It's THAT Bad

I have a huge zit.
No doubt caused by my wrinkle defense cream.
My eyes are so swollen and watery from allergies that I haven't worn mascara all week.
It's scaring the truck drivers.
But the fact that I HAVE to wear my glasses all the time now kind of covers for it.
I was on my feet too long in the VF*n*W kitchen last night.
Now I have cankles this morning.
And I can't even talk about my toenails.

There, now, did that make everyone else feel better.

Blue Heaven

Guess who I am going to see in Rockford this weekend?



CAN NOT WAIT!!!

Memorial Day 2007

I wish I could have taken a picture of the over 500 6’ x 9’ American flags that were flying at the cemeteries Monday morning. After a torrential downpour an hour before the parade was supposed to start, the guys had to scramble to get them all down. They are now drying in every available inch of the upstairs storage room.

So, no parade. We had our Memorial Service indoors at the Post, and even with the last minute change of plans, it was very well attended.

Some members were old:


Some are quite new:



The Boy Scouts we borrowed:


The rest of us wore blue:


One of our speakers was a gentleman by the name of Dixon Montgomery. He is a Viet Nam veteran, and spoke very eloquently about how, on the way to the Post, his wife described to him how beautiful the Avenue of Flags looked at Lawn Ridge Cemetery. (I’m glad they were still up) He spoke about how one of those flags had covered the casket of his father, a WWII veteran, and how proud he was to have it flying. He spoke at great length about patriotism, and his love for our country, how sometimes he feels that his heart will burst with pride for being an American.

I won’t post a picture of him speaking. It has been almost 40 years since Mr. Montgomery has been able to SEE the American flag. His face is terribly scarred, and he has a lot of difficulty walking unassisted. But he is beautiful to me, as was his message.

Old Sarge and I, after the tears dried:


I sincerely hope everyone had as meaningful of a day as we did.

In Memoriam

(This post will stay on top throughout Memorial Day weekend. Newer posts below)



ILLINOIS CASUALTIES FROM THE LONG WAR

Afghanistan

Machinist Mate FA Bryant L. Davis, USN, 11-07-2001
SGT Jeanette L. Winters, USMC, 01-09-2002
PVT James H. Ebbers, USA, 10-14-2002
LTC John Stein, USAF, 03-23-2003
SSGT Jacob L. Frazier, USANG, 03-29-2003
PFC Adam L. Thomas, USA, 08-31-2003
SPC Wesley R. Wells, USA, 09-20-2004
CMDR Adrian B. Szwec, USN, 04-12-2004
SGT Kenneth G. Ross, USA, 09-25-2005
SFC James S. Ochsner, USA, 11-15-2005
SSGT Edwin H. Dazachacon, USA, 02-13-2006
CW2 Christopher B. Donaldson, USA, 05-05-2006
PFC Ryan C. Garbs, USA, 02-18-2007
PFC Daniel Zizumbo, USA, 02-27-2007
MSGT Wilberto Sabalu Jr., USA, 05-06-2007

Iraq

CPT Ryan A. Beaupre, USMC, 03-20-2003
PVT Jonathon L. Gifford, USMC, 03-23-2003
CPL Evan T. James, USMC, 03-24-2003
SPC Brandon J. Rowe, USA, 03-31-2003
1SGT Edward Smith, USMC, 04-05-2003
SSGT Lincoln D. Hollinsaid, USA, 04-07-20003
LCPL Jakub H. Kowalik, USMC, 05-12-2003
LCPL Nicholas B. Kleiboeker, USMC, 05-13-2003
1LT Timothy L. Ryan, USMC, 05-19-2003
SSGT Andrew R. Pokorny, USA, 06-13-2003
SPC Corey A. Hubbell, USA, 06-26-2003
PVT Matthew D. Bush, USA, 08-08-2003
PFC Brandon Ramsey, USA, 08-08-2003
PFC Christopher A. Sisson, USA, 09-02-2003
SPC Ryan G. Carlock, USA, 09-09-2003
1LT Brian D. Slavenas, USANG, 11-02-2003
SPC John R. Sullivan, USA, 11-15-2003
SPC William D. Dusenberry, USA, 11-15-2003
PVT Scott M. Tyrrell, USA, 11-20-2003
SPC Uday Singh, USA, 12-01-2003
SSGT Michael J. Sutter, USANG, 12-26-2003
SGT Ivory L. Phipps, USANG, 03-18-2004
PFC Geoffrey S. Morris, USMC, 04-04-2004
CPL Forest J. Jostes, USA, 04-04-2004
PFC Gregory R. Goodrich, USAR, 04-09-2004
LCPL Phillip E. Frank, USMC, 04-08-2004
LCPL Torrey L. Gray, USMC, 04-11-2004
PFC Shawn C. Edwards, USA, 04-23-2004
SGT Landis W. Garrison, USANG, 04-29-2004
SSGT Oscar D. Vargas-Medina, USA, 05-01-2004
SSGT William D. Chaney, USANG, 05-18-2004
SPC Jeremy L. Ridlen, USANG, 05-23-2004
MAJ Paul R. Syverson III, USA, 06-16-2004
1SGT Ernest E. Utt, USA, 06-27-2004
SGT Christopher A. Wagener, USA, 07-01-2004
PFC Collier E. Barcus, USA, 07-08-2004
PFC Torry D. Harris, USA, 07-13-2004
LCPL Jonathan W. Collins, USMC, 08-08-2004
CPL Christopher Belchik, USMC, 08-22-2004
SPC Charles L. Neeley, USAR, 08-25-2004
SPC Charles R. Lamb, USANG, 09-05-2004
SGT SHawna M. Morrison, USANG, 09-05-2004
LCPL Drew M Uhles, USMC, 09-15-2004
SGT Benjamin K. Smith, USMC, 09-22-2004
2LT Ryan D. Leduc, USMC, 09-24-2004
SGT Jack T. Hennessy, USA, 10-01-2004
SPC Jessica L. Cawvey, USANG, 10-06-2004
SPC Jaime Moreno, USA, 10-13-2004
CPL Joshua D. Palmer, USMCR, 11-08-2004
LCPL Branden P. Ramey, USMCR, 11-08-2004
LCPL Nicholas D. Larson, USMC, 11-09-2004
SGT David M. Caruso, USMC, 11-09-2004
LCPL Aaron C. Pickering, USMC, 11-10-2004
LCPL Peter J. Giannopoulos, USMCR, 11-11-2004
CPL Matthew A. Wyatt, USMC, 12-03-2004
SSGT Donald B. Farmer, USA, 12-19-2004
LCPL Neil D. Petsche, USMC, 12-21-2004
LCPL Hector Ramos, USMC, 01-26-2005
CPL Nathaniel K. Moore, USMC, 01-26-2005
CPL Jonathon S. Beatty, USMC, 01-27-2005
CPL Christopher E. Zimney, USMC, 01-31-2005
LCPL Sean P. Maher, USMC, 02-02-2005
SGT Jessica M. Housby, USANG, 02-09-2005
CPL Kevin M. Clarke, USMC, 02-19-2005
CPL John T. Olson, USMC, 12-21-2005
SPC Jacob C. Palmatier, USA, 02-24-2005
SSGT Daniel G. Gresham, USA, 02-24-2005
2LT Richard B. Geinau, USANG, 02-27-2005
SPC Adriana N. Salem, USA, 03-04-2005
SGT Kenneth L. Ridgley, USA, 03-30-2005
PFC Wyatt D. Eisenhauer, USA, 05-19-2005
PFC Jeffrey R. Wallace, USA, 05-24-2005
SPC Brian M. Romines, USANG, 06-06-2005
PO1 Thomas C. Hull, USN, 08-02-2005
GYSGT Terry W. Ball Jr., USMC, 08-05-2005
SPC Miguel Carrasquillo, USA, 08-09-2005
1LT David L. Giaimo, USA, 08-12-2005
SPC Jeffrey A. Williams, USA, 09-05-2005
SSGT Gary R. Harper Jr., USA, 10-09-2005
SPC James T. Grijalva, USANG, 10-12-2005
1LT Debra A. Banaszak, USANG, 10-28-2005
SSGT Kyle B. Wehrly, USANG, 11-03-2005
SGT Joshua A. Terando, USAR, 11-10-2005
PVT Christopher M. Alcozer, USA, 11-19-2005
SGT Grzegorz Jakoniuk, USA, 11-30-2005
LCPL Adam W. Kaiser, USMC, 12-01-2005
LCPL Andrew G. Patten, USMC, 12-01-2005
SPC Brian A. Wright, USANG, 12-06-2005
SFC Shawn C. Dostie, USA, 12-30-2005
LCPL Jonathan K. Price, USMC, 01-13-2006
PFC Sean T. Cardelli, USMC, 02-01-2006
LCPL Philip J. Martini, USMC, 04-08-2006
SSGT Edward G. Davis III, USMC, 04-27-2006
SPC Ronald W. Gebur, USA, 05-13-2006
CPT Shane R. Mahaffee, USAR, 05-14-2006
PFC Caleb A. Lufkin, USA, 05-25-2006
PO1 Gary T. Rovinski, USNR, 06-05-2006
CPL Ryan J. Cummings, USMC, 06-03-2006
SGT Sirlou C. Cuaresma, USA, 06-21-2006
SSGT Mario J. Bievre, USA, 06-23-2006
CPL Ryan J. Buckley, USA, 06-23-2006
SGT Terry M. Lisk, USA, 06-26-2006
PO1 Jerry A. Tharp, USNR, 07-12-2006
SGT Bradley H. Beste, USA, 08-04-2006
SGT Steven P. Mennemeyer, USA, 08-08-2006
SPC Kristoffer C. Walker, USA, 10-02-2006
SPC George R. Obourn Jr., USA, 10-04-2006
LCPL Joshua M. Hines, USMCR, 10-15-2006
PVT Edwardo J. Lopez, USMC, 10-19-2006
SGT Thomas M. Gilbert, USMCR, 10-25-2006
CPT Travis L. Patriquin, USA, 12-06-2006
PFC William R. Newgard, USA, 12-29-2006
SRA Daniel B. Miller Jr., USAF, 01-07-2007
PO1 Jennifer A. Valdivia, USN, 01-16-2007
CPT Kevin C. Landeck, USA, 02-02-2007
SGT Pedro J. Colon, USA, 02-19-2007
SSGT Paul M. Latourney, USA, 03-02-2007
LCPL Raymond J. Holzhauer, USMC, 03-15-2007
PFC Lucas V. Starcevich, USA, 04-16-2007
LCPL Jesse D. De La Torre, USMC, 04-16-2007
PVT Cole E. Spencer, USA, 04-28-2007
LCPL Benjamin D. Desilets, USMC, 05-22-2007

Deep in the Heart of...

It looks like a trip to Ft. Hood may be in my near future. This has caused much wailing and gnashing of teeth here in Bedrock this morning. AND WORTH EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!!

Bwahahaha!

A Question

Rosie O'Donnell asked, "655,000 Iraqi civilians are dead. Who are the terrorists?"

Uh, Rosie? Perhaps you’d like to ask that question of the family of PFC Joseph Anzack Jr.?

Stupid treasonous split licker.

His Own WOrds

Young SGT has the story of his accident up at his site if you would like to read it.

STFU!!

Tammi has a great post up that says everything I feel about our missing soldiers in Iraq. And I want to add one more thing.

To the MSM:

When we lose one of our servicemen, it is required that you not release their name until the family has been notified. So, speaking as the mother of The Illustrated Family, I can damn well tell you, there is the mother of one of those three soldiers who knows DAMN well her son has a tattoo on his left arm, just like the whole fucking world knows now! Nice job, assholes!

God, how I hate the media!

Being a military mom, you mentally light a candle everytime you hear that we have lost another precious life, and that another mother, with the same worries you have, is going through so much pain and loss. That the media reports this shit is just cruel and malicious.

And So On

Life, as it does from time to time, is coming at me from all directions. I always thought, when my kids were little, that time was a thing to be multiplied, not divided. That is proving true even in my declining years.

First and foremost.

Young SGT has met with his surgeon, and will be having his reconstruction on June 21st. Eight incisions. Replacement of the PCL and LCL, repair of all else. He is hoping they will videotape it for him. The worst case scenario is that he will regain 50%. IF, the planets are aligned perfectly and we pray really really hard, he can get back up to 95%. Young SGT and the Beloved DIL got their package from me yesterday, and surprisingly, were more excited by the Apple Pie than the Ninja Turtle britches. I hope they are both enjoying huge hangovers this morning.

I am working 12 hours a day, I am supposed to have an introduction to the Voice of Democracy program ready for the website this week- so far, I have “Hello, Sisters, I am Raging Mom and have a HUGE case of writers block at the moment”- we have the big Memorial Day ceremony this weekend, my gardens need weeding and I have ants in my kitchen.

And it is all good. I know, I just KNOW, that my son is going to be fine. And that’s all that matters right now.

Memorial Day

Well for Heaven's sake! THe VF*n*W has finally noticed that John Edwards is still an asshole! I guess The Commander-In-Chief decided he could take time from the most pressing issue facing the VFW right now- making all Posts non-smoking- to address this. From the VFW website:

Edwards' Call to Protest Dishonors Memorial Day
WASHINGTON, May 17, 2007--A website plea by presidential candidate John Edwards to encourage war protests at Memorial Day events across the country has drawn the anger of the national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.

"Memorial Day is a solemn occasion to remember the service and sacrifice of more than one million American servicemen and women who gave their lives to create our nation, to save our Union, and to help free the world from tyranny," said Gary Kurpius, who leads the 2.4 million-member VFW, the nation’s oldest major veterans’ organization and its largest organization of combat veterans.

"Memorial Day is not a time to call people to protest the war in Iraq under the guise of supporting the troops," he said. "To do so dishonors those who served, those who continue to serve, and to the families who grieve."

The candidate’s message is a link from his main website to another site that lists 10 things people can do over the Memorial Day weekend to support the troops while calling for an end to the war.

"My generation went to war with a divided country and Congress, and our nation does not need to relive that experience ever again," said Kurpius, a Vietnam veteran from Anchorage, Alaska.

"Calling for protests for political gain is not how you support the troops. You support them by ensuring they are fully trained, equipped and funded, and you ensure they and their families are taken care of every step of the way," he explained.

"To support the troops is to support what it is they do," he said, adding that U.S. troops in harms way believe the new diplomatic, economic and military strategy has a chance of succeeding.

"And if they have faith, then we, as Americans, must have faith and patience, too."

Also:

Has this special day of remembrance been lost on the American people?

It’s a sacred day to all war veterans: None need to be reminded of the reason that Memorial Day must be commemorated. But what about the general public, and more important, future generations? Do most non-veterans really recognize the importance of the day honoring their fellow Americans killed in war?

Judging from what Memorial Day has become—simply another day off from work—the answer is a resounding no. Perhaps a reminder is due then. And it is the duty of each and every veteran to relay the message.

Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance. America’s collective consciousness demands that all citizens recall and be aware of the deaths of their fellow countrymen during wartime.

Far too often, the nation as a whole takes for granted the freedoms all Americans enjoy. Those freedoms were paid for with the lives of others few of us actually knew. That’s why they are all collectively remembered on one special day.

This should be regarded as a civic obligation. For this is a national debt that can only be truly repaid by individual Americans. By honoring the nation’s war dead, we preserve their memory and thus their service and sacrifice in the memories of future generations.

They came from all walks of life and regions of the country. But they all had one thing in common—love of and loyalty to country. This bond cemented ties between them in times of trials, allowing a diverse lot of Americans to achieve monumental ends.

We remember the loss of loved ones, a sense of loss that takes group form. In essence, America is commemorating those who made the greatest sacrifice possible—giving one’s own life on behalf of others.

Means of paying tribute vary. Pausing for a few moments of personal silence is available to everyone.

Attending commemorative ceremonies is the most visible way of demonstrating remembrance: Placing flags at gravesites, marching in parades, sponsoring patriotic programs, dedicating memorials and wearing Buddy Poppies are examples.

Whether done individually or collectively, it is the thought that counts. Personal as well as public acts of remembering are the ideal. Public displays of patriotism are essential if the notion of remembering war dead is to be instilled in youth.

As America’s older war veterans fast disappear from society’s landscape, there are fewer and fewer standard-bearers left to carry the torch of remembrance. Such traditions will live on only if there is a vibrant movement to which that torch can be passed.

Now, more than in recent years, the enduring relevance of Memorial Day should be clearly evident. With two wars under way, the public has no excuse not to remember.

This much is owed to the more than 3,600 Americans who have died thus far in Afghanistan and Iraq.



So...what are you doing for Memorial Day? I know we are having a parade and memorial service at one of the cemeteries. Every year, our Post makes an avenue of flags at the three cemeteries in Rochelle. Hundreds and hundreds of American flags. It is so impressive. We are having a meeting tonight, and I think I will ask the ladies if they would care to have "We Support Our Troops And Their Mission" signs on the trailer we will be riding on.

Mine Eyes Have Seen...Not Much

Sorry for the lack of posting. I had to go to the eye doctor earlier this week- my right eye is a complete blur. At my age, that is a little scary. It's just a little inflammation of the optic nerve, (and of course a new lens prescription, damn it) no big deal, but I can't see shit. Or my three monitors. Eye strain doesn't even begin to describe it.

So rather than amuse everyone with mispellings and what not, I'm just going to sit back with my eyes closed and pretend I'm not here.

John Edwards is a Fucking Asshole

This story has been out for quite a few days, and I wasn’t going to comment because so many others have and done an excellent job. Below is an excerpt of John Edwards’ suggestions from supportthetroopsendthewar.com and no, I’m not linking it. Now some of these suggestions are very sensible and appropriate for Memorial Day. The BULLSHIT is in italics.

Get local, get active, and get outdoors. Walk the streets of your neighborhood. Get everyone you know to sign a petition to your local government body—for instance, your town or city council or neighborhood association—to pass a resolution requesting that Congress use its funding authority to support our troops and end the war. Bring the petition to the next meeting.
Because that will surely do alot of good.

Send our troops a taste of home. Go shopping with your kids, your friends, your neighbors, and buy a whole bunch of stuff that would make a soldier happy to receive (check for restrictions). Then go through a site like Anysoldier.com, OpGratitude.com, or TroopCarePackage.com to send your package to a soldier in Iraq.
Not one thing wrong with this!

Gather in public. On Memorial Day weekend, get your friends, kids, co-workers, neighbors, aunts, uncles, grandfathers, grandmothers, and anyone and everyone you know together to publicly support the troops and end the war. Be sure to check with your local authority for any permits you need for public gatherings. Contact local media to publicize your event. Before you get started, please take a moment of silence to honor the fallen. And during your event, make sure you conduct yourself respectfully—both for those serving in Iraq and the memory of the brave servicemen and women that Memorial Day honors. Share your plans here.
As of yet, I have never seen anyone who is anti-war conduct themselves respectfully, especially if there is a TV crew nearby.

Pray. Organize a prayer vigil for our troops at your house of worship. Honor the fallen.
No problem here either.

Make your voice heard in Washington. Call President Bush at (202) 456-1111 or email him at comments@whitehouse.gov. Call your Representative and U.S. Senator and ask them to use their funding power to support our troops and end the war.
That is your right to do so.

Get vocal. Buy a bunch of poster-board and markers. At a picnic or with family and friends, make signs that say “SUPPORT THE TROOPS - END THE WAR.” Bring them to your local Memorial Day parade. Then take a digital photo of yourself and your family or friends holding up the poster and tell us about it. We’ll include it in a “Democracy Photo Album” on our site.
Please heed me on this- if you do this at a Memorial Day Parade, there is every chance in the world that the veterans marching in said parade will break ranks and beat you senseless. Old Sarge and I will be marching in a parade as we do every year, and I can guarantee you HIS response to such assholery.

Greet a vet. Before Memorial Day Weekend gets started, get in touch with the Yellow Ribbon Fund and volunteer to provide welcome-back services and mentorships to injured soldiers returning home.
Again, nothing wrong with that.

Say thank you. Send a thank-you note to our troops through organizations like Let's Say Thanks, A Million Thanks, or Operation Care Packages. Better yet - gather folks together to write thank-you notes at a picnic.
Or that.

Help an injured vet. Before Memorial Day Weekend gets underway, contact your local VA Hospital and learn how you can volunteer.
Good on ya if you do.

Light up the night. Get your friends and family together and organize a Memorial Day candlelight vigil to support our troops, end the war, and honor the fallen. Share your plans here.
I truly think if you light up the night, the chances are great that you will be lit up. As in a target. Bad idea.

As always the American Legion is miles ahead of every other veterans organization with this message:

"We Americans need to remember why Memorial Day is special. It’s not about picnics or trips to the beach. It’s not about making pro- or anti-war statements. It’s not about supporting political candidates. It’s about honor, duty and the ultimate sacrifice. It’s about people who have decided that the United States is worth dying for."

Please read the whole thing. If you can stomach it, read the comments.

Pants on Fire

It always feels good getting a project done, something I’m sure Old Sarge feels all too rarely. (ZING!) Here are my first efforts as a sewer of adaptive clothing:



The plaid pants were purchased, and I opened the left leg seam, reinforced it with bias tape, (the only time you will read “left” and “bias” as it pertains to me) then added Velcro. The more colorful pair were made from scratch, and yes, that is Raphael, Donatello, Leonardo and Michaelangelo in the print. It was easier to do make them from a pattern than altering a ready made pair. I don’t know if I’m ready for Sew Much Comfort quite yet, but we’ll see.

So, Young SGT, britches and Apple Pie will be forthcoming. For those who were mislead about the Apple Pie:

1 Large bottle of apple juice, apple cider or a blend of both
A fifth of vodka or Everclear
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon nutmeg
½ c. honey
Cinnamon sticks

Simmer all ingredients except the vodka, covered, for 30 minutes, then cool. When completely cooled, add vodka and decant. The cinnamon sticks add extra flavor as it, um, ages.

You’re welcome!

Sigh...

I really need a new job...

VF*n*W Chronicles Continued

My blog has been so full of doom and gloom this past week, it’s time to lighten things up with another installment of the VF*n*W Chronicles. I was cleaning Saturday, and found an old floppy disc. It contained a gold mine of embarrassing photos.

Before we moved to our current VFW Post, we belonged to one in our hometown. Every year for Halloween, we would dress up and head down to the canteen. The first year that we did this, our Dear Husbands dressed up as the Bud Light Girls. The following year, 1999, the guys went as Bloomers Girls (so as not to be confused with Hooters Girls- I’m sure you can see the resemblance!).

AND…just so no one thinks all I do is pick on Old Sarge, I am in this picture:


I am NOT in this one, but my friend Di and my BIL, The Big Marine, are:


Will NO ONE buy these lovely ladies a drink???



The “girls” with the Original Old Sarge:


Our current VF*n*W Post has not seen these pictures. I can’t imagine my long-suffering husband’s expression when he sees and 8X10 glossy of himself in a Peggy Sue wig and blue eyeshadow posted on the bulletin board.

But that’s what being a good wife is all about, right?

Better News

I haven't said much about Son#2's ...misadventure this week because 1) Young SGT's accident had been on our minds so much and 2) it just doesn't sound right to me. He does not drink anymore, being respectful of his wife's wishes. (yes, that is code for pussy-whipped) He is not a belligerent person by any means, so I can't imagine him being an ass to a cop. He did mention to them that he is an Iraq war vet. The cop's response?

"I don't give a fuck."

Nice.

At any rate, someone in the D.A.'s office must think it sounds fishy too, because they are declining to prosecute it. Old Sarge even has his bail money back already.

Young Sgt has been released from the hospital and will be recovering at home until his next surgery. I asked, as I always do, what we can do for them. Apparently the Missus needs Apple Pie, so here are the hats I will be wearing this weekend:

Seamstress
Cleaning Lady
Grounds Keeper
Source of All Evil (don't ask)
Distiller of Tasty Beverages

My apple pie recipe is available upon request!

Like Mother, Like Daughters

AWTM has a post up about how she is starting to look like her mother. I can SO relate to that! I was watching the DVD of last year’s military ball and had a moment of complete confusion at seeing my mom in the video when she wasn’t there. You know where this is going, right? It was ME!!!

But, as always, that can be topped.

There are five girls in my family, and I have heard that we all sound alike on the phone. My mom had a message on her answering machine that consisted of “Call me when you get this message.” So, she called S. Nope, not her. Called K-strike two. Called me- no, I hadn’t called. Mom finally called the Double D’s and no, it wasn’t the twins either. Now she is completely baffled about who left the message. My dad gets home and she tells him to listen to the message and figure out who left it.

He does.

And tells her, “That’s you, you left it for me earlier and I called you back.”

Yeah, we’re THAT close!

Military Spouse Day

Tomorrow is Military Spouse Day, and I hope each and every one of you can take a moment to thank them for what they do, what they endure, and what they sacrifice.

The Friday before Mother's day each year has been set aside to honor Military Spouses. The purpose of this special day is to thank military spouses for the support they give to their family and other military families, to honor their contributions to the communities where they live and to acknowledge the sacrifices they make every day in support of their military member and our country. Both mothers and fathers face the daily challenges of military life that often include deployments, family separations, and frequent moves. These spouses are the ones left "holding down the fort" allowing our military members to successfully complete their missions and not worry about their family at home.

A Military Spouse's Prayer

Author Unknown

Lord,
Give me the strength of heart to see
The difference in duty and his love for me
Give me the understanding to know
That when duty calls, he must go
Give me the patience to know in my heart
That he is serving his country and doing his part
Give me the strength to carry on
When he's working late or must be gone
Give me a task to do each day
To fill the time while he is away
Give me others who can share
The ups and downs and who'll really care
Give me the wisdom to get me through
When I'm not quite sure of what to do
And Lord, while our family is here
Keep us healthy, safe and full of cheer.

I spoke with Young SGT this morning. His fever is down, he thinks he's feeling a little better except for some trappped air issues. He had some physical therapy yesterday, which at the time made no sense to me. But, after thinking about it, I would guess the idea is to getting fluid moving out and to not lose what he has left for mobility. As he explained to me, it's certainly not going to hurt the ACL and PCL any worse- they are beyond repair.

More later...

Young SGT Update

First of all, I am overwhelmed by everyone’s comments. Thank you so much! We appreciate it more than you know.

We don’t know a whole lot more today. I talked to Young Sgt a little bit ago; he’s very medicated and on oxygen (??) so I kept it short. They are talking about doing surgery again today, or maybe later this week to repair either his ACL and PCL, the menisci or maybe all at the same time. It’s up in the air right now. He is angry though- his LT came by yesterday and told him that as bad as he hated to, he would have to be transferred to HQ. No deployment. This is eating him up that he won’t be going with his squad.



So, that’s about it for now. I broke out the chicken bones and crystal ball, but we still are uncertain about what happens next.

I went to Wal-Mart last night and picked up some boxers and material for lounge pants to adapt for him. Young SGT did get a kick out of my purchase of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles print for his britches. He’s going to be styling as he’s healing, that’s for sure!

Again, thank you all so much for your prayers!

This will have to be a quick post, as I am on a mission. Briefly, one of the worst days ever:

Old Sarge and I were supposed to hand out the scholarship awards at Rochelle High School last night for the VF*n*W. Right before we were leaving, we got a call from the Winnebago County Jail. OS didn’t take the call. Phone rings again-same thing. I asked OS since Son#2 lives in Rockford, maybe he should take the call. And indeed, Son#2 is in jail for a disorderly conduct arrest. This is just so completely out of character, it is unbelievable. More on that later, because I am thinking he may have a PTSD issue, but…Old Sarge heads to Rockford and I head for Rochelle. I had not talked to Young SGT over the weekend, so I called him on the way and left a message.

After the awards ceremony, I have three missed calls. After checking with OS, who waiting to get Son#2 out of jail still, The Princess and leaving a message for Young SGT again, I headed home. Just as I got into town, The Princess called and said Young SGT’s wife had been trying to call me. D was in a motorcycle accident at Ft. Hood on the way home, and was being transported from the base hospital to Temple.

He had surgery this morning. Everything that can tear is torn- tendons, ligaments, cartilage, ACL is not repairable, the top of the shin bone is broken. D is looking at 6-12 month of recovery; 2-4 more surgeries in the near future. We can not even think about his career right now. He will be facing a total knee reconstruction.

My email is kaput right now at army.mil, if anyone needs to get ahold of me, use my ancient account: ELIMJD@aol.com. I’d appreciate all the prayers we can get right now for Young SGT and the Missus.

Now, I am off to Sew Much Comfort, then Wal-Mart.

Wicked

One of my many sisters called me this morning to ask if I would like to go see Wicked on the 25th for Mother's Day.

Oh how I would love to go!

Here's the rub. On weekends, you can get tickets for $37-$90, depending on what you are willing to put up with for seating. However, should you want VIP seating WITH special services, i.e. open bar and free food, private bathroom, etc, you may purchase a ticket for a mere $195.

God!

I have to mention that I am the only one of five girls who has a job. My sisters do not work. And I am the one who can't afford to go. Now, I did let loose a rant on Old Sarge about this, and he offered to pay for my ticket. I just can't see spending that kind of money when we have so many other things going on- home repairs, a trip to DC in February. As nice as he was to offer, I can't spend our money like that.

What kind of a mindset do you develop that every time you do something, it has to be over the top? We were not raised like this, in fact, Mom & Dad didn't have alot when I still lived at home. They did later, but never anything extravagant.

So, I will torture myself that I am being too cheap and am passing up a memorable night with my mom and sisters when I know damn good and well that I am making the right decision by staying home and chipping in on Mom's ticket.

Damn it anyway.

I Could Have Danced All Night

We have survived the Military Ball once again. It turned out to be a lovely evening. We had MG John Borling as our keynote speaker, and while I have a personal case of ass against him, he was very good.

I have to tell this briefly, a few years ago, he was running for office here in Illinois and was pressing the flesh at a VFW function in Springfield. He was speaking to a small group of us, mainly Old Sarge, about a subject that I was much more familiar with than OS or anyone else, and when I gave a response to the General, he kept talking to the men like I wasn’t even there. Those that know me well know that this is not a good thing to do. The man is extremely sexist, and that’s all there is to it.

But, he spoke well and gave the POW/MIA toast. He was a guest of the North Vietnamese for 6 ½ years, and nearly had us all in tears giving the toast.


Old Sarge and I sometimes clean up well.


As did the Eldest Son and his girlfriend.



Dancing with the handsomest man in the room.


Who can sing!

Eldest Son was voted Best Male Vocalist for Sweet Home Chicago. I think I will be getting him a black hat and sunglasses for his next performances.

Holy Cow!

I just tuned in to the Milblog Conference Live feed just as Matt is introducing SGT Hook!!

When SGT Hook started up Operation Shoefly in Afghanistan, I was District President again for the 6th. As my special project, I had asked the ladies of the 6th to help collect children's shoes to send to the good SGT. By the end of the year,(June) we had shipped over 800 pairs. In fact, when we shipped boxes last Saturday, we sent another 154 pairs, because there are units still carrying on his good work.

What Next?

The military ball is in less than 36 hours. I have to fine tune the actual program, fold table programs, hang lights, decorate the hall, move tables, get my hair cut, do something with my nails, get more ribbon for the corsages...get the general idea?
Oh, and speaking of generals, make sure the two-star that is speaking is well attended to.

And now I am sitting at work, getting some VERY bad twinges in my lower back. You know that kind that just stab at you when you are making an apparent bad move? Takes your breath away?

I am one twitch or sneeze away from a herniated disc at the moment.

"One false move, lady, and the sciatic nerve gets it!"

At least I can rest assured that I will NOT be dancing to "Rocky Top' tomorrow night.

National Day of Prayer

Since it is National Prayer Day, during National Military Appreciation Month, I'd like to offer these two prayers for your contemplation.

Praise to you, ever-watchful God,
for you are our refuge and strength
in every time and place.

Send your blessing upon those
who are serving our country
in the armed forces.

By your powerful Spirit,
shield them from all harm.

Uphold them in good times and bad,
especially when danger threatens.

Let your peace be the sentry
that stands guard over their lives,
so that they may return home safely.

Look with compassion on all victims of war;
ease their sufferings and heal their wounds.

Put an end to wars over all the earth,
and hasten the day when the human family
will rejoice in lasting peace.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns as the Prince of Peace,
both now and for ever. Amen.

Lord,
Hold these loved ones in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Give them courage, hope and strength. May they ever experience your firm support, gentle love and compassionate healing. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen

I should have posted a warning above that if reading Catholic prayers is going to damn you for time and all eternity, whoops, sorry about that.

Bon Voyage!

I know many of you are getting ready to head to the Milblog Conference, and I'd like to wish everyone of you a safe trip! I will be manning things at home, green with envy. And I can't wait to read what went on!

Oh- bring me a surprize!

Just Damn

It has been a growing concern of mine that Congress is going to hang our armed forces out to dry with their bullshit. Ed Morrissey had an excellent article on this yesterday:


Military Already Feels The Consequences Of Delayed Funding

To quote just a little of it:

The Army has already responded to the notion of reprogramming funding for the war effort, which the SRPC notes:

First and foremost, reprogramming requests are generally inefficient and certainly much less optimal than actually receiving the funds up-front. In a letter signed by the Chief of Staff of each of the Services, the Generals noted that “reprogramming is a short-term, cost-inefficient solution that wastes our limited resources.”
Next, reprogramming is itself not without cost. Since reprogramming is essentially robbing Peter to pay Paul, when the Department takes funds to support one program over another, that action must come at the expense of the program from which the funds are taken. As General Schoomaker notes, “These [reprogramming] actions can disrupt and desynchronize our next-to-deploy units as they prepare for war, possibly compromising future readiness and strategic depth.

Well. What a bumblefuck this is. Our elected representatives are playing with lives here, literally.

I say it’s time for a little revolution.

Heart of Darkness

My days begin in darkness. Roaming through the house without light, quietly performing the morning ritual of getting ready for work. This morning, I was completely out of sync with the rest of the world. The lines between what was real and what was not was completely blurred. As I walked out the door, this feeling of not knowing where I was or where I was going intensified. I backed the car out of the driveway, feeling panicked and disoriented. I can’t do this, I thought, as I turned around and headed back home. I parked the car and stumbled my way back into the house.

Traded Old Sarge’s glasses for my own, and headed back out.

Yeah.

May Military Appreciation Month

Since it's May 1st, there's no time like now to remind folks that this month is set aside for our military. Now for some us, every DAY is spent thanking our armed forces, but the rest of the population needs constant reminders and kicks in the collective asses to get with the program.

From the VFW website:

Legislation in the U.S. Senate in 1999 designated May as National Military Appreciation Month. This legislation tells our servicemembers that their country has set aside an entire month to honor, remember and appreciate them. More comprehensive legislation – House Concurrent Resolution 328 – was passed by unanimous consent of both Houses of Congress in April 2004.

National Military Appreciation Month includes:
• Loyalty Day, May 1
• National Day of Prayer, May 3,
• VE Day, May 8
• Military Spouse Day, May 11,
• Womens Veterans Week, May 14-20,
• Armed Forces Day, May 19, and
• Memorial Day, May 28.




Everything you could possibly need to know about events, support ideas, etc., can be found at the National Military Appreciation Month site:

A DOZEN WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR MILITARY!

#1 FLY THE FLAG ON YOUR HOUSE, CAR, or BUSINESS DURING MAY
#2 SEND AN EMAIL OR LETTER OF THANKS THROUGH A Million Thanks

#3 SEND A CARE PACKAGE TO A SOLDIER THROUGH USOCARES

#4 ORGANIZE AN EVENT IN YOUR OWN COMMUNITY, AND AT YOUR WORKPLACE
#5 ASK YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS AT ALL LEVELS TO RECOGNIZE OUR MILITARY
#6 WEAR A SUPPORT OUR TROOPS WRISTBAND OR SHIRT
#7 REGISTER YOUR SUPPORT AT America Supports You!

#8 ASK LIBRARIES, SCHOOLS, ORGANIZATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN RECOGNIZING OUR ARMED FORCES
#9 ASK LOCAL MEDIA (TV, RADIO, NEWSPAPER) TO FEATURE
#10 WHEN YOU SEE A PERSON IN A MILITARY UNIFORM, SHAKE THEIR HAND AND SAY, "THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY"
#11 RAISE FUNDS FOR MILITARY CHARITIES
#12 HIRE A VETERAN - VISIT HIRE A VET FIRST FOR MORE INFORMATION

It is really worth a visit.

Welcome to the Splatter Zone!

I am thrilled to be getting some new readers. Welcome! Make yourselves at home!



Unfortunately, one of my new readers is Old Sarge. So I will be blogging from the above abode until I learn my lesson about using my husband as blog fodder.

I can do this!

Really!








Okay, so I am in a meeting last night at the VF*n*W, getting together last minute details for our military ball on Saturday. My phone rings.

Old Sarge: I just want you to know that the underwear in the yard did NOT come from the clean clothes pile!

RM: The underwear in the yard?
(the folks at the table perk up and stare at me)

OS: Yes, the underwear in the middle of the back yard! It came from the rag box in my shop!

Friend: Why does OS have underwear in the yard?

RM to OS: You called me in a meeting about underwear???

Friend: What the hell were you doing that OS left his underwear in the yard?

RM: Oh hush!

OS: Don’t tell me to hush! I READ YOUR BLOG!!

RM: I didn’t tell you to hush! And I didn’t know you had underwear in the garage!

Friend: He keeps underwear in the shop?

RM: Oh stop yourself, please.

OS: Stop what? READING YOUR BLOG??


So again, thanks for stopping by and be sure to throw a biscuit my way.