I stole this post from Airman Mom, another milblogger who has a great site. You can check her out here:
http://airmanmom.blogspot.com
She made my day. I hope you like it.
A soldier was attending some college courses between assignments. He had completed missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the courses had a professor who was a vowed atheist and a member of the ACLU.
One day the professor shocked the class when he came in. He looked to the ceiling and flatly stated, 'God, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give! you exactly 15 minutes.'
The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop.
Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed, 'Here I am God. I'm still waiting'.
It got down to the last couple of minutes when the soldier got out of his chair,went up to the professor, and cold-cocked him; knocking him off the platform. The professor was out cold. The soldier went back to his seat and sat there, silently. The other students were shocked and stunned and sat there looking on in silence.
The professor eventually came to, noticeably shaken, looked at the soldier and asked, 'What the hell is the matter with you? Why did you do that?' The soldier calmly replied, 'God was too busy today protecting America's soldiers who are protecting your right to say stupid shit and act like an asshole. So, He sent me.'
On a side note - I have another post ready for tomorrow but it was just too sad to talk about after seeing this. I'll post it tomorrow.
TIA
Earl
Showing posts with label Army. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Army. Show all posts
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
VFW: Vets Take Care of Their Own
The new year is here so now I live up to my promise.
Less me and more them!
Last Sunday, the VFW and Women's its Auxiliary, here in Denver, treated a group of vets and their families to a day at the National Western Stock Show. My wife and children and I were fortunate enough to be part of that group. They took care of us, bought us tickets, lunch, dinner, games, and included disposable camera's, cowboy hats for the kids, and for some reason a huge gift card to a local grocery store. For a day, we got to relax and we got to spend some time with other disabled vets and their families and some families of currently deployed service members.
Members of the VFW and the Women's Auxiliary escorted us throughout the event. I spent the rodeo seated with the parents of Navy Seal Danny Dietz, Navy Cross honoree, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2005. Two people who gave the most precious gift a parent can give to their nation gave a little bit more to me and my family. I am honored and humbled to have spent time with them and my simple "Thank you" was inadequate at best.
Once again our Veteran's Organizations have proven that we take care of our own.
I'd like to give a shout out to the individual folks who put this on but you know how I am about calling out names here and I'd how hate to be the butterfly so as a prior enlisted Marine and an Army Warrant I'll fall back on old faithful - Semper Fi!
I had the chance to spend some time with a young soldier who was badly wounded in Iraq back in 2005. He can walk again and despite the dark sunglasses (Post TBI Migraine need) it was like walking with many of the NCO's I have called my brothers, friends, and soldiers. He has been beaten up and broken up but he is not broken down and its his story I'd like to share today. I'll call him "M".
M, like my BBG, was hit by an IED or many as is the case for lots of our disable GWOT vets. After three tours, he has a traumatic brain injury among other issues. He was rushed out of the Army like so many others. He was not retired by the Army. He was given a ten percent disability, a small severance check and sent packing. Like BBG, he is changed forever. Like BBG, he grimaces and pushes on, ignores the cane in the corner when he can, and gives thanks for what he has left - his life!
His parent left their home and life in New Mexico to take care of their baby boy because that's what parents do. They came to his aid so he didn't have to live in a VA Group Home and so they could ensure he received the best of care. They dropped it all and took care of the boy they raised into a man so our Nation could use him and spit him out. I don't mean to sound bitter (OK - too bitter) but this should not be happening any more. As Americans we owe them (M, BBG, and thousands of others) more than a bum rush out the door when they're no longer battle ready.
It is obvious that the Army screwed up but it is made worse by the fact that the Army continues to screw this young man. You see, he has appealed his 10% disability and the Army, in all its wisdom, now says that it has no record that he ever served in Iraq. If he never served in Iraq, they reason, he could never have been wounded and thus he does not deserve an appeal.
Even more amazing, M and his parents are thankful that he came home. They are thankful and proud to have served - proud to be Americans. Like so many others, he looks at what he has accomplished, not at what he has lost.
I will try to live up to that example this year.
There are thousands of M's out there and we need to fix it. If our military's senior leaders cannot correct this systemic failure in their own organizations, they have lost the right to lead. I am sure that many of you will be more than a little pissed at me for that comment but lets be honest here: We promote General Officers because they have the superior leadership skills and the technical skills to be war fighters and administrators. They are not living up to the standard and we need to promote men and women who have the skill set to do both. Those who cannot meet the demands of their roles need to go away.
I know the economy is about as bad as it gets but we owe these men and woman. Whether you agree with the politics that have brought us to this place and these wars, we elected the leadership that has sent young men and women in harms way.
We, you and me..
We own this and we owe these young men and women more than a handshake and a thank you. We owe them our dedication and service in their honor. We owe them a system that meets their needs when they are damaged answering the call.
I would challenge each of you to do something. Write letters to your representatives, share this story with your friends. Challenge your local media outlets to tell more of these soldiers' stories. Find a young wife or husband..
Yep - new Army is full of young husbands left behind too
Find them and do something extra. Don't ask, just stop by and mow the lawn, shovel a driveway, babysit and send them to the spa. Let them know that what they do will never be forgotten.
TIA
Earl
Less me and more them!
Last Sunday, the VFW and Women's its Auxiliary, here in Denver, treated a group of vets and their families to a day at the National Western Stock Show. My wife and children and I were fortunate enough to be part of that group. They took care of us, bought us tickets, lunch, dinner, games, and included disposable camera's, cowboy hats for the kids, and for some reason a huge gift card to a local grocery store. For a day, we got to relax and we got to spend some time with other disabled vets and their families and some families of currently deployed service members.
Members of the VFW and the Women's Auxiliary escorted us throughout the event. I spent the rodeo seated with the parents of Navy Seal Danny Dietz, Navy Cross honoree, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2005. Two people who gave the most precious gift a parent can give to their nation gave a little bit more to me and my family. I am honored and humbled to have spent time with them and my simple "Thank you" was inadequate at best.
Once again our Veteran's Organizations have proven that we take care of our own.
I'd like to give a shout out to the individual folks who put this on but you know how I am about calling out names here and I'd how hate to be the butterfly so as a prior enlisted Marine and an Army Warrant I'll fall back on old faithful - Semper Fi!
I had the chance to spend some time with a young soldier who was badly wounded in Iraq back in 2005. He can walk again and despite the dark sunglasses (Post TBI Migraine need) it was like walking with many of the NCO's I have called my brothers, friends, and soldiers. He has been beaten up and broken up but he is not broken down and its his story I'd like to share today. I'll call him "M".
M, like my BBG, was hit by an IED or many as is the case for lots of our disable GWOT vets. After three tours, he has a traumatic brain injury among other issues. He was rushed out of the Army like so many others. He was not retired by the Army. He was given a ten percent disability, a small severance check and sent packing. Like BBG, he is changed forever. Like BBG, he grimaces and pushes on, ignores the cane in the corner when he can, and gives thanks for what he has left - his life!
His parent left their home and life in New Mexico to take care of their baby boy because that's what parents do. They came to his aid so he didn't have to live in a VA Group Home and so they could ensure he received the best of care. They dropped it all and took care of the boy they raised into a man so our Nation could use him and spit him out. I don't mean to sound bitter (OK - too bitter) but this should not be happening any more. As Americans we owe them (M, BBG, and thousands of others) more than a bum rush out the door when they're no longer battle ready.
It is obvious that the Army screwed up but it is made worse by the fact that the Army continues to screw this young man. You see, he has appealed his 10% disability and the Army, in all its wisdom, now says that it has no record that he ever served in Iraq. If he never served in Iraq, they reason, he could never have been wounded and thus he does not deserve an appeal.
Even more amazing, M and his parents are thankful that he came home. They are thankful and proud to have served - proud to be Americans. Like so many others, he looks at what he has accomplished, not at what he has lost.
I will try to live up to that example this year.
There are thousands of M's out there and we need to fix it. If our military's senior leaders cannot correct this systemic failure in their own organizations, they have lost the right to lead. I am sure that many of you will be more than a little pissed at me for that comment but lets be honest here: We promote General Officers because they have the superior leadership skills and the technical skills to be war fighters and administrators. They are not living up to the standard and we need to promote men and women who have the skill set to do both. Those who cannot meet the demands of their roles need to go away.
I know the economy is about as bad as it gets but we owe these men and woman. Whether you agree with the politics that have brought us to this place and these wars, we elected the leadership that has sent young men and women in harms way.
We, you and me..
We own this and we owe these young men and women more than a handshake and a thank you. We owe them our dedication and service in their honor. We owe them a system that meets their needs when they are damaged answering the call.
I would challenge each of you to do something. Write letters to your representatives, share this story with your friends. Challenge your local media outlets to tell more of these soldiers' stories. Find a young wife or husband..
Yep - new Army is full of young husbands left behind too
Find them and do something extra. Don't ask, just stop by and mow the lawn, shovel a driveway, babysit and send them to the spa. Let them know that what they do will never be forgotten.
TIA
Earl
Monday, March 31, 2008
Back to Iraq
Short and to the point today - just two items:
1) My wife has been working on an armed forces quilt that will hang with some of her other quilts in the Colorado Governor's Mansion this spring and early summer. Like my writing is for me, her quilting is a way to cope. She was so excited to share a year's work with the kids and I when she finally finished it tonight.
Then she cried for hours. I think she thought that finishing this quilt would make the demons go away. It didn't.
The demons never go away.
2) U.S. Army Sergent Keith Matthew Maupin's parents have their son back. Almost four years after his convoy was attacked and he was taken prisoner by Islamic Terrorists the Army has recovered and identified his remains.
God bless them for giving their son when our nation called. I know the war is an unpleasant topic for most of you but he went to Iraq because America asked him to. It is a debt that none of us can repay. I feel humbled in my little day to day issues when I look at their pain and sacrifice.
our lives may not be the same since my little blond girl came back but she came home and for that I am forever grateful.
Two other soldiers are still missing in Iraq.
Over 2400 remain unaccounted for in Vietnam
over 75,000 from WWII.
1) My wife has been working on an armed forces quilt that will hang with some of her other quilts in the Colorado Governor's Mansion this spring and early summer. Like my writing is for me, her quilting is a way to cope. She was so excited to share a year's work with the kids and I when she finally finished it tonight.
Then she cried for hours. I think she thought that finishing this quilt would make the demons go away. It didn't.
The demons never go away.
2) U.S. Army Sergent Keith Matthew Maupin's parents have their son back. Almost four years after his convoy was attacked and he was taken prisoner by Islamic Terrorists the Army has recovered and identified his remains.
God bless them for giving their son when our nation called. I know the war is an unpleasant topic for most of you but he went to Iraq because America asked him to. It is a debt that none of us can repay. I feel humbled in my little day to day issues when I look at their pain and sacrifice.
our lives may not be the same since my little blond girl came back but she came home and for that I am forever grateful.
Two other soldiers are still missing in Iraq.
Over 2400 remain unaccounted for in Vietnam
over 75,000 from WWII.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
The Army wants the money
Its 0300 and as per normal, I'm up again
writing.
I just saw the CNN story about a wounded warrior who received a letter from the Army demanding repayment of his bonus because he had the wherewith all to go and get himself wounded in Iraq before his enlistment was up.
Cheeky bastard eh?
Sadly, he isn't alone.
I know this because my wife is one of those that the Army has gone after for cash. They didn't turn off her combat pay when she was medevac'd out of Iraq. I went to the SRC and was told it was fixed. I guess I should have gone on line and checked her LES's but I was pretty damn busy keeping track of seventeen different meds, a buttload of appointments, the Med Board process, three kids and a job I ended up having to give up because I couldn't keep up with the load and take care of her.
FUCK!!!
Sorry, it slips out sometimes.
When she was medically retired, I moved out to a job in Denver before her and the kids. A week before the move and the Army said we had too much stuff and would have to pay more cash to get us moved. Apparently we were over weight when we came in but they chose to overlook that.
They need bodies for Iraq.
The sad part is that when I called the Army, they told me to get a U-Haul and move them myself. I guess they don't really understand how broke you get when all of this happens. I guess they misunderstood when I said I was at a new job in Colorado, three thousand miles away from Fort Bragg.
Now they send letters monthly and call just as much and I've got to be honest. The bill is over fourteen grand given interest and fines. How the hell am I going to pay that? They damn near killed her. Her life and the lives of our children are negatively altered forever and now they want cash? I know the budget is tight but this is the wrong way to fill the gaps folks.
Thank you for your service. Gosh we're awfully sorry you got so fucked up. Will that be cash or check?
Food for thought folks. PLEASE DON"T LET THIS STORY DIE - there are thousands more out there going through the same thing.
writing.
I just saw the CNN story about a wounded warrior who received a letter from the Army demanding repayment of his bonus because he had the wherewith all to go and get himself wounded in Iraq before his enlistment was up.
Cheeky bastard eh?
Sadly, he isn't alone.
I know this because my wife is one of those that the Army has gone after for cash. They didn't turn off her combat pay when she was medevac'd out of Iraq. I went to the SRC and was told it was fixed. I guess I should have gone on line and checked her LES's but I was pretty damn busy keeping track of seventeen different meds, a buttload of appointments, the Med Board process, three kids and a job I ended up having to give up because I couldn't keep up with the load and take care of her.
FUCK!!!
Sorry, it slips out sometimes.
When she was medically retired, I moved out to a job in Denver before her and the kids. A week before the move and the Army said we had too much stuff and would have to pay more cash to get us moved. Apparently we were over weight when we came in but they chose to overlook that.
They need bodies for Iraq.
The sad part is that when I called the Army, they told me to get a U-Haul and move them myself. I guess they don't really understand how broke you get when all of this happens. I guess they misunderstood when I said I was at a new job in Colorado, three thousand miles away from Fort Bragg.
Now they send letters monthly and call just as much and I've got to be honest. The bill is over fourteen grand given interest and fines. How the hell am I going to pay that? They damn near killed her. Her life and the lives of our children are negatively altered forever and now they want cash? I know the budget is tight but this is the wrong way to fill the gaps folks.
Thank you for your service. Gosh we're awfully sorry you got so fucked up. Will that be cash or check?
Food for thought folks. PLEASE DON"T LET THIS STORY DIE - there are thousands more out there going through the same thing.
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