Happy Veterans Day

    Today is Veteran's Day. I would like to thank All those that have served. You have sacrificed so much. I know how hard it is to leave your family and friends to do your duty. You has spent long hard hours in places that few people even know the names or locations. We have cried, ranted and laughed at things sane people would have walked away from. Each of you are a hero in your own right. Remember, You are the few that dare to do do the things so that the many may sleep well at night.


    We must also thank our families and friends at this time. They spend long sleepless nights worrying about us each time we go down range. They are our heroes. Our spouses, families and friends must keep life going while we struggle elsewhere. It is no easy feat for them as well. They must care for our children, and keep our memories alive at the same time. Anyone that has to care for multiple children alone deserves our respect. There is a different stress involved in dealing with naked children running through the house, while trying to complete homework and cook dinner. Sanity is a fleeting thing for them.

    For those individuals and politicians that are jumping on the 'Thank a Veteran' bandwagon because it is a holiday, I am letting you know I think you are number one. However, I am not holding up my index finger. You are the people that only do this because it is fashionable to be seen doing this today. How many of you wrote a military person while they were over seas? How many of you visited a family of a veteran while they were overseas? I'd say you are the same people that couldn't find a VA hospital, let alone take the time to visit a veteran there.

    Most of Congress couldn't even tell you how many people from their home states are serving in foreign countries today. I'm certain they do not know the names. Here's an idea. Use some that Congressional money you have for expenses and send each of them a thank you letter. It could be a form letter, we understand that. Just take the time to sign it yourself. I'm sure a few hours away from the lobbyists and power brokers won't kill your career. You might even put a smile on a lone troop's face.

    There are those of you that constantly show support for the troops. For all of you, we say thank you back. The letters, boxes, and special things mean a great deal. I want to send a special thanks to my wife and family for being there. You are the reason I make it home. To the two little elder ladies that bought me shots in the airport on my last return home. Thank you as well. I needed that. Keep up the good work!

   Happy Veterans Day to all those that are still with us, and to those that have gone before us!

Shaken, Not Stirred

       I saw where a friend posted that we are the result of the thousands that came before, or some sentiment of that nature. At first, I took it to mean that we were the biological results of thousands of years of breeding. It might be more inbreeding for some. We all know that there are many physical traits that we inherit from our parents. There are even stronger traits that are shared by people from specific regions and cultures. I definitely agree with this idea. There is enough scientific data to support this assumption. Look at me I am proof. My perfect bald head is the results of genetic tweaking and refining.
     However, I believe that the idea read had more to do with the people that were part of our lives and how they affected us. The recent passing of my uncle helped me to realize the importance those people held in my life. I would like to thank each of them for the little part of them that they shared with me. Some individuals that would like to curse you for those darker parts. There is no way for me to share each part that everyone contributed to create a unique me. Therefore, I am only going to thank a few.
     I guess I should start with that person that gave me life, my Mother. Mom is strong and tough. She speaks her mind, sometimes not at the best moment. The truth was always important to her. I definitely have those attributes well in hand. There are professors, officers, and even former friends that will attest to my ability to relay the truth. Many of the times it was far from the popular thing to do. Hell! I've even made a few grow men cry. I think they needed that though.
     My Father taught me patients and a love for life. I'm sure many of the things my Dad did with me growing up would have landed him in jail today. He used to let me sit in his lap and steer the car while going down the road. I couldn't have been more than eight at that time. How many parents would even try that today? His stories about the Army and foreign lands, led to my joining and traveling to wild exotic places. It is doubtful I ever could have hoped to reached them on my own. I still write today because he loved to read my articles in the paper, before he died. Someday I hope to finish that book for him.
     There was my Grandpa Williams, Dewey was his first name. He was the 7th son of a 7th son. If you do not know what I am referring to there, I'll just say he could do some freaky stuff. He taught me a respect for nature and the things it took me a long time to accept. He was a quiet man that didn't speak a lot. However, you had better be listening when he did. I once broke my arm from falling out of a try. I was a screaming crying mess until he spoke to me. "You will be O.K.," was all he said. It was enough. The fear was gone. I even relaxed enough to help them splint my arm.