On Memorial Day, we take the time to pay tribute to the men and women who gave everything they had, the ultimate sacrifice - their life - to ensure that our country could be free. It's certainly a privilege to live in this great country and to have the freedoms that we oftentimes take for granted. I am truly thankful for those men and women who fought on behalf of me, who left their families and friends to go to a foreign country and combat the enemy, who gave their life for me and my country. There's no words to express my gratitude to them. So in lieu of any fancy words, I would just like to say a simple "thank you" to them for all they gave. We will never forget them or the ultimate sacrifice they gave for our country and the citizens of it!
- Jenn
Showing posts with label troops. Show all posts
Showing posts with label troops. Show all posts
Monday, May 30, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
They Stand
LOVE this song! It's such a great tribute to our men and women who are willing to STAND up for our freedom!
- Jenn
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Thank You
I was watching YouTube videos by Ray Stevens yesterday. If you've never heard and/or seen him before, you MUST check him out. He has a lot of really good, meaningful songs. Some of them are really funny too. Anyways, this particular one caught my attention and I think it says it all...
So, THANK YOU to all those who serve! I wish I told you more often how much I appreciate what you do. But, I'm telling you now - thank you...
- Jenn
So, THANK YOU to all those who serve! I wish I told you more often how much I appreciate what you do. But, I'm telling you now - thank you...
- Jenn
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Patriotic Tribute
It's not too often that you hear and/or see a patriotic tribute anymore. I saw this one on a friend's Facebook page and thought I'd share...
- Jenn
- Jenn
Thursday, May 27, 2010
What Bothers Me...
Warning: The following post may turn into a rant. Don't say I didn't warn you...
Do you want to know something that really bothers me? There are a lot of things that bother me, but this one thing has been on my mind the most. What really bothers me is people's lack of respect and appreciation for our military. Maybe I'm a little biased because my husband is in the military or maybe having a husband in the military has just made me notice the lack of appreciation even more...
It seems to me that a lot of people have absolutely no respect or gratitude for our nation's military. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the last time I checked these are the men and women who have voluntarily put their lives on the line so that each of us can be free. Because of them we live in a country where we are free to worship, free to speak what we want, and free to do many other things as well. If it weren't for them, we wouldn't have freedom at all.
Numerous times I've heard people bad mouthing our military. I've heard "They're just in it for the money and the free education" or "They don't deserve our support in a war for oil" or many other things. I'm tired of hearing these things. I'm tired of the disrespect. If someone wants to join the military for a free education, then kudos to them. They're signing a contract that may require them to give their life and in return they're getting a little paycheck and some money towards an education (yeah, for those of you who don't know, the education isn't always free). I think the education is the least they can get in return for their sacrifice. So quit complaining! Also, I don't care what you think about the war - whether you think it's right or wrong - you should still support our military. They don't make the decisions to go into combat - they just listen to their commander and go out to fight when they're told too. They need our support!
Another thing that bothered me regarding the lack of respect and gratitude for our military is our president's recent decision to skip the Memorial Day services at Arlington National Cemetary and instead head out to Chicago for the holiday weekend. This just goes to show where the president's priorities are. He's chosen to go to Chicago to "keep a campaign promise" instead of honoring the lives of our nation's heroes at Arlington. I mean, seriously, our nation's commander-in-chief can't even lead by example and take the time to honor those who've given the ultimate sacrifice. If he doesn't appreciate our men and women who serve, then how can we expect others to appreciate them. It's this thing called "leading by example"...
Then there's the whole "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" vote that was scheduled to take place today in Congress and the Senate. Of course they want to repeal this policy. But when they decided they wanted to repeal it they said that they'd take a survey of all military and their families to get their opinions on the policy and whether or not it should be repealed. The "survey" (more like an open forum to debate it) was started about a week ago and hasn't even been formalized or finalized. However, the vote was scheduled to take place today. Just another example of a lack of respect for the military. Each military branches' Chiefs wrote letters to express their concern for conducting the vote so soon and also expressing their opinion that voting on this issue so soon was breaking a commitment to the military (the commitment was that they'd do the survey and hear everyone's opinions before voting on the issue). So, here we see it again, broken commitments and promises. In my eyes, that's blatant disrespect.
Of course, to make my point clearer, there's also wacko "churches" like Westboro "Baptist" Church who consistently show a blatant disrespect and hatred toward our military. They picket military funerals, write hate letters to military families, and are even planning on picketing the services at Arlington National Cemetary on Monday. They mock the sacrifice of our men and women, yet somehow get away with it. It just sickens me to say the least.
But, the moral of all of this ranting is that we really should appreciate and respect our men and women in the military. Honestly, I wouldn't want to even imagine what this country would be like if it wasn't for them. Come to think of it, this country wouldn't exist today if it weren't for them. So, have a little respect and gratitude for them. They sacrifice so, so much for us yet half of us just bad mouth them and make fun of them in return. So, next time you see a member of the military, hold the door open for them and as they pass by say "thank you" to them for what they do. I can pretty much guarantee that you'll get a shocked look in return, mainly because they're not used to hearing those words...
- Jenn
Do you want to know something that really bothers me? There are a lot of things that bother me, but this one thing has been on my mind the most. What really bothers me is people's lack of respect and appreciation for our military. Maybe I'm a little biased because my husband is in the military or maybe having a husband in the military has just made me notice the lack of appreciation even more...
It seems to me that a lot of people have absolutely no respect or gratitude for our nation's military. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the last time I checked these are the men and women who have voluntarily put their lives on the line so that each of us can be free. Because of them we live in a country where we are free to worship, free to speak what we want, and free to do many other things as well. If it weren't for them, we wouldn't have freedom at all.
Numerous times I've heard people bad mouthing our military. I've heard "They're just in it for the money and the free education" or "They don't deserve our support in a war for oil" or many other things. I'm tired of hearing these things. I'm tired of the disrespect. If someone wants to join the military for a free education, then kudos to them. They're signing a contract that may require them to give their life and in return they're getting a little paycheck and some money towards an education (yeah, for those of you who don't know, the education isn't always free). I think the education is the least they can get in return for their sacrifice. So quit complaining! Also, I don't care what you think about the war - whether you think it's right or wrong - you should still support our military. They don't make the decisions to go into combat - they just listen to their commander and go out to fight when they're told too. They need our support!
Another thing that bothered me regarding the lack of respect and gratitude for our military is our president's recent decision to skip the Memorial Day services at Arlington National Cemetary and instead head out to Chicago for the holiday weekend. This just goes to show where the president's priorities are. He's chosen to go to Chicago to "keep a campaign promise" instead of honoring the lives of our nation's heroes at Arlington. I mean, seriously, our nation's commander-in-chief can't even lead by example and take the time to honor those who've given the ultimate sacrifice. If he doesn't appreciate our men and women who serve, then how can we expect others to appreciate them. It's this thing called "leading by example"...
Then there's the whole "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" vote that was scheduled to take place today in Congress and the Senate. Of course they want to repeal this policy. But when they decided they wanted to repeal it they said that they'd take a survey of all military and their families to get their opinions on the policy and whether or not it should be repealed. The "survey" (more like an open forum to debate it) was started about a week ago and hasn't even been formalized or finalized. However, the vote was scheduled to take place today. Just another example of a lack of respect for the military. Each military branches' Chiefs wrote letters to express their concern for conducting the vote so soon and also expressing their opinion that voting on this issue so soon was breaking a commitment to the military (the commitment was that they'd do the survey and hear everyone's opinions before voting on the issue). So, here we see it again, broken commitments and promises. In my eyes, that's blatant disrespect.
Of course, to make my point clearer, there's also wacko "churches" like Westboro "Baptist" Church who consistently show a blatant disrespect and hatred toward our military. They picket military funerals, write hate letters to military families, and are even planning on picketing the services at Arlington National Cemetary on Monday. They mock the sacrifice of our men and women, yet somehow get away with it. It just sickens me to say the least.
But, the moral of all of this ranting is that we really should appreciate and respect our men and women in the military. Honestly, I wouldn't want to even imagine what this country would be like if it wasn't for them. Come to think of it, this country wouldn't exist today if it weren't for them. So, have a little respect and gratitude for them. They sacrifice so, so much for us yet half of us just bad mouth them and make fun of them in return. So, next time you see a member of the military, hold the door open for them and as they pass by say "thank you" to them for what they do. I can pretty much guarantee that you'll get a shocked look in return, mainly because they're not used to hearing those words...
- Jenn
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The Few, The Proud...
... the Marines. Today is their 234th birthday and on this day I just want to say happy birthday to all Marines (I would say past and present, but once a Marine always a Marine). A huge thank you to each and every one of you for all of the sacrifices that you make for our freedom and for your willingness to stand up and fight for our country.
I'm so privileged to be married to a Marine - the finest man that I know. I'm so thankful for his willingness to serve our country and do everything that he's called to do in order to ensure that we live in a free nation. I'm also privileged to have a father who served in the Corps and in Vietnam. Thanks to both of these amazing men in my life for showing me what it means to truly be proud to be an American.
But on this 234th birthday, if you know a Marine or see one on the streets, take a minute to thank them for all that they do and to wish them a happy birthday. It's because of them that we live in the free nation that we do today.
- Jenn
I'm so privileged to be married to a Marine - the finest man that I know. I'm so thankful for his willingness to serve our country and do everything that he's called to do in order to ensure that we live in a free nation. I'm also privileged to have a father who served in the Corps and in Vietnam. Thanks to both of these amazing men in my life for showing me what it means to truly be proud to be an American.
But on this 234th birthday, if you know a Marine or see one on the streets, take a minute to thank them for all that they do and to wish them a happy birthday. It's because of them that we live in the free nation that we do today.
- Jenn
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Sometimes Forgotten
I saw this video on YouTube today and I just had to post it. So many times we only hear the horrible things about war and we don't hear what good our men and women are doing and how they're helping others. Sometimes we simply forget the good things and choose to look at the bad. This video highlights the good things that are going on - how others are being helped by our country's men and women who have volunteered to serve us. They deserve our gratitude, not our criticism!
- Jenn
Monday, July 20, 2009
A Rant Worth Reading...
So my mother in law sent this to me. She read it in a newsletter for a Marine Corps magazine (Sgt Grit). It's a Marine's "ranting", but well worth reading. This young Marine is serving his third tour of duty in Iraq and is writing his perspective on recent occurences...
"Okay, I need to rant.
I was just watching the news, and I caught part of a report on Michael Jackson. As we all know, Jackson died the other day. He was an Entertainer who performed for decades. He made millions, he spent millions, and he did a lot of things that make him a villain to many people. I understand that his death would affect a lot of people, and I respect those people who mourn his death, but that isn't the point of my rant.
Why is it that when ONE man dies, the whole of America loses their minds with grief. When a man dies whose only contribution to the Country was to ENTERTAIN people, the American people find the need to flock to a memorial in Hollywood, and even Congress sees the need to hold a "moment of silence" for his passing?
Am I missing something here? ONE man dies, and all of a sudden he's a freaking martyr because he entertained us for a few decades?
What about all those SOLDIERS who have died to give us freedom? All those soldiers who, knowing that they would be asked to fight in a war, still raised their hands and swore to defend the Constitution and the United States of America. Where is their moment of silence?
Where are the people flocking to their graves or memorials and mourning over them because they made the ultimate sacrifice? Why is it when a soldier dies, there are more people saying "good riddance," and "thank God for IEDs?" When did this country become so calloused to the sacrifice of GOOD MEN and WOMEN, that they can arbitrarily blow off their deaths, and instead, throw themselves into mourning for a "Pop Icon?"
I think that if they are going to hold a moment of silence IN CONGRESS for Michael Jackson, they need to hold a moment of silence for every service member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. They need to PUBLICLY recognize every life that has been lost so that the American people can live their callous little lives in the luxury and freedom that WE, those that are living and those that have gone on, have provided for them. But, wait, that would take too much time, because there have been so many willing to make that sacrifice. After all, we will never make millions of dollars. We will never star in movies, or write hit songs that the world will listen too. We only shed our blood, sweat and tears so that people can enjoy what they have.
Sorry if I have offended, but I needed to say it.
Remember these five words the next time you think of someone who is serving in the military;"So that others may live...
- Isaac"
So true... Where is their respect? Where is their moment of silence in Congress? Where is our gratitude for them?.... Maybe we as Americans need to start thanking them just a little bit more - no make that a WHOLE lot more!
-Jenn
"Okay, I need to rant.
I was just watching the news, and I caught part of a report on Michael Jackson. As we all know, Jackson died the other day. He was an Entertainer who performed for decades. He made millions, he spent millions, and he did a lot of things that make him a villain to many people. I understand that his death would affect a lot of people, and I respect those people who mourn his death, but that isn't the point of my rant.
Why is it that when ONE man dies, the whole of America loses their minds with grief. When a man dies whose only contribution to the Country was to ENTERTAIN people, the American people find the need to flock to a memorial in Hollywood, and even Congress sees the need to hold a "moment of silence" for his passing?
Am I missing something here? ONE man dies, and all of a sudden he's a freaking martyr because he entertained us for a few decades?
What about all those SOLDIERS who have died to give us freedom? All those soldiers who, knowing that they would be asked to fight in a war, still raised their hands and swore to defend the Constitution and the United States of America. Where is their moment of silence?
Where are the people flocking to their graves or memorials and mourning over them because they made the ultimate sacrifice? Why is it when a soldier dies, there are more people saying "good riddance," and "thank God for IEDs?" When did this country become so calloused to the sacrifice of GOOD MEN and WOMEN, that they can arbitrarily blow off their deaths, and instead, throw themselves into mourning for a "Pop Icon?"
I think that if they are going to hold a moment of silence IN CONGRESS for Michael Jackson, they need to hold a moment of silence for every service member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. They need to PUBLICLY recognize every life that has been lost so that the American people can live their callous little lives in the luxury and freedom that WE, those that are living and those that have gone on, have provided for them. But, wait, that would take too much time, because there have been so many willing to make that sacrifice. After all, we will never make millions of dollars. We will never star in movies, or write hit songs that the world will listen too. We only shed our blood, sweat and tears so that people can enjoy what they have.
Sorry if I have offended, but I needed to say it.
Remember these five words the next time you think of someone who is serving in the military;"So that others may live...
- Isaac"
So true... Where is their respect? Where is their moment of silence in Congress? Where is our gratitude for them?.... Maybe we as Americans need to start thanking them just a little bit more - no make that a WHOLE lot more!
-Jenn
Saturday, June 27, 2009
JT09
Javelin Thrust 2009 (JT09) was a huge success! The Marines of Det 2 Allentown completed their mission, directly aiding in the overall fulfilment of the operation. Comm Company maintained their systems with nearly 100% up-time and quickly resolved any and all issues that arose. We spent the "down time" providing and receiving training on our equipment and the equipment of the other communications company that was present. Marines received instruction on proper radio procedures and customs, set-up and operation of the RSAM and other switchboard related hardware, and the set-up, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the Support Wide Area Network (SWAN) satellite suite.
During the operation, we had the opportunity to qualify for the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) grey belt, learn proper foot patrol techniques and operations, take an instructional course on IED recognition and attack prevention, and also receive our Combat Life-Savers' Certifications (CLS).
After completion of the operation, Marines received improvised Professional Military Education (PME) on a variety of subjects including future weaponry and warfare, Operational Risk Management (ORM), and wilderness safety.
-Josh (Cpl Burky)
During the operation, we had the opportunity to qualify for the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) grey belt, learn proper foot patrol techniques and operations, take an instructional course on IED recognition and attack prevention, and also receive our Combat Life-Savers' Certifications (CLS).
After completion of the operation, Marines received improvised Professional Military Education (PME) on a variety of subjects including future weaponry and warfare, Operational Risk Management (ORM), and wilderness safety.
-Josh (Cpl Burky)
Friday, May 1, 2009
A Settled Dispute
A Soldier, a Sailor, an Airman and a Marine got into an argument one night about which service was the best (go figure, right?). The arguing became so heated that none of the four servicemen saw the truck that was barreling down the road towards them. The driver failed to see them, and all four of them were killed instantly.
Soon, the servicemen found themselves at the Pearly Gates of Heaven. There they met with Saint Peter, and, figuring that he would be a good source of Ultimate Truth and Total Honesty, asked of Peter: "Saint Peter, which branch of the United States Armed Forces is the best?" Saint Peter replied, "I can't answer that. However I will ask God what he thinks the next time I see Him. Meanwhile, thank you for your service on Earth, and welcome to Heaven."
Some time later, the four servicemen see Saint Peter and remind him of the question they had asked him when first entering Heaven. The men asked Saint Peter if he was able to find the answer. Suddenly, a sparkling white dove lands on Peter's shoulder. In the dove's beak is a note glistening with golden dust. Saint Peter says, "Gentlemen, here is your answer from The Boss. Let's see what He has to say." Peter opens the note, and trumpets blare, golden dust drifts in the air, harps play crescendos, and Saint Peter reads the note aloud to the Servicemen:
MEMORANDUM
FROM: The Almighty One
TO: Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines
SUBJ: Which Military Service Is The Best
1. Gentlemen, all branches of the United States Armed Forces are honorable and noble. Each serves America well, and with distinction. Being a Serviceman in the United States Military represents a special calling, which warrants special respect, tribute, and dedication.
2. Be proud of that!
Semper Fidelis,
God, USMC (retired)
(Taken from Sgt Grit's weekly newsletter)
-Josh
Soon, the servicemen found themselves at the Pearly Gates of Heaven. There they met with Saint Peter, and, figuring that he would be a good source of Ultimate Truth and Total Honesty, asked of Peter: "Saint Peter, which branch of the United States Armed Forces is the best?" Saint Peter replied, "I can't answer that. However I will ask God what he thinks the next time I see Him. Meanwhile, thank you for your service on Earth, and welcome to Heaven."
Some time later, the four servicemen see Saint Peter and remind him of the question they had asked him when first entering Heaven. The men asked Saint Peter if he was able to find the answer. Suddenly, a sparkling white dove lands on Peter's shoulder. In the dove's beak is a note glistening with golden dust. Saint Peter says, "Gentlemen, here is your answer from The Boss. Let's see what He has to say." Peter opens the note, and trumpets blare, golden dust drifts in the air, harps play crescendos, and Saint Peter reads the note aloud to the Servicemen:
MEMORANDUM
FROM: The Almighty One
TO: Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines
SUBJ: Which Military Service Is The Best
1. Gentlemen, all branches of the United States Armed Forces are honorable and noble. Each serves America well, and with distinction. Being a Serviceman in the United States Military represents a special calling, which warrants special respect, tribute, and dedication.
2. Be proud of that!
Semper Fidelis,
God, USMC (retired)
(Taken from Sgt Grit's weekly newsletter)
-Josh
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thank You!
I was reading some random blogs today and came across a contest/project to support our troops. Carebear started a contest that benefits our nation's military. For each comment that she receives on her post (until March 31st) she'll donate a card and care package item to our troops. Also, when commenting, you're entered into a giveaway that she is having.
Anyways, after reading about her contest, and more importantly her project for our troops, I was thinking about how often we take for granted what our military does for us. It's so easy to live in a free nation and not even think twice about how we have earned that freedom. It's thanks to our military, past and present, that we have the freedom that we have in our nation. It's sad how easy it is to forget.
I left a comment on Carebear's post that said this:
"I have always had an appreciation for the military, as my father served in the Marine Corps during Vietnam and he raised us teaching us to respect the military and to be thankful for all that they do for us. I have gained even more of a respect and appreciation for the military since I met and married my husband, who is a Corporal in the Marine Corps. I have seen the sacrifices that individuals, like him, make for our country and for our freedom and I am so thankful for that. Without willing individuals, people who give of their time and their lives for our country, we would not have the freedom that we have and we surely would not be the country that we are today. I am so thankful for each member of our military and for each family member. I'm thankful for their sacrifices and recognize that without them, our country would be non-existent. Thank you!"
After writing that comment I just thought, why not tell those individuals myself that I'm thankful for what they have done to protect our country. So, I figured I'd write on here and recognize them for what they have done and say thanks....
And to everyone else that I know - to all of my husband's fellow Marines in his unit, to Anthony (my sister-in-law's boyfriend) who is in the army, and to the many others - THANK YOU!
So, when's the last time you have thanked someone for your freedom? Can you remember when it was? Well, find someone today who has fought and/or sacrificed to be in the military. When you find them, tell them thanks for all they've done...
-Jenn
Anyways, after reading about her contest, and more importantly her project for our troops, I was thinking about how often we take for granted what our military does for us. It's so easy to live in a free nation and not even think twice about how we have earned that freedom. It's thanks to our military, past and present, that we have the freedom that we have in our nation. It's sad how easy it is to forget.
I left a comment on Carebear's post that said this:
"I have always had an appreciation for the military, as my father served in the Marine Corps during Vietnam and he raised us teaching us to respect the military and to be thankful for all that they do for us. I have gained even more of a respect and appreciation for the military since I met and married my husband, who is a Corporal in the Marine Corps. I have seen the sacrifices that individuals, like him, make for our country and for our freedom and I am so thankful for that. Without willing individuals, people who give of their time and their lives for our country, we would not have the freedom that we have and we surely would not be the country that we are today. I am so thankful for each member of our military and for each family member. I'm thankful for their sacrifices and recognize that without them, our country would be non-existent. Thank you!"
After writing that comment I just thought, why not tell those individuals myself that I'm thankful for what they have done to protect our country. So, I figured I'd write on here and recognize them for what they have done and say thanks....
To my daddy who was in the Marine Corps and was in Vietnam - thanks for fighting for our freedom and for teaching me to be thankful for the freedom that we have!
To my wonderful husband, Josh, a current Corporal in the USMC - thank you for serving our country and for the sacrifces that you make for our freedom. Thanks for showing me what it means to be proud to be an American and a proud Marine!
To my friend, Robert, a current PFC in the USMC - thanks for signing up to serve our country and for the sacrifices that you have made and will make in the future. Thanks for being one of the few and the proud!
To my friend,Eddie, a sergeant in the U.S. Army National Guard and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom - thank you for fighting for our country, both here and in Iraq. Thank you for all the sacrifices that you have made to ensure that we have a free and safe nation!
And to everyone else that I know - to all of my husband's fellow Marines in his unit, to Anthony (my sister-in-law's boyfriend) who is in the army, and to the many others - THANK YOU!
So, when's the last time you have thanked someone for your freedom? Can you remember when it was? Well, find someone today who has fought and/or sacrificed to be in the military. When you find them, tell them thanks for all they've done...
-Jenn
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