again.

Throughout Noah’s deployment I tried to “manage” the worry and the fear -- trying to suppress it; talk myself through the mild anxiety attacks that would rise unexpectedly while sitting at a stoplight or while rolling my grocery cart; hold back tears that would suddenly spring to my eyes for no apparent reason; and sometimes just releasing the tears in the quiet of the morning or the darkness of the night.

How did we do it? With a lot of help. It would have been impossible to get through a deployment without the network of family and friends we are so privileged to enjoy.

For starters, I have the love, support and sensibilities of my husband who has the innate ability to know when to listen and when to make himself heard; when to stand to the side and when to throw strong arms around me and hold on tight… A man who said, “Let’s do it!” no matter what I suggested we should get or where we should go to support Our Guys. Of course, Noah’s brothers and sister that worried along with us and never wavered once in their support for him or us.

We have a large, close and supportive extended family – sisters, brother, brothers- and sisters-in-law and their families, nephews, nieces and cousins that stood together with us through the journey. Not all agree with our presence in Iraq, but they all put aside their own politics to show Noah their love and support before he left and through his deployment. My sisters and families and brother came at Christmas to spend time together just weeks before he left. They called him the day he deployed. They called and emailed us regularly to offer support. They sent packages to Noah and his unit. They sent cards and letters. They organized “stuff for the troops” collections at their work places and their churches. They sent love… lots of love to let Noah and his comrades know that they were appreciated and were in their hearts.

We also have a group of friends who never failed to ask how Noah and the Guys were doing. Many sent packages. They added Noah and his unit to the prayer lists at their places of worship. As my internet journal continued and grew, we added many friends to our list of those that stood with us during that stressful time – those that were serving, had served, families of those serving, and compatriots that support the troops and their families. And then there were also Noah’s friends – all “our kids” back in New York -- that called or sent messages just when it seemed we needed to hear from them most!

We were all connected to that different kind of worry by our love of Noah. And we never were more appreciative of this network than when Noah was wounded… it was a source of support, encouragement, love and prayers that helped get us through the dark hours.

So, to those with soldiers, sailors, marines or airmen deployed, we stand with you as you worry (for we know we cannot keep you from the worry.) We’re here for you, with you. Count us as part of your network.

Copyright 2006. All rights reserved.

The NFL's Appalling Lack of Patriotism

ThirdWaveDave posts about his interview with the National Football League on why there was no salute by the NFL -- hell, there was barely a mention -- to our service men and women before, during or after the Superbowl.

I second Dave's questions... Why wasn't there a tribute to our military? How soon they are willing to forget... and I also agree with Dave's take that somehow six color guards during the pre-game show (I only saw the Marine Corps guard) and some personal greetings from some NFL players shown only to the troops does not by any stretch of the imagination constitute a "salute" to our military.

The NFL owed our troops a big thank you. Now they owe our troops an apology.

2006 Milblog Conference

REMINDER: PRE-REGISTRATION FOR MILBLOGGERS AND MEMBERS OF THE MILITARY (ACTIVE OR VETERAN) STARTS AT 10:00AM EST THIS MORNING. REGISTRATION FOR ALL OTHERS STARTS IN ONE WEEK. GO HERE TO REGISTER. (oh, and here's a helpful hint... only hit the "Submit Form" button once... you will not get a confirmation response... just check the "Conference Registrants" list to see if you're registered -- that list updates almost immediately! The multiple registrations will be corrected.)

Back in late 2004 when I began to toy with the idea of keeping a web log on my experiences as a mother with a son at war, I can’t say that I had ever even heard the term “milblog” or even its extended “military blog”. Since December 2004, I have been privileged to become a part of the world of milblogs and a member of the milblog community. Other milbloggers and those that read their work have been my supporters, my cheerleaders and my friends. I have been thrilled to meet a few… and now I hope to meet many more at The 2006 Milblog Conference (the brainchild and hard work of Andi at Andi’s World). I'll be serving on the "Milblogging Family Style" panel!

The 2006 Milblog Conference

APRIL 22, 2006, Washington, DC

The 2006 Milblog Conference is designed to bring milbloggers together for one full day of interesting discussion on topics associated with milblogging, and will explore the history of milblogs, as well as what the future may hold for this medium which the military community is using to tell their stories.

The milblog community is diverse, and we intend to showcase the full spectrum of milblogs, including those who have blogged from theater, veteran members of the armed forces, spouses and parents.

Due to seating limitations only 300 seats can be guaranteed. Non-milbloggers and non-bloggers are welcome to attend the conference, but because this conference is for milbloggers, milbloggers will be allowed to pre-register: 150 seats are reserved for milbloggers who wish to attend. Any unclaimed milblog seats will be released to non-milbloggers and the public.

Registration for this event is free of charge. Pre-registration will begin on February 8 and continue through midnight February 15. Any slots not filled by milbloggers will be given to the general public. Registration for the public will begin on February 16. All registrations are first-come, first-serve.

For our troops and others who are unable to attend the event, live video feed of the conference will be available so that you can log-on and watch the conference from any location worldwide.

Hearty thanks to the Departmental Network of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, who have graciously donated time and resources to this conference and have been invaluable to this effort. The VFW designed the conference site, are hosting it and will be running the video feed.

SO GET ON OVER AND SIGN UP RIGHT AWAY (starting the 8th)!!! Details at the 2006 Milblog Conference Website: HERE

SURE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!

The conference is not sponsored, sanctioned, censored by, or in any way affiliated with the Department of Defense.

Milblog Conference Registration...

A clarification on registration: if you are bringing along a spouse, significant other, family or friends, be sure to register them as well. This applies to milbloggers, military and the general public.

Gosh... Gee... Golly Gosh, Guys... Thanks!

I was so touched to receive this. It hangs with great pride above my desk. Support for the mission was my great honor.

He Is A Soldier Part 2

Have I mentioned that Noah has always wanted to be a soldier?

Since Noah returned to the U.S. after his wounding, he and I have talked on many occasions about his plans for the future.

He considered getting out at the end of his contract (19 months from now), finishing his college degree and then re-enlisting if he still wanted to be in the Army because, frankly, the Army isn’t going anywhere.. it will still be there when he graduates.

He considered a limited re-enlistment to do recruiting duty. I told him to go read “Jack Army” and “Confessions of a Military Recruiter” and see if he’d think differently about such an assignment.

He considered re-enlisting and doing the “Green to Gold” (enlisted to officer college program).

He considered applying to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

He considered just plain old re-enlisting.

His Dad and I joked, “If it’s Monday, there’s a new plan.” It was usually left that he still had plenty of time to consider what he wanted to do and where he wanted to be.

So the day before yesterday (a Monday) he calls and says he’s decided to re-enlist. He tells me the size of the substantial re-enlistment bonus they’re offering him.

As I usually do, I say, “Don’t do it for the money. If they were offering you no money, would you do it?”

“Well, the money is nice, Ma… but yes, I would do it if there was no money. I love my job. And didn’t you and Dad always say find something you like… something you love and do that?” Yes. Yes, we did.

After I hang up and tell the Dear Husband the gist of the conversation, the DH says, “Well, how do you feel about that?”

Of course, I am OK with Noah’s decision to re-enlist. Military service is honest, noble and honorable. And a military career is an honest and honorable calling. However, just thinking about another deployment (and there will be another deployment) makes me want to breathe deeply into a brown paper bag. It makes my heart beat faster… but I’m trying not to put the cart in front of the horse.

When Noah received his orders for Iraq, of course, we began to worry. We’re parents. And then he actually deployed and the worry was worse. But when he deployed, I didn’t quite know what to expect. And because (at least at first) the communications were pretty regular, we were lulled into a routine where things felt pretty “safe”. It wasn’t that I thought that our son was invincible or indestructible, but the optimistic part of my brain – the one that says, “not my child” – led my daily thoughts. As a parent… as a mother… you can’t ever let your thoughts go to the dark side.

Then he was wounded. I have a different mindset about deployment now. I know what can happen. I’ve been to the dark side. I have been “there”. I know the sheer terror of that phone call. I know the hell of waiting for word.

I have attended the memorials and the funerals of his friends. I have corresponded with the young widows of those with whom Noah served. We have personally observed the grief and sorrow. So another deployment will be different. Not just for me, but also for his Dad, his brothers, sister, his friends, the rest of the family… and I’m sure for Noah, too.

I joked before his first deployment that I would need a mainline IV of Valium to get through the deployment. Next time it won’t be a joke.

All our fears aside, we are tremendously proud of Noah and his choice to re-enlist. As I discussed early on in my writing, Noah has always wanted to be a soldier. He didn’t enlist the first time because we were at war. He enlisted in spite of it. And he has re-enlisted knowing that he will probably deploy again… somewhere in the world. After all, the United States has approximately 370,000 troops deployed to 120 countries worldwide (can you even name 120 countries??) [click here for a graphic]

I‘m sure that any new deployment for Noah is a ways off. Gives me plenty of time to worry about it.

HOOAH, Noah!!