Korean War Vets - YOU are NOT forgotten

I am writing this Memorial Day Weekend, and while I wrote in memory of ALL of our fallen from all wars, past and present, I wanted to add an entry in respect of those who are sometimes passed up in reflections. To our Korean War Veterans, YOU are not forgotten!

While the attention on the Korean War, and those Veterans, are often over-looked, I think it may be important to reflect on those days and costs. Korea, as we know, is still in the news and North Korean is STILL a threat to any lasting peace and security for that region of the world. We maintain a force there, to help our South Korean friends keep North Korea in check. Tensions still run high between the two nations, and our involvement is that of security forces at the 38th parallel, and at sea.

Our participation in the Korean War, was officially from June 25, 1950, to the Armistice on July 27, 1953. The official combat actions ended, but PEACE was never really declared.

During that war, South Korea was joined by the US, and some 15 other UN nations. For the US, we lost 23,615 in combat actions. Another 2,847 died while in POW camps. Our South Korean friends, lost 137,899. Like all wars, it was ugly, and left long lasting scars for those who served. And in case you don't remember, North Korea was joined by China!

I think it's important to remember those costs. And many of the families of those South Korean lost, came to America and became citizens. And too, many of our soldiers brought Korean brides home with them.

Over the years, those soldiers (I use the term to be all inclusive of those in all branches who served in Korea), had come back home to a lack-luster welcoming. In the years that followed, they were caught between the WWII ending (using the surrender by Japan on Sept. 2, 1945), with that great jubilation for all those who served, and the anti-war welcoming of those who served in Vietnam.

But our veterans and fathers of that day, served OUR nation, just as much so as did any other war veteran. Not that no one remembers that, but those Vets don't get the same attention. To ALL those who served in that war, I want to say THANK YOU. I do appreciate YOUR service, as well as the sacrifices of those who died in their service. I think that we sometimes, get so caught up in trying to set things right with the Vietnam Vets (and I am one), that our Korean War Vets get ignored, or slighted.

If you see one of our Vets wearing a Korea War emblem or cap, tell them thanks. By the way, a good many of them, served in WWII and Korea, and some, even served in WWII, Korea, AND Vietnam! Those guys ROCK!

Remember ALL our Veterans, and honor ALL our lost today. And to our Korean War Veterans, THANK YOU!
Dan
3/187th Inf.
101st Airborne Div.
RVN 1969-70

Memorial Day 2010

Since the first recognition of our fallen soldiers, by proclamation by General John Logan in 1868, the Nation first set aside May 30th as the day we would lay flags and flowers on the graves of our fallen, to commemorate those sacrifices. Today, we use the last Monday of May as Memorial Day. This May 31st is that day in which we remember all those who have given all in the name of freedom.

Today, we are still engaged in combat activities, in the name of freedom. While many may argue one side or the other, it is MY belief that the struggle of today, are for the freedom of those oppressed in the area of the Mid-East, specifically, Iraq and Afghanistan, and to also keep back any progress by our enemies to regain a renewed strength and weaponry to again launch an attack on our soil. With our daily engagements, they bring about the sacrifices, in the fullest, of those who fight. Sadly, we add to the numbers of those in cemeteries all across our lands.

During my day, in that Vietnam War time, most of who I fought beside were drafted. Many did not want to be there, and would not have been there, had it not been for the draft. But, they knew that we could not refuse our duties because we didn't agree, or understand that war effort. We served, because our country called on us to do so. We understood that our country, not just one man in office, approved our involvement, and we answered that call. (This is not the time to address those who ran from that call, but I have very strong views on those ....people.)

Today however, there is no draft. The news is daily on the dangers of being "over there". Yet, the ranks are full of those who signed on, voluntarily. These courageous men and women "volunteer" to join the fight, knowing that they could end up in one of our Nation's cemeteries. I am humbled by their willingness to serve in such a difficult war.

We will have our time to honor all those, before and present, who have fought and who fight today, on Veteran's Day, Nov. 11th. But, May 31st is our day to honor those who will never fight again, those who have given all, for the freedom we all too often take for granted.

I honor them, those who have given all for me and my country. By their blood, I am free. May we all remember the price they paid. Freedom IS NOT free, and those we honor, paid that heavy price for all of us.

I ask that all of you, fly OUR nation's flag, in honor of those who paid for that privilege to do so. God Bless Our Troops, and God Bless America.
Dan

Good Bye Ol' Friend

I don't know the origin of the saying, "A dog is man's best friend", but I have bought into that for many years now.

For those who have dogs for companions, that live in your homes, ride in your cars, snuggle with you on the couch, and greet you with a happy disposition every day, you will know of what I speak.

But, as hard it has been for me, I had to say good-bye to my Irish setter. After about 14 years of life, she just could no longer maintain a quality of life. She was nearly blind, lost a lot of weight, and just couldn't get up or down without difficulty. And still, she loved us up every day, with licks and a wagging tail.

I am just past that 60 mark. I've never been a Rambo, and certainly no war "hero", but I've been around. I've seen war, close up and very personal. I've been in Law Enforcement for more than 15 years, having seen the dead in many settings, by many means. In all my years, two things get to me the most. Dead and/or harmed children. And dead dogs. In many ways, except for children, I like dogs more than most people.

Today, my wife and I said our good-byes our sweet Cali. She was family to us. She was a good dog, and always wanted to see us when we came home. Dogs ARE man's best friend. We'll be seeing you someday Cali.

PS.
We highly recommend pet, particularly dog, adoption. Cali, and her sisters, have all been adopted.

Diversions - Part 2

Well, I just can't stop with the feeling that THIS, the Obama, Administration, is over-the-top in extreme stupid. And Lord help them, if for a minute, they let facts and figures and information, be a DISTRACTION or DIVERSION and get in the way of having their WAY!

THIS administration is an administration of, "Don't confuse me with the facts, we've made up our minds."

And with that, they don't even wait for facts, they make opinions and allegations, BEFORE they even know what the hell they're talking about!

Eric Holder has just PROVED this point. In his latest testimony to The House Judiciary Committee, he confessed to not have even READ Arizona's new immigration law, yet have drawn an opinion on it. The president has also made comments against the law, and he hasn't read it either. And these dumb-asses are LAWYERS!

(Need legal advise? Want a competent attorney? Want an attorney to help you through all the "fine print", before you sign ANY legal document? Then ABSOLUTELY avoid ANY Washington attorney, congressman, senator, who voted for that POS health-care reform bill. They signed it and never read the damn thing!)

Remember the pres, being quick to espouse an opinion on the professor Gates and the Police Officer's ordeal? Right or wrong, shouldn't THEY wait to hear ALL the facts, before making public statements? How presidential is all this? It isn't.

And while ALL Presidents do a lot to stand with their party, I feel like this president, is ALL about HIS agenda, and that of the Democratic party, and NONE about the other half of the nation. WHEN will Obama, be the President of ALL Americans?

People, we need to get out the vote in November. The Tea Party folks have it right, if ANY politician (of ANY party) is not a Constitutionalist, throw their butts out. It's time for "the people" to take back Washington!

BTW - Mr. Holder ... try READING Arizona's new law BEFORE you draw a breath of opinion!

Dan

Am I a diversion?

I'm sorry, but I am a diversion? Or, are too many electronic outlets for news and blogs, a diversion?

In an Obama commencement speech, he said, "With iPods and iPads and Xboxes and PlayStations, -- none of which I know how to work -- information becomes a distraction, a diversion, a form of entertainment, rather than a tool of empowerment, rather than the means of emancipation."

For a man who used the Internet and on-line releases during his campaign, he now is feeling the heat of those who will question him, those who will disagree with him, those who write about is every move and decision.

A "distraction"? A "diversion"? Oh ... wait ... let not the public be distracted and diverted with news, information, and critical debate....Just believe any ol' thing the great Obama tells you!

Awww...bt some pweple disagwee wit da pwesidwnet....

Well if information is becoming a distraction, then maybe someone needs to ask the real question, "Why?" And "distracting" to whom? This president, more than ANY OTHER president I can remember in my 60 years, has done nothing but push HIS agenda, and campaign for those agendas, since he took office.

EXCUSE me pres....but aren't you suppose to be president of ALL Americans? Yet, you totally ignore at least HALF the country! (The health care reform bill polling averages were more than 54% against!)

And HEY! MEDIA!! Wake the hell up!!! Where are YOU? Why is it that bloggers and on-line story outlets have to report on what YOU WON'T? Where are YOU? The so-called major media has failed America, by giving this president (and Clinton too, for the most part) a pass on almost everything? Is he really THAT perfect to you? You can't find ANY fault to shine a light on?

But THAT is why bloggers, and other on-line sources of news and commentary, have grown. They (dare I add, me?) at least bring debate to the forefront. They at least bring a magnifying glass to the abundance of crap coming out of Washington.

But, because they generally DON'T agree with Obama, Obama has targeted them and wants people to stop reading, listening, and writing about HIM. Obama means to squash any opposing views, by what ever means he can get away with. Demonize the Tea Partiers. Demonize objective, or at least critical, media outlets. Demonize talk radio. Demonize ANYONE who would dare be critical of the great Obama. How dare they!

Thank God for the 1st amendment, and our forefathers who feared this type of growing government, or Obama would surely shut us all up!

Well I will NOT go silently into the night. I'll keep writing, if for no other reason, than to at least speak up! Ask questions. Raise a debate. Be critical.

Dan

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. Where would we be without mothers? Thank you moms, for always being there.

Reflecting on Mother's Day, and in a bizarre way of thinking about this subject, I remember my own mother and that tough year when I was in Vietnam. During my Tour in Vietnam, Mom, Bless her, would send letters and packages to me. Cookies, brownies, candies, and just assorted food packs to supplement my C-Rations. Getting goodies to me, in some semblance of condition, was no small feat, and trial and error came into play. I think mom finally figured out that packing the items in popcorn, helped cushion those goodies. But the truth of it was, that mom was up against the Southeast Asian weather...the HEAT. Cookies and brownies were more crumbs, than ovals and squares. But my mom's flavorful goodies, in what ever condition, were always a hit with my squad members.

In a less than fond memory, I also recall that in the heat of battle, with bullets whizzing by and explosions ringing my ears, I would hear the moans of the afraid and the wounded, the low voices calling out for their moms. Yes, and in fox holes, in the middle of the night, I'd even think of my own mom, and how that long past comfort of her loving arms, were a very distant past, but how we would miss that comfort and protection of our moms. Young men, quickly growing old in battle, longing for a mother's arms, to hold us safe.

I'm a dad, and a VERY proud dad at that. But I never heard a soldier call out for his dad(dy). I have written before about the importance of fathers, but it's the moms, who gave us life, nursed us, and held us to their bosoms to protect and love us first.

From the early days of nursing and bottle feedings, to school lunches, moms having been taking care of us from the start. Then on to cooking us our favorite foods, and baking us those cakes and pies, moms have brought us that comfort of being loved. Sometimes, it was that fresh smell of our cleaned school clothes, and other times, it was sharing conversation while she cooked supper.

Later in life, men take on wives, and those wives become mothers to our own children. I love being a dad, but moms are the "motherers" to our children. And we get to watch as that mothering becomes the foundation of our children's beginnings.

To my ex-wife, my children's mother, I am most grateful. We have GREAT kids, and they know love. While we, as adults, made our share of mistakes that ended in divorce, our children were always kept first when working out those difficult times. And our children are who they are today, largely because of the mothering they had.

My wife today, Diann, is a great mother too. I see every day, the depth of her love for her son, my step-kid. With the highs and lows of her and her ex's circumstances, her love has never faulted for Trev, not one bit. And her focus has always been on what she could do to help and protect her son, first and foremost...ALWAYS. Even now at 18, I don't think he yet knows and fully comprehends that depth of love and commitment she has to his best interests.

In some ways, it is because of that deep love for a child, that moms seem to bare the most pain when things go wrong. NO MAN (and dare I say, no woman who has never been a mother), will ever fully know that same pain. And, no man will ever quite know that depth of that happiness either. That child, given nurturing life within the womb of a mother, then brought out unto the world through the birth, has a bond that can never be known by a man.

To the mother of my two kids - Thank you and Happy Mother's Day.
To Diann, the mother of a great kid - I see your love for him every day, and I so appreciate you for that. Happy Mother's Day.
To my own mother - Mom, thank you for ALWAYS being there. From the earliest time I can recall, to the jungles of Vietnam, and through my adult and professional life, THANK YOU. Happy Mother's Day!

Must I Paint You A Picture?

Back on the "ILLEGAL" immigration issue. And now, for those who are stupid, or drunk on liberalism, or just want to see America fall, let me paint you a friggin picture!

We have laws. We have borders. We have rules to enter, and even exit. For those who wish to FLY, legally, anywhere, you have to show your ID, you have to be searched, or at least scanned for anything that could be contraband or weapons, and to make sure you are not a wanted person from anywhere. All done to protect our citizens and our country. There is no other reason for all those measures. The airlines, and even most of the citizens, would love to live like it was 1960 again. Fly anywhere, anytime, and not have some stranger run his/her hands all over you, just to get from Dayton, to Dallas! But we're past that, aren't we.

But, for those who want us to just ignore the laws, to just let anyone in, and think the land of the rich can handle anyone who wants in, by any method, I'll paint you a friggin picture!

We have border Ports of Entry. At those POEs, people, thousand of people, come and go with relative ease. They do so, from both sides, by following the rules and obeying the laws. THAT is all we're asking. Enter legally, and stay as long as your legal circumstances permit, and obey our laws. Simple.

But come through in the dark of night, or even in broad daylight, by any other means, and you have violated the laws of OUR land. We have no idea who you are. We have no idea what your purpose may be. We have no idea what you are bringing in with you. THAT is why we have POEs!

BECAUSE so many, so VERY many, break our laws, and enter "ILLEGALLY", we know many here are ILLEGAL, and we MUST protect our citizens and our lands, and MUST take measures to root out those who are violating the law, and SHOULD NOT be here. Arizona has simply taken it's measures to do just that. The US Government has failed them, and ALL OF US, by not protecting the border. The RISK to the citizens in Arizona, and the other border states, is HUGE. And to some, it has been deadly. To others still, it WILL BE.

If you decide to protest Arizona, or just protest the actions we MUST take to protect all of us, then YOU protest AGAINST law and order. And on top of that, YOU are stupid, or naive at the least.

This is America. If you are here "legally", then welcome. If you are here "illegally", then get the hell OUT! Don't dare come in here, "Illegally", and DEMAND anything from us. And for anyone else to DEMAND anything for you...BS! You are here "illegally", and get the hell out!

Lastly, as this Blog was started with, I wish for ALL Americans, no matter where you came from, or where our ancestors came from, to identify yourselves as an AMERICAN 1st!

Sign me,
Tired of the Bull Shit!