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Archive for the ‘Veteran Service’ Category

American History Of War And Death

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

(1775 – 1783) The Revolutionary War

Spawned when the American colonies rejected British Parliament as a suitable government and formed the Continental Army, this revolution was the apex of the colonial up-rise. Originally a conflict between Great Britain and thirteen former British colonies in North America, the war escalated into a global affair and eventually resulted in the independence of the United States of America.

AMERICAN CASUALTIES

WOUNDED: 6,188
DEATH: approx 8,000 in battle plus 17,000 due to disease fallout.

The Revolutionary War

(1812 – 1815) War of 1812

While Britain was already at war with France, they attempted the enforcement of a number of trade restrictions between the US and France, as well as, enacted forceful recruitment of US citizens into the Royal Navy. In addition to these annoyances, the Brits also offered military assistance to the Native Americans to impede colonial expansion into the West. As a response by the United States to stand up against what they believed to be “British insults,” the War of 1812 was fought between the US and the British Empire primarily on the Atlantic Ocean and the coasts of North America.

AMERICAN CASUALTIES

WOUNDED: 4,505
DEATH: 2,260 plus 17,000 due to disease fallout.

War of 1812

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Eligibility: How Do I Know If I Even Qualify?

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

There are some basic rules of thumb―currently on active duty for at least 180 days, 90 days of war service, 180 days of peacetime service before the 1980’s, or 24 months of continuous service after the 1980’s, or 6 years in the Guard or Reserves, or the surviving (un-remarried) spouse of service member who died on active duty or due to a service related disability. Of course these requirements assume an honorable discharge, but disability or hardship discharges are also acceptable. Just because you don’t fit these categories doesn’t mean you aren’t eligible either. There are other categories of acceptability, like cadets of Coast Guard , Military or Air Force Academies, midshipman from the Naval Academy , or officers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. I admit I had to look that one up…try Googling NOAA. The complete list of eligibility is hard to find.

Once you think you meet the eligibility requirements you need to get an eligibility certificate. The easiest way is to let your lender file for it electronically, but this only works for those who are in the VA records system. Basically, you have to file VA form 26-1880 with proof of service and mail it to the eligibility center in North Carolina. Unless you are the surviving spouse, then use form 26-1817. I couldn’t find a separate form for the special categories, but you might have to call the VA Loan Eligibility Center at 1-888-244-6711 for more information.

Don’t be overwhelmed; if you have a good loan officer they’ll make it easy. It’s his or her job to know all this, not yours. Next time: Reusing VA eligibility, Can I obtain another VA loan?

Resources: http://www.homeloans.va.gov

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Are we Ready for another Military Draft?

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009

I have often wondered what it would take for the US Military to activate the Draft again.  When I was a kid this was talked about quite often and it always made me wonder what paths I would have take had I been drafted.  The last time the Draft was instituted was from 1948 to 1973.  For more than 50 years, Selective Service and the registration requirement for America’s youth have served as a backup system to provide manpower to the US Armed Forces.  President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 which created the country’s  first peacetime draft and formally established the Selective Service Service System as an independent Federal Agency.  From 1948 until 1973, during both peacetime and periods of conflict, men were drafted to fill vacancies in the armed forces which could not be filled through voluntary means.  In 1973, the draft ended and the US converted to an All-Volunteer military.

So what would it take for the Draft to be re-instituted?

I can think of only 2 reasons.

1.  A conflict that becomes so severe that it requires more military than what’s enlisted.

2.  Regardless of conflict – less and less people are volunteering for the military.

Its basically a simple calculation of supply and demand.  Could we ever get to that point like we did back in 1948?  I believe we can.  For example:  The Selective Service System (SSS) and the U.S. Department of Education now are gearing up to compare their computer records, to make sure all men between the ages of 18 and 25 who are required to register for a military draft have done so.  The SSS and the education department will begin comparing their lists on Jan. 1, 2005, according to a memo authored by Jack Martin, acting Selective Service director.  While similar record checks have been done periodically for the past 10 years, Martin’s memo is dated Oct. 28, just a few days before the Nov. 2 presidential election, a hard-fought campaign in which the question of whether the nation might need to reinstate a military draft was raised in debates and on the stump. It took several more days, until Nov. 4, for the document to reach the Federal Register, the official daily publication for rules and notices of federal agencies and organizations. The memo was also produced after the U.S. House voted 402-2 on Oct. 5, against House Resolution 163, a bill that would have required all young people, including women, to serve two years of military service.  Under federal law, a military draft cannot be started without congressional support.  About 94 percent of all men are properly registered for a draft, according to Richard Flahavan, associate director of the office of public and intergovernmental affairs for SSS.

Here are some requirements for registration:

All male US citizens and male aliens living in the US between the ages of 18 and 25
Dual nationals of the US and another country, regardless of where they live
Young men who are in prison or mental institutions do not have to register while they are committed, but must do so if they are released and not reached age 26
Disabled men who live at home and can move about independently.

What happens in a Draft?:

Congress would likely approve a military draft in a time of crisis, in which the mission requires more troops than are in the volunteer military.
Selective Service procedures would treat married men or those with children the same as single men.
The first men to be called up will be those whose 20th birthday falls during that year, followed by those age 21, 22, 23,24 and 25.
The last men to be called are 18 and 19 years of age.

Here are some historical facts from the last Draft:

The last man to be drafted was in June 1973.
Number of Drafted for WWI : 2.8 million
Number of Drafted for WWII: 10 million
Number of Drafted for the Korean War: 1.5 million
Number of Drafted for the Vietnam War: 1.8 million
Source: Selective Service System

So could the state of things in our country cause another Draft?  I stand by my resolve and answer – YES.  GET READY.

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10 Freedoms I Enjoy Thanks to the Military

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

The Military of the United States has helped to maintain the freedoms of our country. Since the Revolutionary War, veterans from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines have shed blood, sweat, and tears to protect the liberties that we hold dear. The following is a list of just ten of the freedoms for which I am grateful that those veterans have protected over the past 233 years. They are listed in no particular order.

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#1 Freedom to worship God how I see fit. This is an inalienable right. One that is guaranteed to us by the Constitution. And while some fight to take away this right, by limiting how or where we may worship, one thing is certain: veterans of the United States have fought to protect our right to worship our God. “In God We Trust” is not a cute tag line, but a mantra that the Founding Fathers lived by.

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#2 Freedom to say what I want to say. Speech is protected by the 1st Amendment. It allows me to write this blog for veterans. It allows me to question those who govern me. Again this is an inalienable right and one which I often over look and will never be thankful enough for.

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#3 Freedom to own a firearm. This is a hot button issue across the country right now. Many veterans and non-vets alike enjoy the freedoms secured by the 2nd Amendment. The right to own a gun is a right meant to ensure that the government cannot hold the country hostage as the British did before the Revolutionary War. Along with our military, organizations such as the NRA, will work tirelessly to ensure that we never lose this freedom.

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#4 Freedom to move. This is a freedom that many people may take for granted. We have the ability to jump on the interstate and drive across the country if we so please. The freedom to move about our own country is not one that is shared universally. Many countries across the world do not allow their citizens to move about as freely a we do.

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#5 Freedom to cause change. In the United States of America we have right and obligation to make changes to the makeup of our government when we disagree with how we are being led. It is our duty to observe how are elected officials represent us, and ,should their values not reflect our own, to oust them from power.

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#6 Freedom of Press. Much like freedom of speech, freedom of the press allows the news to be reported. It also allows blogs like this one to be posted for reading. The press has the responsibility to report the news no matter how damning it may be. The press helps the people to be informed and cause change.

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#7 Freedom to own a home. This freedom may be taken for granted by many veterans and non-vets alike. Because of our due process laws we are able to own our own homes without fear of our government taking it away without compensation.

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#8 Freedom to get an education. We are not limited by our government as to what we can and cannot do with our own lives. Because of the military we are free to be educated as we see fit. As an added benefit to our veterans, programs have been established to help them with their education. The Montgomery GI Bill and other programs such as ROTC has allowed generations of veterans the opportunity to be well educated in the field of their choice.

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#9 Freedom of Entrepreneurship. Thanks to our military’s and its veterans’ efforts, we are able to enjoy the capitalist society that we have. Entrepreneurship is the basic form of capitalism. At its heart, the economy of America rides on the backs of small business owners and the entrepreneurial spirit that they foster.

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#10 Freedom to not live in fear. Perhaps the most underestimated freedom that American have because of our veterans. This freedom was briefly put away after the events of 9/11, however because of the brave men and women of our military Americans once again do not live in fear.

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10 Must See Historic American Military Related Travel Destinations

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

The land of the free and the home of the brave is no cliche.  I have compiled a short list of what many consider must see military/patriotic travel destinations.  I haven’t been to all these locations so I did some research and took some opinions.  In almost every case the lives sacrificed in our behalf during different eras have shaped the world into what it is today.  In no particular order:

1.  Boston MA

Boston prides itself on its role in the Revolutionary War and its hometown heroes like Paul Revere and John F. Kennedy with numerous museums, historic sites, monuments, and special events. Its compact downtown area ensures that you can see most of the important historic sites in a couple of days, but there’s also enough in the surrounding area to keep you occupied on a longer trip. I  have actually been to “bean town” and it is a fantastic place to visit you can feel the spirit of the founding fathers as you walk the streets and see the sights.

2.  Colonial Williamsburg Virginia

Travel back in time 250 years and experience American colonial life as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson lived it by visiting the historic recreation town of Colonial Williamsburg, VA. Williamsburg is the largest outdoor living history museum in the country.  It offers such a fantastic glimpse of early American life and how things were built and run it is amazing to see how far we have come.

3.  Philadelphia, PA

The city of brotherly love also loves visitors—and shows it too.  Liberty Bell or Independence Hall Gettysburg PA; Valley Forge, PA

Because Philly is between two huge tourist meccas, New York City and Washington, D.C., it can be overlooked.  But don’t forget the many free historic attractions, in fact most of Philadelphia’s top patriotic attractions are free year-round, including Independence National Historic Park, home to Independence Hall; the Liberty Bell; Christ Church Burial Ground, where Ben Franklin is buried; and many other important Revolutionary War structures.

4. Washington DC

Our nation’s capitol is a spot every American should plan on visiting.  It is overflowing with the largest number of patriotic attractions, most of which are free, if that isn’t American I don’t know what is. Travelers have the opportunity to see and attend in short the largest collection of American historical sites anywhere.  The short list includes the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, WWII Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  Don’t forget the National Mall- with 9 World Class museums with the Capital on one end and the Washington Monument on the other.  The White House is just two blocks away as well.  I have been to DC a couple times and growing up on the West Coast I didn’t get to walk past the constitution and Bill of Rights as a 5th grader, it made the experience even more special and moving to understand better what those items represent and how they are more then just words on paper.

5.  Arlington VA

In and around Arlington there are also many historic and patriotic sites.  First of which is Arlington National Cemetery.  I visited there on a trip to DC, there are very close.  The tomb of the unknown soldier is a solemn and reverent place, to know there are many, who have given the lives in our behalf that we don’t have names for.  The other sites include Mt. Vernon- which is gorgeous, after visiting there I understood why George Washington tried to get back home as often as he could.

6.  Pearl Harbor, Oahu HI

If you aren’t aware of what transpired on December 7, 1941 then you didn’t attend elementary school or you have been stuck in a cave for 68 years.  It is the day the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor Hawaii.   Among the many ships sunk, destroyed or damaged 15 ships and destroyed 188 airplanes.  Among them on the USS Arizona 1,177 crew members perished, making it the greatest loss of life on any U.S. warship in American history.  Today above the resting place of that ship, a memorial has been erected and is a place of profound reverence and you can still see oil coming up from the ship on the surface of the water.

7.  Normandy France

What to say in a paragraph about D-Day and the liberation of Europe.  Lets just say when I visited this area in France, the people were so kind and grateful for their freedom, they seem to know that unless America had stepped in and stopped the Nazis they may be speaking German instead of French.  The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial is something every American should see.  I know it is a long way from home but worth the trip, no question.  In a previous blog post I have a picture of me there, it just doesn’t do the location justice, nearly 10,000 graves, facing West toward the United States and many of the crosses bear the inscription for unknown soldiers. It reads ‘Here rests in honoured glory a comrade in arms known but to God’.

8. New York City, NY

A travel destination for millions every year The Big Apple is known throughout the world as the City that never sleeps.  Of course for our purposes here on patriotic American sites to see we know the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France on America’s 100th birthday is there.  Kind of a thank you gift for saving them from the Nazis I always thought.  In addition you do not want to miss a piece of American history you can find no where else- Ellis Island.  Having visited this site and seen the pictures and to feel as you stand there the sheer number of people looking for a better life to have passed through that place, over 12 million immigrants came with hopes and dreams of their own American Dream.  The site is part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument.  Don’t miss it.

9.  Baltimore MD

Birthplace of the National Anthem, simple as that!  Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the Star-Spangled Banner during the Battle of Baltimore, September 13-14, 1814.  The valiant defense of the fort by 1,000 dedicated Americans kept the flag flying through the night into the morning.  You probably know the words to the first verse but there are a few others, from the last verse these words say why this place is special.

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: ‘In God is our trust.’
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

10.  Gettysburg, PA

July 1-3, 1863 was the Battle of Gettysburg, it was the battle with the largest number of casualties in the American Civil War.  It is considered the turning point where the Union started the advance of the Confederacy toward the north.  Between 46,000 and 51,000 Americans were casualties in the three-day battle. That November, President Lincoln used the dedication ceremony for the Gettysburg National Cemetery to honor the fallen and redefine the purpose of the war in his historic Gettysburg Address.  A reminder of why this address is so amazing is easy to see from the 3 paragraphs below.  It sums up America’s Credo with great accuracy.

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate…we can not consecrate…we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government: of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

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Top 5 Jobs After Military Service

Monday, July 27th, 2009

So it seems like Military Personnel put so much effort into being the BEST OF THE BEST.  One would think that so many skills are obtained during service and could and should be put to good use.  So what’s out there in the job market and what does it pay?  When its time to “stand down” its also time to put skills to good use and lets be honest – money in your pocket.

Here are the top five jobs after military service.  The categories are pay and stability.

1.  Operations or Intelligence Analyst – Median Pay is $68,900 and the top earners are making $88,500.  Your security clearance is the golden ticket to a job with a defense contractor. Intelligence and operations offer a diverse set of opportunities – there are even international jobs to be had.  The 10 yr job growth percent is at 36%

2.  Network Systems Manager – Median Pay is $73,600 and the top earners are making $122,900.  You might manage network security systems or work on development, installation and modification of computer operating systems. Or you might deal with security and telecommunications issues. Almost every industry has jobs to fill.  The 10 yr job growth percent is at 38%

3.  Field Service Engineer – Median Pay is $74,900 and the top earners are making $86,900.  You’ll install, fix and maintain equipment at sites around the country, as well as repair and replace parts. You might also train others. You can work on just about anything that goes into a building or factory.  The 10 yr job growth percent is at 10%

4.  Operations Manager Logistics – Median pay is $82,500 and the top earners are making $105,200.  Logistics is a natural for vets, who have a good understanding of supply-chain procedures. There’s a broad range of work choices, from warehouses to ports to shipping-company hubs to the circus. You’ll monitor quality, cost and efficiency of moving goods (or tigers) from place to place and negotiate with customers and suppliers.  The 10 yr job growth percent is at 36%.

5.  Senior Trainer/Training Manager – Median pay is $83,500 and the top earners are making $104,300.  You’ve done this before, leading enlisted personnel through training and team building exercises. Technical trainers focus on equipment and computers. Business trainers touch on everything from procedures to branding. In addition to classroom work, you’ll design and implement programs, as well as research new training techniques.  The 10 yr job growth percent is at 26%

Everyone of these jobs pays above the national average of household income and get a B+ rating for stability.  It would also seem like a Veteran would love what they do and enjoy coming to work everyday.  I see those commercials about joining the military and they make it seem like you would be put on a great career path with tons of skills.  Well, based on this data they are correct.  I would assume that hard work and being personable would be a contributing factor to help with obtaining these jobs.  There are a lot of Military personnel who would qualify.  Being the best is usually picked, so BEST THE BEST and work hard.  The dividends payout!

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Top 10 Technological Advances during Wartime (American)

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

Wartime is generally perceived as a time of great duress with incredibly high stakes. It can be tough to think that some of the most important scientific advances in human were born in the throes of war. But if war (ideally) is the ultimate expression of necessity, and necessity is the mother of invention, this point may find greater traction. Historically, in times of war, production goes up, spending goes down, the nation is mobilized and focused toward progress and supportive of innovation. What does than mean? Consider the list below and decide for yourself.

 

1. Atomic Energy – Absurdly efficient energy source capable of powering (or obliterating ) a large city. Used widely throughout the world. WWII

2. Anesthesia – the use of Chloroform began in the Civil War to aid Battlefield Surgeons efforts to cleanly and humanely process the injured soldiers. Shortly thereafter the movement began to gain traction in the private sector, improving medical care by cleaner surgeries and fewer infections. US Civil War.

3. Computer – We live in a wired society. Computers are part of the fabric of our daily lives at work, in the car or at home. Originally conceived and designed during WWII as a code breaking aid. WWII

4. Internet – Conceived and designed in the late 1970’s during the height of the cold war as a defense against nuclear war. The thought was that if vital government information could be stored in a virtual environment, it would be impossible to take out communications at one location. The effect of this advancement is obvious to anyone reading this.  Cold War

5. Satellite Technology – The “Space Race” fueled by the underlying Cold War gave rise to an invention that facilitated better, safer, and more meaningful intelligence gathering activities. Modern day commercial applications have expanded to include the advent of GPS, and of course cable television and wireless internet. Cold War

6. Penicillin – Discovered around the turn of the 20th century, this simple drug which came to prominence during WWII has saved Billions of lives from previously deadly bacterial infections. WWI and WWII

7. Rubber – As the Allied forces scrambled to produce the equipment that would facilitate victory against the Axis powers, a major breakthrough came with the invention of synthetic rubber. Prior to this rubber was harvested via “rubber trees” in the South Pacific and Latin/South America. The invention allowed commercial ventures to explode and grow the American economy to the world’s leading economic power. The most obvious application? Automobile tires. WWII

8. Jet Engine – Aeronautic technologies were able to “take off” in WWII & the Korean War Conflict with the invention of higher octane, more efficient super fuels, stronger and lighter engines and advances in aerodynamic engineering. Howard Hughes, the filmmaker, billionaire industrialist and international playboy pioneered many technologies which ensured unrivaled American Air superiority to this very day. WWII & Korean Conflict

9. Submarine – Incredibly, while the notion of maritime submersible vehicles have been “floating” around since the early 1600’s, the first rudimentary (yet viable) submarine was launched in 1775. American Revolutionary War

10. Pepto Bismol – Pink Bismuth may not mean much to most, but for those of us this summer who suffer with the occasional post-hot dog heartburn this is a lifesaver. Originally conceived during WWII, this product was introduced commercially directly after the war. And the rest is

 

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Veterans Dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Thursday, July 16th, 2009

I have often wondered why this is an issue for both men and women in the military.  I have never served in the military so I don’t know what it would be like to always be on my guard and paranoid of attack and learning to suppress my feelings and taking orders all the time.  I can imaging for Veterans that it must be difficult to adapt to civilian life after years of service.  In my line of work I get the privilege of working with Veterans everyday and sometimes it comes up in conversation.  So what is going on to help deal with this situation?

Let me refer to an article that was published in Utah to help Veterans specifically to help deal with PTSD. 

Dozens of Veterans are up in Park City for a week-long retreat, and they all have a few things in common.  They all suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.  Veterans back from war are invited to an outdoor retreat to meet others who are also dealing with the memories of war and dealing with PTSD.  It can be intense for the Veterans, but its also a lot of fun!  They are learning how to breath again and relax.  Veteran Erika Vandenberg said, “In Iraq and Afghanistan you were on alert all the time.  You didn’t know who was your friend or enemy, so you were always on alert”.  These Veterans can’t sleep and they’ve shut people out.  “Anxiety around people, being in a crowd, I still have issues with that” Vandenberg said.

The Veterans participate in team-building exercises, learning how to trust and cope with civilian life again, now that they are out of the military.  “Being in the Marine Corp. for six years does a lot to you,” said Veteran Rodriquez.  “You have to hide a lot of emotions and feelings”.

This retreat is a big step for those Veterans who attended and I can imagine that they all want the lives they had before they left for war.

There are things like this going on all over the country and there are support groups that are here to help those who continue to defend our freedoms. 

WHAT IS PTSD?

  • You have reoccurring flashbacks and/or nightmares
  • You avoid anything that reminds you of the trauma you experienced
  • You have a heightened state of arousal or anxiety that makes it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep
  • You have trouble controlling your anger–this may or may not include aggression or violence, you just feel a lot of anger
  • You are hyper vigilant–meaning, you are almost always on the alert, looking around, watching other people, etc. as if you were expecting some kind of attack or crisis

    • This does not only affect the Veteran but it also affects their families too.  I know that there is help for this and I also recognize that some Veterans would not take advantage of that help because they might feel inadequate in admitting they suffer from the symptoms mentioned above, especially if they have learned to reject or “hide” their feelings due to the nature of how they have been trained.  The bottom line is this – you cannot let this go and it must be dealt with when its recognized.  A Vietnam Veteran named Randy Vest said it took him 30 years to finally get life back to normal.  This is probably an extreme case because of how the Veterans were treated after the Vietnam War.  The point is, the sooner a Veteran gets help the sooner life gets back to normal.  Look at it like this – Its just like combat, you don’t quit in the middle of it.  You just keep going until the mission is accomplished.

    I didn’t want this to be taken as a charity plead for Veterans, I am simply point out that there are things being done to help our countries Veterans who suffer from PTSD.  Many Veterans don’t have PTSD and as far as I know there is no clues as to determine why some do and some don’t.  For those Veterans that don’t then please offer your friendship and advice to those that do.  If you are a Veteran that does then please contact your local Dept of Veteran Affairs and they can help.  Norman Schwarzkopf said “The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do.  The hard part is doing it”

    Good luck – we are with you all the way.

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    G.I. LOW – July 4th No Cost VA Loan Giveaway

    Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

    G.I. LOW

    In celebration of our nations independence, LowVARates.com is offering a chance at winning a TRUE no-cost-no-point home loan at a PAR rate during the month of July, 2009 to any and all United States Veterans or active military personnel. This amazing giveaway is valued at up to $12,000.00. A winner will be selected no later than August 15, 2009. It is simple to enter, just complete the online loan application, between July 1 to July 31, 2009.

    We know what you’re thinking, what’s the catch? There is no catch! If you are an active military person, or U.S. Veteran you can qualify to win. Low VA Rates has been servicing active military and veterans over the past 10 years and wants to do what they can to help in today’s difficult economy.

    For the winner to receive the no-point-no-cost loan, you of course have to qualify for the loan via a Low VA Rates approved lender. If you are selected as winner and then qualify, LowVARates.com will cover all lender fees, broker fees, and 3rd party fees associated with closing your home loan.

    Online VA Loan Application

    G.I. LOW NO COST LOAN GIVEAWAY CONTEST RULES AND REGULATIONS BELOW

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    Why I am grateful for Veteran’s Service

    Wednesday, June 10th, 2009

    Around Memorial Day every year I get a bit reflective.  Did you know Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, it was a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service.  Now a days of course it is a day to remember all those who have gone on before us.  And certainly there are many, many veteran’s who have served valiantly and are still with us today.  But I think that is why I am so reflective during this time of year.   Perhaps we are all familiar with John 15:13 “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”  I think we can all agree that those who have died in the service of their country, have died defending their friends, comrades in arms, or friends at home.  That is what is so remarkable to me about our nations veterans.  They are willing to put their life on the line so that others might live free.

    Since I was a young boy, I had heard stories from my Father, a Captain in the Army, about WWII and the greatest generation.  I was always very impressed by what what these brave young Americas and the armed forces had done to free Europe.  Many paid the ultimate price to see freedom won.   I vowed one day I would go there to see the beaches of Normandy myself.

    cemetary Finally in 2003, after two years of planning, my desires to travel and  see the beaches of D-Day were fulfilled.  I walked the 5 landing beaches of the Normandy coast, I saw for myself where these events took place and was awe struck.    I am sure you have seen photos of The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial as well.  No words can express how I felt standing in the crosses of nearly 10,000 who are buried there.  The price paid, the cost in life and lives lost that I felt there, never had that that phrase greater love… meant so much.  Many of the graves we looked at were very young 20-somethings.   I felt grateful that there have been, are now and will continue to be men and women of valor and honor who serve as members of our military.   I can say with sure conviction that I was forever changed that day.  After spending 6 weeks in Europe, seeing the sights and so on I longed to return home.  Traveling is fun, but it is exhausting and I missed my home.   I remember boarding the plane that would take me back to the States and I thought how there may not even be a Europe to have visited if there wasn’t America, and brave veterans who fought a good fight;  Some never came home, others did but they were changed.   I try to feel grateful everyday for my freedoms.  To come and go in this land of liberty as I wish, crossing state borders and such with no papers or fanfare.   I am saddened, even disgusted with those who don’t honor and treat our veterans with respect and admiration for their service, their sacrifice.  They obviously have no clue as to the freedoms they have and surely take for granted.   Paid for by the sacrifice, blood, sweat and tears of those they mock.

    I feel it a privilege to work with our nations veterans on a daily basis.  Putting together financing for their own “American Dream” of homeownership.  If anyone has earned it, they have.

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