Thanksgiving

As you sit down at your tables today, I hope you enjoy your time with family and friends. George Washington was very clear what Thanksgiving was to be about when he made the proclamation in 1789. It was, it IS a time to give thanks to God for all He has done for us. I hope you are able to do that today.

Over the years, Thanksgiving has come to be a celebration that involves a feast of food for most of us. There is nothing wrong with the traditions that we hold near and dear to our hearts. Some of my best family memories were made on Thanksgiving. In your time today, giving thanks, I ask that you remember what Thanksgiving looked like for many who have served.

God Bless our troops and our veterans. Let us strive to make everyday be a day of thanksgiving for what they have done for us.

Alban...

As I ordered our dinner, just me and my two sons, ages 6 and 9, I was thinking, maybe this is too much food. We normally have a fourth mouth to feed, but my wife is out of town. I figured we could probably eat most of anyway. I soon saw two little guys get full very early into our feast. Great. "I think Daddy ordered too much food", I said, as they picked at their chicken. "I think I ordered too much food".

In the meantime, I noticed a guy eating, wearing a US Navy Seal hat. After I asked for a couple of boxes to hold our leftovers, about 15 boneless wings and almost a complete basket of fries, I walked over to him and introduced myself. Thanking him for his service, I pulled out one of my cards and handed it to him. He asked if I was from the VA. I told him no, I just do what I do because he did what he did. It is my way of trying to give something, however small, back to our vets and at least let them know that there is someone who notices and cares. I left with my boys, feeling good, as I always do after meeting one of our nation's veterans.

After we got outside, I noticed, about the same time as my oldest son did, another veteran. Only this one wasn't sitting in an air-conditioned restaurant enjoying an over-priced meal with his wife. He was sitting on the ground. He had a sign next to him indicating that he was not doing so well and would appreciate any help he could get. I looked at him as we walked to our car with a bunch of food that would most likely end up in the trash. My son asked me something to the effect of "why is he sitting there?" I responded with, "I'm not sure, but I'm going to find out".

As I approached him, his head was kind of down. I noticed about 3 dollars in change at the base of his sign. He had his dog tags hanging around his neck. He didn't look like he was in bad shape, but he definitely looked like he had seen better days.

"Hey buddy, how you doing?"
"I'm doing OK I guess"

I nodded, and asked again, "Are you OK?"
"I'm making it"

I knelt down next to him so I could talk eye to eye. I found out that he and his wife had lost everything they had in a fire. She was close to completing some kind of a course that he hoped would allow them to start to pull themselves up. He told me that he didn't like the "homeless scene", as he called it. He was referring to the mass of people that congregate in tent city. He tries to avoid hanging out there as much as possible, but they are forced to live underneath a bridge at the moment. Alban served in the Army for 4 years, I think from 2004-2008 if I remember correctly.

I talked to him for a few minutes and found him to be very genuine. He said he had lost it all before, and fought his way back and was sure he would be able to do so again. I offered him our leftovers, He said he never turns down food. I didn't order too much food after all. The fourth hungry mouth was just in a place I wasn't expecting it to be. I handed Alban one of my cards also. He, too, immediately asked if I was with the VA. When he learned that I just act on my own, he told me how awesome I was. I told him, no, he was awesome, and because he is awesome, I do what I do.

We often rely on the charity of others and help from family just to make ends meet each month. I hate having to do that, but the fact is, that we don't really have much of a choice as things are currently. I have friends that are in a much better position thatn I am in. I don't begrudge that. We all have challenges, some of us just have bigger challenges, or different challenges. Alban has a different set of circumstances than I could imagine myself having. Alban also has it a lot better than some others who are in a similar situation to him. I don't often find myself in a position to actively help someone like this, but when I do, I help.

Alban told me that he would email me when he has he chance to keep me updated on how he is doing. I told him I meet various people that work with vets and although I can't promise anything, maybe, just maybe, something would come of it. I wish I were in a position to just snap my fingers and make problems like his go away. I have very little doubt that when given the opportunity, Alban will grab it and not let go.

It is an absolute shame that so many of our veterans find themselves in this situation. It is an black on on our nation and one that we should do everything possible to alleviate. I think a lot of people are like me, they would genuinely love to be able to do more to help. Often, when faced with a problem of such enormity, we find ourselves unable to grasp how to solve the entire problem at once. Maybe we should step back and look at this particular problem for what it really is. Yes, it is tens of thousands that need help, but it is also one guy, sitting on the sidewalk holding a sign. I can;t so;ve the problem our nation's veterans face, but I can help one guy, even if just in a small way.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are able to help, in any way, don't let it slide by. First and foremost, our veterans are human beings. They deserve to be able to live with dignity. We owe them so much more than a bag full of chicken wings. But for now, if that is what you can offer, do it.

I sincerely hope Alban can keep his head up and fight his way back.

Canopy

Canopy

Staring up through the canopy of leaves
The light filters through like the flicker in a theater
The movie of my life screened  only for me to see
Flashes before my eyes as I lay here dying
Watching my mom and dad dance a drunken jig
As I sit naked, invisible to the pair
Falling from my bike over and over again
No one to show me how to stay upright
The cuts and bruises reminders of just how alone I am
Finally I ride, wind and freedom in my face
Exploring all there is within my limited reach
Now I sit in the back of the room 
Trying to distance myself from the attention of everyone else
Wanting to belong but feeling forever on the fringe of good enough
I quietly let opportunity slide by the wayside
Moving on, not looking back
Connected to the road with more power than a young man needs
No self control and new addictions to feed
I watch as all that could have been slips away, taunting me as it fades
Chained to the pain I brought upon myself
I wont find the key until its too late
Nowhere to go but the yearn to leave
I stand in line waiting to learn of my fate
Decided by tests and how many pushups I can do
Infantry yells the man in the pristine uniform with perfect creases
And sweat on his brow
And just like that I learn of a place called Vietnam 
Those I once despised are now the closest brothers I have ever known
We all know if the time comes, we’d die for each other
And the time will come. The time will come.
We move and breathe as one
Pieces of us die each day. 
One by one we go away, leaving the others to somehow deal with the pain
Both of grief and of knowing the time will come…
Twenty-two months out of twenty-four have passed slower than you could ever imagine possible
I have lost count he number of times my time was passed over 
This night is going to be bad they say
Outnumbered, outgunned and here we sit, waiting
From my hole I can hear the screams over the firefight
The bullets fly overhead in an endless stream of glowing death
I rise to return the favor on those who wish me dead
Gladly I give it back to them with everything I have
This night is going to be bad
The flash surely accompanied by a deafening roar seems silent to me
I’m no longer safe, as if I ever was, in my hole, I’m laying underneath the stars
Everything is quiet and people run in slow motion all around me
The night seems to take forever as I lay here bleeding
Occasionally the sound returns to my head but the pounding in my heart soon drowns it out again
Peace
Daylight finally comes and I see shadows above me, underneath the canopy of leaves
The sound of a far away chopper is actually right beside me
My brothers, who have been here all along, lift my broken body into the bird
As it leaves the ground behind, I can’t tell if I’m alive or dead
Does it even matter anymore?

C. Yarbrough
2014

Brian Collett

SP4 Collett

This is a short Q&A with a well-respected friend of mine. I've known Brian since he was in his early teens. I am very proud of the path he has chosen and I admire him a great deal. When he made his decision to join, I told him he was my hero. I meant that then, and I stand by it now. Thank you Brian for stepping up in service to our country, and thank you for being a friend.

Personal info 

-- My name is Brian Collett. I'm 22 years old and from San Jose, California. 

Tell me a little about your background.. School, interests, hobbies

-- I graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 2010. I joined the United States Army in August of 2011. I absolutely love to play and watch baseball. I enjoy San Francisco Giants games as well as watching minor league teams. I'm currently recruiting guys from Fort Bragg to get together and play pick up baseball games.   

Any family serve in the military? When, where, etc…

-- Yes. I have relatives on both sides of my family who served. As far as I can remember it's been all Army. Currently I have a cousin stationed at Ft. Hood and an uncle who is deployed. 

What made you decide to join the Army? Did you consider any other branches?

-- The Army gave me exactly what I wanted. I considered joining the Navy. 

What unit, etc are you in?

-- I am part of the 28th Combat Support Hospital, 44th Medical Brigade Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Where have you been stationed? Your thoughts on those bases?

-- I have been to a few other bases, but Fort Bragg has been my only official duty station. 

Any promotions, badges, medals, etc?

-- I am currently a Specialist(E-4)

What was your initial impression of the Army?

--At first It's a little overwhelming trying to take in the whole culture of the army. There's a lot to learn and you don't really stop learning. But once you've been in for a bit you get the hang of how things operate. It's truly something different than civilian life. 

Was basic hard or easy for you?

--Basic was easy. I was always in the right place, in the right uniform, at the right time. I did what I was told. That's all they ask of you. 

What has been the most enjoyable aspect of military life?

The least enjoyable?

--The most enjoyable part of military life is living and working with like-minded soldiers. There are times we disagree and bump heads, but at the end of the day you know the guy next to you has your back and you have his. The least enjoyable is standing in formation and listening to officers talk. Haha.

What are your military goals?

-- I want more than anything to become a Non-Commissioned Officer. They have the biggest and most intimate impact on Soldiers. They are responsible for preparing and grooming future NCOs. They hold a certain standard and I want to be part of it. 

Do you think you will be called for combat duty?

-- As a Pharmacy Technician it is unlikely I will be called for combat duty. My job is a support MOS(Military Occupational Specialty).  If I do change my MOS to a combat MOS I'm sure it'll happen eventually. 

Tell me about some of the positive people you serve with or under?

 What about some of the negative?

-- I learn so much from the good leaders over me. I see how they conduct themselves. I see how they treat soldiers. I aspire to like them. I also have a friend here who is a chaplain. He's a very godly man and an outstanding soldier. It's been a blessing to be able to interact with him often. I also see bad leaders and I tell myself I'll never be like that when I'm in a leadership position. 

Do you have any favorite historical military person? What about them interests you?

-- Major Richard "Dick" Winters. He was a man of faith and incredible courage. 

In your experience, how are you generally treated by civilians?

-- For the most part I'd say we're treated well by civilians. The ones who treat us the best are the retired vets. I feel like they love to see and talk to soldiers. They are always kind and leave us with some kind of good advice. 

Any final thoughts you’d like to share? 

I absolutely love this army and this country. I'm so thankful I have the opportunity to serve with America's men and women in uniform . 

We salute you SPC Collett. Thank you for your service!

USS Iowa Remembered

25 years ago today, April 19th, 1989, the USS Iowa suffered an explosion in the number two 16 inch gun turret. As a result, 47 crewmen lost their lives. Today, we honor those who perished and vow to never let the sacrifice they made in service to the Navy and our country be forgotten.

Tung Thanh Adams	Fire Controlman 3rd class	Alexandria, VA
Robert Wallace Backherms	Gunner's Mate 3rd class	Ravenna, OH
Dwayne Collier Battle	Electrician's Mate, Fireman Apprentice	Rocky Mount, NC
Walter Scot Blakey	Gunner's Mate 3rd class	Eaton Rapids, MI
Pete Edward Bopp	Gunner's Mate 3rd class	Levittown, NY
Ramon Jarel Bradshaw	Seaman Recruit	Tampa, FL
Philip Edward Buch	Lieutenant, Junior Grade	Las Cruces, NM
Eric Ellis Casey	Seaman Apprentice	Mt. Airy, NC
John Peter Cramer	Gunners Mate 2nd class	Uniontown, PA
Milton Francis Devaul Jr.	Gunners Mate 3rd class	Solvay, NY
Leslie Allen Everhart Jr.	Seaman Apprentice	Cary, NC
Gary John Fisk	Boatswains Mate 2nd class	Oneida, NY
Tyrone Dwayne Foley	Seaman	Bullard, TX
Robert James Gedeon III	Seaman Apprentice	Lakewood, OH
Brian Wayne Gendron	Seaman Apprentice	Madera, CA
John Leonard Goins	Seaman Recruit	Columbus, OH
David L. Hanson	Electricians Mate 3rd class	Perkins, SD
Ernest Edward Hanyecz	Gunners Mate 1st class	Bordentown, NJ
Clayton Michael Hartwig	Gunners Mate 2nd class	Cleveland, OH
Michael William Helton	Legalman 1st class	Louisville, KY
Scott Alan Holt	Seaman Apprentice (SA)	Fort Meyers, FL
Reginald L. Johnson Jr.	Seaman Recruit	Warrensville Heights, OH
Nathaniel Clifford Jones Jr.	Seaman Apprentice	Buffalo, NY
Brian Robert Jones	Seaman	Kennesaw, GA
Michael Shannon Justice	Seaman	Matewan, WV
Edward J. Kimble	Seaman	Ft. Stockton, TX
Richard E. Lawrence	Gunners Mate 3rd class	Springfield, OH
Richard John Lewis	Fire Controlman, Seaman Apprentice	Northville, MI
Jose Luis Martinez Jr.	Seaman Apprentice	Hidalgo, TX
Todd Christopher McMullen	Boatswains Mate 3rd class	Manheim, PA
Todd Edward Miller	Seaman Recruit	Ligonier, PA
Robert Kenneth Morrison	Legalman 1st class	Jacksonville, FL
Otis Levance Moses	Seaman	Bridgeport, CN
Darin Andrew Ogden	Gunners Mate 3rd class	Shelbyville, IN
Ricky Ronald Peterson	Seaman	Houston, MN
Mathew Ray Price	Gunners Mate 3rd class	Burnside, PA
Harold Earl Romine Jr.	Seaman Recruit	Brandenton, FL
Geoffrey Scott Schelin	Gunners Mate 3rd class	Costa Mesa, CA
Heath Eugene Stillwagon	Gunners Mate 3rd class	Connellsville, PA
Todd Thomas Tatham	Seaman Recruit	Wolcott, NY
Jack Ernest Thompson	Gunners Mate 3rd class	Greeneville, TN
Stephen J. Welden	Gunners Mate 2nd class	Yukon, OK
James Darrell White	Gunners Mate 3rd class	Norwalk, CA
Rodney Maurice White	Seaman Recruit	Louisville, KY
Michael Robert Williams	Boatswains Mate 2nd class	South Shore, KY
John Rodney Young	Seaman	Rockhill, SC
Reginald Owen Ziegler	Senior Chief Gunners Mate	Port Gibson, NY

 

December 13, 1967

At 6:27 AM, on Wednesday, December 13, 1967, I drew my first breath. Every breath I have taken since that one has been as a citizen of the greatest country on Earth. The freedoms and opportunities that I have enjoyed, exist, in large part, because of the people who have fought and died for them.

On December 13, 1967, in a country halfway around the world, 22 of these men drew their last breaths in defense of these freedoms. I knew none of them. I only learned of their existence about 3 years ago when I was able to visit the Traveling Wall, a 3/5 scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC. I was overwhelmed.

These 22 men died in various ways, helicopter crashes, small arms, mortar attacks, accidental homicide, friendly fire, and others. The way they died is not very important when placed next to the way they lived. I've read many remembrances and tributes from families, friends, those they served with and those they led. Some served long careers and some served very short tours. They were drafted, they enlisted and some were career men. They served in a variety of branches and units. Very few similarities exist between them. One outstanding similarity does exist though, they served with honor.

None of them knew how much of an impact their last mission would have, when they set out that day. It left 22 families with a gaping hole in their hearts. It left countless friends in mourning. It changed the lives of many people who loved and respected them. It still affects many of them today. It was no small matter. This fact has weighed on me.

They deserve to be honored. They should never be overlooked, much less forgotten. They served and died with honor and they shall be remembered as such. It is with great respect that we call attention to these 22 souls who gave their lives for the cause of freedom.

Thank you for your service to our country. Know that your sacrifice was not in vain. Know that we breathe freely because of your commitment to that cause.

We salute:

Robert E Bennett III

Robert D Berta

Bruce H Bumgarner

Donald R Burgess

Grady I Carriker Jr

Clifford R Carter

Thomas W Cotton

Melvin E Crossman

John E Davis

Calvin D Dawkins

John W Fitzgerald Jr

Paul G Hamilton Jr

Lloyd L Hitchens

Richard D Jenks

Douglas R Johnson

Verne L Johnson Jr

Gene F Lee

Luis M Marquez-Lopez

Michael R McCord

Sim S Steverson

Kenneth R Stubblefield

James G Whaley

Edward Andrew Bennett Jr.

The Unites States told this 23 year old Ohio boy that they needed his services. He was drafted into the Army in January, 1944, just weeks before his 24th birthday. A year later, on February 1st, 1945, he was a Corporal in Company B, 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division when his group was pinned down by German machine gun fire just outside Heckhuscheid. It was dark and they had taken casualties. Corporal Bennett took off on his own in the face of fire and made it to the house where he killed 8 of the enemy. He was the Medal of Honor for this action. He also got a Bronze Star, A Silver Star and four Purple Hearts while fighting in Germany. Here is his MoH citation:

He was advancing with Company B across open ground to assault Heckhuscheid, Germany, just after dark when vicious enemy machinegun fire from a house on the outskirts of the town pinned down the group and caused several casualties. He began crawling to the edge of the field in an effort to flank the house, persisting in this maneuver even when the hostile machinegunners located him by the light of burning buildings and attempted to cut him down as he made for the protection of some trees. Reaching safety, he stealthily made his way by a circuitous route to the rear of the building occupied by the German gunners. With his trench knife he killed a sentry on guard there and then charged into the darkened house. In a furious hand-to-hand struggle he stormed about a single room which harbored 7 Germans. Three he killed with rifle fire, another he clubbed to death with the butt of his gun, and the 3 others he dispatched with his .45 caliber pistol. The fearless initiative, stalwart combat ability, and outstanding gallantry of Cpl. Bennett eliminated the enemy fire which was decimating his company's ranks and made it possible for the Americans to sweep all resistance from the town.

He went on to earn his commission, made the rank of Major and served in Korea as well before retiring in 1962. The United States called and he answered. 

Edward Andrew Bennett Jr., thank you for your service and commitment. Thank you for enduring what you endured. I shudder to think how history would have played out without such men as you.

Edward Andrew Bennett Jr. February 11, 1920 - May 2, 1983