Happy New Year 2014!

To all my readers, wishing you each the best in the coming year!
Continuing a tradition on this blog I started several years ago, here is a New Year's poem I came across and would like to share with you.

Life I Am the New Year
~ Author Unknown

Life I am the new year.
I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.
I am your next chance at the art of living.
I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life during the last twelve months.
All that you sought and didn't find is hidden in me,
waiting for you to search it out with more determination.
All the good that you tried for and didn't achieve
is mine to grant when you have fewer conflicting desires.
All that you dreamed but didn't dare to do, all that you hoped but did not will,
all the faith that you claimed but did not have --
these slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened
by the touch of a strong purpose.
I am your opportunity
to renew your allegiance to Him who said, "behold, I make all things new."
I am the new year.

Wednesday Hero

I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. And to all those who are serving and are unable to be home, be safe and thank you.

Josh Groben - I'll Be Home For Christmas These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

 This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go   here.

Wednesday Hero

Sgt. Greg N. Riewer  30 years old from Frazee, Minnesota  2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division  March 23, 2007    
 Sgt. Greg N. Riewer, 28, of Frazee, was killed while on patrol March 23, 2007 in Fallujah with soldiers from the Bemidji-based Company A, 2nd Battalion, 136th Infantry, when his vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb, the Guard said. "The loss of Sgt. Riewer is a tragedy," Maj. Gen. Larry Shellito, the adjutant general of Minnesota, said in a statement. "He was proudly serving his state and nation in a combat zone when he was taken from us." You can read more about Sgt. Riewer here


 These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero. 

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go   here.

Wednesday Hero

This post was suggested by Michael

Maj. Thomas McGuire Jr.  24 years old from Sebring, Florida  475th Fighter Group  August 1, 1920 - January 7, 1945
   
 On January 7, 1945, McGuire was leading a group of four P-38s - himself, Major Jack Rittmayer (four victories), Captain Edwin Weaver (two victories) and Lieutenant Douglas Thropp (one victory) - on a fighter sweep over northern Negros Island in the central Philippines. Their aim was to gain victories. McGuire desperately wanted to pass Major Richard Bong's score of 40 kills. Descending through cloud cover, McGuire’s flight circled a Japanese airfield at Fabrica and then proceeded to a second airstrip at Manapla (also referred to as Carolina). As they approached Manapla, they were confronted by a lone Ki-43 “Oscar”, which immediately engaged McGuire's flight.
You can read more about Maj. McGuire  here

 These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go  here. 

Wednesday Hero

This post was suggested by Michael
Maj. Don Beerbower  22 years old from Hill City, Minnesota   353d Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, 9th Air Force  August 26, 1921 - August 9, 1944  
A fighter pilot who has brought down five or more enemy aircraft was called a flying ace. From December 1943 to Aug. 9, 1944, Beerbower became a triple ace, shooting down more than 15 German planes, making him the second highest ace in the 9th Air Force. Due to pilot losses and Beerbower’s own advancements based on flying and leadership skills, Beerbower was promoted to major and made squadron commander in June 1944 — less than nine months after his arrival in Europe. At only 22 years old, he already was a great fighter pilot, respected and liked by the men in his squadron. You can read more about Maj. Beerbower  here 


 These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

 This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday Hero

This post was suggested by Kathi

Tlingit Code Talkers
 We all know about the Navajo Code Talkers, but chances are you've never heard of the Tlingit Code Talkers from Alaska. During a ceremony on November 20, they were finally recognized for the contribution in the war with Congressional Gold Medals.
You can read more about the Tlingit Code Talkers  here

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go  here.

Interview with a 2013 Prudential Spirit of Community State Honoree

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States’ largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service. Since 1995, the program has honored more than 100,000 youth volunteers on the local, state and national level. Each year, the program’s judges select 102 State Honorees to receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., where 10 of them are named National Honorees.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once again this year, this blog was invited to interview a state honoree who is  a young military supporter and an inspiring volunteer!

 Michael-Logan Jordan of  Kailua, Hawaii, an 8th grader at Kailua Middle School.

Here is an essay Michael sent:

I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ehlers Danlos Syndrom at the age of 3. My disease decreases my mobility while increasing my pain. My medications include oral meds (about 13 pills a day), infusions (biologics and chemo)and injections. I might walk with a cane at times or become quite ill, but I don't let it get me down. In fact, I found that spreading aloha, volunteering and giving back is the best medicine...ever!

My volunteering started at the age of 5 at a local Toys for Tots warehouse. My parents explained to me that some parents could not afford Christmas for their kids if not for the generosity of others. I couldn't imagine anyone going without at Christmas and at that point, I vowed to help by donating all of my birthday gifts/money to Toys for Tots. My Birthday Bash is in it's 10th year and has put smiles on the faces of over 10,000 kids!

When my Dad was deployed to Fallujah, I enlisted the help of my classmates to make, fill and personalize over 400 Christmas stockings for his unit. For 9 years I have been sending care packages to our troops over seas. I also work with Wounded Warriors. On Dec 24, 2006 my Dad was critically wounded by an IED. As we rehabbed together, we had a better understanding of each other and a better understanding of how "spreading aloha" can change one's life. I hold a special place in my heart for our military. There is no greater sacrifice than to defend our great nation. That is why I work tirelessly to help our military. I know I will never be able to wear the uniform of my Father because of my disease, but I CAN help those who do. I volunteer,  collect clothing/books/toys/food/cards/notes/hygiene items for the Veteran's Homeless Shelter, Wounded Warriors, Lokahi Giving Project, Fisher and Ronald McDonald House. I volunteer, fundraise, donate and support the Gary Sinise Foundation, USO, Operation Homefront and Blue Star Families. I also collect quilting material/supplies for Armed Services YMCA Quilt/Pillow Project for kids of deployed service members.

This year I have added many projects and continue all the ones I started years ago. "Logan's Heroes" started as my Arthritis Walk Team 6 years ago. It has now evolved into the "Logan's Heroes Foundation" where I support, empower inspire and encourage today's youth to volunteer for our many causes. My "Heroes" volunteer right along side me and I have made a "How To" guide and video to start their own projects. I also present "Logan's Heroes Service Awards" to outstanding community leaders. To date, 20 youth and 3 adults in my community have received this award. The prestigious "Logan's Heroes Honu Award" has been received by Gary Sinise (Gary Sinise Foundation) and Dr. Jack Klippel (President/CEO of the Arthritis Foundation) for their Outstanding Service and Leadership to their Community, Country and America's Youth.

I have continued my Ambassadorship with the Arthritis Foundation and this year had the honor to attend the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference. While there, I mentored kids with arthritis by teaching them how to be an advocate, addressed the National Board of Directors and President of the Arthritis Foundation and participated in a flash mob at Disneyland where we promoted Arthritis Awareness. I work closely with my Representatives and Senators about Arthritis and addressed Congress about these needs. My motto is to Educate, Advocate and Donate so that 1 day we may Eliminate Arthritis. I organized an Arthritis Awareness Week at my High School and have raised and donated over $550,000  to many foundations.

I have held 6 beach and park clean-ups, held multiple book drives donating/distributing over 3,000 books, collected/made/donated 75 "Logan's Heroes Care Packages" to critically ill youth and have collected/donated clothing/backpacks/luggage/gift cards to foster youth. I've volunteered with the Hawaii Meth Project, Hawaii Food Bank, Humane Society and Color Vibe. I helped my brother organize food drives and collect 25,000 pounds of food. I also speak publicly about my disease, healthy eating and bullying. I stocked the "Art Cart" at 2 local schools. I facilitated a leadership camp and am a national voice for youth/disabled youth with YACT. I'm a member of Student Council, Peer Education/Leadership, Freshman Class President and Honor Roll. For all of my community service, I received 2 "Michael-Logan Jordan Days" (May 4, 2012 and October 1, 2013) from Mayors Carlisle and Caldwell!

I love being a volunteer and inspiring others to have a heart for service.

----------------------------

And here is the interview with this extraordinary young man

1. What made you decide to start donating your birthday gifts?

 When I was 5, my parents took me to a local Toys For Tots warehouse to volunteer. I could not imagine not having Christmas if not for the generosity of others. I vowed to donate all of my birthday/gifts and money to Toys for Tots and my annual Birthday Bash has been going strong (now in it's 10th year) putting smiles on over 10,000 kids!

2. What was the most rewarding volunteering that you've done so far?

 All of my volunteering is rewarding!  I am passionate about each and everything that I do. All of the work that I do with our Military holds a special place in my heart. My Father has been in the United States Marine Corps for over 20 years and is a Wounded Warrior. My Mother is the 2013 Marine Corps Base Hawaii's Spouse of the Year. I might not ever be able to wear the uniform of my Father due to my disease, but I can honor my military by volunteering/giving back to them!

3. How has being a military child enhanced your volunteer experience?

My siblings and I get our "hearts for service" from our parents. They give back everyday. There is no greater honor than to serve your country. There are many ways to serve your country and military spouses and kids give back too!  I am honored to be a military child!

4. How has volunteering helped you to grow as a person?

Volunteering has helped me grow as a person in so many ways. When I first started volunteering, it helped me not to focus on my pain and illness but to focus on others. It was the best medicine...ever!  However, while that still rings true, I have gained more insight as a young adult.  With each person I have encountered on my journey, I've learned something new...about them and myself. They have inspired me and I have had the opportunity to inspire others.  Volunteering-giving back-spreading aloha....these random acts of kindness have a ripple effect.  Once you start, you can't stop.  It makes my heart soar when I help someone....and then that person helps someone...and then that someone helps someone...and so on.  It takes a community to help a community. I am so blessed that my community has joined me on my journey.

5. What are your plans for the future?

 I have so many plans for the future. I want to go to college, then to medical school and become a Pediatric Rheumatologist.  I want to help kids that have the same disease that I do. I want to be part of the team that finds a cure for Arthritis.  I want to continue my advocacy and be the "voice" for all who have challenges. I want to be  the President of the Arthritis Foundation. Most of all, I want to continue my philanthropy. I might not be a professional basketball player (even though my name is Michael Jordan), but I am Michael-Logan Jordan, Philanthropist...and that's a pretty good person to be!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Indeed it is, Michael ! 

I'm always proud to support The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards  and always amazed, humbled and inspired by the young volunteers they honor.

Wednesday Hero

This post was suggested by Michael

MSgt. Woodrow Keeble  64 years old from Waubay, South Dakota  May 16, 1917 - January 28, 1982   
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Master Sergeant Woodrow W. Keeble distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy near Sangsan-ni, Korea, on October 20, 1951. On that day, Master Sergeant Keeble was an acting platoon leader for the support platoon in Company G, 19th Infantry, in the attack on Hill 765, a steep and rugged position that was well defended by the enemy. Leading the support platoon, Master Sergeant Keeble saw that the attacking elements had become pinned down on the slope by heavy enemy fire from three well-fortified and strategically placed enemy positions. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Master Sergeant Keeble dashed forward and joined the pinned-down platoon. Then, hugging the ground, Master Sergeant Keeble crawled forward alone until he was in close proximity to one of the hostile machine-gun emplacements. Ignoring the heavy fire that the crew trained on him, Master Sergeant Keeble activated a grenade and threw it with great accuracy, successfully destroying the position. Continuing his one-man assault, he moved to the second enemy position and destroyed it with another grenade. Despite the fact that the enemy troops were now directing their firepower against him and unleashing a shower of grenades in a frantic attempt to stop his advance, he moved forward against the third hostile emplacement, and skillfully neutralized the remaining enemy position. As his comrades moved forward to join him, Master Sergeant Keeble continued to direct accurate fire against nearby trenches, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Inspired by his courage, Company G successfully moved forward and seized its important objective. The extraordinary courage, selfless service, and devotion to duty displayed that day by Master Sergeant Keeble was an inspiration to all around him and reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army
You can read more about MSgt. Keeble here

 These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

 This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday Hero

This post was suggested by Michael

Leland Diamond   61 years old from Toledo, Ohio  May 30, 1890 – September 20, 1951  
Master Gunnery Sergeant Leland "Lou" Diamond is famous within the U.S. Marine Corps as the classic example of the "Old Breed" — tough, hard-fighting career marines who served in the corps in the years between World War I and World War II. You can read more about Gunny Diamond here 
 These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go   here.

Wednesday Hero

This post was suggested by Cat

Capt. Glenn Black From Idana, Kansas    
 From his Silver Star citation: For gallantry in action while participating in aerial flight in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations as pilot and flight leader of a B-25 type aircraft. On 22 June 1944, Lieutenant Black led a flight on a mission against shipping and harbor installations at Leghorn, Italy. On the bomb run intense, accurate anti-aircraft fire was encountered by the formation, holing many aircraft, as a result of the heavy defenses, Lieutenant Black sustained a shattered right arm, his co-pilot was painfully injured in the hip, one engine and the hydraulic lines were shot out and gasoline flooded the ship due to a direct hit on the gas tank. Despite his severe and painful wounds, Lieutenant Black, with the aid of his co-pilot, held the plane on course in to the target, enabling his bombardier to drop his bombs on their objective. By the time a friendly field was reached, the effects of the co-pilots hip wound seriously compromised the strength of his legs and, although almost at the point of complete exhaustion from the loss of blood, Lieutenant Black manipulated the rudders while his co-pilot handled the other controls, still at Lieutenant Black's directions. In spite of the feathered propeller, and without flaps or wheels down, a successful crash-landing was completed. By his great determination and outstanding heroism, Lieutenant Black has reflected the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. You can read more about Capt. Black  here


 These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

 This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday Hero

This post was suggested by Michael


Cmdr. George S. Rentz  59 years old from Lebanon, Pennsylvania   Commander USS Houston (CA-30)  July 25, 1882 - March 1, 1942
  A Navy chaplain who served during World War I and World War II, Cmdr. George Rentz was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for selfless heroism following the loss of the USS Houston (CA-30) in the Battle of Sunda Strait becoming the only Navy Chaplain to be so honored during the war. You can read more here 

 These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go  here.

Wednesday Hero

Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis  24 years old from Staten Island, New York  2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment,  1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light)  August 28, 2013
  The heroic actions of Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis saved the life of a Polish officer during a "complex, three-pronged attack" on their base in eastern Afghanistan, according to Combined Joint Task Force-101. Ollis, a 10th Mountain Division Soldier, was killed while defending Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Aug. 28, 2013. As a result of his actions that day, he will be honored with the Silver Star, and by Poland with the Polish Armed Forces Gold Medal. His parents, Linda and Robert Ollis, are to receive the Silver Star at Fort Drum, Oct. 24. The Polish Ministry of Defense will tentatively present its medal in a ceremony in New York City, Nov. 8.
You can read more about SSgt. Ollis  here

 These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday Hero

This post was suggested by Cindy

Nelson Draper  96 years old from Barstow, California  June 23, 1917 - September 22, 2013
 
Another Navajo Code Talker has passed away. Nelson Draper died on September 22 at the age of 96. There are only an estimated 25-65 Code Talkers left with us.  I couldn't find much on Mr. Draper, but what I could you can read   here and  here

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

 This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go  here.

Wednesday Hero

This post was suggested by Michael

Cmdr. Samuel David Dealey   37 years old from Dallas, Texas  Commander USS Harder (SS-257)  September 13, 1906 - August 24, 1944
 
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Harder during her 5th War Patrol in Japanese-controlled waters. Floodlit by a bright moon and disclosed to an enemy destroyer escort which bore down with intent to attack, Comdr. Dealey quickly dived to periscope depth and waited for the pursuer to close range, then opened fire, sending the target and all aboard down in flames with his third torpedo. Plunging deep to avoid fierce depth charges, he again surfaced and, within 9 minutes after sighting another destroyer, had sent the enemy down tail first with a hit directly amidship. Evading detection, he penetrated the confined waters off Tawi Tawi with the Japanese Fleet base 6 miles away and scored death blows on 2 patrolling destroyers in quick succession. With his ship heeled over by concussion from the first exploding target and the second vessel nose-diving in a blinding detonation, he cleared the area at high speed. Sighted by a large hostile fleet force on the following day, he swung his bow toward the lead destroyer for another "down-the-throat" shot, fired 3 bow tubes and promptly crash-dived to be terrifically rocked seconds later by the exploding ship as the Harder passed beneath. This remarkable record of 5 vital Japanese destroyers sunk in 5 short-range torpedo attacks attests the valiant fighting spirit of Comdr. Dealey and his indomitable command. You can read more about Cmdr. Dealey  here

   These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

 This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday Hero

This post was suggested by Gail

Cpl. Michael J. Crescenz  19 years old from Philadelphia, Penn.  4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade  January 14, 1949 - November 20, 1968
 

On Nov. 20, 1968, Michael J. Crescenz of Philadelphia walked into an ambush on Nui Chom. His squad was pinned down when he made a snap decision to grab an M60 machine gun and charge the bunkers. He took out three, killing six enemy soldiers who may have been dumbstruck in their last seconds to see a lone American running into their fusillade of bullets. As he charged a fourth bunker, Crescenz, 19, was killed. For his heroism, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor: Cpl. Crescenz distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a rifleman with Company A. In the morning his unit engaged a large, well-entrenched force of the North Vietnamese Army whose initial burst of fire pinned down the lead squad and killed the 2 point men, halting the advance of Company A. Immediately, Cpl. Crescenz left the relative safety of his own position, seized a nearby machine gun and, with complete disregard for his safety, charged 100 meters up a slope toward the enemy's bunkers which he effectively silenced, killing the 2 occupants of each. Undaunted by the withering machine gun fire around him, Cpl. Crescenz courageously moved forward toward a third bunker which he also succeeded in silencing, killing 2 more of the enemy and momentarily clearing the route of advance for his comrades. Suddenly, intense machine gun fire erupted from an unseen, camouflaged bunker. Realizing the danger to his fellow soldiers, Cpl. Crescenz disregarded the barrage of hostile fire directed at him and daringly advanced toward the position. Assaulting with his machine gun, Cpl. Crescenz was within 5 meters of the bunker when he was mortally wounded by the fire from the enemy machine gun. As a direct result of his heroic actions, his company was able to maneuver freely with minimal danger and to complete its mission, defeating the enemy. Cpl. Crescenz's bravery and extraordinary heroism at the cost of his life are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army. You can read more about Cpl. Crescenz here 

 These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

 This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday Hero

This Post Was Suggested By Michael

Comdr. Howard W. Gilmore  40 years old from Selma, Alabama  September 29, 1902 - February 7, 1943 
 
For distinguished gallantry and valor above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the U.S.S. Growler during her Fourth War Patrol in the Southwest Pacific from 10 January to 7 February 1943. Boldly striking at the enemy in spite of continuous hostile air and antisubmarine patrols, Comdr. Gilmore sank one Japanese freighter and damaged another by torpedo fire, successfully evading severe depth charges following each attack. In the darkness of night on 7 February, an enemy gunboat closed range and prepared to ram the Growler. Comdr. Gilmore daringly maneuvered to avoid the crash and rammed the attacker instead, ripping into her port side at 11 knots and bursting wide her plates. In the terrific fire of the sinking gunboat's heavy machineguns, Comdr. Gilmore calmly gave the order to clear the bridge, and refusing safety for himself, remained on deck while his men preceded him below. Struck down by the fusillade of bullets and having done his utmost against the enemy, in his final living moments, Comdr. Gilmore gave his last order to the officer of the deck, "Take her down." The Growler dived; seriously damaged but under control, she was brought safely to port by her well-trained crew inspired by the courageous fighting spirit of their dead captain. You can read more about Comdr. Gilmore here 

 These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday Hero

This post was suggested by Michael


Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt III  56 years old from Cove Neck, NY  September 13, 1887 - July 12, 1944
 
When people hear the name Theodore Roosevelt they think President of the United States. What they probably don't think of is Theodore Roosevelt III. The presidents son. A man who, at the age of 56, lead forces in the invasion of Normandy on D-Day and was awarded the Medal Of Honor: For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, in France. After 2 verbal requests to accompany the leading assault elements in the Normandy invasion had been denied, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt's written request for this mission was approved and he landed with the first wave of the forces assaulting the enemy-held beaches. He repeatedly led groups from the beach, over the seawall and established them inland. His valor, courage, and presence in the very front of the attack and his complete unconcern at being under heavy fire inspired the troops to heights of enthusiasm and self-sacrifice. Although the enemy had the beach under constant direct fire, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt moved from one locality to another, rallying men around him, directed and personally led them against the enemy. Under his seasoned, precise, calm, and unfaltering leadership, assault troops reduced beach strong points and rapidly moved inland with minimum casualties. He thus contributed substantially to the successful establishment of the beachhead in France. You can read more about Brig. Gen. Roosevelt here

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero. 

Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

 This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go   here.

Thoughts and Prayers

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of all the victims of the Navy Yard shooting.

Never Forget

On the anniversary of Sept 11, 2001...I honor the memory of people I never met, and pray for all the loved ones they left behind.

Jonathan N. Cappello

John P. Salamone

Gerard (Jerry) P Moran

Yuguang Zeng and Shuyin Yang

Catherine C. Gorayeb

Robert Fazio, Jr

Hemanth Kumar Puttur

Adel Agayby Zachary

Rick Rescorla

Thomas Burnett,Jr

Red Bull Rising: 'Dillion' Film Tells Iowa 'Red Bull' Soldier's PTS...

Red Bull Rising: 'Dillion' Film Tells Iowa 'Red Bull' Soldier's PTS...: The family of a deceased Iowa "Red Bull" soldier hopes that publicizing their story of loss to suicide will help other citizen...

Wednesday Hero

This post was suggested by Cindy

John Edward Allen 84 years old from Rio Rancho, New Mexico
 
John Edward Allen, a New Mexico veteran who served as a Tuskegee Airman during World War II and later earned honors for his Air Force service during the Vietnam War, died July 29th after a long battle with cancer. The NAACP Albuquerque Chapter President Harold Bailey said Allen died from multiple myeloma. He was 84. You can read more about John E. Allen here

 These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

 This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday Hero

Staff Sgt. April Welch   Staff Sgt. April Welch wraps the head of a simulated victim during a Major Accident Response Exercise July 24, 2013, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. The purpose of the MARE was to test the response of the base’s and the city of Jacksonville’s first responders. Welch is a medical technician assigned to the 19th Aerospace Medicine Squadron. Photo courtesy U.S. Air Force taken by Airman 1st Class Cliffton Dolezal

 These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

 This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here