Just A Veteran

I am a veteran. There are many like me. We are not the government's veterans, we are your veterans. Some of us gave all, but all gave some and we have known hardship, service, fear, and brotherhood in ways that most people can't even imagine. We have seen our brothers killed and maimed, and sometimes become disfigured along the way. We have taken lives for our country, and returned to our lives as your neighbors, fathers, and native sons. Our courage is undeniable, yet it remains a trait we keep in silent humility, sharing only with a fellow veteran, if at all.

We don't ask for much but there are two things we will ask if you love this country as much as those of us who have sacrificed so much, many who have given their last full measure.

Pray for those of us who remain and never, ever forget those who rest now in cemeteries all over this beautiful land and on foreign soil, and those who remain in battlefields known but to God.

We are the thousands who fought for you, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, loved ones who answered the call to protect and defend this greatest nation on God's green earth.

For all those currently serving in harms way;

Soldiers Prayer Psalm 91

O Lord Most High, help me to dwell in your secret place and abide under Your shadow.

Help me to believe and say out loud for everyone to hear that You are my refuge and my fortress; that You are my God; and that in You I put my trust.

O Lord God Almighty, please deliver me from hidden traps and diseases.

Father God, cover me with Your camouflage; hide me under Your wings; and let Your truth be my shield and buckler against the fiery darts—the lies—of the enemy.

Lord Jesus, help me not to be afraid of terrorists' attacks in the night; or weapons that fly by day; or sicknesses that walk in darkness; or destruction that wastes at noonday.

O Holy God, though a thousand fall at my side, and ten thousand fall at my right hand; please let it not come close to me and my companions.

O Lord Most High, let me live to see the reward of the wicked, because You are my refuge and my home. Let no evil conquer me and let no plague come into my house or near my family.

O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer, please set angels over me to keep me in all Your ways, to bear me up in their hands and to keep my feet from stumbling.

Father God, help me to tread upon the lion and adder and trample the young lion and the dragon under my feet.

Lord Jesus, I love you with all my heart and I know Your name. Deliver me and lift me on high to soar with the eagles. I call upon you to be with me in times of trouble to deliver and honor me because I know Your name.

Please show me Your salvation and satisfy me with a long life.

I ask this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ

Amen.

Vigilia Pretium Libertatis

Fortis cadere, cedere non potest

Sleep well my son....

"Build Up to M-Day" - A Dedication To My Son

~Snooper~

A tribute I wrote for my personal Screaming Eagle...

To my son, MJ

Soldier’s Sleep

As you struggled with your call
I know you gave it all your all
Knowing that The Patriot’s Call
Would not allow you to fall.

As I struggled with your call
Knowing that I once gave my all
I too answered that Patriot’s Call
I would not accept nigh a fall.

And as I watched you swear your Oath
The tears of pride that I squelched
I could not believe that we both
Would continue on the sacred Oath.

As we left you there at MEPS
Not knowing when or where
But trusted God your soul to keep
And guard you from the Soldier’s Sleep.

"Build Up to M-Day" - Memorial Day Ceremony 2008

Bugler, Doug Heighway plays taps in memory of all who have served

Memorial crosses reflect on the Veteran's Memorial in Hope, Indiana. 

All photos courtesy of Mrs. CP

This picture is worth a thousand words!

Our new friend Whitley. Her daddy served in Iraq, and is now safely home.

Members of VFW Post 229 listen to their commander read names of  veterans who have passed away in the last year. 

"Build Up to M-Day" - My Son Died for You

Hello, my name is Debbie Lee, and my son, Marc Alan Lee was the first Navy Seal killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom, so you can imagine that days like today - Memorial Day - are tough days for me. I miss Marc so deeply, yet I am so proud of my Hero, my Mighty Warrior! He loved his country and was so proud to serve in the military and to dutifully undertake the missions he served on - he understood how important it is for America to win the war on terror. Memorial Day is not a once-a-year holiday for me - everyday is Memorial Day for me as I remember the little boy who grew into a Hero. I remember his smile, his love, his laughter, his hugs, but most of all his sacrifice. As a nation we have declared this as a day to remember those who have given their lives serving their country in the military. We can never fully repay their sacrifice. I'm not sure if you've heard the news reports or not, but a contingent of liberal, spineless, gutless politicians in Congress have decided to hold up funding for our troops - and are using them as pawns in their political playground to force our military to surrender to the terrorists. I spent last Christmas with our troops in Iraq (that's me in the Santa cap along with our great troops!), and I can't even put into words just how amazing these young men and women are. It's such a dishonor and disservice to our honorable men and women in uniform to be thousands of miles away from family, friends and their homes, while here on the home front anti-military radicals and anti-war politicians are trying to undermine their missions. My son gave up his voice in service to his nation -- but I can be his voice, and work to make sure that those still serving on the frontlines of Iraq and Afghanistan have the support of Americans back home. Let's show our troops that they are unconditionally supported by the American people - and let them know not to be distracted or depressed by the shameless acts of some Members of Congress.   Move America Forward, the nation's largest pro-troop organization, has put together an effort to send the largest number of care packages to U.S. troops in history. Between now and the 4th of July we are asking Americans to sponsor care packages that we will send to our heroic military men and women who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.We need you to join us by sponsoring care packages and helping us reach this historic goal. ** SPONSOR A CARE PACKAGE - CLICK HERE **  My son gave up his life for this country because he knew that the series of attacks against Americans by Islamic jihadists/terrorists had to be stopped. Our country could no longer look the other way and pretend that there wasn't an enemy that was determined to destroy our nation. So Marc volunteered to serve his nation, as an elite Navy Seal, and he and so many others joined our military knowing that they might have to sacrifice their own lives for the freedoms of our nation, for you, for me. The United States of America is a great nation thanks in large part to all those in uniform who have shed blood and given their lives to ensure that this remains the shining city on a hill that President Ronald Reagan once spoke of -- a land of freedom, of liberty, of decency, of opportunity. Let's use this day to show our military men and women currently serving overseas how much we appreciate them. Please, join me in this wonderful effort to send the largest shipment of care packages in history to our troops. ** SPONSOR A CARE PACKAGE - CLICK HERE **  Thank you for taking the time to read my note. I wish you and your family a blessed Memorial Day, and I thank all of you who have supported Move America Forward's pro-troop activities to date, and those to come in the future. - Debbie Lee (holding a picture of my hero, Marc)  Gold Star Mom, Move America Forward  www.MoveAmericaForward.org  P.S. Also, be sure to mark your calendars for June 26th! On that day we're going to have a huge special broadcast hosted by Melanie Morgan & Michelle Malkin and featuring radio giants Sean Hannity & Mark Levin and all sorts of celebrities - plus reports from our troops on the frontlines. It's called "From the Frontlines" and it will mark a sort of Grand Finale push to our historic care package drive. We'll tell you more about this incredible effort in the days to come, I just had to give you a little sneak peak as to what was in the works!

"Build Up to M-Day" Cross Posted from Mark 1:11

This post is cross posted from ABNPOPPA at Mark 1:11

Please visit his site as he is doing a great job, for both God and Country! ---- CP

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Memorial Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Build Up to M-Day" - Tribute to America's Veterans

Dear Friend of America's Survival, Inc.

This poem was written in honor of our veterans by my mother-in-law. As we prepare to remember their sacrifices on Memorial Day, we should think about the concept of loyalty to the United States. We exist to monitor threats to our national sovereignty. That is why we issued two very controversial reports on Obama's communist connections, available at www.usasurvival.org . Let us come together to make sure that, as Americans, we guarantee the survival of our republican form of government and our nation. 

For America's Survival, 

Cliff Kincaid, President

Tribute to America's Veterans By Marion Mahoney

"Those Honored Dead" "Why do you fly the flag today?" My Grandson wants to know. I fly it for the graveyards Where the countless crosses grow. I fly the flag for children  Whose fathers are a name. A half-remembered memory of a face within a frame. I fly it for the families of sons and daughters lost. They know the price of liberty How terrible the cost! I fly the flag for veterans who lost their youth in blood. And saw their comrades slaughtered in the carnage and the mud. I fly it for the ones who marched  In cadence off to war To close their eyes forever Upon some foreign shore. I fly the flag for grief poured out Upon a granite wall. The laying-on of hands that heals The scars within us all. I fly it for the sound of Taps--- That melancholy tune That lays to rest those honored dead Who always die too soon.

"Build Up to M-Day" - A Tribute to my Dad

A Tribute to my Dad John Francis Scott

My dad was the most patriotic person I had ever known.  He joined the United States Marine Corp after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor to fight for our country.  He lied to get in because he was only 17, but that is how much he loved our country.  My dad did not talk much about the war and what he went through but the little that he did say to me out in our backyard at the picnic table one day has had a profound affect on me.  

The year was 1969 and we were at war in Vietnam.  I was a freshman in college and there were many war protesters including my boyfriend who was trying to drag me into it. I must have said something to my dad at the time.  This is when he briefly told me something that affected his entire life.  I know it has mine and along with my dad's patriotism and this very brief story helps make me the patriot that I am today.

My dad told me that thirty of his US Marine buddies from the PT boat that went ashore to one of the Islands in the South Pacific died and he was the only survivor.  That is pretty much all he said.  When I watched the "Saving Private Ryan" movie I knew the horrible thing that happened to my dad from loosing all those Marine friends and brothers.  Who knows what else my dad went through, but I am sure there was plenty more. But just knowing what he said about that makes me look back and know that my dad had brought the war home with him because the anger and rage, yet love in him at the same time.  I know he had PTSD-Post Tramatic Stress Disorder.  We didn't know at the time but he had lived with it as well as us his family.  I don't blame him.  It only makes me love him more even though he is in heaven now and it also makes me love and appreciate the troops even more and what they go through.  And we must not make this another excuse to say "There you go! We need to pull out of the war". 

No!  We just need to pray harder and deal with the issues of war in a better way.  We need to honor, love and pray for them and get them the help they need .  Not only do the troops suffer in ways we cannot understand and their families too.  But that is not a reason to not have war.  Going to war has a much greater reason when necessary.  All the soldiers, all the troops, all the United States Marines that have ever fought in a war for this country did it for such a greater reason that just going to war.  Many people especially the liberal left of which I use to be don't understand it.  Before Jesus Christ I did not understand any of these things but God put things in perspective for me after I got TRUTH inside.  

Truth for this country came from the beginning of it and that is the reason for truth for this country is freedom.  Freedom has been the reason for war in this country and we must never forget we have to fight for our freedoms just like two people have to fight for a marriage God put together.  And sometimes it can get very very ugly.

The enemy of our souls does not want any individual freedoms and he does not want a country to have it's freedoms.  Evil entities go about seeking whom they may devour and our country has had to fight it's physical wars along with the with spiritual wars to keep our freedom.  We must never retreat from either.  My dad along with all the other Marines, soldiers, troops that have fought and are now fighting for our country to be and stay free are the bravest souls on earth.  In heaven they all have a special place.  

My dad was strong, patriotic and good in so many ways.  But he ended his own life by shooting him self in the head after a long battle with heart attacks and a hidden thing we now know is Post Tramatic Stress Disorder.  He is another American Hero who fought in a war that kept our country Free.  To him I owe much as well as all the other Veterans that fought in every other war and servicemen and women that joined to keep our nation free.  America!  Land of the FREE and HOME of the VERY VERY BRAVE!  I honor all Veterans and current Troops this Memorial Day weekend 2008.  Thank you!  From the bottom our hearts we say to you and may God hold that VERY special place in Heaven for you as I know He DOES!  

Love,

Wanda Fay Gladwill

San Diego, California

"Build Up to M-Day" A Tribute to a 21 Year-Old Veteran

submitted by Roger Metzger

During this Memorial Day weekend, I want to salute a young veteran who at age 21 exemplifies the tradition of military service and heroism.

After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, he knew what he wanted to do as soon as he could. When he was old enough, he enlisted in the Army National Guard, spending the summer between his junior and senior years of high school in basic training and the summer after graduation in further training. Through his high school years he became skilled in the construction trades. That busy summer after graduating, he completed some technical training in the construction trades, tore down an old house and built a new one, getting it completely finished on the exterior. Despite that ambitious objective for a 19-year-old, he also volunteered for service with his Guard unit on a clean-up mission in the South after Hurricane Katrina.

That fall, he shipped out for Iraq and served in what then was the most dangerous area of the country. In addition to his military objectives, he had others: getting as many soccer balls as possible for the youngsters in Iraq; buying them ice cream whenever he could; and demonstrating to the locals that the American soldier would treat them with dignity and respect, so long as they merited it.

He passed up some early opportunities to come home on leave because he worried about leaving an empty spot in his unit at a time when they might need help. The strong Christian young man escaped some devastating attacks on his unit and returned home safely after his one-year tour of duty … returned to start his own construction business, to finish the interior of his new home … and to lead daily devotions with his siblings. All the while, he knows he’ll be heading to Afghanistan later this year for another round of service to his country and countrymen, confident he’s helping in the battle against global terrorism.

I salute that young man, because of what he represents … and because he’s my grandson.

More than that, he’s not unlike most of our brave young men and women fighting today for our freedoms. He’s not unlike our courageous young citizens who’ve put their lives on the line for us in every conflict.

Down through our history, they’ve understood what it means to be an American. They’ve understood freedom isn’t free. And they’ve known in their hearts and minds it’s worth it to risk everything for the values we’ve held dear as Americans.

Young men and women of America today get it … and they do the right thing. God help us all to be as courageous in the things we stand for, what we are willing to stand up for and what we’ll sacrifice to keep that flag flying proudly, under God, for generations to come!

THE COMPLETE "BUILD UP TO M-DAY" SERIES

THE COMPLETE "BUILD UP TO M-DAY" SERIES

(to Date)

• "Build Up For M-Day" - Honorary Member of "Da Crew"
  
• "Build Up for M-Day" - "Freedom is not Free"
  
• "Build Up for M-Day" From ABNPOPPA @ Mark 1:11
  
• "Build up to M-Day", LST Tribute
  
• "Build up to M-Day", Memorial Day Tribute
  
• "Build Up to M-Day"- A Beautiful E-Card
  
• "Build Up For M-Day" - I Am A Retired Veteran
  
• "Build Up to M-Day"- Hate or Love?
  
• "Build Up to M-Day", Marine Corps Humor
  
• "Build Up to M-Day" - Today on Do The Right Thing ...
  
• " Build Up To M-Day", The War Bride
  
• "Build Up to M-Day" - "No Easy Days"
  
• "Build Up to M-Day" - Today on Do The Right Thing ...
  
• "Build Up to M-Day" - From The Presidential Prayer...
  
• "Build Up to M-Day" For Our Veterans
  
• Build Up to M-Day
  

"Build Up to M-Day" - Honorary Member of "Da Crew"

submitted by NJ_GOP

Honorary member of “Da Crew”- Cassy’s husband Joe 

Heb 12:1  Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, … let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 

I never met Joe.  I only know what his widow has told me over the past couple of years and from that, I am certain that I would have liked him.  Because it is Memorial Day, we pause to give honor to Joe; for the 20 years he served his country and for the legacy he left behind.   

So in keeping with Hebrews 12:1 – let us run with perseverance in the cause of freedom and democracy, because freedom allows us to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. 

So when the Vets for Freedom, Move America Forward, Gathering of Eagles, America Rising and other pro-military groups are out in numbers, remember the silent “witnesses” like Joe who are with them. 

A Tribute to Joe

By Cassie 

Joe was in the U.S. Army from 1957-1977. He is a Retired Veteran and felt at home whenever he was around the army or Veterans.

The one thing that would drive Joe to a fight was when congress or a President went too far in regards to our Military. As a Vietnam Veteran Joe was committed to our Military might, and when 9/11 happened I never seen him that mad, he used words that I can't repeat.

He would stand side by side with our brave Veterans on our blogs here.

Joe died 25 November 2003. He is buried in a National Cemetery in Pennsylvania.

I enrolled Joe into the National Memorial Carillon Program in Lanham, MD.

The bells will ring on 25 November at 7:30pm.or 1930 hours.

The Carillon bells will ring throughout the Country but only their bell tower is for the Memorial Carillon Program.

I want these bells to also honor our fallen heroes. Joe would want that.  He believed that the reason we went to war in Iraq was just, and he had nothing but the utmost respect for our Troops.

My husband was a brave man and was all so loyal to the Army.

He has medals and lots of commendations.

But he never bragged about it.

As I'm honoring Joe I want to also remember our fallen Heros.

Remember them for they fought & died to keep us free. 

Cassie

Personal message: Joe, I love you and miss you so much. From your loving wife. 

"Build Up to M-Day" - "Freedom is not Free"

I believe this should go on your blog. Use this to give all the people the message of Memorial Day.

I ask you to do this in memory of our fallen, our Troops, & our beloved Veterans & families.

You'll see what I mean after you read it.

Cassie

It bears repeating: "Freedom is not free."

To all the veterans who will read this email, I humbly thank you.
Words tremble on my lips and emotions swell in my heart in my attempt
to humbly thank each and every one of you. Words cannot express my
depth of gratitude for your service and your sacrifice.

To all the families of veterans who have endured days, weeks, months,
and even years, without their loved ones, I thank you. You, too, have
paid a dear price for the freedom that is not free.

To all of you who are currently on active duty or have family members
on active duty, I thank you. Let my grateful tears thank you for the
nights you have slept freezing in a tent or sweating in the desert,
for the days you have spent lonely missing your loved ones.

Thank you all for the sacrifices you have made and are making on our behalf.

And may we never forget the ultimate sacrifice that so many have made
so that we might be free. May their legacy be honored for generations
to come. May their blood not have been shed in vain. May we prove
worthy of the sacrifice they have made for us.

All of you are my heroes. You are our national treasure. I salute you
one and all.

For you and the country we love,

Brigitte Gabriel

"Build up to M-Day", LST Tribute

There is an old ship that helped in the victory of the U.S. in World War Two. You will recall the many post’s about the Vets For Freedom tour in Evansville, Indiana where this ship is now docked. Part 1 of the VFF tour here. And several more can be found here. here.

This particular ship was saved from the scrap yard in Greece by a group of dedicated sailors with the support of thousands of veterans and corporations.

Ok, so imagine a bunch of senior citizens, veterans of WWII, former sailors 60 years ago who went to Greece to pick up this old ship, make it sea worthy, sail it back to the United States and then travel around various places here to show it off. No problem for these fine men.

The ship had all the comforts of home, a kitchen, a place to sleep when you were off watch, old but dependable engines and generators that worked sort of even though these men didn’t have spare parts. To top it off the gyro was broken and Greece is a long way from home. Can you believe their dedication and commitment?

Believe it! Read on, visit their website, and give your support; LST-325 Memorial . Thank you for your service gentlemen! Welcome home.

LST’s are commonly referred to as the “work horses” of the U.S. Navy for good reason.

The tradition of hard work, long hours, hazardous duty and tough men continued in Vietnam with 61 LST’s serving in various capacities earning a total of 395 Battle Stars, 19 Presidential Unit Citations, 48 Navy Unit Citations, and 44 Meritorious Unit Citations; LST's in Vietnam

A number of LST’s served with the Mobile Riverine Forces in and around the Mekong Delta, and it was not uncommon for us to see LST’s in Danang Harbor, in fact, quite often the LST’s would offload material and supplies there which were then loaded aboard our LCU’s destined for the Marines in Hue, Phu Bai, and Dong Ha.

There were many LST’s that served with distinction and several of them received battle damage in various operations during the Vietnam war. Perhaps the best known of these was the U.S.S. Westchester County, LST-1167.

Here is her story. Additional information here.

There is more about the “River Ships” of the Brown Water Navy here.

Brown Water, Red Blood.

All of us who served on the waterways of Vietnam can remember these ships moving slowly up and down the rivers keeping us supplied with food, ammo, parts, medical support, and fuel. The LST’s of Vietnam were one of many components that served in-country under very harsh, and often boring conditions; though like most in-country Navy units, they received very little recognition for a job well done. Most people back home at that time didn’t even know the Navy served in-country Vietnam, much less on the rivers.

Even today when talking with people, if you mention that you served in the Navy in Vietnam, they ask what Carrier, or Cruiser. When you reply, "I served on the brown waters (on the rivers) in-country Vietnam or attached to one of the Naval Task Forces, or in direct support of the Army or Marine Corps, " they look at you and more then likely say, "I was unaware the Navy served in-country during the War."

To those of you that served aboard LST’s or on other ships and boats in all our wars, we will never forget you.

Welcome home.

“…fair winds and a following sea shipmates…”

Build Up to M-Day

Ok, so sometimes I'm a little corny, and my kids call me a dork - but with that being a given, I have a plan to put into place here at Do The Right Thing as we "Build Up to M-Day" (Memorial Day, with a play on D-Day). 

As you can tell be our previous posts, veterans are very near and dear to our hearts here on this blog and several of our contributors are veterans and all of us are HUGH supporters of our military and our veterans. 

The thought went through my mind earlier when I was working on the post inspired by the message I received from "The Loon", that we should have ongoing celebrations of Veteran's Day and Memorial Day. Two days a year is just not enough!

So, as we put into place this "Build Up to M-Day", I am encouraging everyone who would like to participate, to send me a tribute of someone who has served our country; a "why I support the troops" message, prayers, prayer requests, poems, you decide how to best pay tribute to those who have served and who are serving our country. 

We will post every positive comment (trust me, no moonbat remarks will be tolerated), and letters. 

You can put your tribute in the comments section, or email them to me at hopecyberpastor@gmail.com . 

Thank you in advance for what I know is going to be a successful invasion of Patriotism!

CP