Quest for Knowledge... Pearl Harbor

I'm watching the movie Pearl Harbor. I've not seen it before tonight and it strikes me in a way that surprises me. I've always been fascinated with WWII in the aspect of Hitler and how so many people could follow the lunacy of the madman. I've read about Pearl Harbor, I've heard talk from my ancestors of the bombing, and read accounts. I soak up every minute of the History channel on this that I can. Oh to be young again and actually LIKE history... *sigh*

My grandfather was a WWII Naval vet. I'm sure that's where the interest and pride comes from. The other end of it, where the US is finally forced to take part in the war, is astounding. The bombing scenes, the carnage are just gut-wrenching and sickening. I know it's not just theatrics, and any of the survivors would tell you that. I hope to make the trip out there to see Pearl Harbor some day. I could only imagine the feeling. *I know how I was from a thousand miles away from the NYC bombings*

I understand the evolution of our society, the forward moving and allowance of foreigners to take part in our wonderful lifestyle. It's watching movies such as this that I can understand the way America felt before the ACLU, the changing of the laws to prevent discrimination, and everyone being painfully politically correct. There was good reason for these, at one time. We're now so obsessed with not pissing anyone off, we're forgetting ourselves. To this I say, I don't give a shit if you're pissed off. This is MY country, MY way of life and MY freedom. If you aren't from America, don't like what we do and what we stand for, and don't like what I have to say, get the hell out of my face and out of our country. I didn't ask you to come in, however, as I'm not the only owner of the house, you are a guest, and as such shall be treated -- until you f*** with my country's Flag.

I no longer apologize for feeling the way I do. After 9/11, I was torn. I'd been raised to be accepting, to a point, of other nationalities. I was taught to be respectful of differences, yet not tolerate ignorance because of them. This was becoming a task in futility. Being in transportation, and running into Canada as I did, I found myself in fuel stops and break areas with many other drivers of Middle Eastern descent, both in America and Canada. Up north, I kept my distance. Not because I feared them, but mostly because I couldn't trust myself not to open my mouth and tell them what I really thought of them. This I did out of respect for my Canadien friends who were usually around me (ready to protect me, should any of "them" start something with me). This was their country. They made me feel welcome. You don't go into someone's home and treat their guests disrespectfully. *and you damn sure don't do it in mine*

Down home, buddy it was even MORE difficult to set a good example. In our private groups, we'd talk, say things that would have offended. Human nature. I did not fear them here, either, whether I was with my buddies or alone. This is America.

In the rest areas, I'd see women of Middle Eastern descent, shrouded and cloaked. I did not hate them, fear them or feel sorry for them. They are who they are, I am who I am. Our eyes would meet, and I saw in their eyes some of the same as I'm sure they saw in mine. Open curiosity, a quest for understanding. A recognition of something far deeper. They are in our country, they have choices. They live with theirs as I live with mine.

In the common areas, I'd run into the ME men. They pissed me off. Although gallantry and chivalry are somewhat lacking in some American men (no offense fellas), it was non-existent in these men. They would openly stare at me, eyes full of scorn. I'm not a flashy person, try to stay out of the limelight. I get a lot of comments on the hair color, my burden, I've learned to deal. Cutting in front of me, actually running into me if I didn't stop short. Sneering at me, f*** you. Now, I'm a courteous person. I expect the same. Treat me like I'm insignificant and second-rate, you will see me bristle up faster than a porcupine. I am an American woman. I may have a license to drive a semi, I may have chosen to raise my children alone rather than continue to be abused, and I may have chosen to educate myself but I am NOT insignificant, second-rate or "tainted". I have the right to make those choices. Old Glory says I do. That piece of paper from 1776 and its various Amendments says I do as well. And I'll be damned if some non-citizen, wrap-around cowboy hat wearing motherf***er treats me like garbage in MY own home.

*intermission* phew. where did THOSE feelings come from??? maybe it's the sense of deja' vu from the Japanese to the Middle Eastern coming in the back door... they both got us once; we'd be the fools to let them do it again. Mess with my country and I am all about kickin' some ass. Total annihilation. Watching war movies can be hazardous to someone's health! *end intermission*

During my early years it was watching out for the "reds", the "japs", the "krauts". Teen years and beyond, it was "don't differentiate, don't hate". What a mixed couple of decades. I've seen the Cold War end, the wall come down, a formal apology made BY US to people WHO ATTACKED US ON OUR OWN SOIL. Peace, love and understanding are all well and good, in moderation. I don't hate races, nationalities or classes. I despise stupidity, intolerance and abuse. I've tried very hard to separate the individuals from the masses. I've not always succeeded. Tell me I'm the only one.

War is a necessary evil for an independent nation. I'm not crazy about being at war. I hate that we've lost ANY lives. I love my country, our Flag, my Heroes. How can I not? It's where I live, what I believe in and who protects me. We have to return to protecting ourselves and take care of the order of business of putting the livelihood of our country first. We're so busy taking care of everyone else we are forgetting who we are, how we got here and what it will take to keep it. What's happened to the pride in country? The fear of treason?

As I sit tonight doing my Angel thing, watching this movie brings to the forefront the types of carnage our Heroes are seeing. It brings to mind the danger they face in another country to keep it from happening in our home. I'm not scared right now. I'm pissed. I'm tired of hearing of the death tolls. I'm drained from the constant reassuring to keep my Team's spirits up, finding the ways to keep my Heroes' morale up. I'm glad I don't have access to "the button". It would take one phone call, 3 days to move the men out and "see ya". Thank God we have greater men in charge. *rethinking blogging after watching any more war-style movies*

I don't have the gift of eloquent speaking, as do some of my favorite bloggers. I'm not a hateful person. Those who truly know me, know that I'm just pretty straight-forward. I've been known to inadvertantly piss people off. Unintentional, yet typical. The words are in there, they don't need any help getting out, I just long for a better way to put them... so I move on to task at hand. "Conserve the fighting strength."

Move it out Miss Behavin'; you have Heroes to support, and Angels to lead.

The ebb and flow of my Heroes...

Ok... we all know how much I love my Heroes. They are brave, courageous folks that mean the world to me. On top of that, they are some of the most caring, generous and sometimes downright hilarious people I know. I grew up around police officers, so the "charms" of the uniform are familiar. I learned through that, though, that the uniform does not make the man, so the charms of some were quickly not-so-charming. Yet there's something about seeing our Heroes in uniform in person that makes me want to do stupid stuff like salute them. I know, sounds silly, but they just get so squirrely about hugging them. :) LOL. When my "son" Joel comes home to visit he just can't help but cringe when I throw my arms around him. (He just looks so darn cute!!!) He is, however, enough of a gentleman now to not push me away. He was a joy to have around, and I'm so proud of him.

I talk to several Heroes on a regular basis, and I've been introduced to a few new ones in the past couple weeks and all bring me great happiness when I hear from them. I just couldn't help but share some of my stories. I save my emails and snail mails. I don't blog them but I have them tucked away in a special box with my other treasures sent me from my Heroes.

Dante, from whom I've not heard in a couple months. A fellow Buckeye who has a biting sense of humor and a pretty good handle on things for a young guy. Every once in awhile he'll shoot me an email to let me know he's ok. He will never know how much relief I feel from just that one short message. Miss hearin' from ya, hope you're ok.

David, part of a motor pool, who occasionally answers my weekly emails to let me know everyone in his group is ok and they look forward to hearing from me. Great group of guys and that, too, brings me a bit of peace to see that email. Your emails make MY day... who's the Angel?

Gregory, a kind man with reassuring words who helps me without even knowing at times. You're thought of often and prayed for daily.

Becky, a great gal who has lousy taste in football teams... j/k fly girl... always enjoy hearing from ya! She sends me little inspirational messages and I know when I see something from her, it will make me smile. Maybe the Bears will do it NEXT year, hon... ;)

Cpt H, an amazing person with an infectious attitude, with first-person accounts that are fascinating. In the precious little time he gets at a computer, he takes the time to send me a detailed (within reason) letter and share the experiences of he and his men. *A boss knows how; A LEADER shows how* You ARE a Leader Cpt H

Robert, a young fellow who has me in stitches all the time. Yes, I'm sure you ARE the perfect man for me, Hero... too bad I'm old enough to be your... uh... aunt, yea that's it! :) But every day he "talks" to me, just little messages back and forth like chit-chat between two people. Again, another one I look forward to hearing from because he brings a smile to my face. *Muah*

Phillip, a new Hero to my e-pals, kinda quiet, but somehow he's moved into the "I wonder if he's ok" category and sporadically I hear from him. That's ok, the new ones soon become the old favorites. Strong, silent types... my favorites!

KC, another new addition to my epal group... just let me know today that it's down to a month and a half... *psst... the correct phrase is "less than 60 days" - just keep saying that to yourself until the plane touches US Soil, honey* Praying for your safe return to your family... thanks for sharing my space for a short while.

Meeting the new ones helps with the ones who have come home that I don't hear from as much, if at all. I have a select few that I miss talking to terribly. Sometimes the sadness is overwhelming. Our lives ebb and flow, we lose track of old friends, make new ones, have our hearts broken and healed. I know this. It's a painful lesson we learn throughout life. Gone are the days of innocence and being carefree. dammit, I wanna be carefree and hopeful and full of happiness again.

Welcome to my world Heroes. I'm honored to have you as part of mine, even if only for a short while. :) And as always, Thank You for being My Heroes.

Miss Behavin

Things that made me sad today...

In addition to getting the devastating news about my cousin's 5-year-old Ashley (diagnosis confirmed yesterday- Cystic Fibrosis) I've read and felt compelled to comment on the situation at WRMC as well as one of many (and certainly not the only) missions that have brought the end to our Heroes' lives. Maybe I'm overly sensitive these days, or as one of the guys at work says "hmmm 28 days already?" (butthead) but these just broke my heart and left me so terribly sad today. *sigh* As much as I love my Heroes and what I do for SA, some days it's just damn difficult. As a Medic once shared with me... "Conserve the Fighting Strength". So Buckle up, Miss Behavin'... you have a mission.

http://sgthook.com/2007/02/22/my-organization/ A moving blog entry about the state of affairs at the WRMC... courtesy of Sgt Hook... thanks Hero...

I truly hope this is resolved. These Heroes have scars and injuries, both physical and psychological, because they were upholding their duties and protecting us, including all the caregivers at WRMC. To whom are we most thankful? The “healthy” Heroes currently fighting, who come home to PTSD? The wounded, who come home bearing battle injuries as a physical reminder that they can no longer expect a “normal” life? The Heroes who gave all? Are there varying degrees of gratefulness? Should there be? Lay to rest with all the respect the ones who so richly deserve, and give the absolute best care to all those left to carry on in their wake. It is not a courtesy; it is our duty as American citizens to love and care for those who protect us.

http://badgersforward.blogspot.com/2007/02/badgers-down-8-february-2007.html A heart-rendering recollection of a moment in time that changes a man forever.

In all the work with Soldiers’ Angels, the attachments we form talking, writing and emailing with our Heroes, we sometimes push to the back of our minds the absolute reality of what’s happening over there. It’s easy to do, because we are fortunate enough to not have this happening on our home soil. It’s also sometimes a self-preservation, because if we make it fun for the Heroes for just a moment, maybe it won’t seem so bad; it won’t be real. Yet, every time I see a new Hero reported, every time I see footage that just stops me cold, every report or blog I read I remember why I love this country so much, and all the Heroes who are doing what they do. I’m in tears as I write this; I cannot pretend to understand how those men feel. I did not know any of the men from this team, yet I feel my heart ripped out at the news. I pray the families will find peace through this. And I gear up to write extra letters, send more care packages and try to do something that gives our Heroes something concrete to grasp as they move out on their next mission. It just doesn’t seem “enough”.

New Immigrants... forwarded to me by one of the writers on my Team...

I think this lady says it all and very well.

Newspapers simply won't publish letters to the editor which they either deem politically incorrect (read below) or which does not agree with the philosophy they're pushing on the public. This woman wrote a great letter to the editor that should have been published but with your help it will get published via cyberspace!

New Immigrants
From: David LaBonte
My wife, Rosemary, wrote a wonderful letter to the editor of the OC Register which, of course, was not printed. So, I decided to "print" it myself by sending it out on the Internet. Pass it along if you feel so inclined.Dave LaBonte (signed)

Written in response to a series of letters to the editor in the Orange County Register:

Dear Editor: So many letter writers have based their arguments on how this land is made up of immigrants. Ernie Lujan for one, suggests we should tear down the Statue of Liberty because the people now in question aren't being treated the same as those who passed through Ellis Island and other ports of entry.

Maybe we should turn to our history books and point out to people like Mr. Lujan why today's American is not willing to accept this new kind of immigrant any longer. Back in 1900 when there was a rush from all areas of Europe to come to the United States, people had to get off a ship and stand in a long line in New York and be documented. Some would even get down on their hands and knees and kiss the ground. They made a pledge to uphold the laws and support their new country in good and bad times. They made learning English a primary rule in their new American households and some even changed their names to blend in with their new home.They had waved good bye to their birth place to give their children a new life and did everything in their power to help their children assimilate into one culture.

Nothing was handed to them. No free lunches, no welfare, no labor laws to protect them. All they had were the skills and craftsmanship they had brought with them to trade for a future of prosperity. Most of their children came of age when World War II broke out. My father fought along side men whose parents had come straight over from Germany, Italy, France and Japan. None of these 1st generation Americans ever gave any thought about what country their parents had come from. They were Americans fighting Hitler, Mussolini and the Emperor of Japan. They were defending the United States of America as one people. When we liberated France, no one in those villages were looking for the French-American or the German American or the Irish American. The people of France saw only Americans. And we carried one flag that represented one country. Not one of those immigrant sons would have thought about picking up another country's flag and waving it to represent who they were. It would have been a disgrace to their parents who had sacrificed so much to be here. These immigrants truly knew what it meant to be an American. They stirred the melting pot into one red, white and blue bowl.

And here we are in 2006 with a new kind of immigrant who wants the same rights and privileges. Only they want to achieve it by playing with a different set of rules, one that includes the entitlement card and a guarantee of being faithful to their mother country. I'm sorry, that's not what being an American is all about. I believe that the immigrants who landed on Ellis Island in the early 1900's deserve better than that for all the toil, hard work and sacrifice in raising future generations to create a land that has become a beacon for those legally searching for a better life. I think they would be appalled that they are being used as an example by those waving foreign country flags.

And for that suggestion about taking down the Statue of Liberty, it happens to mean a lot to the citizens who are voting on the immigration bill. I wouldn't start talking about dismantling the United States just yet.

Rosemary LaBonte (signed)

I'm all for equal opportunity... I'm NOT for EO for someone who trash-talks our country, burns our Flag, uses our resources and gives nothing back. Worse yet are the ones who use those opportunities against us... the day will come, and they WILL get theirs back.
Miss B

6 Degrees and Counting... Thanks everyone!

I see my numbers climbing steadily... yay!!! more support for our Heroes... double yay!!! You folks rock!!!

Make a one-time donation, or a recurring one, all is appreciated. Help our Heroes... deployed, wounded, they're all the reason we sleep in peace at night.

Want to do more? visit www.soldiersangels.org and check out the teams... join the Letter Writing Team... you may end up on mine! :) Make Blankets of Hope to send to the wounded. Donate a backpack with gear for the wounded who've had their stuff left behind. Adopt a Hero, give some special Angel Lovin' to someone deployed in harm's way...

Want more info? Contact me at jemcelina @ aol.com subject: SA Info

Sincerely... Thanks everyone
Miss Behavin'

Another Proud "Almost" Mom Moment # 14,763

Joel called... he made Expert Marksman. Way to go Hero! Lookin' forward to seeing you when you come home... *hugs*

Iraqi Muscle - More than iron that makes them strong...

As always, I'm updating to share the progress of IraqiMuscle - a group of Heroes dedicated to self-improvement during their deployment. Check out the latest at IraqiMuscle.com, get your Muscle Gear, and watch this moving tribute to the folks in the midst.

Thanks Heroes... as always you inspire me and I pray for your safety.

*hugs*

http://www.iraqimuscle.com/PhotoStory2.wmv

Weekly Letter to My Heroes...

Excerpted from the weekly email I send all my Heroes...

Jeffery made it back from A-stan this week, so I'm headed up to the frozen tundra at Drum for a long weekend. (Not nearly long enough I'm sure!!!) I wanted to touch base with all of you because I'll be out of touch on Sunday, but you will surely be thought of! Looking forward to 70-100 inches of snow in upstate NY... woo hoo! Poor fella's been diggin' himself out a couple times a day. Good thing you Army folk stay in good shape... almost as good as the Marines! (Ok, ok, don't wanna start THAT train of thought!)

Some interesting stuff in the news... I don't often share news because most of it is not pleasant and ya'll have enough unpleasantness as it is, but I thought I'd try something a little different this time...

N Korea is actually talking negotiations for disarming in exchange for aid and security agreements, depending on US's attitude and hostile policy change. hmmm?

Duke lost to UNC(79-73). That was tough, I like both. 3 more weeks til March Madness - yea baby!!! :) who's the pick for the final four??? I'd like to see what ya'll come up with!

Arroyo deals for 2 more years for $25mil... I am WAAAAYY in the wrong business.

Is Wade Phillips going to the Cowboys? - no official word yet. Jones has interviewed 10 people - no offers yet.

Cloned meat coming to the market next year. FDA is supposed to be approving cloned meat for public consumption. Supposedly it looks, smells and tastes the same. NOT genetic engineering, but taking the best part of the animal to reproduce and introduce the "real" offspring into the market. Wouldn't that be genetic engineering? If it's a fake cow, is it a real calf? :) And the biggie, if this isn't "real" meat, does it have real calories? Something to ponder.

Animated film lovers (that was the best part of having kids, I didn't have to explain WHY I wanted to watch them!) Shrek 3 is coming to you!

Astronaut arrested for attempted murder. Female astronaut(married 3 kids) thinking another female counterpart was having affair (she was) with her love interest(male previously married and "more than friends but less than romantic"??? relationship with her helped to end that marriage. ) and drove 900 mi from TX to FL to "talk" to the other woman with ropes, knives, steel mallet, pellet gun and other assorted "chat tools" while wearing a diaper so she wouldn't have to stop for breaks. (Apparently the diaper thing is used for entry/re-entry). NASA is not amused, and taking steps to change both screening policy and monitor ongoing mental health of their astronauts.

Mistrial for Court Martial of Army LT refusing to deploy to Iraq citing War in Iraq is illegal and critizing publicly the war and commenting on the case. Defense thinks he can't be retried for double-jeopardy, JAG says otherwise. LT said he did not mean to admit in signed statement that he's duty bound to go with his unit to Iraq, only that he had not gone. He's still looking at charges of missing movement and conduct unbecoming(4 years and dishon dischg). Personal thoughts here to all you Heroes out and about in the Sandbox doing your thing... Treason-does this qualify? Desertion? I know that being able to go to court is a right we have (thank you) but come on. This would take our service into a completely different level. (Like my teens thinking they don't HAVE to do what I say because they don't like it.) If you disagree, I apologize, not wanting to start an argument. We're just trying so hard to support you folks over there, people like this piss me off. If he wasn't prepared to follow orders, why did he join? And I'm done venting now. :) Did I tell you all how wonderful I think you are????

Good news for all you fellas out there... Jennifer Aniston is single again -although rumor has it her and Brad Pitt have been "talking" again... Mrs Pitt (Angelina Jolie is apparently not very happy about this). So hurry and catch her. :) Brittany Spears has settled with soon to be ex K-Fed for some millions and is being a total skank and partying way too much for a mom of 2 small kids. Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz are done and he's not interested in Brittany anymore coz he has some model candy to play with. Blah blah blah. :)

* Update... Anna Nicole Smith dies at 39... shame so young.

And with the great weather we've been having, I've been able to do my favorite activity (besides couch cuddling) Snow drifting!!! Yep, you know what it is... you're moving along about 40-45mph down a back road that's drifting over and WHOOSH - into the drift you go... there's that moment of uncertainty where you don't know if you're going to make it through with just a little sliding, or play "wrap the jeep around the telephone pole" to end the day. C'mon, you know you like it! Little tug on the steering wheel, slidin' sideways and bumpin' around... it's a cool thing! :)

Oh!!! And on the homefront - daughter number 2 is now officially licensed to wreck(I mean drive) a car!!! yay. lol. Just one left (my son) and I'm REALLY looking forward to this...

Just got promoted to helping out with the online Soldiers' Angels Store website. Adding/editing the pics and updating the items on there as we change and grow. Guess that Computer Programming degree came in handy after all huh? :)

I hear things are really stepping up over there and I want you to know this Angel is so very proud of and blessed to have each and every one of you!!! See ya'll next week... Stay Strong -- Be Safe! We love and are praying for you. Thanks for being My Hero!

And My Hero is Stateside...

Phew! :) For full story... see my personal blog... suffice it to say, it's been a long journey.

And while I'm thrilled beyond words that he's home safe and sound, along with the rest of his group, we're both dealing with some of the after effects.

Happiness - He's out of harm's way.
Relief - He made it home safe, in one piece.
Guilt - He got to come home after a year.
Worry - For all the comrades with whom he parted ways.
Anxiety - So much to do in such little time before the day-to-day regularity can begin.
Adjustment - No air sirens, listening for the sound of choppers, waiting for the next wounded.

My heart goes out to all returning Heroes who are going through the same roller-coaster. I wish I had words of wisdom for ALL of us; I'm learning with him.

For those wounded, thank you so much for your service and may God see you through your difficult recovery.

For those who gave all, words will never be enough. My eternal gratitude is all I offer.

My prayers go out to all those still in harm's way. Stay Strong -- Be Brave!!! I'll still be doing the Angel thing, and Jeffery is looking forward to helping support the other Heroes with me. If you'd like to help, see www.soldiersangels.org and sign up... adopt a Hero, send letters, make Blankets of Hope, donate Backpacks for the Wounded... there's something for everyone to help with!

And Jeff, hon, I thank God you made it back safely and look very forward to being with you soon! Always your Angel...

Dog Tags for Kids

Here's a cool thing for you Heroes...

Thank you for your interest in the Dog Tags for Kids Project. We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in getting the dog tags for the parent soldiers. We do not send the tags to the children. We send them to the soldiers to send to their children. We have been told they are a great way for the parents to stay connected with their children. It is easy to request the tags. If your soldiers have internet access, they can just click on the place on the home page at www.dogtagsforkids.com where it says soldiers requesting tags click here. They will be taken to a form to fill out requesting their email address, name, address which must include an APO number, the branch of service, the country they are serving in, and the number of Love from Dad tags and Love from Mom tags they will need for the entire unit. If they do not have internet access, you can fill the form out for them with the name of one of the soldiers we can address the packet to. We use the email address to confirm we have received the request and again when we send the packet of tags.We are an all volunteer project working strictly on donation. Our resources are very limited at this time. Currently we are only able to do the dog tags for those members of the military serving in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. It upsets us that we have to place these limitations on the project, but we are at the mercy of others.If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us through the website.