Let us not forget what tomorrow is; December 7, 2008 "a day that will live in infamy"! I know we never will.I always wanted to visit Pearl Harbor and pay my respects. My father was a First Class Petty Officer who served in the Navy during WWII. He had a friend, who had a friend, who was on board the Arizona when it sank. He is still there, entombed with the other Sailors.See ya.Clayton
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Hi fellas, it sure is good to hear from former Buckeyes! Thanks for welcoming me aboardVA-85.It’s times like this, when you can correspond with new and former shipmates, that reallymakes you proud to be a Navy Veteran and an American Citizen.I hope this will be a long and lasting relationship between all of us, who have served ourcountry honorably, and to those who are “now giving all they have” to keep America a freenation.Thanks again, and I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!Respectfully,Clayton Kaminska
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I have to apologize for not being on here as often as I'd like but I have been very busy. But I wanted to at least wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families. All the best from myself and my wife. This wish is for EVERYONE that reads this. There are many of you out there that don't know me and vice versa. Makes no matter. We may not have ever met, or served together but my feeling is pretty simple. I served in the USN and if you're on this site, you did too. I feel that this makes us "friends" and "shipmates" and I do not turn away from friends. Too bad others don't feel the same way. Take care and have a happy holiday.Dutch
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Posted by Douglas Karr on November 10, 2008 at 7:59pm
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States.
From the fields and forests of war-torn Europe to the jungles of Southeast Asia, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, brave patriots have protected our Nation's ideals, rescued millions from tyranny, and helped spread freedom around the globe. America's veterans answered the call when asked to protect our Nation from some of the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists, and militaries the world has ever known. They stood tall in the face of grave danger and enabled our Nation to become the greatest force for freedom in human history. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard have answered a high calling to serve and have helped secure America at every turn.
Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for their quiet courage and exemplary service. We also remember and honor those who laid down their lives in freedom's defense. These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our benefit. On Veterans Day, we remember these heroes for their valor, their loyalty, and their dedication. Their selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us today as we work to advance peace and extend freedom around the world.
With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor America's veterans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2008, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 9 through November 15, 2008, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to support and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this national observance with commemorative expressions and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
GEORGE W. BUSHRead more…
Posted by Gerald Hannah on November 5, 2008 at 1:59pm
Subject: FriendsDefinitely rings a bell! Sounds like something I have said over and over.When a Veteran leaves the 'job' and retires to a better life, many are jealous, some are pleased, and others, who may have already retired,wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind, because we already know.1. We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that fewexperience, it will remain as a longing for those past times.2. We know in the Military life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet.3. We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with everystep and breath that remains in his life. We also know how the verybearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is.These are the burdens of the job. You will still look at people suspiciously, still see what others do not see or choose to ignore and always will look at the rest of the Military world with a respect for what they do; only grown in a lifetime of knowing.Never think for one moment you are escaping from that life. You are only escaping the 'job' and merely being allowed to leave 'active' duty.So what I wish for you is that whenever you ease into retirement, in your heart you never forget for one moment that you are still a member of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known.NOW! Civilian Friends vs. Veteran Friends ComparisonsCIVILIAN FRIENDS: Get upset if you're too busy to talk to them for a week.VETERAN FRIENDS: Are glad to see you after years, and will happilycarry on the same conversation you were having the last time you met.---------------------------------------------------CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry. VETERAN FRIENDS: Have cried with you.---------------------------------------------------CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours.VETERAN FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back.--------------------------------------------------CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.VETERAN FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.---------------------------------------------------CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.VETERAN FRIENDS: Will kick the crowd's ass that left you behind.---------------------------------------------------CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Are for a while.VETERAN FRIENDS: Are for life.----------------------------------------------------------CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have shared a few experiences...VETERAN FRIENDS: Have shared a lifetime of experiences no citizen couldever dream of.---------------------------------------------------CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will take your drink away when they think you've had enough.VETERAN FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say,You better drink the rest of that before you spill it!' Then carry you home safely and put you to bed...----------------------------------------------------CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will talk crap to the person who talks crap about you.VETERAN FRIENDS: Will stand up to them for using your name in vain.---------------------------------------------------- CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will ignore this.VETERAN FRIENDS: Will forward this.----------------------------------------------------A veteran, whether active duty, retired, or reserve is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to The Goverment of the United States of America for an amount of up to andincluding my life, and military wives are as much veterans as their spouses.From one Veteran to another, it's an honor to be in your Company! Thankyou Veterans
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According to a revealing statistic, more than 30 percent of Americans beset with mesothelioma (a rapacious cancer that attacks the internal lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart) were exposed to asbestos during military service.Out of the hundreds of occupations exposed to asbestos, veterans account for 30% of all mesothelioma cancer patients. Due to common military practices, veterans who served between 1940 and 1970 have a great risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses. Additionally, Navy personnel and workers employed in shipyards from the 1930s through the 1970s hold a greater risk of developing asbestos cancers caused by asbestos exposure.Veterans with asbestos-related illnesses find themselves in a unique and troubling situation, as they virtually have no avenue to seek compensation through the current government system. Ailing veterans are prohibited by law to seek compensation from the U.S. government through the court system. For more information on a mesothelioma treatment or how you can get free assistance with filing for asbestos-related VA Benefits please see the resources as the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.
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The Amphibious Forces Museum continues it's restoration efforts of LCI 713. Visit the website at http://www.amphibiousforces.org to check on ongoing efforts to save the 713.The Amphibious Forces Memorial Museum is located in Portland, Oregon and is dedicated to remembering the great contributions made by U.S. Navy personnel of WWII that sailed into harms way aboard LCIs as well as the many Marines and Soldiers that they carried into battle. These little ships and the men that bravely served aboard them sailed, under armed, under powered and under armored into the greatest battles of WWII from Sicily to Normandy, from Iwo Jima to the assault on Okinawa, while transporting men and material and providing fire support under the worst conditions.This group is dedicated to preserving the memory and the history paying tribute to a group of heroes, those living and those forever at rest, who proudly served their country and asked for nothing more than to return home to enjoy the very freedoms that they so willingly sacrificed for.I ask that you please help this effort and spread the word to every Navy Vet that you know as well as to every VFW post that you can that we need your help to succeed.To contribute to this effort please go to the Amphibious Forces Memorial Museum website and click on the "donations" link.10-30-2008 UPDATE: NEW AT THE AFMM SHIP'S STORETHE 2009 LCI CALENDAR IS IN. GO TO THE SITE TO ORDER YOURS TODAY. REMEMBER, ALL PROCEEDS GO TO HELP THE RESTORATION EFFORT OF LCI 713 !ALSO: THE 713 has her 20mm guns back in place ! Check out the new pictures on the website.
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Posted by Ray Bettoni on October 28, 2008 at 7:23pm
Thank you for your comments to my last post. It is good to know that us old sea dogs are still in the fight. I think the media and the Obama camp are all underestimating what we can do in this election and over estimating the "Young vote". Most of the young fanatic Obama supporters will still be sleeping off their hangovers when the polls close next week. My daughter goes to a tech school that has allot of young black kids. Please understand, I am not dispariging the black vote, when she asked them why Obama, not one of them could give any reason other then he is black. I told her, I would not worry too much about them. I dought if they even know where or when to vote. But old salts like us will be at the polling places early on Nov 4. Now more then ever it is important to get out the vote.I just read an article today by Newt Gingrich former speaker of the house and he said that the Dems in congress are planing from the Nov 4 election a supermajoraty win so that every bill they pass is veto proof. Before Bush is even gone they are planning a massive 300 Billion spending bill promised by Nancy Pelosi back a few weeks ago. Included in the bill will be a 20 billion dollor cut in defense spending. If you served with either Carter or Clinton you know what I mean.Originaly pegged at 150 billion, it ballooned as pork was added to it. Make no mistake the military is in trouble if we do not stop not only Obama, but the Democrats from a one party congress. Congress is suspose to be representative of all the people not just certain groups.Does anyone, Democrat or Republican, belive that the Democrats do not deal with special interest groups. The differance is they think it is ok becasue they deal for the "Right" special intrest groups.
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Posted by David Latimer on October 28, 2008 at 4:52pm
Naval veterans are at risk for mesothelioma because asbestos was used extensively in naval vessel construction. As these materials required repairs, asbestos fibers would often be released into the air and inhaled by those in the vicinity. Unfortunately, the hazards of asbestos were covered up by the manufacturers until the substance was banned in the late 1970’s. And even as these products were phased out, many older insulation and other construction compounds made with asbestos still exist on naval vessels today. In recent years there has been an increased incidence of mesothelioma and other asbestos related health complications in naval veterans and shipyard workers.How do I know if I was exposed to asbestos?If you worked around boilers, piping, or vessel insulation it is likely you encountered asbestos products, though this does not necessarily mean you were harmfully exposed. Speak with a physician about your asbestos history and ask them to explain possible warning signs of an adverse exposure as well as mesothelioma treatment options and other important clinical information for those exposed.Identifying possible health complications early is paramount to obtaining life-extending treatment for asbestos related complications. Knowing the possible signs of asbestos exposure is the single most important thing to remember. And knowing is half the battle.
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Posted by Ray Bettoni on October 26, 2008 at 10:00am
We are fast approaching the presidential elections. Now is the time to make up your mind as to who you want as your commander-in-chief. Put aside for a minute your political affiliations. Forget whether you are a republican, democrat, independent or whatever. Forget whether you are a liberal or conservative or somewhere in between. Think about it as Veteran of the armed forces. Who do you want in charge of the greatest military the world has ever seen? Who do you want in charge of our national defense? I agree there are other issues to consider, but for the time being consider this one.One candidate served in the military. One did not. One candidate was a P.O.W. and a war hero. One has not earned yet the respect of the military. One knows and understands the importance of a strong defense to keep our nation free. One believes a strong military invites aggression. One wants to continue to support our military and keep it strong. One wants to cut the military and new weapons development that will prevent the loss of American lives in war time. One candidate supported the surge in Iraq and the other sill will not admit it worked. One candidate has made trips to Iraq in support of the troops. The other only went to Iraq to attempt to talk the Iraq leaders into not making a decision about American troops leaving until after the election. For his own political gain! His meeting of the troops was for photo ops only.The quality of the man that is going to be in charge of our military is the most important thing to me as a Navy Vet. All the other issues have importance to me also but this is the most important. As a veteran who 30 years ago swore an oath to protect and defend the constitution of the United States, if I even considered voting for Obama, I could not look at myself in the mirror every morning. I would feel I have betrayed my shipmates and all the men and women that gave their lives in defense of this great nation.The number one job of the United States government is national defense to keep us all safe. Would you really feel comfortable with Obama at the helm? I know I would sleep a little better at night knowing that the president believed in the military he commanded and not try to destroy it. If you served in the 90’s under President Clinton then you know what I am talking about. We went from a 600 ship Navy to a 300 ship Navy. And the other branches were hit just as hard. Compared to Obama, President Clinton was a right wing conservative.There are allot of things I don’t like about John McCain. But on this issue I am behind him 100%. For me this election is an easy decision.
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Posted by Gerald Hannah on October 24, 2008 at 7:05pm
Beirut, Lebanonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1983_Beirut_barracks_bombingOCTOBER 23, 1983 - U.S. MARINE CORPS BARRACKSRest In Peace HeroesCPL TERRY W. ABBOTT, USMCLCPL CLEMON S. ALEXANDER, USMCPFC JOHN R. ALLMAN, USMCCPL MOSES J. ARNOLD JR., USMCPFC CHARLES K. BAILEY, USMCLCPL NICHOLAS BAKER, USMCLCPL JOHANSEN BANKS, USMCLCPL RICHARD E. BARRETT, USMCHM1 RONNY K. BATES, USN1STSGT DAVID L. BATTLE, USMCLCPL JAMES R. BAYNARD, USMCHN JESSE W. BEAMON, USNGYSGT ALVIN BELMER, USMCPFC STEPHEN BLAND, USMCSGT RICHARD L. BLANKENSHIP, USMCLCPL JOHN W. BLOCKER, USMCCAPT JOSEPH J. BOCCIA JR., USMCCPL LEON BOHANNON JR., USMCSSGT JOHN R. BOHNET JR., USMCCPL JOHN J. BONK JR., USMCLCPL JEFFREY L. BOULOS, USMCCPL DAVID R. BOUSUM, USMC1STLT JOHN N. BOYETT, USMCCPL ANTHONY BROWN, USMCLCPL DAVID W. BROWN, USMCLCPL BOBBY S. BUCHANAN JR., USMCCPL JOHN B. BUCKMASTER, USMCPFC WILLIAM F. BURLEY, USMCHN JIMMY R. CAIN, USNCPL PAUL L. CALLAHAN, USMCSGT MECOT E. CAMARA, USMCPFC BRADLEY J. CAMPUS, USMCLCPL JOHNNIE D. CEASAR, USMCPFC MARC L. COLE, USMCSP4 MARCUS A. COLEMAN, USAPFC JUAN M. COMAS, USMCSGT ROBERT A. CONLEY, USMCCPL CHARLES D. COOK, USMCLCPL CURTIS J. COOPER, USMCLCPL JOHNNY L. COPELAND, USMCCPL BERT D. CORCORAN, USMCLCPL DAVID L. COSNER, USMCSGT KEVIN P. COULMAN, USMCLCPL BRETT A. CROFT, USMCLCPL RICK R. CRUDALE, USMCLCPL KEVIN P. CUSTARD, USMCLCPL RUSSELL E. CYZICK, USMCMAJ ANDREW L. DAVIS, USMCPFC SIDNEY S. DECKER, USMCPFC MICHAEL J. DEVLIN, USMCLCPL THOMAS A. DIBENEDETTO, USMCPVT NATHANIEL G. DORSEY, USMCSGTMAJ FREDERICK B. DOUGLASS, USMCCPL TIMOTHY J. DUNNIGAN, USMCHN BRYAN L. EARLE, USNMSGT ROY L. EDWARDS, USMCHM3 WILLIAM D. ELLIOT JR., USNLCPL JESSE ELLISON, USMCPFC DANNY R. ESTES, USMCPFC SEAN F. ESTLER, USMCHM3 JAMES E. FAULK, USNPFC RICHARD A. FLUEGEL, USMCCPL STEVEN M. FORRESTER, USMCHM3 WILLIAM B. FOSTER JR., USNCPL MICHAEL D. FULCHER, USMCLCPL BENJAMIN E. FULLER, USMCLCPL MICHAEL S. FULTON, USMCCPL WILLIAM GAINES JR., USMCLCPL SEAN R. GALLAGHER, USMC>LCPL DAVID B. GANDER, USMCLCPL GEORGE M. GANGUR, USMCSSGT LELAND E. GANN, USMCLCPL RANDALL J. GARCIA, USMCSSGT RONALD J. GARCIA, USMCLCPL DAVID D. GAY, USMCSSGT HAROLD D. GHUMM, USMCLCPL WARNER GIBBS JR., USMCCPL TIMOTHY R. GIBLIN, USMCETC MICHAEL W. GORCHINSKI, USNLCPL RICHARD J. GORDON, USMCLCPL HAROLD F. GRATTON, USMCSGT ROBERT B. GREASER, USMCLCPL DAVIN M. GREEN, USMCLCPL THOMAS A. HAIRSTON, USMCSGT FREDDIE HALTIWANGER JR., USMCLCPL VIRGIL D. HAMILTON, USMCSGT GILBERT HANTON, USMCLCPL WILLIAM HART, USMCCAPT MICHAEL S. HASKELL, USMCPFC MICHAEL A. HASTINGS, USMCCAPT PAUL A. HEIN, USMCLCPL DOUGLAS E. HELD, USMCPFC MARK A. HELMS, USMCLCPL FERRANDY D. HENDERSON, USMCSSGT JOHN HENDRICKSON, USMCMSGT MATILDE HERNANDEZ JR., USMCCPL STANLEY G. HESTER, USMCGYSGT DONALD W. HILDRETH, USMCSSGT RICHARD H. HOLBERTON, USMCHM3 ROBERT S. HOLLAND, USNLCPL BRUCE A. HOLLINGSHEAD, USMCPFC MELVIN D. HOLMES, USMCCPL BRUCE L. HOWARD, USMCLT JOHN R. HUDSON, USNCPL TERRY L. HUDSON, USMCLCPL LYNDON J. HUE, USMC2NDLT MAURICE E. HUKILL, USMCLCPL EDWARD F. IACOVINO JR., USMCPFC JOHN J. INGALLS, USMCWO1 PAUL G. INNOCENZI III, USMCLCPL JAMES J. JACKOWSKI, USMCLCPL JEFFREY W. JAMES, USMCLCPL NATHANIEL W. JENKINS, USMCHM2 MICHAEL H. JOHNSON, USNCPL EDWARD A. JOHNSTON, USMCLCPL STEVEN JONES, USMCPFC THOMAS A. JULIAN, USMCHM2 MARION E. KEES, USNSGT THOMAS C. KEOWN, USMCGYSGT EDWARD E. KIMM, USMCLCPL WALTER V. KINGSLEY, USMCSGT DANIEL S. KLUCK, USALCPL JAMES C. KNIPPLE, USMCLCPL FREAS H. KREISCHER III, USMCLCPL KEITH J. LAISE, USMCLCPL THOMAS G. LAMB, USMCLCPL JAMES J. LANGON IV, USMCSGT MICHAEL S. LARIVIERE, USMCCPL STEVEN B. LARIVIERE, USMCMSGT RICHARD L. LEMNAH, USMCCPL DAVID A. LEWIS, USMCSGT VAL S. LEWIS, USMCCPL JOSEPH R. LIVINGSTON, USMCLCPL PAUL D. LYON JR., USMCMAJ JOHN W. MACROGLOU, USMCCPL SAMUEL MAITLAND, USMCSSGT CHARLIE R. MARTIN, USMCPFC JACK L. MARTIN, USMCCPL DAVID S. MASSA, USMCSGT MICHAEL R. MASSMAN, USMCPVT JOSEPH J. MATTACCHIONE, USMCLCPL JOHN MCCALL, USMCSGT JAMES E. MCDONOUGH, USMCLCPL TIMOTHY R. MCMAHON, USMCLCPL TIMOTHY D. MCNEELY, USMCHM2 GEORGE N. MCVICKER II, USNPFC LOUIS MELENDEZ, USMCSGT RICHARD H. MENKINS II, USMCCPL MICHAEL D. MERCER, USMCLCPL RONALD W. MEURER, USMCHM3 JOSEPH P. MILANO, USNCPL JOSEPH P. MOORE, USMCLCPL RICHARD A. MORROW, USMCLCPL JOHN F. MUFFLER, USMCCPL ALEX MUNOZ, USMCCPL HARRY D. MYERS, USMC1STLT DAVID J. NAIRN, USMCLCPL LUIS A. NAVA, USMCCPL JOHN A. OLSON, USMCPFC ROBERT P. OLSON, USMCCWO3 RICHARD C. ORTIZ, USMCPFC JEFFREY B. OWEN, USMCCPL JOSEPH A. OWENS, USMCCPL CONNIE RAY PAGE, USMCLCPL ULYSSES PARKER, USMCLCPL MARK W. PAYNE, USMCGYSGT JOHN L. PEARSON, USMCPFC THOMAS S. PERRON, USMCSGT JOHN A. PHILLIPS JR., USMCHMC GEORGE W. PIERCY, USN1STLT CLYDE W. PLYMEL, USMCSGT WILLIAM H. POLLARD, USMCSGT RAFAEL I. POMALESTORRES, USMCCPL VICTOR M. PREVATT, USMCPFC JAMES C. PRICE, USMCSSGT PATRICK K. PRINDEVILLE, USMCPFC ERIC A. PULLIAM, USMCHM3 DIOMEDES J. QUIRANTE, USNLCPL DAVID M. RANDOLPH, USMCGYSGT CHARLES R. RAY, USMCPFC RUI A. RELVAS, USMCPFC TERRENCE L. RICH, USMCLCPL WARREN RICHARDSON, USMCSGT JUAN C. RODRIGUEZ, USMCLCPL LOUIS J. ROTONDO, USMCLCPL GUILLERMO SANPEDRO JR., USMCLCPL MICHAEL C. SAULS, USMC1STLT CHARLES J. SCHNORF, USMCPFC SCOTT L. SCHULTZ, USMCCAPT PETER J. SCIALABBA, USMCCPL GARY R. SCOTT, USMCCPL RONALD L. SHALLO, USMCCPL THOMAS A. SHIPP, USMCLCPL JERRYL D. SHROPSHIRE, USMCLCPL JAMES F. SILVIA, USMCLCPL LARRY H. SIMPSON JR., USMCLCPL STANLEY J. SLIWINSKI, USMCLCPL KIRK H. SMITH, USMCSSGT THOMAS G. SMITH, USMCCAPT VINCENT L. SMITH, USMCLCPL EDWARD SOARES, USMC1STLT WILLIAM S. SOMMERHOF, USMCLCPL MICHAEL C. SPAULDING, USMCLCPL JOHN W. SPEARING, USMCLCPL STEPHEN E. SPENCER, USMCLCPL BILL J. STELPFLUG, USMCLCPL HORACE R. STEPHENS, USMCPFC CRAIG S. STOCKTON, USMCLCPL JEFFREY G. STOKES, USMCLCPL THOMAS D. STOWE, USMCLCPL ERIC D. STURGHILL, USMCLCPL DEVON L. SUNDAR, USMCLT JAMES F. SURCH JR., USNCPL DENNIS A THOMPSON, USMCSSGT THOMAS P. THORSTAD, USMCPFC STEPHEN D. TINGLEY, USMCLCPL JOHN J. TISHMACK, USMCPVT LEX D. TRAHAN, USMCPFC DONALD H. VALLONE JR., USMCCPL ERIC R. WALKER, USMCCPL LEONARD W. WALKER, USMCCPL ERIC G. WASHINGTON, USMCCPL OBRIAN WEEKES, USMC1STSGT TANDY W. WELLS, USMCLCPL STEVEN B. WENTWORTH, USMCSGT ALLEN D. WESLEY, USMCGYSGT LLOYD D. WEST, USMCSSGT JOHN R. WEYL, USMCCPL BURTON D. WHERLAND JR., USMCLCPL DWAYNE W. WIGGLESWORTH, USMCLCPL RODNEY J. WILLIAMS, USMCGYSGT SCIPIO WILLIAMS JR., USMCLCPL JOHNNY A. WILLIAMSON, USMCCAPT WALTER E. WINT JR., USMCCAPT WILLIAM E. WINTER, USMCCPL JOHN E. WOLFE, USMC1STLT DONALD E. WOOLLETT, USMCHM3 DAVID E. WORLEY, USNPFC CRAIG L. WYCHE, USMCSFC JAMES G. YARBER, USASGT JEFFREY D. YOUNG, USMC1STLT WILLIAM A. ZIMMERMAN, USMCThis was the bloodiest day in the Corps' history since World War II,when Marines fought to secure Iwo Jima.
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Posted by Kevin Paulsen on October 22, 2008 at 2:51pm
HelloWould you do me a favor? I’m trying to help this Food Pantry out in Falcon and Our newspaper is having a contest. I submitted the Food Pantry and it’s one of six finalists, if they win then the Your Heart Fund will support the Food Pantry during 2009. What I need now is for people to vote for the food pantry so they will get the paper’s support. High Plains Helping Hands Food Pantry is the name. Here is the link to the voting website, please forward this request to as many people as you can. http://coloradosprings.yourhub.com/CentralYou may also make a donation at: http://www.firstgiving.com/highplainshelpinghandsGod Bless you alwaysKevin
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Posted by David Latimer on September 11, 2008 at 4:00pm
Fellow Navy vets dedicated their lives to protecting the freedoms of U.S. citizens and ensuring the safety of our nation, and there was certainly no shortage of dangers associated with this task. The risks that Navy personnel face may seem obvious, but there is a hidden danger that is costing vets their lives long after they are retired from service, and that is the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure on Navy ships and military aircraft.Mesothelioma is a fatal cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, or lining of the body’s internal organs and is caused by previous asbestos exposure. The most commonly diagnosed form of mesothelioma in veterans is known as pleural mesothelioma, which manifests in lining of the lungs. Mesothelioma (also referred to as asbestos cancer) has a dormant period of between 20 and 50 years, and the average age of newly-diagnosed veterans is between 50 and 70 years old. Upon diagnosis, the overwhelming majority of veterans lose their battle with mesothelioma in less than 2 years, as this type of cancer is unusually aggressive. Less than 1% of mesothelioma sufferers will survive past the 2-year mark. There is no known cure for mesothelioma.Veterans may have been exposed to asbestos in a variety of ways, but the majority was exposed while aboard Navy ships or while residing in military housing. Asbestos was found in ship piping insulation and floor and ceiling tiles up until the federal government mandated asbestos-usage regulations in the early 1980s. That being said, World War II vets are considered to be at a heightened risk of developing mesothelioma, but military personnel who have been aboard navy ships and aircraft, as well as military housing, in recent years may also be at risk, since many ships, planes and some housing have not been updated or undergone asbestos abatement. Asbestos is not dangerous unless it has been damaged, but if asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, tiny asbestos fibers may become friable and be released into the air, putting military personnel at risk of inhalation. If inhaled, the fibers (which have a claw-like composition) can cling to the lining of the organs for decades before an afflicted individual may begin to suffer from common mesothelioma symptoms, such as chronic cough, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.
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Posted by Douglas Karr on September 11, 2008 at 12:09pm
I received the bumper stickers a while ago and they've been sitting on my desk preparing for mailing. Sorry!
This week my daughter and I went and purchased the stamps and the envelopes and we're going to get these out this weekend come h*** or high water (no offense to Ike). You should be receiving them by the end of next week.
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Posted by Tim Gulliford on September 11, 2008 at 12:02pm
Sailor's CreedI am a United States Sailor.I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and all who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment .I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.
I had the great pleasure to spend the day, today, at the Buffalo Naval & Servicemen's Park with my grandson. It was wonderful. We toured the museum and then we went aboard the three ships that are permanently moored there. There is the USS Sullivans, a destroyer named for the five Sullivan brothers that were killed together on the same ship in WWII. There is the USS Little Rock, a guided missle cruiser and the USS Croaker, a conventional submarine. We went on a self-guided tour of all three ships. Boy, it brought back a lot of memories. Although I served on a troop and dependent transport with the Military Sea Transportation Service, it still was shipboard life and it evoked many old memories.
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Posted by Douglas Karr on August 28, 2008 at 12:49pm
I want to make sure that Navy Vets remains a great place for Navy Veterans to join, share, meet, and organize reunions from. With that in mind, the other day I noticed an advertisement from Google in the side bar that said "Military Hotties". I just didn't think that was appropriate for this site so I blocked the offending advertiser from my Google Adsense account.
If you guys ever see an inappropriate advertisement, please let me know and I'll add the company to the filter. It sometimes takes a day or so to begin blocking it, but it will eventually be blocked. We definitely want advertising (and eventually sponsors) to keep the site going and so we can help give back to the Veteran community - but the last thing I want is any of you folks upset with the ads on here!
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Last week, a co-worker was murdered in cold blood, as he left his work place. A coward, for reasons only known to him, was waiting just around the corner of the building. He was dressed all in black and wearing a black stocking mask. When Brandon walked out of the building, this coward stepped out and ripped off 15-20 rounds......from of all things............an AK-47, at approximately 30feet away from him. As Brandon put his hand up, as if to sheild his face, he lost over half of his fingers along with most of his face. The police were just blocks away and responded when they heard the shots. The coward was gone, of course, when they arrived. And of course, no one saw a thing, even though it was only 9:15pm and the street in front of the store is always busy until around midnight.It wasn't that long ago when a person had a "beef" with you, the two of you went at it using your fists. No guns, no knives, no grenades, etc. When it was over, you went home and broke out the iodine and band aids. The next day, both parties bragged about how bad they had womped the other. Now, you look at someone the wrong way.........bang, they have already pulled a gun and took a pot shot at you. Cut someone off on the highway, get ready for retaliation.I hear all the time about people owning AK-47's, M-16's, SKS's, etc. and how they have them because they collect guns. Many may be collectors, but I also have seen these other "collectors" at gun shows walking out with cases of ammo and/or reloading equipment. And because the law restricts the amount of ammo that can be bought at one time, they resort to paying friends to buy ammo for them. Why? Why have cases and cases of assault rifle ammo? Some of these people even insult my intelligence further when I ask them why so much ammo and/or owning assault rifles. I'm told that they sometimes use them to hunt. OMG!!! When did Bambi start wearing kevlar? When did Bambi start carrying?I own a few guns myself. Partly because I do collect them, but I mainly own weapons to protect my home and family....period. No if's, and or but's about it. Someone breaks into my home, I will kill them. But my guns stay at home. Period. They never leave the house. And no matter how pissed I get at someone, I'm never going to go to their job and lay in waiting for them.Has our society actually started to resort to barbaric thoughts and behaviors because someone pisses us off. And for whatever reason, if the persons involved had prior military experience, they're suddenly thrust into the picture as battle weary, border line pyschotics. Is this what our world is reverting to? These were exactly the things that went thru my head as a friend and co-worker was laid to rest. Last question, does that coward that ended this young man's life, sleep. Does he not have nightmares about what he did? Makes you wonder, huh? What I do know, is Brandon's children don't sleep very well."Dutch"
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Surfing through EBay on a regular basis, I found something that I did not know existed. A Cruise book for USS Saratoga for her Desert Shield/Storm involvement. Of course I got all excited and patiently waited the few days left on the auction. As the final day of the auction arrived, I prepared to send my salvo of a bid to win this book. Fox 1! My bid was sent and it was the highest at that moment.30 seconds left on the auction.....20.....oh no, my winning bid was no longer the highest! Rushing, I sent a tomahawk of a bid to win this auction....5,4,3,2,1....I won! I bought the book for more than I wanted it for but soon, it would be worth it. 80 dollars later and looking at a much younger me, I looked at my wife and told her it was worth the wait and expense. Maybe I will scan that picture of me and post it here.Anyhow, I just wanted to tell everyone to check out EBay for items like cruise books that you never thought of having or thought existed. Shoot, buy and donate to the Navy unit museum/association you belong too. The buyer who sold me the Saratoga cruise book goes by the name 'Skir' and his prices have been the best so far. I have seen others try and sell items like cruise books for hundreds of dollars. Just shop around and use common sense.Good luck!!
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At 3:19pm on August 3rd, 2008, Rick "Dutch" Wegman said…This article originally appeared on March 13, 2005, a few weeks before the death of Pope John Paul II)The Sermon For TodayWell, as you all know, the Pope is a little under the weather. So, they asked me to step in and give the sermon this morning.The Pope, he's one amazing guy. I remember when he came to New York. He gets picked up at the airport by a limousine. He looks at the beautiful car and says to the driver, "You know, I hardly ever get to drive, can I drive?" The driver, he can't say no to the Pope, so the Pope gets behind the wheel, and the limo driver climbs in back. The Pope is a speed-demon, hits the gas and goes about 100 in a 45 zone.So, a cop pulls him over, goes up, looks in the window, and runs back to his squad car, and radios headquarters. He says, "I just pulled over somebody really important". What do I do? Well, they say, "give the guy a ticket". I can't do that, he is REALLY important! "What", they say, "more important than the Governor, or the President?""I dunno," says the cop, "but he's got the POPE drivin' for him!"When the Pope was a young priest, he was hearing confessions one Saturday in his small church in Poland, and a drunk comes in, and goes in the confession box next to him, sits down, and says nothing. The Pope coughs to attract his attention, but still the man says nothing. So, the Pope, he knocks on the wall a couple of times, trying to get the guy's attention. Finally, the drunk says: "No use knockin', there's no paper in this one either."I wanna talk to you today about the 10 Commandments, and I'll keep this short, 'cause I've got a tee-time at noon. Actually there were more than Ten Commandments, but Moses was old and grumpy, and after he broke the tablets he could only remember the negative ones. "Don't do this. Don't do that." The truth is, most of them were more like advice. The Twelfth Commandment, for example, was "Whistle while you work." (People think it's from Disney, but Disney stole it from God.)Personally, I like to think of them as the "Ten Suggestions", because God, well, he didn't use the word "Absolutely" in any of them.I know you'll all join me in wishing the Pope a speedy recovery. We all miss him, especially on Friday afternoons at "The Roman Collar Bar & Grill" on Vatican Street. It's not the same there without him.Now, we're gonna' take up the collection, so all of you reading this at home, just hit the PayPal button, and remember to be generous. Cigarettes are really getting expensive.Have a great Sunday. Dominic, go frisk 'emFather Guido Sarducci
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On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States.
From the fields and forests of war-torn Europe to the jungles of Southeast Asia, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, brave patriots have protected our Nation's ideals, rescued millions from tyranny, and helped spread freedom around the globe. America's veterans answered the call when asked to protect our Nation from some of the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists, and militaries the world has ever known. They stood tall in the face of grave danger and enabled our Nation to become the greatest force for freedom in human history. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard have answered a high calling to serve and have helped secure America at every turn.
Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for their quiet courage and exemplary service. We also remember and honor those who laid down their lives in freedom's defense. These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our benefit. On Veterans Day, we remember these heroes for their valor, their loyalty, and their dedication. Their selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us today as we work to advance peace and extend freedom around the world.
With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor America's veterans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2008, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 9 through November 15, 2008, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to support and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this national observance with commemorative expressions and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
GEORGE W. BUSH
