My buddy Joe sent me this link to the youtube of the Ten Australian Tenors singing "Here's to the Heroes." Awesome - this will stir your heart - Praise God!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LL-0mdEg0U4&feature=related
Showing posts with label Heroes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heroes. Show all posts
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Allen West for Congress
There is a retired Army officer named Allen West who is running for the 22nd Congressional District Representative of Florida. I worked with Allen in the 1970s at Sears in Atlanta. He is brilliant, patriotic and conservative. If you live in the 22nd Congressional District in Florida please sign up to support LTC West. If you don't live in that Congressional district he needs your support. There's a link at the bottom of the page as well as this one - help this American hero get elected: http://allenwestforcongress.com/. He's truly the future of this great nation
Monday, November 16, 2009
Colonel Lewis L. Millett, USA, Retired - CMH
Colonel Lewis L. Millett died Saturday, November 14, 2009. He was at one time my regimental commander. That’s not significant. He was the epitome of a warrior and had the courage that shared no peer. I was in awe of the Colonel when I met him not because of his being the recipient of the Medal of Honor but because of his fierce warrior countenance and inspiration to those who were training to become warriors.
Salute Sir! This country has lost one of the greatest who ever defended us.
Here’s Colonel Millett’s Medal of Honor Citation:
“Capt. Millett, Company E, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. While personally leading his company in an attack against a strongly held position he noted that the 1st Platoon was pinned down by small-arms, automatic, and antitank fire. Capt. Millett ordered the 3d Platoon forward, placed himself at the head of the 2 platoons, and, with fixed bayonet, led the assault up the fire-swept hill. In the fierce charge Capt. Millett bayoneted 2 enemy soldiers and boldly continued on, throwing grenades, clubbing and bayoneting the enemy, while urging his men forward by shouting encouragement. Despite vicious opposing fire, the whirlwind hand-to-hand assault carried to the crest of the hill. His dauntless leadership and personal courage so inspired his men that they stormed into the hostile position and used their bayonets with such lethal effect that the enemy fled in wild disorder. During this fierce onslaught Capt. Millett was wounded by grenade fragments but refused evacuation until the objective was taken and firmly secured. The superb leadership, conspicuous courage, and consummate devotion to duty demonstrated by Capt. Millett were directly responsible for the successful accomplishment of a hazardous mission and reflect the highest credit on himself and the heroic traditions of the military service.”
Uncommon valor is common among warriors like Colonel Millett. I will never forget him. To the Corps Sir!
Salute Sir! This country has lost one of the greatest who ever defended us.
Here’s Colonel Millett’s Medal of Honor Citation:
“Capt. Millett, Company E, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. While personally leading his company in an attack against a strongly held position he noted that the 1st Platoon was pinned down by small-arms, automatic, and antitank fire. Capt. Millett ordered the 3d Platoon forward, placed himself at the head of the 2 platoons, and, with fixed bayonet, led the assault up the fire-swept hill. In the fierce charge Capt. Millett bayoneted 2 enemy soldiers and boldly continued on, throwing grenades, clubbing and bayoneting the enemy, while urging his men forward by shouting encouragement. Despite vicious opposing fire, the whirlwind hand-to-hand assault carried to the crest of the hill. His dauntless leadership and personal courage so inspired his men that they stormed into the hostile position and used their bayonets with such lethal effect that the enemy fled in wild disorder. During this fierce onslaught Capt. Millett was wounded by grenade fragments but refused evacuation until the objective was taken and firmly secured. The superb leadership, conspicuous courage, and consummate devotion to duty demonstrated by Capt. Millett were directly responsible for the successful accomplishment of a hazardous mission and reflect the highest credit on himself and the heroic traditions of the military service.”
Uncommon valor is common among warriors like Colonel Millett. I will never forget him. To the Corps Sir!
Friday, November 13, 2009
SSGT William F. Manuel
My wife and I retired the American flag that flew on the front of our home when a neighbor Robert, a member of the Patriot Guard, brought me a flag to fly. This flag is very special. It was flown on the back of Robert’s motorcycle for the funeral of S/SGT William F. Manuel, Kinder, Louisiana – 1/156th Infantry Regiment, 256th Infantry Brigade who was killed in action in SW Baghdad on January 10, 2005. Every morning I step onto the porch and render proper military courtesy.
The Patriot Guard (http://www.patriotguard.org/Home/tabid/53/Default.aspx) Riders ride to honor and protect the memory of men and women lost in defense of our Nation. Here is the Mission statement of the Patriot Guard:
The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.
We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.
Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives:
1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
2. Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.
We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.
To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.
God bless the men and women who serve our Nation, their families and God Bless the Patriot Guard Riders for their continued honor guard for these faithful warriors.
The Patriot Guard (http://www.patriotguard.org/Home/tabid/53/Default.aspx) Riders ride to honor and protect the memory of men and women lost in defense of our Nation. Here is the Mission statement of the Patriot Guard:
The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.
We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.
Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives:
1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
2. Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.
We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.
To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.
God bless the men and women who serve our Nation, their families and God Bless the Patriot Guard Riders for their continued honor guard for these faithful warriors.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Veteran's Day
John 15:13, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Today is the day that we remember the men and women who serve and have served in our military. This is Veteran’s Day. This is the day that we recognize those men and women who willingly step into harm’s way for us. So I thought it fitting to print the “Oath of Enlistment.” Here it is:
"I, American soldier’s name, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
There is no equivocation about duty. There is no parsing of responsibility. When I read Jesus’ words about the greatest love His words sound like this promise to defend the Constitution the preamble of which reads, “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” They provide for the common ‘defence’ and ‘secure the blessings of Liberty’ with their lives if need be. When ordered to fight these men and women have and will fight our enemies foreign and domestic and they have and will again lay down their lives for us. There is no greater love – just look at the intent in that oath of enlistment, an intent rarely spoken of but held closely in each one’s heart.
This is the American soldier – the veteran. Thank a veteran today – their humility may shock you but it will never harm you.
Prayer: Thank You God for this day and thank You for Jesus. Thank You for the brave men and women who have served this nation in our defense and in defense of our friends - for there is no greater love than to give one’s life for another. Help us always remember in Jesus Name we pray. Amen.
Today is the day that we remember the men and women who serve and have served in our military. This is Veteran’s Day. This is the day that we recognize those men and women who willingly step into harm’s way for us. So I thought it fitting to print the “Oath of Enlistment.” Here it is:
"I, American soldier’s name, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
There is no equivocation about duty. There is no parsing of responsibility. When I read Jesus’ words about the greatest love His words sound like this promise to defend the Constitution the preamble of which reads, “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” They provide for the common ‘defence’ and ‘secure the blessings of Liberty’ with their lives if need be. When ordered to fight these men and women have and will fight our enemies foreign and domestic and they have and will again lay down their lives for us. There is no greater love – just look at the intent in that oath of enlistment, an intent rarely spoken of but held closely in each one’s heart.
This is the American soldier – the veteran. Thank a veteran today – their humility may shock you but it will never harm you.
Prayer: Thank You God for this day and thank You for Jesus. Thank You for the brave men and women who have served this nation in our defense and in defense of our friends - for there is no greater love than to give one’s life for another. Help us always remember in Jesus Name we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Happy Birthday USMC!!
Today is the celebration of the founding of the United States Marine Corps. Happy Birthday Marines!! Semper Fidelis! The traditions of the United States Marine Corps mirror those of our Nation. The finest of America’s men and women have served proudly in the Marine Corps. There exists a belief: “Once a Marine always a Marine.” Conversation with a Marine at some point is punctuated with oorah and concludes with semper fi. I am proud of my friends who are Marines, Robert C.(RIP), Jerrold B. (RIP) Larry L., Robert Q., John B., Jim M.(RIP), Timothy J., Scott D., Sean B., Kyle B., and all the others whom I’ve yet to meet. We are a better Nation because of your commitment to excellence and to your Corps. First to fight is not about warfare it is about defending a great Nation. I am proud of you all. Happy 234th Birthday United States Marines!!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Hero of the Vietnam War
I found this letter from a U.S. Army Advisor to his parents while reading the profiles in courage of the men and women who died in Vietnam. His name is Captain Gerald Austin Brown, Ft. Worth, Texas. Captain Brown died May 16, 1967. Note the date on the letter - it indicates that he wanted his family to know some things about himself and the war. You can read the link yourself: http://www.vvmf.org/index.cfm?SectionID=110&anClip=203684
"The letter below written by Jerry before his departure for Viet Nam was left with long-time friends in Fort Worth. It was delivered to his parents after his death 16 May, 1967. The FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM carried Jerry's letter on the front page of its'May 27, 1967 edition. Picked up by an Associated Press reporter, it was published nation-wide.
June 1, 1966
Dear Mother & Bud,
These are a few of the things that were always left unsaid for some reason or other. First, I loved you very much, and was always very grateful for the many blessings that you saw that I was provided with. Sometimes we didn't say "I love you" enough, so I just wanted to make sure I didn't take off without making sure you understood how much I cared for you.
Second, do not be bitter or have doubts over the cause of my death. If I go fighting for my country, or for the people in Viet Nam, then I go by my own free will because it is right. It is right because (1) It is God's will that we love all our fellow men -- regardless of RACE, CREED, or COLOR. This I believe, and for this I willingly fought. There is good in every single human, and one needs to look until you find it. (2) I am an American. I believe in our country, and all of the ideals on which it was founded, and I prefer death rather than to be guilty of not defending it or its principles to the maximun. By the same token, if a man asks me or my country for help -- then he should expect to be able to receive it. Not just money but a personal, individual, commitment of an individual American to his problem. It was my turn to fulfill this individual commitment and I could not ignore my duty.
(3) I believe in God, and it is only through personal commitment that His will is accomplished. At least I have tried. Read Hebrews II, that was the source of my strength.
These are my reasons, and whether you understand them or not, I don't know. But I did, and that is sufficient.
Do not be sad, and for Pete's sake don't play a lot of sad songs at my funeral. If you must play music, by all means play "When the Saints Go Marching In"! ( and play a good jazzed up version of it too! ). Also, the beautiful sound of TAPS played on a good bugle was always great -- but end it with a rousing charge. You may rest assured by the time you read this I will be hard at work in God's Angel corps or swapping yarns with Big Daddy while hoeing in his heavenly garden ( watermelons -- what else? ). So don't cry over me, I'll be just as happy as I always was.
Good-bye for awhile. Until we meet again in Heaven, remember --
I love you,
Jerry"
"The letter below written by Jerry before his departure for Viet Nam was left with long-time friends in Fort Worth. It was delivered to his parents after his death 16 May, 1967. The FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM carried Jerry's letter on the front page of its'May 27, 1967 edition. Picked up by an Associated Press reporter, it was published nation-wide.
June 1, 1966
Dear Mother & Bud,
These are a few of the things that were always left unsaid for some reason or other. First, I loved you very much, and was always very grateful for the many blessings that you saw that I was provided with. Sometimes we didn't say "I love you" enough, so I just wanted to make sure I didn't take off without making sure you understood how much I cared for you.
Second, do not be bitter or have doubts over the cause of my death. If I go fighting for my country, or for the people in Viet Nam, then I go by my own free will because it is right. It is right because (1) It is God's will that we love all our fellow men -- regardless of RACE, CREED, or COLOR. This I believe, and for this I willingly fought. There is good in every single human, and one needs to look until you find it. (2) I am an American. I believe in our country, and all of the ideals on which it was founded, and I prefer death rather than to be guilty of not defending it or its principles to the maximun. By the same token, if a man asks me or my country for help -- then he should expect to be able to receive it. Not just money but a personal, individual, commitment of an individual American to his problem. It was my turn to fulfill this individual commitment and I could not ignore my duty.
(3) I believe in God, and it is only through personal commitment that His will is accomplished. At least I have tried. Read Hebrews II, that was the source of my strength.
These are my reasons, and whether you understand them or not, I don't know. But I did, and that is sufficient.
Do not be sad, and for Pete's sake don't play a lot of sad songs at my funeral. If you must play music, by all means play "When the Saints Go Marching In"! ( and play a good jazzed up version of it too! ). Also, the beautiful sound of TAPS played on a good bugle was always great -- but end it with a rousing charge. You may rest assured by the time you read this I will be hard at work in God's Angel corps or swapping yarns with Big Daddy while hoeing in his heavenly garden ( watermelons -- what else? ). So don't cry over me, I'll be just as happy as I always was.
Good-bye for awhile. Until we meet again in Heaven, remember --
I love you,
Jerry"
Friday, October 2, 2009
G.I. Joe and Lillie
Go to this link and share this moment with Joe Bonsall as he sings a tribute to his Mom and Dad: http://silverandgoldandthee.net/V/Lil.html.
I put the link below as well...get the tissues...guys too.
I put the link below as well...get the tissues...guys too.
Monday, September 7, 2009
L/Cpl Joshua Bernard
On August 14, 2009 L/Cpl Joshua Bernard died in an RPG attack in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He died a hero. Despite protests from Defense Secretary Gates and L/Cpl Bernard’s family, the Associated Press published a photograph of this brave, young Marine dying. Their motive is political. They want to destroy this Nation by destroying America’s will to fight back against Islamic extremists who seek to destroy us. The press is not a friend to America or its citizens. This young Marine gave his life not to be used as ridicule but as a safeguard to American liberty.
The Associated Press is a mouthpiece for totalitarianism. Nothing has changed about them since Vietnam. They hated the American soldier then and they hate us now.
L/Cpl Joshua Bernard I salute you. Thank you and thank you to the Bernard family for your service to our Nation. We grieve with you in Joshua’s death.
The Associated Press is a mouthpiece for totalitarianism. Nothing has changed about them since Vietnam. They hated the American soldier then and they hate us now.
L/Cpl Joshua Bernard I salute you. Thank you and thank you to the Bernard family for your service to our Nation. We grieve with you in Joshua’s death.
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