- Joined
- Aug 25, 2009
- Messages
- 28,279
OUR MILITARY.
- Thread starter 68jk09
- Start date
mikeindabronx said:
Something is VERY WRONG with our system when we treat those who served and fought for each and every one of us this way. I don't know how most feel but after reading this; "It sickens me".
Meantime, our wealthy, selfish, over rated politicians line their pockets with money, while a large portion of our population bow down to these people as our so called hero's.
They are NOT my Hero's !!! My hero's are the guys like this poor veteran who served when the time came.
NO ONE SHOULD BE TREATED LIKE THIS. Certainly not someone who did so much for all of us.
Bill - The facility was not a federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital or clinic. It was a state of Oklahoma nursing home. I believe today, the federal VA provides effective, competent medical care in their facilities. It is sad that some state-run veterans facilities, at least in Oklahoma, apparently do not meet the same standards of care.
It is too bad that the state also seems to have taken no disciplinary action against these 4 providers, a PA and 3 RNs. In fact, the PA was actually rehired by the state to work at another facility.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/gove...cle_ed574264-538f-5631-abc7-94c6df3ae217.html
You are right - our veterans deserve better nursing and medical care. This seems like negligence and bureaucratic indifference.
It is too bad that the state also seems to have taken no disciplinary action against these 4 providers, a PA and 3 RNs. In fact, the PA was actually rehired by the state to work at another facility.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/gove...cle_ed574264-538f-5631-abc7-94c6df3ae217.html
You are right - our veterans deserve better nursing and medical care. This seems like negligence and bureaucratic indifference.
mack said:
Thank you Joe for that input. I was not aware of that. At least that is some encouraging words on the way our veterns are treated at other care facilities.
Let me also add for those here who don't know, "Thank you for "your" MANY YEARS of military service as well". There is really quite a story that goes along with those Many Years of Service.
And thank you for helping us to understand this article a little better.
- Joined
- May 6, 2010
- Messages
- 16,224
Ret. Marine Col. Jeffery Powers wrote tothe NFL commissioners the following:
QUOTE.
Commissioners,
I've been a season pass holder at Yankee Stadium, Yale Bowl and the Giants Stadium.
I missed the '90-'91 season because I was with a battalion of Marines in Desert Storm. 14 of my wonderful Marines returned home with the American Flag draped across their lifeless bodies. My last conversation with one of them, Sgt. Garrett Mongrella, was about how our Giants were going to the Super Bowl. He never got to see it.
Many friends, Marines, and Special Forces Soldiers who worked with or for me through the years returned home with the American Flag draped over their coffins.
Now I watch multi-millionaire athletes who never did anything in their lives but play a game, disrespect what brave Americans fought and died for. They are essentially spitting in the faces and on the graves of real men, men who have actually done something for this country beside playing with a ball and believing they're something special! They're not! My Marines and Soldiers were!
You are complicit in this! You'll fine players for large and small infractions but you lack the moral courage and respect for our nation and the fallen to put an immediate stop to this. Yes, I know, it's their 1st Amendment right to behave in such a despicable manner.
[https://coxrare.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/ap177600776455.jpg?w=616&h=518]
What would happen if they came out and disrespected you or the refs publicly?
I observed a player getting a personal foul for twerking in the end zone after scoring. I guess that's much worse than disrespecting the flag and our National Anthem. Hmmmmm, isn't it his 1st Amendment right to express himself like an idiot in the end zone?
Why is taunting not allowed yet taunting America is OK? You fine players for wearing 9-11 commemorative shoes yet you allow scum on the sidelines to sit, kneel or pump their pathetic fist in the air. They are so deprived with their multi-million dollar contracts for playing a freaking game!
You condone it all by your refusal to act. You're just as bad and disgusting as they are. I hope Americans boycott any sponsor who supports that rabble you call the NFL. I hope they turn off the TV when any team that allowed this disrespect to occur, without consequence, on the sidelines. I applaud those who have not.
Legends and heroes do NOT wear shoulder pads. They wear body armor and carry rifles.
They make minimum wage and spend months and years away from their families. They don't do it for an hour on Sunday. They do it 24/7 often with lead, not footballs, coming in their direction. They watch their brothers carted off in pieces not on a gurney to get their knee iced. They don't even have ice! Many don't have legs or arms.
Some wear blue and risk their lives daily on the streets of America. They wear fire helmets and go upstairs into the fire rather than down to safety. On 9-11, hundreds vanished. They are the heroes.
I hope that your high paid protesting pretty boys and you look in that mirror when you shave tomorrow and see what you really are, legends in your own minds. You need to hit the road and take those worms with you!
Time to change the channel.
Powers originally sent his letter to former Florida congressman Allen West. West then posted the letter to his news website.
As of last week, at least 18 NFL player had protested the anthem by either kneeling during the anthem or raising their fists, according to USA Today Sports. UNQUOTE.
QUOTE.
Commissioners,
I've been a season pass holder at Yankee Stadium, Yale Bowl and the Giants Stadium.
I missed the '90-'91 season because I was with a battalion of Marines in Desert Storm. 14 of my wonderful Marines returned home with the American Flag draped across their lifeless bodies. My last conversation with one of them, Sgt. Garrett Mongrella, was about how our Giants were going to the Super Bowl. He never got to see it.
Many friends, Marines, and Special Forces Soldiers who worked with or for me through the years returned home with the American Flag draped over their coffins.
Now I watch multi-millionaire athletes who never did anything in their lives but play a game, disrespect what brave Americans fought and died for. They are essentially spitting in the faces and on the graves of real men, men who have actually done something for this country beside playing with a ball and believing they're something special! They're not! My Marines and Soldiers were!
You are complicit in this! You'll fine players for large and small infractions but you lack the moral courage and respect for our nation and the fallen to put an immediate stop to this. Yes, I know, it's their 1st Amendment right to behave in such a despicable manner.
[https://coxrare.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/ap177600776455.jpg?w=616&h=518]
What would happen if they came out and disrespected you or the refs publicly?
I observed a player getting a personal foul for twerking in the end zone after scoring. I guess that's much worse than disrespecting the flag and our National Anthem. Hmmmmm, isn't it his 1st Amendment right to express himself like an idiot in the end zone?
Why is taunting not allowed yet taunting America is OK? You fine players for wearing 9-11 commemorative shoes yet you allow scum on the sidelines to sit, kneel or pump their pathetic fist in the air. They are so deprived with their multi-million dollar contracts for playing a freaking game!
You condone it all by your refusal to act. You're just as bad and disgusting as they are. I hope Americans boycott any sponsor who supports that rabble you call the NFL. I hope they turn off the TV when any team that allowed this disrespect to occur, without consequence, on the sidelines. I applaud those who have not.
Legends and heroes do NOT wear shoulder pads. They wear body armor and carry rifles.
They make minimum wage and spend months and years away from their families. They don't do it for an hour on Sunday. They do it 24/7 often with lead, not footballs, coming in their direction. They watch their brothers carted off in pieces not on a gurney to get their knee iced. They don't even have ice! Many don't have legs or arms.
Some wear blue and risk their lives daily on the streets of America. They wear fire helmets and go upstairs into the fire rather than down to safety. On 9-11, hundreds vanished. They are the heroes.
I hope that your high paid protesting pretty boys and you look in that mirror when you shave tomorrow and see what you really are, legends in your own minds. You need to hit the road and take those worms with you!
Time to change the channel.
Powers originally sent his letter to former Florida congressman Allen West. West then posted the letter to his news website.
As of last week, at least 18 NFL player had protested the anthem by either kneeling during the anthem or raising their fists, according to USA Today Sports. UNQUOTE.
- Joined
- May 6, 2010
- Messages
- 16,224
VIETNAM VET SURVIVING SPOUSE INFO....From: "Thomson, Lynda (FDNY)" <Lynda.Thomson@fdny.nyc.gov> ....QUOTE..
Subject: Deceased Vietnam Veteran's Surviving Spouse
Date: January 12, 2017 at 12:28:14 PM EST
To: "Thomson, Lynda (FDNY)" <Lynda.Thomson@fdny.nyc.gov>
Happy holiday's and good wishes to all as we start this New Year.
I've been notified about a second part affiliated with The United States of America's Vietnam Veteran War Commemoration Certificate of Honor Program.
We received phone call in regards to Deceased Members.
Kindly look to Paragraph Four
Deceased Vietnam Veteran's Surviving Spouse.
If anyone knows of a Deceased Member would you kindly follow these guidelines.
Have them email the following information to:
FireOps@fdny.nyc.gov
In the SUBJECT MATTER YOU MUST LIST: Deceased Vietnam Veteran's Surviving Spouse
Information required :
Deceased Member's Exact spelling of name;
Where member served on active duty
Branch of service
Period of time served
Address where Certificate and Pin can be mailed.
Please be advised that we will not be mailing these items out immediately upon receipt of the required information.
Thank you for your assistance and patience.
Please feel free to send this out to others you think can assist.
Respectfully
Lynda.
UNQUOTE.
Subject: Deceased Vietnam Veteran's Surviving Spouse
Date: January 12, 2017 at 12:28:14 PM EST
To: "Thomson, Lynda (FDNY)" <Lynda.Thomson@fdny.nyc.gov>
Happy holiday's and good wishes to all as we start this New Year.
I've been notified about a second part affiliated with The United States of America's Vietnam Veteran War Commemoration Certificate of Honor Program.
We received phone call in regards to Deceased Members.
Kindly look to Paragraph Four
Deceased Vietnam Veteran's Surviving Spouse.
If anyone knows of a Deceased Member would you kindly follow these guidelines.
Have them email the following information to:
FireOps@fdny.nyc.gov
In the SUBJECT MATTER YOU MUST LIST: Deceased Vietnam Veteran's Surviving Spouse
Information required :
Deceased Member's Exact spelling of name;
Where member served on active duty
Branch of service
Period of time served
Address where Certificate and Pin can be mailed.
Please be advised that we will not be mailing these items out immediately upon receipt of the required information.
Thank you for your assistance and patience.
Please feel free to send this out to others you think can assist.
Respectfully
Lynda.
UNQUOTE.
- Joined
- May 6, 2010
- Messages
- 16,224
Worth your time
QUOTE
Please take the time to read this e-mail in full! One in a thousand e-mails can really affect you and this is one.
It makes me so proud to be an American
Subject: AN AIRLINE CAPTAIN'S REPORT:
AN AIRLINE CAPTAIN'S REPORT
The American flag does not fly because the wind moves past it.....
The American flag flies from the last breath of each military member who has died serving it."
AIRLINE CAPTAIN - You will not regret reading this one. I Promise
My lead flight attendant came to me and said, "We have an H.R. on this
flight." (H.R. stands for Human Remains.)
"Are they military?" I asked.
'Yes', she said.
'Is there an escort?' I asked.
'Yes, I've already assigned him a seat'.
'Would you please tell him to come to the Flight Deck. You can board him
early," I said...
A short while later a young army sergeant entered the flight deck. He was
the image of the perfectly dressed soldier. He introduced himself and I
asked him about his soldier.
The escorts of these fallen soldiers talk about them as if they are still
alive and still with us. 'My soldier is on his way back to Virginia ,' he
said. He proceeded to answer my questions, but offered no words.
I asked him if there was anything I could do for him and he said no. I told
him that he had the toughest job in the military, and that I appreciated the
work that he does for the families of our fallen soldiers. The first
officer and I got up out of our seats to shake his hand. He left the Flight
Deck to find his seat.
We completed our preflight checks, pushed back and performed an uneventful
departure. About 30 minutes into our flight, I received a call from the
lead flight attendant in the cabin.
'I just found out the family of the soldier we are carrying, is also on
board', she said. She then proceeded to tell me that the father, mother,
wife and 2-year old daughter were escorting their son, husband, and father
home. The family was upset because they were unable to see the container
that the soldier was in before we left.
We were on our way to a major hub at which the family was going to wait four
hours for the connecting flight home to Virginia . The father of the
soldier told the flight attendant that knowing his son was below him in the
cargo compartment and being unable to see him was too much for him and the
family to bear. He had asked the flight attendant if there was anything
that could be done to allow them to see him upon our arrival. The family
wanted to be outside by the cargo door to watch the soldier being taken off
the airplane.
I could hear the desperation in the flight attendants voice when she asked
me if there was anything I could do. 'I'm on it', I said. I told her that I
would get back to her.
Airborne communication with my company normally occurs in the form of e-mail
like messages. I decided to bypass this system and contact my flight
dispatcher directly on a secondary radio. There is a radio operator in the
operations control center who connects you to the telephone of the
dispatcher. I was in direct contact with the dispatcher. I explained the
situation I had on board with the family and what it was the family wanted.
He said he understood and that he would get back to me.
Two hours went by and I had not heard from the dispatcher. We were going to
get busy soon and I needed to know what to tell the family. I sent a text
message asking for an update. I saved the return message from the
dispatcher and the following is the text:
'Captain, sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. There is policy on
this now, and I had to check on a few things. Upon your arrival a dedicated
escort team will meet the aircraft. The team will escort the family to the
ramp and plane side. A van will be used to load the remains with a
secondary van for the family.
The family will be taken to their departure area and escorted into the
terminal, where the remains can be seen on the ramp. It is a private area
for the family only. When the connecting aircraft arrives, the family will
be escorted onto the ramp and plane side to watch the remains being loaded
for the final leg home.
Captain, most of us here in flight control are veterans. Please pass our
condolences on to the family. Thanks.
I sent a message back, telling flight control thanks for a good job. I
printed out the message and gave it to the lead flight attendant to pass on
to the father. The lead flight attendant was very thankful and told me,
'You have no idea how much this will mean to them.'
Things started getting busy for the descent, approach and landing. After
landing, we cleared the runway and taxied to the ramp area. The ramp is
huge with 15 gates on either side of the alleyway. It is always a busy area
with aircraft maneuvering every which way to enter and exit. When we
entered the ramp and checked in with the ramp controller, we were told that
all traffic was being held for us.
'There is a team in place to meet the aircraft', we were told. It looked
like it was all coming together, then I realized that once we turned the
seat belt sign off, everyone would stand up at once and delay the family
from getting off the airplane. As we approached our gate, I asked the
copilot to tell the ramp controller, we were going to stop short of the gate
to make an announcement to the passengers. He did that and the ramp
controller said, 'Take your time.'
I stopped the aircraft and set the parking brake. I pushed the public
address button and said: 'Ladies and gentleman, this is your Captain
speaking: I have stopped short of our gate to make a special announcement.
We have a passenger on board who deserves our honor and respect. His name
is Private XXXXXX, a soldier who recently lost his life. Private XXXXXX s
under your feet in the cargo hold. Escorting him today is Army Sergeant
XXXXXX. Also, on board are his father, mother, wife, and daughter. Your
entire flight crew is asking for all passengers to remain in their seats to
allow the family to exit the aircraft first. Thank you.'
We continued the turn to the gate, came to a stop and started our shutdown
procedures. A couple of minutes later I opened the cockpit door. I found
the two forward flight attendants crying, something you just do not see. I
was told that after we came to a stop, every passenger on the aircraft
stayed in their seats, waiting for the family to exit the aircraft.
When the family got up and gathered their things, a passenger slowly started
to clap his hands. Moments later, more passengers joined in and soon the
entire aircraft was clapping. Words of 'God Bless You', I'm sorry, thank
you, be proud, and other kind words were uttered to the family as they made
their way down the aisle and out of the airplane. They were escorted down
to the ramp to finally be with their loved one.
Many of the passengers disembarking thanked me for the announcement I had
made. They were just words, I told them, I could say them over and over
again, but nothing I say will bring back that brave soldier.
I respectfully ask that all of you reflect on this event and the sacrifices
that millions of our men and women have made to ensure our freedom and
safety in these United States of AMERICA.
Foot note:
I know everyone who reads this will have tears in their eyes, including me.
Prayer chain for our Military... Don't break it! Please send this on after
a short prayer for our service men and women.
Don't break it!
They die for me and mine and you and yours and deserve our honor and
respect.
Prayer Request:
When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our
troops around the world... There is nothing attached. Just send this to
people in your address book. Do not let it stop with you. Of all the gifts
you could give a Marine, Soldier, Sailor, Airman, and others deployed in
harm's way, prayer is the very best one.
GOD BLESS YOU!!!
UNQUOTE
Thank you all who have served, or are serving. We Will NOT FORGET !!!!
QUOTE
Please take the time to read this e-mail in full! One in a thousand e-mails can really affect you and this is one.
It makes me so proud to be an American
Subject: AN AIRLINE CAPTAIN'S REPORT:
AN AIRLINE CAPTAIN'S REPORT
The American flag does not fly because the wind moves past it.....
The American flag flies from the last breath of each military member who has died serving it."
AIRLINE CAPTAIN - You will not regret reading this one. I Promise
My lead flight attendant came to me and said, "We have an H.R. on this
flight." (H.R. stands for Human Remains.)
"Are they military?" I asked.
'Yes', she said.
'Is there an escort?' I asked.
'Yes, I've already assigned him a seat'.
'Would you please tell him to come to the Flight Deck. You can board him
early," I said...
A short while later a young army sergeant entered the flight deck. He was
the image of the perfectly dressed soldier. He introduced himself and I
asked him about his soldier.
The escorts of these fallen soldiers talk about them as if they are still
alive and still with us. 'My soldier is on his way back to Virginia ,' he
said. He proceeded to answer my questions, but offered no words.
I asked him if there was anything I could do for him and he said no. I told
him that he had the toughest job in the military, and that I appreciated the
work that he does for the families of our fallen soldiers. The first
officer and I got up out of our seats to shake his hand. He left the Flight
Deck to find his seat.
We completed our preflight checks, pushed back and performed an uneventful
departure. About 30 minutes into our flight, I received a call from the
lead flight attendant in the cabin.
'I just found out the family of the soldier we are carrying, is also on
board', she said. She then proceeded to tell me that the father, mother,
wife and 2-year old daughter were escorting their son, husband, and father
home. The family was upset because they were unable to see the container
that the soldier was in before we left.
We were on our way to a major hub at which the family was going to wait four
hours for the connecting flight home to Virginia . The father of the
soldier told the flight attendant that knowing his son was below him in the
cargo compartment and being unable to see him was too much for him and the
family to bear. He had asked the flight attendant if there was anything
that could be done to allow them to see him upon our arrival. The family
wanted to be outside by the cargo door to watch the soldier being taken off
the airplane.
I could hear the desperation in the flight attendants voice when she asked
me if there was anything I could do. 'I'm on it', I said. I told her that I
would get back to her.
Airborne communication with my company normally occurs in the form of e-mail
like messages. I decided to bypass this system and contact my flight
dispatcher directly on a secondary radio. There is a radio operator in the
operations control center who connects you to the telephone of the
dispatcher. I was in direct contact with the dispatcher. I explained the
situation I had on board with the family and what it was the family wanted.
He said he understood and that he would get back to me.
Two hours went by and I had not heard from the dispatcher. We were going to
get busy soon and I needed to know what to tell the family. I sent a text
message asking for an update. I saved the return message from the
dispatcher and the following is the text:
'Captain, sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. There is policy on
this now, and I had to check on a few things. Upon your arrival a dedicated
escort team will meet the aircraft. The team will escort the family to the
ramp and plane side. A van will be used to load the remains with a
secondary van for the family.
The family will be taken to their departure area and escorted into the
terminal, where the remains can be seen on the ramp. It is a private area
for the family only. When the connecting aircraft arrives, the family will
be escorted onto the ramp and plane side to watch the remains being loaded
for the final leg home.
Captain, most of us here in flight control are veterans. Please pass our
condolences on to the family. Thanks.
I sent a message back, telling flight control thanks for a good job. I
printed out the message and gave it to the lead flight attendant to pass on
to the father. The lead flight attendant was very thankful and told me,
'You have no idea how much this will mean to them.'
Things started getting busy for the descent, approach and landing. After
landing, we cleared the runway and taxied to the ramp area. The ramp is
huge with 15 gates on either side of the alleyway. It is always a busy area
with aircraft maneuvering every which way to enter and exit. When we
entered the ramp and checked in with the ramp controller, we were told that
all traffic was being held for us.
'There is a team in place to meet the aircraft', we were told. It looked
like it was all coming together, then I realized that once we turned the
seat belt sign off, everyone would stand up at once and delay the family
from getting off the airplane. As we approached our gate, I asked the
copilot to tell the ramp controller, we were going to stop short of the gate
to make an announcement to the passengers. He did that and the ramp
controller said, 'Take your time.'
I stopped the aircraft and set the parking brake. I pushed the public
address button and said: 'Ladies and gentleman, this is your Captain
speaking: I have stopped short of our gate to make a special announcement.
We have a passenger on board who deserves our honor and respect. His name
is Private XXXXXX, a soldier who recently lost his life. Private XXXXXX s
under your feet in the cargo hold. Escorting him today is Army Sergeant
XXXXXX. Also, on board are his father, mother, wife, and daughter. Your
entire flight crew is asking for all passengers to remain in their seats to
allow the family to exit the aircraft first. Thank you.'
We continued the turn to the gate, came to a stop and started our shutdown
procedures. A couple of minutes later I opened the cockpit door. I found
the two forward flight attendants crying, something you just do not see. I
was told that after we came to a stop, every passenger on the aircraft
stayed in their seats, waiting for the family to exit the aircraft.
When the family got up and gathered their things, a passenger slowly started
to clap his hands. Moments later, more passengers joined in and soon the
entire aircraft was clapping. Words of 'God Bless You', I'm sorry, thank
you, be proud, and other kind words were uttered to the family as they made
their way down the aisle and out of the airplane. They were escorted down
to the ramp to finally be with their loved one.
Many of the passengers disembarking thanked me for the announcement I had
made. They were just words, I told them, I could say them over and over
again, but nothing I say will bring back that brave soldier.
I respectfully ask that all of you reflect on this event and the sacrifices
that millions of our men and women have made to ensure our freedom and
safety in these United States of AMERICA.
Foot note:
I know everyone who reads this will have tears in their eyes, including me.
Prayer chain for our Military... Don't break it! Please send this on after
a short prayer for our service men and women.
Don't break it!
They die for me and mine and you and yours and deserve our honor and
respect.
Prayer Request:
When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our
troops around the world... There is nothing attached. Just send this to
people in your address book. Do not let it stop with you. Of all the gifts
you could give a Marine, Soldier, Sailor, Airman, and others deployed in
harm's way, prayer is the very best one.
GOD BLESS YOU!!!
UNQUOTE
Thank you all who have served, or are serving. We Will NOT FORGET !!!!
- Joined
- May 6, 2010
- Messages
- 16,224
When the Music Stopped...
(For those who are unaware: At all military base theaters, the National Anthem is played before the movie begins.)
This is written from a Chaplain in Iraq:
I recently attended a showing of 'Spiderman 3' here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium that we use for movies as well as memorial services and other large gatherings.
As is the custom at all military bases, we stood to attention when The National Anthem began before the main feature.
All was going well until three-quarters of the way through The National Anthem, the music stopped.
Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-to-22-year-olds back in the States? I imagine that there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments, and everyone would sit down and yell for the movie to begin. Of course, that is, only if they had stood for The National Anthem in the first place.
Here in Iraq 1,000 soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again, and the soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. Again, though, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect 1,000 soldiers standing at attention to do? Frankly, I expected some laughter, and everyone would eventually sit down and wait for the movie to start.
No!!. . . You could have heard a pin drop while every soldier continued to stand at attention.
Suddenly, there was a lone voice from the front of the auditorium, then a dozen voices, and soon the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off: "And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say, does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave."
It was the most inspiring moment I have had in Iraq, and I wanted you to know what kind of U.S. Soldiers are serving you! Remember them as they fight for us!
Pass this along as a reminder to others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here at home and abroad. Many have already paid the ultimate price.
Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins, LSA Anaconda is at the Ballad Airport in Iraq, north of Baghdad. Please share only if you are so inclined. God Bless America and all of our troops serving throughout the world.
(For those who are unaware: At all military base theaters, the National Anthem is played before the movie begins.)
This is written from a Chaplain in Iraq:
I recently attended a showing of 'Spiderman 3' here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium that we use for movies as well as memorial services and other large gatherings.
As is the custom at all military bases, we stood to attention when The National Anthem began before the main feature.
All was going well until three-quarters of the way through The National Anthem, the music stopped.
Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-to-22-year-olds back in the States? I imagine that there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments, and everyone would sit down and yell for the movie to begin. Of course, that is, only if they had stood for The National Anthem in the first place.
Here in Iraq 1,000 soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again, and the soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. Again, though, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect 1,000 soldiers standing at attention to do? Frankly, I expected some laughter, and everyone would eventually sit down and wait for the movie to start.
No!!. . . You could have heard a pin drop while every soldier continued to stand at attention.
Suddenly, there was a lone voice from the front of the auditorium, then a dozen voices, and soon the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off: "And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say, does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave."
It was the most inspiring moment I have had in Iraq, and I wanted you to know what kind of U.S. Soldiers are serving you! Remember them as they fight for us!
Pass this along as a reminder to others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here at home and abroad. Many have already paid the ultimate price.
Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins, LSA Anaconda is at the Ballad Airport in Iraq, north of Baghdad. Please share only if you are so inclined. God Bless America and all of our troops serving throughout the world.
- Joined
- May 6, 2010
- Messages
- 16,224
This video is very moving??they were all hero's ! Semper Fi, Dave
Loyce Edward Deen, an Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd Class, USNR, was a gunner on a TBM Avenger.
On November 5, 1944, Deen's squadron participated in a raid on Manila where his plane was hit multiple times by anti-aircraft fire while attacking a Japanese cruiser.
Deen was killed. The Avenger's pilot, Lt Robert Cosgrove, managed to return to his carrier, the USS Essex.
Both Deen and the plane had been shot up so badly that it was decided to leave him in it.
It is the only time in U.S. Navy history (and probably U.S. Military history) that an aviator was buried in his aircraft after being killed in action.
http://loyceedeen.webstarts.com/uploads/GoingHome.mp4
Loyce Edward Deen, an Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd Class, USNR, was a gunner on a TBM Avenger.
On November 5, 1944, Deen's squadron participated in a raid on Manila where his plane was hit multiple times by anti-aircraft fire while attacking a Japanese cruiser.
Deen was killed. The Avenger's pilot, Lt Robert Cosgrove, managed to return to his carrier, the USS Essex.
Both Deen and the plane had been shot up so badly that it was decided to leave him in it.
It is the only time in U.S. Navy history (and probably U.S. Military history) that an aviator was buried in his aircraft after being killed in action.
http://loyceedeen.webstarts.com/uploads/GoingHome.mp4
Thank you, Chief.
Can you imagine that: there was once a time when there was so much more to life than "I, Myself and Me". How quaint that Honor, Sacrifice and Devotion to Duty should have been a "lifestyle" before we became aware that "self", "acquisition of 'things'" and "individuality" are the ultimate reasons of life.
We should pray in thankfulness every day - and several times every day, at that - that there are still men and women willing to pick up the slack whether in military or civilian uniform or working in the national interest in the Intel Community, Department of State, as Legal Attaches or any efforts protecting and promoting the United States of America in the world arena.
As an aside, I think that it would be wonderful was there a move to force the political will to demand three or four years of public service in the military or any other USG department or agency of anyone capable of performing any type of civilian employment. Without National Service, one gets no driver's license, no Social Security or other government benefits, no ability to have a bank or brokerage account or anything else. Period, end of the line, that's all she wrote.
Can you imagine that: there was once a time when there was so much more to life than "I, Myself and Me". How quaint that Honor, Sacrifice and Devotion to Duty should have been a "lifestyle" before we became aware that "self", "acquisition of 'things'" and "individuality" are the ultimate reasons of life.
We should pray in thankfulness every day - and several times every day, at that - that there are still men and women willing to pick up the slack whether in military or civilian uniform or working in the national interest in the Intel Community, Department of State, as Legal Attaches or any efforts protecting and promoting the United States of America in the world arena.
As an aside, I think that it would be wonderful was there a move to force the political will to demand three or four years of public service in the military or any other USG department or agency of anyone capable of performing any type of civilian employment. Without National Service, one gets no driver's license, no Social Security or other government benefits, no ability to have a bank or brokerage account or anything else. Period, end of the line, that's all she wrote.
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Rest in peace, hoping for a full recovery for the injured: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/04/17/black-hawk-helicopter-crashes-on-maryland-golf-course.html
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- 16,224
SORRY THE PHOTOS DID NOT TAKE BUT THE NAMES ARE HERE...REMEMBER THESE AMERICANS...Do you remember these men? Some of my elder friends will?the younger generation may have trouble knowing who these people were. But, as stated at the end of this email, how many of today's Hollywood elite put their careers on hold to enlist in Iraq or Afghanistan.
cid:14780143575818b595e5968603863633@donpowellshow.com
George Gobel comedian, taught fighter pilots in the Army Air Corps. Johnny Carson made a big deal about it once on the Tonight Show, to which George said, "The Japs didn't get past us!"
cid:14780143575818b595e60ab334190696@donpowellshow.com
Sterling Hayden, US Marines and OSS. Smuggled guns into Yugoslavia and parachuted into Croatia. Was awarded the Silver Star.
cid:14780143575818b595e67b7094344693@donpowellshow.com
James Stewart, US Army Air Corps. Bomber pilot who rose to the rank of General.
cid:14780143575818b595e6eb9153746806@donpowellshow.com
Ernest Borgnine, US Navy. Gunners Mate 1c, destroyer USS Lamberton.
cid:14780143575818b595e75c1150856316@donpowellshow.com
Ed McMahon, US Marines. Fighter Pilot. (Flew OE-1 Bird Dogs over Korea as well.)
cid:14780143575818b595e7cdc700180816@donpowellshow.com
Telly Savalas, US Army.
cid:14780143575818b595e83f3938497812@donpowellshow.com
Walter Matthau, US Army Air Corps., B-24 Radioman/Gunner and cryptographer.
cid:14780143575818b595e8b05522489347@donpowellshow.com
Steve Forrest, US Army. Wounded, Battle of the Bulge.
cid:14780143575818b595e9219563329840@donpowellshow.com
Jonathan Winters, USMC. Battleship USS Wisconsin and Carrier USS Bon Homme Richard. Anti-aircraft gunner, Battle of Okinawa.
cid:14780143575818b595e993e483074849@donpowellshow.com
Paul Newman, US Navy Rear seat gunner/radioman, torpedo bombers of USS Bunker Hill.
cid:14780143575818b595ea06e473849166@donpowellshow.com
Kirk Douglas, US Navy. Sub-chaser in the Pacific. Wounded in action and medically discharged.
cid:14780143575818b595ea7a3946345505@donpowellshow.com
Robert Mitchum, US Army.
cid:14780143575818b595eaed2318928056@donpowellshow.com
Dale Robertson, US Army. Tank Commander in North Africa under Patton. Wounded twice. Battlefield Commission.
cid:14780143575818b595eb621934245367@donpowellshow.com
Henry Fonda, US Navy. Destroyer USS Satterlee.
cid:14780143575818b595ebd86932374090@donpowellshow.com
John Carroll, US Army Air Corps. Pilot in North Africa. Broke his back in a crash.
cid:14780143575818b595ec4c8955070455@donpowellshow.com
Lee Marvin US Marines. Sniper. Wounded in action on Saipan. Buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Sec. 7A next to Greg Boyington and Joe Louis.
cid:14780143575818b595ecc1c122699026@donpowellshow.com
Art Carney, US Army. Wounded on Normandy beach, D-Day. Limped for the rest of his life.
cid:14780143575818b595ed390328772607@donpowellshow.com
Wayne Morris, US Navy fighter pilot, USS Essex. Downed seven Japanese fighters.
cid:14780143575818b595edb19596887634@donpowellshow.com
Rod Steiger, US Navy. Was aboard one of the ships that launched the Doolittle Raid.
cid:14780143575818b595ee292465812104@donpowellshow.comcid:14780143575818b595eea0e439680685@donpowellshow.com
Tony Curtis, US Navy. Sub tender USS Proteus. In Tokyo Bay for the surrender of Japan.
cid:14780143575818b595ef185240221400@donpowellshow.com
Larry Storch. US Navy. Sub tender USS Proteus with Tony Curtis.
cid:14780143575818b595ef90e440629647@donpowellshow.com
Forrest Tucker, US Army. Enlisted as a private, rose to Lieutenant.
cid:14780143575818b595f00a0158937120@donpowellshow.com
Robert Montgomery, US Navy.
cid:14780143575818b595f0828412150289@donpowellshow.com
George Kennedy, US Army. Enlisted after Pearl Harbor, stayed in sixteen years.
cid:14780143575818b595f0fc4736393891@donpowellshow.com
Mickey Rooney, US Army under Patton. Bronze Star.
cid:14780143575818b595f1759354148253@donpowellshow.com
Denver Pyle, US Navy. Wounded in the Battle of Guadalcanal. Medically discharged.
cid:14780143575818b595f1efc983348430@donpowellshow.com
Burgess Meredith, US Army Air Corps.
cid:14780143575818b595f269b788972780@donpowellshow.com
DeForest Kelley, US Army Air Corps.
cid:14780143575818b595f2e4c326836973@donpowellshow.com
Robert Stack, US Navy. Gunnery Officer.
cid:14780143575818b595f35fb059555683@donpowellshow.com
Neville Brand, US Army, Europe. Was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart.
cid:14780143575818b595f3db1371802570@donpowellshow.com
Tyrone Power, US Marines. Transport pilot in the Pacific Theater.
cid:14780143585818b5960032c613250962@donpowellshow.com
Charlton Heston, US Army Air Corps. Radio operator and aerial gunner on a B-25, Aleutians.
cid:14780143585818b59600af6740764283@donpowellshow.com
Danny Aiello, US Army. Lied about his age to enlist at 16. Served three years.
cid:14780143585818b596012c0957846401@donpowellshow.com
James Arness, US Army. As an infantryman, he was severely wounded at Anzio, Italy.
cid:14780143585818b59601aa8810162250@donpowellshow.com
Efram Zimbalist, Jr., US Army. Purple Heart for a severe wound received at Huertgen Forest.
cid:14780143585818b59602283162102764@donpowellshow.com
Mickey Spillane, US Army Air Corps, Fighter Pilot and later Instructor Pilot.
cid:14780143585818b59602a72357050202@donpowellshow.com
Rod Serling. US Army. 11th Airborne Division in the Pacific. He jumped at Tagaytay in the Philippines and was later wounded in Manila.
cid:14780143585818b59603277466594561@donpowellshow.com
Gene Autry, US Army Air Corps. Crewman on transports that ferried supplies over "The Hump" in the China-Burma-India Theater.
cid:14780143585818b59603a64880357710@donpowellshow.com
William Holden, US Army Air Corps.
cid:14780143585818b5960426a386457825@donpowellshow.com
Alan Hale Jr, US Coast Guard.
cid:14780143585818b59604a87096446692@donpowellshow.com
Russell Johnson, US Army Air Corps. B-24 crewman who was awarded Purple Heart when his aircraft was shot down by the Japanese in the Philippines.
cid:14780143585818b596052cf975632286@donpowellshow.com
William Conrad, US Army Air Corps. Fighter Pilot.
cid:14780143585818b59605b0a073470069@donpowellshow.com
Jack Klugman, US Army.
cid:14780143585818b596063dd563125643@donpowellshow.com
Frank Sutton, US Army. Took part in 14 assault landings, including Leyte, Luzon, Bataan and Corregidor.
cid:14780143585818b59606c56947285759@donpowellshow.com
Jackie Coogan, US Army Air Corps. Volunteered for gliders and flew troops and materials into Burma behind enemy lines.
cid:14780143585818b596074a7793645012@donpowellshow.com
Tom Bosley, US Navy.
cid:14780143585818b59607d05017107219@donpowellshow.com
Claude Akins, US Army. Signal Corps., Burma and the Philippines.
cid:14780143585818b5960855e979136012@donpowellshow.com
Chuck Connors, US Army. Tank-warfare instructor.
cid:14780143585818b59608dbb183920951@donpowellshow.com
Harry Carey Jr., US Navy.
cid:14780143585818b59609614070968418@donpowellshow.com
Mel Brooks, US Army. Combat Engineer. Saw action in the Battle of the Bulge.
cid:14780143585818b59609e69385482168@donpowellshow.com
Robert Altman, US Army Air Corps. B-24 Co-Pilot.
cid:14780143585818b5960a6bf219138963@donpowellshow.com
Pat Hingle, US Navy. Destroyer USS Marshall
cid:14780143585818b5960af38199805405@donpowellshow.com
Fred Gwynne, US Navy. Radioman.
cid:14780143585818b5960b7a2597990315@donpowellshow.com
Karl Malden, US Army Air Corps. 8th Air Force, NCO
cid:14780143585818b5960c008652638949@donpowellshow.com
Earl Holliman. US Navy. Lied about his age to enlist. Discharged after a year when they Navy found out.
cid:14780143585818b5960c881935256915@donpowellshow.com
Rock Hudson, US Navy. Aircraft mechanic, the Philippines.
cid:14780143585818b5960d0fe081930939@donpowellshow.com
Harvey Korman, US Navy.
cid:14780143585818b5960d986199629412@donpowellshow.com
Aldo Ray. US Navy. UDT frogman, Okinawa.
cid:14780143585818b5960e23d597363714@donpowellshow.com
Don Knotts, US Army, Pacific Theater.
cid:14780143585818b5960ead5670681778@donpowellshow.com
Don Rickles, US Navy aboard USS Cyrene.
cid:14780143585818b5960f380739031213@donpowellshow.com
Harry Dean Stanton, US Navy. Served aboard an LST in the Battle of Okinawa.
cid:14780143585818b5960fc37069250569@donpowellshow.com
Soupy Sales, US Navy. Served on USS Randall in the South Pacific.
cid:14780143585818b596104df956831530@donpowellshow.com
Lee Van Cleef, US Navy. Served aboard a sub chaser then a mine sweeper.
cid:14780143585818b59610db7666692059@donpowellshow.com
Clifton James, US Army, South Pacific. Was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart.
cid:14780143585818b59611949117603630@donpowellshow.com
Ted Knight, US Army, Combat Engineers.
cid:14780143585818b59612228148579821@donpowellshow.com
Jack Warden, US Navy, 1938-1942, then US Army, 1942-1945 101st Airborne Division.
cid:14780143585818b59612b02273796537@donpowellshow.com
Don Adams. US Marines. Wounded on Guadalcanal, then served as a Drill Instructor.
cid:14780143585818b59613468863555566@donpowellshow.com
James Gregory, US Navy and US Marines.
cid:14780143585818b59613d51121471303@donpowellshow.com
Brian Keith, US Marines. Radioman/Gunner in Dauntless dive-bombers.
cid:14780143585818b5961462e184126812@donpowellshow.com
Fess Parker, US Navy and US Marines. Booted from pilot training for being too tall, joined Marines as a radio operator.
cid:14780143585818b59614f15824918527@donpowellshow.com
Charles Durning. US Army. Landed at Normandy on D-Day. Shot multiple times. Awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts. Survived the Malmedy Massacre in Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge.
cid:14780143585818b59615811554856727@donpowellshow.com
Raymond Burr, US Navy. Shot in the stomach on Okinawa and medically discharged.
cid:14780143585818b5961610f737808053@donpowellshow.com
Hugh O'Brian, US Marines.
cid:14780143585818b59616a05296662626@donpowellshow.com
Robert Ryan, US Marines.
cid:14780143585818b59617397607461938@donpowellshow.com
Eddie Albert, US Coast Guard. Bronze Star with Combat V for saving several Marines under heavy fire as pilot of a landing craft during the invasion of Tarawa.
cid:14780143585818b59617cb6516390191@donpowellshow.com
Cark Gable, US Army Air Corps. B-17 gunner over Europe.
cid:14780143585818b596185dc746293257@donpowellshow.com
Charles Bronson, US Army Air Corps. B-29 gunner, wounded in action.
cid:14780143585818b59618f06266040672@donpowellshow.com
Peter Graves, US Army Air Corps.
cid:14780143585818b5961984a449794576@donpowellshow.com
Buddy Hackett, US Army anti-aircraft gunner.
cid:14780143585818b5961a183024301331@donpowellshow.com
Victor Mature, US Coast Guard.
cid:14780143585818b5961aab6472744951@donpowellshow.com
Jack Palance, US Army Air Corps. Severely injured bailing out of a burning B-24 bomber.
cid:14780143585818b5961b3e9169122068@donpowellshow.com
Robert Preston, US Army Air Corps. Intelligence Officer
cid:14780143585818b5961bd0f387984219@donpowellshow.com
Cesar Romero, US Coast Guard. Coast Guard. Participated in the invasions of Tinian and Saipan on the assault transport USS Cavalier.
cid:14780143585818b5961c655962450347@donpowellshow.com
Norman Fell, US Army Air Corps., Tail Gunner, Pacific Theater.
cid:14780143585818b5961cf9b930223206@donpowellshow.com
Jason Robards, US Navy. was aboard heavy cruiser USS Northampton when it was sunk off Guadalcanal. Also served on the USS Nashville during the invasion of the Philippines, surviving a kamikaze hit that caused 223 casualties.
cid:14780143585818b5961d8fe356456701@donpowellshow.com
Steve Reeves, US Army, Philippines.
cid:14780143585818b5961e25b813008495@donpowellshow.com
Dennis Weaver, US Navy. Pilot.
cid:14780143585818b5961ebb9951240979@donpowellshow.com
Robert Taylor, US Navy. Instructor Pilot.
cid:14780143585818b5961f54b901394690@donpowellshow.com
Randolph Scott. Tried to enlist in the Marines but was rejected due to injuries sustained in US Army, World War 1.
cid:14780143585818b5961fee7594334354@donpowellshow.com
Ronald Reagan. US Army. Was a 2nd Lt. in the Cavalry Reserves before the war. His poor eyesight kept him from being sent overseas with his unit when war came so he transferred to the Army Air Corps Public Relations Unit where he served for the duration.
cid:14780143585818b59620864459883586@donpowellshow.com
John Wayne. Declared "4F medically unfit" due to pre-existing injuries, he nonetheless attempted to volunteer three times (Army, Navy and Film Corps), so he gets honorable mention.
cid:14780143585818b59621200012939567@donpowellshow.com
And of course we have Audie Murphy, America's most-decorated soldier, who became a Hollywood star as a result of his US Army service that included his being awarded the Medal of Honor.
Would someone please remind me again how many of today's Hollywood elite put their careers on hold to enlist in Iraq or Afghanistan? The only one who even comes close was Pat Tillman, who turned down a contract offer of $3.6 million over three years from the Arizona Cardinals football team to enlist in the US Army after September 11, 2001. He serve as a Ranger in Afghanistan, where he died in 2004. But rather than being lauded for his choice and his decision to put his country before his career, he was mocked and derided by many of his peers.
My generation grew up watching, being entertained by and laughing with so many of these fine people, never really knowing what they contributed to the war effort. Like millions of Americans during the WWII, there was a job that needed doing they didn't question, they went and did it, those that came home returned to their now new normal life and carried on, very few ever saying what they did or saw. They took it as their "responsibility", their "duty" to Country, to protect and preserve our freedoms and way of life, not just for themselves but for all future generations to come. I'm forever humbly in their debt.
This will remind you of what real men were like.
cid:14780143575818b595e5968603863633@donpowellshow.com
George Gobel comedian, taught fighter pilots in the Army Air Corps. Johnny Carson made a big deal about it once on the Tonight Show, to which George said, "The Japs didn't get past us!"
cid:14780143575818b595e60ab334190696@donpowellshow.com
Sterling Hayden, US Marines and OSS. Smuggled guns into Yugoslavia and parachuted into Croatia. Was awarded the Silver Star.
cid:14780143575818b595e67b7094344693@donpowellshow.com
James Stewart, US Army Air Corps. Bomber pilot who rose to the rank of General.
cid:14780143575818b595e6eb9153746806@donpowellshow.com
Ernest Borgnine, US Navy. Gunners Mate 1c, destroyer USS Lamberton.
cid:14780143575818b595e75c1150856316@donpowellshow.com
Ed McMahon, US Marines. Fighter Pilot. (Flew OE-1 Bird Dogs over Korea as well.)
cid:14780143575818b595e7cdc700180816@donpowellshow.com
Telly Savalas, US Army.
cid:14780143575818b595e83f3938497812@donpowellshow.com
Walter Matthau, US Army Air Corps., B-24 Radioman/Gunner and cryptographer.
cid:14780143575818b595e8b05522489347@donpowellshow.com
Steve Forrest, US Army. Wounded, Battle of the Bulge.
cid:14780143575818b595e9219563329840@donpowellshow.com
Jonathan Winters, USMC. Battleship USS Wisconsin and Carrier USS Bon Homme Richard. Anti-aircraft gunner, Battle of Okinawa.
cid:14780143575818b595e993e483074849@donpowellshow.com
Paul Newman, US Navy Rear seat gunner/radioman, torpedo bombers of USS Bunker Hill.
cid:14780143575818b595ea06e473849166@donpowellshow.com
Kirk Douglas, US Navy. Sub-chaser in the Pacific. Wounded in action and medically discharged.
cid:14780143575818b595ea7a3946345505@donpowellshow.com
Robert Mitchum, US Army.
cid:14780143575818b595eaed2318928056@donpowellshow.com
Dale Robertson, US Army. Tank Commander in North Africa under Patton. Wounded twice. Battlefield Commission.
cid:14780143575818b595eb621934245367@donpowellshow.com
Henry Fonda, US Navy. Destroyer USS Satterlee.
cid:14780143575818b595ebd86932374090@donpowellshow.com
John Carroll, US Army Air Corps. Pilot in North Africa. Broke his back in a crash.
cid:14780143575818b595ec4c8955070455@donpowellshow.com
Lee Marvin US Marines. Sniper. Wounded in action on Saipan. Buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Sec. 7A next to Greg Boyington and Joe Louis.
cid:14780143575818b595ecc1c122699026@donpowellshow.com
Art Carney, US Army. Wounded on Normandy beach, D-Day. Limped for the rest of his life.
cid:14780143575818b595ed390328772607@donpowellshow.com
Wayne Morris, US Navy fighter pilot, USS Essex. Downed seven Japanese fighters.
cid:14780143575818b595edb19596887634@donpowellshow.com
Rod Steiger, US Navy. Was aboard one of the ships that launched the Doolittle Raid.
cid:14780143575818b595ee292465812104@donpowellshow.comcid:14780143575818b595eea0e439680685@donpowellshow.com
Tony Curtis, US Navy. Sub tender USS Proteus. In Tokyo Bay for the surrender of Japan.
cid:14780143575818b595ef185240221400@donpowellshow.com
Larry Storch. US Navy. Sub tender USS Proteus with Tony Curtis.
cid:14780143575818b595ef90e440629647@donpowellshow.com
Forrest Tucker, US Army. Enlisted as a private, rose to Lieutenant.
cid:14780143575818b595f00a0158937120@donpowellshow.com
Robert Montgomery, US Navy.
cid:14780143575818b595f0828412150289@donpowellshow.com
George Kennedy, US Army. Enlisted after Pearl Harbor, stayed in sixteen years.
cid:14780143575818b595f0fc4736393891@donpowellshow.com
Mickey Rooney, US Army under Patton. Bronze Star.
cid:14780143575818b595f1759354148253@donpowellshow.com
Denver Pyle, US Navy. Wounded in the Battle of Guadalcanal. Medically discharged.
cid:14780143575818b595f1efc983348430@donpowellshow.com
Burgess Meredith, US Army Air Corps.
cid:14780143575818b595f269b788972780@donpowellshow.com
DeForest Kelley, US Army Air Corps.
cid:14780143575818b595f2e4c326836973@donpowellshow.com
Robert Stack, US Navy. Gunnery Officer.
cid:14780143575818b595f35fb059555683@donpowellshow.com
Neville Brand, US Army, Europe. Was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart.
cid:14780143575818b595f3db1371802570@donpowellshow.com
Tyrone Power, US Marines. Transport pilot in the Pacific Theater.
cid:14780143585818b5960032c613250962@donpowellshow.com
Charlton Heston, US Army Air Corps. Radio operator and aerial gunner on a B-25, Aleutians.
cid:14780143585818b59600af6740764283@donpowellshow.com
Danny Aiello, US Army. Lied about his age to enlist at 16. Served three years.
cid:14780143585818b596012c0957846401@donpowellshow.com
James Arness, US Army. As an infantryman, he was severely wounded at Anzio, Italy.
cid:14780143585818b59601aa8810162250@donpowellshow.com
Efram Zimbalist, Jr., US Army. Purple Heart for a severe wound received at Huertgen Forest.
cid:14780143585818b59602283162102764@donpowellshow.com
Mickey Spillane, US Army Air Corps, Fighter Pilot and later Instructor Pilot.
cid:14780143585818b59602a72357050202@donpowellshow.com
Rod Serling. US Army. 11th Airborne Division in the Pacific. He jumped at Tagaytay in the Philippines and was later wounded in Manila.
cid:14780143585818b59603277466594561@donpowellshow.com
Gene Autry, US Army Air Corps. Crewman on transports that ferried supplies over "The Hump" in the China-Burma-India Theater.
cid:14780143585818b59603a64880357710@donpowellshow.com
William Holden, US Army Air Corps.
cid:14780143585818b5960426a386457825@donpowellshow.com
Alan Hale Jr, US Coast Guard.
cid:14780143585818b59604a87096446692@donpowellshow.com
Russell Johnson, US Army Air Corps. B-24 crewman who was awarded Purple Heart when his aircraft was shot down by the Japanese in the Philippines.
cid:14780143585818b596052cf975632286@donpowellshow.com
William Conrad, US Army Air Corps. Fighter Pilot.
cid:14780143585818b59605b0a073470069@donpowellshow.com
Jack Klugman, US Army.
cid:14780143585818b596063dd563125643@donpowellshow.com
Frank Sutton, US Army. Took part in 14 assault landings, including Leyte, Luzon, Bataan and Corregidor.
cid:14780143585818b59606c56947285759@donpowellshow.com
Jackie Coogan, US Army Air Corps. Volunteered for gliders and flew troops and materials into Burma behind enemy lines.
cid:14780143585818b596074a7793645012@donpowellshow.com
Tom Bosley, US Navy.
cid:14780143585818b59607d05017107219@donpowellshow.com
Claude Akins, US Army. Signal Corps., Burma and the Philippines.
cid:14780143585818b5960855e979136012@donpowellshow.com
Chuck Connors, US Army. Tank-warfare instructor.
cid:14780143585818b59608dbb183920951@donpowellshow.com
Harry Carey Jr., US Navy.
cid:14780143585818b59609614070968418@donpowellshow.com
Mel Brooks, US Army. Combat Engineer. Saw action in the Battle of the Bulge.
cid:14780143585818b59609e69385482168@donpowellshow.com
Robert Altman, US Army Air Corps. B-24 Co-Pilot.
cid:14780143585818b5960a6bf219138963@donpowellshow.com
Pat Hingle, US Navy. Destroyer USS Marshall
cid:14780143585818b5960af38199805405@donpowellshow.com
Fred Gwynne, US Navy. Radioman.
cid:14780143585818b5960b7a2597990315@donpowellshow.com
Karl Malden, US Army Air Corps. 8th Air Force, NCO
cid:14780143585818b5960c008652638949@donpowellshow.com
Earl Holliman. US Navy. Lied about his age to enlist. Discharged after a year when they Navy found out.
cid:14780143585818b5960c881935256915@donpowellshow.com
Rock Hudson, US Navy. Aircraft mechanic, the Philippines.
cid:14780143585818b5960d0fe081930939@donpowellshow.com
Harvey Korman, US Navy.
cid:14780143585818b5960d986199629412@donpowellshow.com
Aldo Ray. US Navy. UDT frogman, Okinawa.
cid:14780143585818b5960e23d597363714@donpowellshow.com
Don Knotts, US Army, Pacific Theater.
cid:14780143585818b5960ead5670681778@donpowellshow.com
Don Rickles, US Navy aboard USS Cyrene.
cid:14780143585818b5960f380739031213@donpowellshow.com
Harry Dean Stanton, US Navy. Served aboard an LST in the Battle of Okinawa.
cid:14780143585818b5960fc37069250569@donpowellshow.com
Soupy Sales, US Navy. Served on USS Randall in the South Pacific.
cid:14780143585818b596104df956831530@donpowellshow.com
Lee Van Cleef, US Navy. Served aboard a sub chaser then a mine sweeper.
cid:14780143585818b59610db7666692059@donpowellshow.com
Clifton James, US Army, South Pacific. Was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart.
cid:14780143585818b59611949117603630@donpowellshow.com
Ted Knight, US Army, Combat Engineers.
cid:14780143585818b59612228148579821@donpowellshow.com
Jack Warden, US Navy, 1938-1942, then US Army, 1942-1945 101st Airborne Division.
cid:14780143585818b59612b02273796537@donpowellshow.com
Don Adams. US Marines. Wounded on Guadalcanal, then served as a Drill Instructor.
cid:14780143585818b59613468863555566@donpowellshow.com
James Gregory, US Navy and US Marines.
cid:14780143585818b59613d51121471303@donpowellshow.com
Brian Keith, US Marines. Radioman/Gunner in Dauntless dive-bombers.
cid:14780143585818b5961462e184126812@donpowellshow.com
Fess Parker, US Navy and US Marines. Booted from pilot training for being too tall, joined Marines as a radio operator.
cid:14780143585818b59614f15824918527@donpowellshow.com
Charles Durning. US Army. Landed at Normandy on D-Day. Shot multiple times. Awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts. Survived the Malmedy Massacre in Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge.
cid:14780143585818b59615811554856727@donpowellshow.com
Raymond Burr, US Navy. Shot in the stomach on Okinawa and medically discharged.
cid:14780143585818b5961610f737808053@donpowellshow.com
Hugh O'Brian, US Marines.
cid:14780143585818b59616a05296662626@donpowellshow.com
Robert Ryan, US Marines.
cid:14780143585818b59617397607461938@donpowellshow.com
Eddie Albert, US Coast Guard. Bronze Star with Combat V for saving several Marines under heavy fire as pilot of a landing craft during the invasion of Tarawa.
cid:14780143585818b59617cb6516390191@donpowellshow.com
Cark Gable, US Army Air Corps. B-17 gunner over Europe.
cid:14780143585818b596185dc746293257@donpowellshow.com
Charles Bronson, US Army Air Corps. B-29 gunner, wounded in action.
cid:14780143585818b59618f06266040672@donpowellshow.com
Peter Graves, US Army Air Corps.
cid:14780143585818b5961984a449794576@donpowellshow.com
Buddy Hackett, US Army anti-aircraft gunner.
cid:14780143585818b5961a183024301331@donpowellshow.com
Victor Mature, US Coast Guard.
cid:14780143585818b5961aab6472744951@donpowellshow.com
Jack Palance, US Army Air Corps. Severely injured bailing out of a burning B-24 bomber.
cid:14780143585818b5961b3e9169122068@donpowellshow.com
Robert Preston, US Army Air Corps. Intelligence Officer
cid:14780143585818b5961bd0f387984219@donpowellshow.com
Cesar Romero, US Coast Guard. Coast Guard. Participated in the invasions of Tinian and Saipan on the assault transport USS Cavalier.
cid:14780143585818b5961c655962450347@donpowellshow.com
Norman Fell, US Army Air Corps., Tail Gunner, Pacific Theater.
cid:14780143585818b5961cf9b930223206@donpowellshow.com
Jason Robards, US Navy. was aboard heavy cruiser USS Northampton when it was sunk off Guadalcanal. Also served on the USS Nashville during the invasion of the Philippines, surviving a kamikaze hit that caused 223 casualties.
cid:14780143585818b5961d8fe356456701@donpowellshow.com
Steve Reeves, US Army, Philippines.
cid:14780143585818b5961e25b813008495@donpowellshow.com
Dennis Weaver, US Navy. Pilot.
cid:14780143585818b5961ebb9951240979@donpowellshow.com
Robert Taylor, US Navy. Instructor Pilot.
cid:14780143585818b5961f54b901394690@donpowellshow.com
Randolph Scott. Tried to enlist in the Marines but was rejected due to injuries sustained in US Army, World War 1.
cid:14780143585818b5961fee7594334354@donpowellshow.com
Ronald Reagan. US Army. Was a 2nd Lt. in the Cavalry Reserves before the war. His poor eyesight kept him from being sent overseas with his unit when war came so he transferred to the Army Air Corps Public Relations Unit where he served for the duration.
cid:14780143585818b59620864459883586@donpowellshow.com
John Wayne. Declared "4F medically unfit" due to pre-existing injuries, he nonetheless attempted to volunteer three times (Army, Navy and Film Corps), so he gets honorable mention.
cid:14780143585818b59621200012939567@donpowellshow.com
And of course we have Audie Murphy, America's most-decorated soldier, who became a Hollywood star as a result of his US Army service that included his being awarded the Medal of Honor.
Would someone please remind me again how many of today's Hollywood elite put their careers on hold to enlist in Iraq or Afghanistan? The only one who even comes close was Pat Tillman, who turned down a contract offer of $3.6 million over three years from the Arizona Cardinals football team to enlist in the US Army after September 11, 2001. He serve as a Ranger in Afghanistan, where he died in 2004. But rather than being lauded for his choice and his decision to put his country before his career, he was mocked and derided by many of his peers.
My generation grew up watching, being entertained by and laughing with so many of these fine people, never really knowing what they contributed to the war effort. Like millions of Americans during the WWII, there was a job that needed doing they didn't question, they went and did it, those that came home returned to their now new normal life and carried on, very few ever saying what they did or saw. They took it as their "responsibility", their "duty" to Country, to protect and preserve our freedoms and way of life, not just for themselves but for all future generations to come. I'm forever humbly in their debt.
This will remind you of what real men were like.
Thanks Chief for the post of famous people in the military post who served in our military. Unfortunately, we live in a different era. Few Americans, especially Hollywood people, can relate to service to help others or service to our country. There are some remarkable celebrities from the past who risked their lives serving in our armed forces.
Jimmy Stewart - famous actor - Hollywood 2 Academy Awards - military 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 3 Air Medals:
Born to the owner of a hardware store, Jimmy Stewart dodged continuing the family business to become one of the most prolific actors of this time. Stewart was shy as a child and was interested in aviation, but his father discouraged him from attending the U.S. Naval Academy and guided him towards Princeton. It was at Princeton that Stewart became involved in acting, and began a career as a stage actor.
During the depression, cinema houses were taking over stage plays, and Stewart experienced difficulty finding work. However, he eventually made the switch to Hollywood and began working in cinema. He worked on films such as Destry Rides Again, The Shop Around the Corner, and Pot o' Gold. During this time, Stewart realized his passion for aviation by logging over 400 hours of flight time as a pilot.
When the U.S. entered World War II, Stewart was drafted into the Army but was rejected because he was underweight for his height. He worked with colleagues to put on the necessary pounds, and successfully enlisted with the Army Air Corps. He was stationed at Moffett Field, California as an enlisted man. During his nine months of training at that base, he also took extension courses with the idea of obtaining a commission.
His college degree and extensive flight time played to his favor, and he received his commission after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Because he had logged over 400 hours as a civilian, he was permitted to take basic flight training at Moffett and earned his pilot wings. During the next nine months, he instructed in AT-6, AT-9, and B-17 aircraft and flew bombardiers in the training school at Albuquerque, N.M. In the fall of 1943, Stewart went to England as Commanding Officer of the 703d Bomb Squadron, equipped with B-24s.
He began flying combat missions and on March 31, 1944, was appointed Operations Officer of the 453rd Bomb Group and, subsequently, Chief of Staff of the 2nd Combat wing, 2nd Air Division of the 8th Air Corps. Stewart ended the war with 20 combat missions. He remained in the Army Reserve and was promoted to brigadier general on July 23, 1959. He also volunteered for service in Vietnam.
When Stewart returned to acting after the war, he continued on his career as a top actor, starring in movies like It's a Wonderful Life, Rear Window, and The Spirit of St. Louis. Upon retiring, he had accumulated 12 civilian and military medals, two Academy Awards, two Golden Globes, and numerous Lifetime Achievement awards from different institutes. He passed away in 1997.
Jimmy Stewart - famous actor - Hollywood 2 Academy Awards - military 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 3 Air Medals:
Born to the owner of a hardware store, Jimmy Stewart dodged continuing the family business to become one of the most prolific actors of this time. Stewart was shy as a child and was interested in aviation, but his father discouraged him from attending the U.S. Naval Academy and guided him towards Princeton. It was at Princeton that Stewart became involved in acting, and began a career as a stage actor.
During the depression, cinema houses were taking over stage plays, and Stewart experienced difficulty finding work. However, he eventually made the switch to Hollywood and began working in cinema. He worked on films such as Destry Rides Again, The Shop Around the Corner, and Pot o' Gold. During this time, Stewart realized his passion for aviation by logging over 400 hours of flight time as a pilot.
When the U.S. entered World War II, Stewart was drafted into the Army but was rejected because he was underweight for his height. He worked with colleagues to put on the necessary pounds, and successfully enlisted with the Army Air Corps. He was stationed at Moffett Field, California as an enlisted man. During his nine months of training at that base, he also took extension courses with the idea of obtaining a commission.
His college degree and extensive flight time played to his favor, and he received his commission after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Because he had logged over 400 hours as a civilian, he was permitted to take basic flight training at Moffett and earned his pilot wings. During the next nine months, he instructed in AT-6, AT-9, and B-17 aircraft and flew bombardiers in the training school at Albuquerque, N.M. In the fall of 1943, Stewart went to England as Commanding Officer of the 703d Bomb Squadron, equipped with B-24s.
He began flying combat missions and on March 31, 1944, was appointed Operations Officer of the 453rd Bomb Group and, subsequently, Chief of Staff of the 2nd Combat wing, 2nd Air Division of the 8th Air Corps. Stewart ended the war with 20 combat missions. He remained in the Army Reserve and was promoted to brigadier general on July 23, 1959. He also volunteered for service in Vietnam.
When Stewart returned to acting after the war, he continued on his career as a top actor, starring in movies like It's a Wonderful Life, Rear Window, and The Spirit of St. Louis. Upon retiring, he had accumulated 12 civilian and military medals, two Academy Awards, two Golden Globes, and numerous Lifetime Achievement awards from different institutes. He passed away in 1997.
Ted Williams - Hall of Fame Boston Red Sox baseball player - US Marine Corps pilot - MLB last player to bat .400 - USMC 39 combat missions, 3 Air Medals, Navy Unit commendation, Presidential Medal of Freedom, American and Asian Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal
"'As good a Marine as he was a ballplayer' By Jonathan Mayo MLB.com
Unlike many athletes who were pressed into military service, Williams was involved in active combat during the Korean War. Flying a total of 39 missions, he lost part of his hearing and survived many extremely dangerous situations. He also became close friends with another fellow Marine pilot.
"Some people came back in from the sports world who were put to work as coaches for the baseball teams or something like that," said John Glenn, who of course went on to greater fame with NASA and the U.S. Senate. "Ted was not that way. Ted fit right in. He was a Marine pilot just like the rest of us and did a great job."
Williams' military career began during World War II...He missed the next three baseball seasons, spending his time studying and learning how to fly. As he did with baseball, he excelled at his new craft. During his training, he set records for hits, shooting from wingovers, zooms and barrel rolls. He also set a still-standing student gunnery record, in reflexes, coordination and visual reaction time.
He never got called into active combat and was discharged in December of 1945. He returned to the Red Sox for the 1946 season, picking up where he left off. It would be seven years before his military career would continue. Williams was called from the inactive reserves in 1952 to fight in the Korean War. He arrived in Korea in February 1953 as a member of the first Marine Air Wing. It was then he began his friendship with Glenn.
"By luck of the draw, we went to Korea at the same time," Glenn said. "We were in the same squadron there. What they did at that time, they teamed up a reservist with a regular to fly together most of the time just because the regular Marine pilots normally had more instrument flying experience and things like that. So Ted and I were scheduled together. Ted flew as my wingman on about half the missions he flew in Korea."
This wasn't a goodwill tour. Williams got hit on several occasions, managing to escape death each time.
"Once, he was on fire and had to belly land the plane back in," Glenn said. "He slid it in on the belly. It came up the runway about 1,500 feet before he was able to jump out and run off the wingtip.
"Another time he was hit in the wingtip tank when I was flying with him. So he was a very active combat pilot, and he was an excellent pilot and I give him a lot of credit."
So did the American public, who gave Williams a hero's welcome upon his return to baseball at the end of the 1953 season. Williams, however, didn't really understand the what all the commotion was about.
"Everybody tries to make a hero out of me over the Korean thing," Williams once said. "I was no hero. There were maybe 75 pilots in our two squadrons and 99 percent of them did a better job than I did. But I liked flying. It was the second-best thing that ever happened to me. If I hadn't had baseball to come back to, I might have gone on as a Marine pilot."
There wouldn't have been any complaints from the Marines, least of all from his squadron leader.
"Much as I appreciate baseball, Ted to me will always be a Marine fighter pilot," Glenn said. "He did a great job as a pilot. Ted was a gung-ho Marine." "
Note: Ted Williams frequently expressed his desire to be a firefighter: "That's the life, being a fireman. It sure beats being a ballplayer. I'd rather be a fireman.''
Ted Williams - Boston Red Sox 1940
https://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/remembering-ted-williams-marine-fighter-pilot
"'As good a Marine as he was a ballplayer' By Jonathan Mayo MLB.com
Unlike many athletes who were pressed into military service, Williams was involved in active combat during the Korean War. Flying a total of 39 missions, he lost part of his hearing and survived many extremely dangerous situations. He also became close friends with another fellow Marine pilot.
"Some people came back in from the sports world who were put to work as coaches for the baseball teams or something like that," said John Glenn, who of course went on to greater fame with NASA and the U.S. Senate. "Ted was not that way. Ted fit right in. He was a Marine pilot just like the rest of us and did a great job."
Williams' military career began during World War II...He missed the next three baseball seasons, spending his time studying and learning how to fly. As he did with baseball, he excelled at his new craft. During his training, he set records for hits, shooting from wingovers, zooms and barrel rolls. He also set a still-standing student gunnery record, in reflexes, coordination and visual reaction time.
He never got called into active combat and was discharged in December of 1945. He returned to the Red Sox for the 1946 season, picking up where he left off. It would be seven years before his military career would continue. Williams was called from the inactive reserves in 1952 to fight in the Korean War. He arrived in Korea in February 1953 as a member of the first Marine Air Wing. It was then he began his friendship with Glenn.
"By luck of the draw, we went to Korea at the same time," Glenn said. "We were in the same squadron there. What they did at that time, they teamed up a reservist with a regular to fly together most of the time just because the regular Marine pilots normally had more instrument flying experience and things like that. So Ted and I were scheduled together. Ted flew as my wingman on about half the missions he flew in Korea."
This wasn't a goodwill tour. Williams got hit on several occasions, managing to escape death each time.
"Once, he was on fire and had to belly land the plane back in," Glenn said. "He slid it in on the belly. It came up the runway about 1,500 feet before he was able to jump out and run off the wingtip.
"Another time he was hit in the wingtip tank when I was flying with him. So he was a very active combat pilot, and he was an excellent pilot and I give him a lot of credit."
So did the American public, who gave Williams a hero's welcome upon his return to baseball at the end of the 1953 season. Williams, however, didn't really understand the what all the commotion was about.
"Everybody tries to make a hero out of me over the Korean thing," Williams once said. "I was no hero. There were maybe 75 pilots in our two squadrons and 99 percent of them did a better job than I did. But I liked flying. It was the second-best thing that ever happened to me. If I hadn't had baseball to come back to, I might have gone on as a Marine pilot."
There wouldn't have been any complaints from the Marines, least of all from his squadron leader.
"Much as I appreciate baseball, Ted to me will always be a Marine fighter pilot," Glenn said. "He did a great job as a pilot. Ted was a gung-ho Marine." "
Note: Ted Williams frequently expressed his desire to be a firefighter: "That's the life, being a fireman. It sure beats being a ballplayer. I'd rather be a fireman.''
Ted Williams - Boston Red Sox 1940
https://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/remembering-ted-williams-marine-fighter-pilot