This is passed along from an e-mail I received.  While the specific story about one chain selling something made in the U.S. and the other selling the same product made in China has not been verified by me, the concept of buying an American Made product whenever possible makes sound economic sense.

Ever since our manufacturing base has been shipped to foreign countries our country has suffered a decline.  This decline and resulting economic impact will continue until such time as we start bringing manufacturing JOBS BACK TO THE UNITED STATES.  We can vote with our pocketbooks and our hearts by BUYING AMERICAN WHENEVER WE CAN!

Good idea .. . one light bulb at a time . .

A physics teacher in high school, once told the students that while one grasshopper on the railroad tracks wouldn’t slow a train very much, a billion of them would. With that thought in mind, read the following, obviously written by a good American.

Check this out . I can verify this because I was in Lowes the other day for some reason and just for the heck of it I was looking at the hose attachments. They were all made in China . The next day I was in Ace Hardware and just for the heck of it I checked the hose attachments there. They were made in USA . Start looking.

In our current economic situation, every little thing we buy or do affects someone else – even their job . So, after reading this email, I think this lady is on the right track . Let’s get behind her!

My grandson likes Hershey’s candy . I noticed, though, that it is marked made in Mexico now. I do not buy it any more.

My favorite toothpaste Colgate is made in Mexico … now I have switched to Crest. You have to read the labels on everything.

This past weekend I was at Kroger. I needed 60 W light bulbs and Bounce dryer sheets. I was in the light bulb aisle, and right next to the GE brand I normally buy was an off-brand labeled, “Everyday Value. ” I picked up both types of bulbs and compared the stats -

they were the same except for the price .. The GE bulbs were more money than the Everyday Value brand but the thing that surprised me the most was the fact that GE was made in MEXICO and the Everyday Value brand was made in – get ready for this – the USA in a company in Cleveland , Ohio.

So throw out the myth that you cannot find products you use every day that are made right here.

So on to another aisle – Bounce Dryer Sheets . yep, you guessed it, bounce cost more money and is made in Canada . The Everyday Value brand was less money and MADE IN THE USA ! I did laundry yesterday and the dryer sheets performed just like the Bounce Free I have been using for years and at almost half the price!

My challenge to you is to start reading the labels when you shop for everyday things and see what you can find that is made in the USA – the job you save may be your own or your neighbors!

If you accept the challenge, pass this on and share it with your friends so we can all start buying American, one light bulb at a time! Stop buying from overseas companies whenever you can! We should have awakened a decade ago.

Let’s get with the program help our fellow Americans keep their jobs and create more jobs here in the U.S.A.

Those that know me know I am for the Veteran and those serving in the military.

I was doing a little exploring on the Internet this morning and ended up finding out about the many benefits available to active duty Servicemembers.   As you know, being sent to a foreign country and being put in harms way puts an enormous stress on their lives and those of their families.  It’s nice to know that “Uncle Sam has your back” here at home.  But I wonder how many people know about this?? Especially those actually serving or those who have recently returned.

Here are some of the protections afforded to active duty military members via the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act:

• In the midst of a car lease?  Deploying for over 180 days? Just turn it back in to the leasing company and your lease is up. Without any penalties, interest, fees, charges, etc.  (Section 535)
• Can’t use that cell phone in Iraq? Suspend or cancel your cell phone service.  NO early termination charges or fees apply.  (Section 535a)
• All legal and court proceedings stayed (Sections 521-526)
• Credit Card or Mortgage Interest rate too high?  Not any more. They can’t charge you more that 6% interest while serving.  It’s a federal law!  Did they?  Did it cost you penalties, over-limit charges?  You get them all REFUNDED.  (Section 527)
• Renting? No evictions or imposition of distress on those remaining at home. (Section 531)
• Leasing a home/apartment?  Need to relocate because of military orders? No problem. Your lease is up. No penalties. (Section 535)
• No foreclosure during your military service and within 180 days after you return home. (Section 533)
• Got something in storage?  They can’t repossess it and sell your stuff. (Section 537)
• Can’t pay the life insurance?  No problem. Uncle Sam might pay it. It cannot be canceled.  (Section 536, 541-549)
• Property Taxes? They’re tolled too! (Section 561)

Now, before you get the wrong idea, this is NOT a free ride for Service members.To that end, Section 581 provides for those who would seek to abuse and make a mockery out of these benefits and provisions.

It’s meant so that they don’t have to worry about taking care of their normal lives back home.  It’s so that they can focus and concentrate on staying alive without having to deal with “bullshit” back home.

I don’t know about you – but if I was in a foreign country and the “bad guys” could be anywhere and they want me dead – the last thing I would want to be worrying about is “Holy Shit.. I think I forgot the car payment.” There’s far more pressing things to worry about. Like my surroundings and staying alive.

So, pass the word to your friends and family who may have people in military service.  They need to know about this!

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Full text of the law taken from Title 50 United States Code Appendix.  Learn about your rights so you can use them.

VFW_110thCongressBrochure A brochure from the VFW showing legislation passed by the 100th Congress to the benefit of Veterans

Arlington National Cemetery

It’s Memorial Day weekend here in the United States. For most it means nothing more than an extra day off from the daily grind.

I’d like to urge you, to take an hour or two over the course of this extended weekend to get back to the true meaning of this holiday. If only for a short while. This post will be sprinkled with many links to allow you to do just that.  For example, you can visit this site (http://www.cem.va.gov/) and click on the link, just below the picture “Find a 2010 Memorial Day Ceremony.” to find an official celebration near you.

When I was young, my grandparents and parents still called it by it’s original name: Decoration Day.  A day to honor the military dead and decorate their graves.

Indeed, at one cemetery especially dear to my heart, men and women have been working  hard this past week to decorate the graves of those who have served our country well.  That cemetery is Arlington National Cemetery,  just over the river from the center of Washington, DC.  When I lived in the area, it was a mandatory stop on Steve’s tour of DC. My eyes welled with tears at the thought that I was, indeed, walking on hallowed ground. I was in the company of many thousands of men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice so that I may enjoy the life I have.

Especially poignant was a trip to Tomb of The Unknown Soldiers where you watch, what is to me, one of the most impressive displays of military honor that I could ever hope to see.   That is the soldiers who guard the tomb, continuously. Night and Day. 24-7. Always. Through storms and cold and heat and blizzards and even a hurricane, the tomb remains guarded by these select few: The Tomb Guard. The best of the best. The cream of the crop. (It’s a good thing I’ve got a box of Kleenex by my side.)

In Washington, DC you’ll find many more monuments in tribute to our fallen heros. There’s the Korean War Memorial, The Wall (Vietnam Veterans Memorial) and (the newest) the World War II Memorial (which I have yet to see in person) to name a few.  Google any of these to learn more.

But, you don’t have to live or go to Washington, DC. There are “official” military cemeteries located throughout the United States. They’re called “National Cemeteries.” My friends near Wilmington, NC will find one there.  To find one in your state, or maybe in your own town, just click here. Or, just visit almost any cemetery this weekend and you’ll be sure to see many graves with an American Flag proudly waving. A token of appreciation for their service to our country.  Walk up to one of those graves and pause for a moment to say, “Thanks!”

There are two other organizations I’d like to introduce you to. That’s the Military Order of The Purple Heart and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.  Their oldest living recipient, John Finn, died on Thursday at the age of 99. Visit them.  If you’re a web designer, you’ll find the Congressional Medal of Honor Society site appealing for design as well.

Better yet, why not expand your horizons and the meaning of this holiday to meet or honor a military hero.  They’re all around us. Walk in to any VFW or American Legion Post or Elks Lodge and you’ll likely find some elderly gentlemen (a few ladies, too) with some incredible stories to tell.  Perhaps you have one in your own family (Thanks Lester and Craig!).  Or maybe it’s your neighbor.  (Thank You Charlie!) I ask you to be especially cognizant, this weekend, for a chance to say “Thanks for your service!”

Have a safe holiday!

I saw a young man in his early twenties with a grocery bag in his arm, walking towards the old man. The old gentleman saw him coming too and took a few steps towards him. I saw the old gentleman point to his open hood and say something.  The young man put his grocery bag into what looked like a brand new Cadillac Escalade.

Then he turned back to the old man and I heard him yell at the old gentleman saying, ‘You shouldn’t even be allowed to drive a car at your age.’ And then with a wave of his hand, he got in his car and peeled rubber out of the parking lot.

I saw the old gentleman pull out his handkerchief and mop his brow as he went back to his car and again looked at the engine. He then went to his wife and spoke with her and appeared to tell her it would be okay..

I had seen enough and I approached the old man. He saw me coming and stood straight and as I got near him. I said, ‘Looks like you’re having a problem.’  He smiled sheepishly and quietly nodded his head.  I looked under the hood myself and knew that whatever the problem was, it was beyond me.  Looking around I saw a gas station up the road and told the old man that I would be right back…

I drove to the stationand went inside and saw three attendants working on cars. I approached one of them and related the problem the old man had with his car and offered to pay them if they could follow me back down and help him.

The old man had pushed the heavy car under the shade of a tree and appeared to be comforting his wife. When he saw us he straightened up and thanked me for my help. As the mechanics diagnosed the problem (overheated engine) I spoke with the old gentleman.

When I shook hands with him earlier, he had noticed my Marine Corps ring and had commented about it, telling me that he had been a Marine too. I nodded and asked the usual question, ‘What outfit did you serve with?’

He had mentioned that he served with the first Marine Division at Tarawa, Saipan, Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal …

Iwo Jima Memorial

He had hit all the big ones and retired from the Corps after the war was over. As we talked we heard the car engine come on and saw the mechanics lower the hood. They came over to us as the old man reached for his wallet, but was stopped by me and I told him I would just put the bill on my AAA card.

He still reached for the wallet and handed me a card that I assumed had his name and address on it and I stuck it in my pocket.. We all shook hands all around again and I said my goodbye’s to his wife.

I then told the two mechanics that I would follow them back up to the station. Once at the station I told them that they had interrupted their own jobs to come along with me and help the old man. I said I wanted to pay for the help, but they refused to charge me.

One of them pulled out a card from his pocket looking exactly like the card the old man had given to me. Both of the men told me then, that they were Marine Corps Reserves. Once again we shook hands all around and as I was leaving, one of them told me I should look at the card the old man had given to me. I said I would and drove off.

For some reason I had gone about two blocks when I pulled over and took the card out of my pocket and looked at it for a long, long time. The name of the old gentleman was on the card in golden leaf and under his name……….

‘Congressional Medal of Honor Society.’

I sat there motionless looking at the card and reading it over and over. I looked up from the card and smiled to no one but myself and marveled that on this day, four Marines had all come together, because one of us needed help. He was an old man all right, but it felt good to have stood next to greatness and courage and an honor to have been in his presence. Remember, OLD men like him gave you and I FREEDOM for America ..

Thanks to those who served….and those who supported them.
America is not at war. The U.S. Military is at war. America is at the Mall. If you don’t stand behind our troops, PLEASE feel free to stand in front of them!

Remember, Freedom isn’t Free, thousands have paid the price so you can enjoy what you have today.

GOD OUR FATHER, WALK THROUGH MY HOUSE AND TAKE AWAY ALL MY WORRIES; AND PLEASE WATCH OVER AND HEAL MY FAMILY AND PLEASE PROTECT OUR FREEDOMS AND WATCH OVER OUR TROOPS WHO ARE DEFENDING THOSE FREEDOMS.
AMEN!

The ‘Israelification’ of airports:

High security, little bother

By Cathal Kelly Staff Reporter

Originally Published On Wed Dec 30 2009 —

While North America’s airports groan under the weight of another sea-change in security protocols, one word keeps popping out of the mouths of experts: Israelification.  That is, how can we make our airports more like Israel’s, which deal with far greater terror threat with far less inconvenience.

“It is mindboggling for us Israelis to look at what happens in North America , because we went through this 50 years ago,” said Rafi Sela, the president of AR Challenges, a global transportation security consultancy. He’s worked with the RCMP, the U.S. Navy Seals and airports around the world. “Israelis, unlike Canadians and Americans, don’t take s— from anybody. When the security agency in Israel (the ISA) started to tighten security and we had to wait in line for — not for hours — but 30 or 40 minutes, all hell broke loose here. We said, ‘We’re not going to do this. You’re going to find a way that will take care of security without touching the efficiency of the airport.” That, in a nutshell is “Israelification” – a system that protects life and limb without annoying you to death.

Despite facing dozens of potential threats each day, the security set-up at Israel ‘s largest hub, Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, has not been breached since 2002, when a passenger mistakenly carried a handgun onto a flight. How do they manage that?

“The first thing you do is to look at who is coming into your airport,” said Sela. The first layer of actual security that greets travellers at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport is a roadside check. All drivers are stopped and asked two questions: How are you? Where are you coming from? “Two benign questions. The questions aren’t important. The way people act when they answer them is,” Sela said.

Officers are looking for nervousness or other signs of “distress” — behavioural profiling. Sela rejects the argument that profiling is discriminatory. “The word ‘profiling’ is a political invention by people who don’t want to do security,” he said. “To us, it doesn’t matter if he’s black, white, young or old. It’s just his behaviour. So what kind of privacy am I really stepping on when I’m doing this?”

Once you’ve parked your car or gotten off your bus, you pass through the second and third security perimeters. Armed guards outside the terminal are trained to observe passengers as they move toward the doors, again looking for odd behaviour. At Ben Gurion’s half-dozen entrances, another layer of security are watching. At this point, some travellers will be randomly taken aside, and their person and their luggage run through a magnometer. “This is to see that you don’t have heavy metals on you or something that looks suspicious,” said Sela.

You are now in the terminal. As you approach your airline check-in desk, a trained interviewer takes your passport and ticket. They ask a series of questions: Who packed your luggage? Has it left your side? “The whole time, they are looking into your eyes — which is very embarrassing. But this is one of the ways they figure out if you are suspicious or not. It takes 20, 25 seconds,” said Sela. Lines are staggered. People are not allowed to bunch up into inviting targets for a bomber who has gotten this far.

At the check-in desk, your luggage is scanned immediately in a purpose-built area. Sela plays devil’s advocate — what if you have escaped the attention of the first four layers of security, and now try to pass a bag with a bomb in it? “I once put this question to Jacques Duchesneau (the former head of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority): say there is a bag with play-doh in it and two pens stuck in the play-doh. That is ‘Bombs 101′ to a screener.. I asked Ducheneau, ‘What would you do?’ And he said, ‘Evacuate the terminal.’ And I said, ‘Oh. My. God.’

“Take Pearson. Do you know how many people are in the terminal at all times? Many thousands. Let’s say I’m (doing an evacuation) without panic — which will never happen. But let’s say this is the case. How long will it take? Nobody thought about it. I said, ‘Two days.’”

A screener at Ben-Gurion has a pair of better options. First, the screening area is surrounded by contoured, blast-proof glass that can contain the detonation of up to 100 kilos of plastic explosive. Only the few dozen people within the screening area need be removed, and only to a point a few metres away. Second, all the screening areas contain ‘bomb boxes’. If a screener spots a suspect bag, he/she is trained to pick it up and place it in the box, which is blast proof. A bomb squad arrives shortly and wheels the box away for further investigation.

“This is a very small simple example of how we can simply stop a problem that would cripple one of your airports,” Sela said. Five security layers down: you now finally arrive at the only one which Ben-Gurion Airport shares with Pearson — the body and hand-luggage check.

“But here it is done completely, absolutely 180 degrees differently than it is done in North America ,” Sela said. “First, it’s fast — there’s almost no line. That’s because they’re not looking for liquids, they’re not looking at your shoes. They’re not looking for everything they look for in North America . They just look at you,” said Sela. “Even today with the heightened security in North America , they will check your items to death. But they will never look at you, at how you behave. They will never look into your eyes … and that’s how you figure out the bad guys from the good guys.”

That’s the process — six layers, four hard, two soft. The goal at Ben-Gurion is to move fliers from the parking lot to the airport lounge in a maximum of 25 minutes.

This doesn’t begin to cover the off-site security net that failed so spectacularly in targeting would-be Flight 253 bomber Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab — intelligence. In Israel , Sela said, a coordinated intelligence gathering operation produces a constantly evolving series of threat analyses and vulnerability studies. “There is absolutely no intelligence and threat analysis done in Canada or the United States ,” Sela said. “Absolutely none.” But even without the intelligence, Sela maintains, Abdulmutallab would not have gotten past Ben Gurion Airport’s behavioural profilers.

So. Eight years after 9/11, why are we still so reactive, so un-Israelified? Working hard to dampen his outrage, Sela first blames our leaders, and then ourselves.

“We have a saying in Hebrew that it’s much easier to look for a lost key under the light, than to look for the key where you actually lost it, because it’s dark over there.   That’s exactly how (North American airport security officials) act,” Sela said. “You can easily do what we do. You don’t have to replace anything. You have to add just a little bit — technology, training.. But you have to completely change the way you go about doing airport security. And that is something that the bureaucrats have a problem with. They are very well enclosed in their own concept.”

And rather than fear, he suggests that outrage would be a far more powerful spur to provoking that change.

“Do you know why Israelis are so calm? We have brutal terror attacks on our civilians and still, life in Israel is pretty good. The reason is that people trust their defence forces, their police, their response teams and the security agencies. They know they’re doing a good job.

You can’t say the same thing about Americans and Canadians. They don’t trust anybody,” Sela said. “But they say,… ‘ So far, so good  .’    Then if something happens, all hell breaks loose and you’ve spent eight hours in an airport. Which is ridiculous. Not justifiable. “But, what can you do?   Americans and Canadians are nice people and they will do anything because they were told to do so and because they don’t know any different.”

Pearl Harbor, HI 7-DEC-1941

In Honor of Those Who Lost Their Lives

At Pearl Harbor

68 Years Ago Today

I have to say that I am terribly disappointed that Google seems to have forgotten the importance of today. I was expecting some sort of acknowledgment. But, NOTHING!  I guess they have a bunch of youngsters there who are completely missing the point when it comes to history and the significance of this day.

For those of you who would like to know more about Pearl Harbor, please visit this page.

It made me fondly remember my days as a greyhound owner. In my present circumstance, I am not allowed any more pets. Or, I would happily help out with the cause at hand. When it comes time for me to get another dog, it will surely be a greyhound.

The greyhounds and I

I’m posting this in the hopes that some of you may consider helping out in this particular cause – or perhaps to consider adopting a greyhound at some point in the future.  They make great pets! They are very loving.  My three had excellent dispositions. They were full-sized couch potatoes.

I remember the first time I petted a greyhound.  We went to our local Pet Smart in Germantown, MD. They were having a “Meet-N-Greet” event.  As soon as we walked in, there were all these dogs. They looked so skinny and bony and I was expecting something completely different from what I felt when my palms first touched the dog.  The fur was so soft and silky.  Then the dog looked up at me and I saw those warm, deep and loving eyes. I liked what I saw and started out to find out more about this breed of dog.

A couple more Meet-N-Greets and we were filling out adoption forms.  But, before we got our first dog, I got a call from the our local chapter President, Ethel Whitehurst.  She informed us that they had just gotten in a pair of older dogs that were already used to living in a home. But, she said, they were older. However, they had been together for years and they didn’t want to adopt them out alone.  Would we be interested in fostering the TWO dogs for a while until we got ours?  It didn’t take too much discussion for us to agree to it.  In short order, we decided that we’d keep them both. They were just such wonderful animals.  I wasn’t going to let them be split up.  Their names were Heather and Argyle and they are the ones looking straight ahead in the picture above.

About Greyhounds In General

Some folks think that they need to have a lot of room to house a greyhound.  But, that’s not the case. Tthese dogs all settle down in their “retirement.”  They are not hyper-active at all.  They do love a nice comfy couch or extra large doggie pillow to curl up on.  Ours slept as much as the cats.  Yes, most do get along well with cats and small dogs.

Greyhounds are used to chasing a “rabbit” when they race.  So, when it comes time for them to go off the track and into a permanent home, they are “tested” to see their tolerance for smaller animals – especially cats. Most adoption groups will let you know whether your new prospective family member is “cat safe.”

Greyhounds do not require any large area. No more than the average dog.  But, they DO like to run! We used to take ours to a dog park – or other enclosed area -  and let them loose.  I was also fortunate that in both NC and MD I had a fenced in yard. They sure did love to run around and chase each other.  In fact, in North Carolina, they had worn a pretty big rut into the sand.

When walking your greyhound – always keep it on a leash. Greyhounds have incredible eyesight and can spot a small critter moving around upwards of 700 yards away.  Should their “prey instinct” kick in and they take off after it, you have NO CHANCE of running after your greyhound and catching it.  That’s because, once they get going, they can easily reach speeds of 40 MPH.

Fresh From The Track

If you are going to adopt a greyhound that comes straight off the track, you need to familiarize yourself with their typical conditions.  They are constantly kept in cages, except for the ocassional walk and when they are ready to race. They have no concept of stairs or glass.

So, should you have stairs in your home, be prepared to take a little extra time to work with your dog to them acclimated to stairs.  Soon, they will be going up and down like nothing. But at first, they need a little love and patience on your part.

Also, to prevent accidents, I suggest using some painters tape at doggie eye-level on your sliding glass (or full length glass) doors for the first few months.  After a bit they’ll get the hint that there is a barrier there.

Greyhounds Reach The Beach

One of the best times we had with our greyhounds was when we made the trip up to Dewey Beach, DE for the annual gathering of the greyhounds.  This is an annual event held in either late September or early October. Here, you and your fellow greyhound adopters from around the nation, sometimes around the world, will spend a weekend relishing in all the joys that being a greyhound adopter can mean.  The dogs have a blast, too – with all sorts of contests they can participate in.   At the end of it, our dogs were so tired, I had to help them up into the SUV for the ride home.

When night falls upon the city and the hounds have been bedded down, you have a chance to explore the many wonders that Dewey Beach has to offer.  Being right on the ocean, you will find some of the freshest seafood available. Shrimp and Oysters that were brought ashore that very morning are served before you in an endless variety of dishes.  There’s even a “boardwalk” area like you might find in Atlantic City. A nice row of all sorts of restaurants and establishments tempting you with their offerings.

The event wraps up on Sunday and we chose to go to a place that was highly recommended for it’s “Bloody Mary Brunch.”  I ordered up a couple Bloody Mary’s from the bartender and I got nothing more than two large glasses with some ice and vodka in them. Seeing the confusion on my face at the state of affairs, she just said, “Turn Around.”  When I did, my jaw dropped.  There was easily an eight foot buffet of condiments and mixers for finishing your drink to your personal taste. To this day, I have yet to see anything like it.

In Conclusion

My personal experience as a greyhound owner was one of the most rewarding and interesting times of my life.  They are truly unique animals and everywhere you take them you get a chance to meet new people who walk up to you and ask about them.  In the course of my participation in our local greyhound group in Maryland, and also in my time in Myrtle Beach, our respective groups marched in a few parades as well.  I even got to be “Doggie Claus” at the local Pet Smart one year for the annual photos with Santa.  That was an interesting experience.

You’ll just never know all the joys and fun that are waiting for you as a greyhound owner until to “take the plunge” and decide to help the cause of these majestic creatures.  I have met close to one hundred greyhound owners over the years and the positive stories are too numerous to detail here.

In fairness, though, there are those rare cases where an adoption does not work out.  That’s the benefit of associating yourself with a local group – they will gladly arrange for your dog to be placed in a foster home and work on “hooking you up” with a more suitable animal, should you so desire.  This happened with us when we went to adopt our third greyhound. While a truly beautiful dog, it became clear he was not going to work out in a house that had cats.  I called up the leader of our group and he was placed in another home that did not have cats within a week. That’s how we came to get Bennett, the third dog in the picture above.

RESOURCES….

Some wonderful greyhound adoption groups across the USA -

Greyhound Pets of America    – Maryland Chapter National Site

Adopt A Greyhound – click here

Greyhound Rescue, Inc. – (VA, MD, DC, WV, PA, DE) – click here

Greyhounds Unlimited – (Dallas-Ft. Worth Metro) – click here

Buffalo Greyhound Adoption – (Western New York) – click here

Greyhound Friends of North Carolina – click here

If you can help with the immediate need, there are only 6 weeks to get this task done.
Contact Joanne Kehoe, Operations Director, at (312) 559-0887,
or contact the Dairyland Race Track Adoption Center direct at (262) 612-8256

Here is an excerpt:

During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of
a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field.
Not knowing if it was a Union
or Confederate soldier, the Captain
decided to risk his life and bring the stricken
man back for medical attention. Crawling on his
stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached
the stricken soldier and began pulling him
toward his encampment.

When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he
discovered it was actually a Confederate
soldier, but the soldier was dead.
The Captain lit a lantern and
suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock.
In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier.
It was his own son. The boy had been studying music
in the South when the war broke out.
Without telling his father, the boy
enlisted in the Confederate Army.

YES. This is indeed a touching story – I wish it were true.  I first read this version at the Calabash  VFW shortly after we moved to NC.

Some time ago, someone asked me to check whether this version was true or not.  I did a quick Google search and was led to the website of Arlington National Cemetery and their Taps Project.

This led me to a site by Jari  A. Villanueva – who has played TAPS at Arlington on many an occassion.

http://www.west-point.org/taps/Taps.html

But, to me, the most thorough coverage of the origin of TAPS comes from this site:

http://www.tapsbugler.com/

Which is also another site by Mr. Villanueva.  It is at this site where you’ll also find a link called “The TAPS Myth” which offers a more thorough discussion of the topic at hand.

Cindy Williams - Whiner

This Cindy Williams is NOT the “Laverne & Shirley” Cindy Williams .

She was an Assistant Director for National Security in the Congressional Budget  Office……

This is an Airman’s response to Cindy Williams ‘ editorial piece in the Washington Times about MILITARY PAY, it should be printed in all newspapers across America .

Ms. Cindy Williams wrote a piece for the Washington Times Post, (which can be seen here) denouncing the pay raise(s) coming service members’ way this year citing that she stated 13% wage increase was more than they deserve.

A young airman from Hill AFB responds to her article below. He ought to get a bonus for this.

Ms Williams : I just had the pleasure of reading your column, “Our GIs earn enough” and I am a bit confused. Frankly, I’m wondering where this vaunted overpayment is going, because as far as I can tell, it disappears every month between DFAS (The Defense Finance and Accounting Service) and my bank account. Checking my latest earnings statement I see that I make $1,117.80 before taxes per month. After taxes, I take home $874.20. When I run that through the calculator, I come up with an annual salary of $13,413.60 before taxes, and $10,490.40, after.

I work in the Air Force Network Control Center where I am part of the team responsible for a 5,000 host computer network. I am involved with infrastructure segments, specifically with Cisco Systems equipment. A quick check under jobs for Network Technicians in the Washington , D.C. area reveals a position in my career field, requiring three years experience with my job. Amazingly, this job does NOT pay $13,413.60 a year. No, this job is being offered at $70,000 to $80,000 per annum……….. I’m sure you can draw the obvious conclusions.

Given the tenor of your column, I would assume that you NEVER had the pleasure of serving your country in her armed forces. Before you take it upon yourself to once more castigate congressional and DOD leadership for attempting to get the families in the military’s lowest pay brackets off of WIC and food stamps, I suggest that you join a group of deploying soldiers headed for AFGHANISTAN ; I leave the choice of service branch up to you. Whatever choice you make, though, opt for the SIX month rotation: it will guarantee you the longest possible time away from your family and friends, thus giving you full “deployment experience.”

As your group prepares to board the plane, make sure to note the spouses and children who are saying good-bye to their loved ones. Also take care to note that several families are still unsure of how they’ll be able to make ends meet while the primary breadwinner is gone – obviously they’ve been squandering the “vast” piles of cash the government has been giving them.

Try to deploy over a major holiday; Christmas and Thanksgiving are perennial favorites. And when you’re actually over there, sitting in a foxhole, shivering against the cold desert night; and the flight sergeant tells you that there aren’t enough people on shift to relieve you for chow, remember this: trade whatever MRE (meal-ready- to-eat) you manage to get for the tuna noodle casserole or cheese tortellini, and add Tabasco to everything.. This gives some flavor.

Talk to your loved ones as often as you are permitted; it won’t nearly be long enough or often enough, but take what you can get and be thankful for it. You may have picked up on the fact that I disagree with most of the points you present in your opened piece.

But, tomorrow from KABUL , I will defend to the death your right to say it.

You see, I am an American fighting man, a guarantor of your First Amendment rights and every other right you cherish. On a daily basis, my brother and sister soldiers worldwide ensure that you and people like you can thumb your collective nose at us, all on a salary that is nothing short of pitiful and under conditions that would make most people cringe. We hemorrhage our best and brightest into the private sector because we can’t offer the stability and pay of civilian companies.

And you, Ms. Williams , have the gall to say that we make more than we deserve? You can kiss my royal red a**!!!

A1C Michael Bragg Hill AFB AFNCC

See also:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/liveonline/01/politics/freemedia_williams021501.htm