|
My Airedale and me at the Indiana Park just
renamed in
honor of a great Naval Hero
*please see his story below dated 8-27-11*
The Betelgeuse Blog
It's about dedication to Country
February 20, 2012
We Know Who's Really In Charge
Although this story is not an easy read, it is
none the less very
important because every Republican hopeful wishes
to have you
believe that this President is out of touch
with not only
our military, but also with world Issues.
Actually, since taking office, this young
President has had to deal
with more critical world issues than many of his
predecessors
and the Navy Seals have been involved with many of
them.
The facts are, that this President is in charge and has been since day
one.
So you see we all really know what the truth is
about his capabilities
and The Navy Seals do too.
Navy Seals: Obama's Secret Army
February 17, 2012
A Real Hero
Paul Phillips, a current resident of Lake
County, Florida,
was a gunner on a B-17 in WWII, who also fought in
Korea
and Viet Nam and is a true hero.
Phillips who survived ground fire, air combat and
becoming a prisoner of war,
says that his fond memories of the plane are the
reason that he always goes
to see the
wings of
freedom tour when it comes to the Leesburg Airport.
We are lucky to have him as a neighbor here in
Lake County.
God Bless all of the Paul Phillips' of our country
and the world.
Aloft On
the Wings of War
February 14, 2012
Question?
How do we plan to place a huge ship within enemy waters
in the strait of hormuz and keep this ship from
becoming a target of this
enemy?
The USS Ponce LPD-15, a really old ship that was
about to become a decommissioned vessel, will now
instead become the USS Ponce massive floating base.
Iran is running around their waters in kamikaze gun boats
and
making
larger missiles, while at the same time, studying
our best drone warfare.
What is to stop a misguided missile weapon
from hitting this old ship,
by accident of course?
US vs.
Iran Coming This May
February 11, 2012
You're Going to Spend How Much Mr. Romney?
Mitt Romney, John Border and the Republican Party
keep
jumping all over President Obama for being such a
big spender,
yet out on the campaign trail, every time that
Romney speaks
in a state with ship building capabilities, he tells us
that our Navy is the smallest it has
been since 1917,
an incorrect statement by the way,
and as commander in chief, he would build 15 ships
a year.
But, how can this be done without a huge spending spree
in the billions of dollars Mr. Romney?
So how many of our tax dollars will you really be
spending if elected?
Defense Budget Limits Reach of a Campaign Promise
February 8, 2012
Our Navy is Staying on the Green Track
Our buying biofuels from Australia at first
sounded cold
to our American companies, however, two points
then came to mind.
First, would I want to keep buying dirty fuel from
proven unfriendly
countries, or buy clean fuel from proven friendly
ones?
Second, this country is far behind other countries
as far as having
companies that perfect and pump out alternative
fuels, or at least
enough fuels to do what our military needs for
their future.
But, we are still not doing nearly enough in the
field of
alternative fuels and vehicles for this country's
future.
A point in fact, aren't this country and its
elected politicians,
pretty much bought and paid for by the oil
and gas industries?
U.S. Navy Plans 'Great Green' Biofuels Fleet
February 5, 2012
We Need to Do Our Own Upgrades
Early last month, Engineers from the Naval Warfare
Center
in Panama City, Florida began installing a new type
of
minehunting sonar upgrade on the USS Guardian.
The work is due to be finished by April and will
include seven other ships.
however, it is not clear why these
installations are being done in Japan
and not in our own American Shipyards.
U.S. Navy Minehunting Fleets Being Upgraded
USS
Guardian
February 2, 2012
Floating Commando Base
At first, this appeared, in this age of super
missiles,
to be yet another complete waste of taxpayer money.
However, power hungry countries like North Korea
and
Iran are using this type of speed boats, so
why not a movable
floating base of operation for our own speed
crafts?
This base would also be used as a launching point
for Navy Seal
missions, as well as stealth technology
and drone crafts.
Navy Wants Commando 'Mothership' In Middle East
Navy Converting Ship Into Floating Commando Base
January 30, 2012
Navy Ships To Be Built By Americans
My reason for posting this story is twofold, first
the Navy
is using American shipbuilders to build and
repair them
and second, our shipbuilders are building a new
class of Carrier,
the Ford class, at the Newport News, Virginia
location.
Hopefully, this new class will also be equipped as
drone ships.
The Navy also reported that on Sunday the USS
Abraham Lincoln passed
through the strait of Hormuz and into the Gulf
"without incident"
only one day after Iran had threatened to "take
action" if this occurred.
U.S. Shipbuilder Welcomes Navy Decision On Carriers
January 27, 2012
Will You Get Involved For a Vet?
Although this story was written some time ago,
it was just recently found again.
This is so important that, I wanted to share it with
you.
Just in case you thought that one person cannot
make a difference,
here's just another example of why we can.
A man here in Central Florida was determined to
help so,
he just went out and did it, then got the
snowball rolling.
all we need to do is just step up to the plate
and hit one out of the park for a Vet in
need.
Won't you care enough to help, to give, to share?
Contact Gary Kadow at S.O.S.:
Save Our Soldiers
Call Gary at: 352 430-0567
or email him at:
gkadow@aol.com
Vets In Need? Charity Won't Take It Sitting Down
January 24, 2012
Our U.S. Navy is Using Dolphins to Find Mines
Iran is threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz, so the U.S. Navy
has
called up a stealth hunter, the problem is, it
did not volunteer for duty.
The Navy claims that the trained Dolphins only
locate the mines,
destroying them is left up to the Navy divers.
The use of these wild animals in a war arena, has many upset and
lobbyists have complained about their safety, but during war time,
no one seems to want to second guess the military.
The protests have resulted in a
petition being sent to the Defense Department
fearing that dolphins may be
killed by an act of war.
Both sides have valid points and the battle lines
have been drawn.
The
only ones who aren't speaking up, are the dolphins.
Navy Depending on Dolphins to Keep Strait of Hormuz Open
January 21, 2012
A Hollywood Style Rescue
Iran's foreign ministry welcomed the U.S. Navy's
rescue of 13 of
their fishermen held hostage by Somali
pirates in the Arabian Sea,
calling it a humanitarian act.
" We consider the actions of the U.S. forces in
saving the lives of the Iranian
seamen to be a humanitarian and positive act and
we welcome such behavior."
As I have said in earlier blog posts, the Iranian people
are our friends.
One News report from a "hard-line" source
called the rescue a "stunt"
to justify the navy's presence in the Persian Gulf.
If the elite revolutionary guard navy of Iran was
so worried about our
Navy saving the lives of their fishermen, why
didn't they go get them days ago?
Is it because maybe this elite group lacks the
"know-how?'
Our Navy is equipped to teach and train for
rescues at sea, if anyone is interested?
Iran Has Divided View of U.S. Navy Rescue
January 18, 2012
Old Thinking is Dangerous
Representative McKeon needs to be replaced now
with a
modern thinking chairman of the armed services
committee.
We should never again fight a world war, a Korean
war
or a Viet Nam conflict, which is why this story got it wrong.
With the fire power under the seas and the drone
power in the air,
that we now have, this country would not need ever
again put
a single solider at risk to any enemy.
It took our military between 14 and 20 days to
cross an ocean
during the Korean and Viet Nam conflicts, with
hundreds
of ships and thousands of soldiers at risk from
the enemy.
now we can cross it in hours with unmanned aircraft,
or be there with unmanned ships.
History Repeats Itself
Flight of the Drones
US Strategy Boosts Navy Subs, Programs
January 15, 2012
Welcome to Florida Wounded Warriors
In two parts of the sunshine state this week,
several groups
of wounded warriors are not only enjoying the warm
Florida sun,
but also having the chance to meet and share
their experiences,
exchange ideas and swap stories with fellow
wounded veterans.
One group is playing softball in the Central
Florida area for
several days,
while the other is swimming with Dolphins
down in the Keys.
Anyway you look at this, it is all good.
lets help them have some fun and heal their
hearts, minds and souls.
So we say, welcome home and welcome to Florida
fellow warriors.
Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team
Wounded Warriors Swim With The Dolphins
January 11, 2012
Sounds Like a Fair Fight to Me!
One United States Nuclear Submarine against three
Chinese
Aircraft Carriers, no contest.
The idea of President Obama streamlining our
miltary,
while the Communist countries are doing a massive build
up
of their military is really a great idea.
They can fire their missiles, float new ships and run
gun boats,
while we push buttons from our stealth built
submarines.
I like it!
US Strategy Boosts Navy Subs, Programs
January 8, 2012
Lake County Remembers Military Veterans
59 Veterans and widows of fallen soldiers who are
residents
of Waterman Cove, an assisted living facility in
Tavares, were honored recently by the Cornerstone
Hospice. The Hospice also has training and
certification programs
to help volunteers become more
involved,
in helping area veterans. If you
would like to help or just learn more, you can
contact Bettie LoCicero at: 352 742-6827
Never Too Late
January 5, 2012
America Must Follow the Lead of the Navy
The US Navy has done a great job with its Green
Energy programs,
but now it is time for us all to take bigger steps.
What we used to call the middle class in this
Country,
is now either the unemployed or homeless class.
This country is broke and our people are hurting.
We all, the Government, both Federal and State,
the
Politicians, both the Democrats and Republicans and
all of our Military Branches, must respond to this
situation.
We need to come together again, just like we did
right after WW-2.
An example would be in Converting waste into
electricity.
Our American Utilities are WW-2 outdated.
Every month, the average American throws away over
33 pounds of food.
Right now, we are putting most of this waste into
the ground,
we call it landfills.
No wonder we are running out of land.
By updating our landfills and incinerators to
state of the art
power plants, we can employ many of those
currently out of work
and many of our companies will be making money as
well.
January 2, 2012
A New Year, a Healthy New Start
If you have served your country and now find that
you need help,
the VA wants to hear from you, at least the one in
the Orlando area does.
If like me, you had no idea about what to do,
or where to go to learn more about this, there is
help.
The VA wants all service persons to get onto
their computers
as soon as possible after their tour of duty,
because you never
know when or if, you might be in need of
assistance.
Many people from my time of service lost out on
important help because of
lack of information about the various
Veterans help groups:
Get Enrolled For VA Health Care
There is also a Veterans Newsletter available
in both English and Spanish:
Veterans Health Matters
December 30, 2011
US
Navy Keeps Moving Away From the Old Ways
True to their word, the US Navy has begun using
GREENS,
a ground renewable Expeditionary Energy System.
This 300 watt portable Hybrid battery generator
powered
by the sun, is intended for use by troops in
remote locations.
This helps not only the Navy, but also the Marines
to stay
powered up while they are out in the field of operations.
Future Is Bright for ONR's Lightweight Sun Powered Generator
December 27, 2011
We Need to Help Each Other
The United States and Canadian military still use
crude oil,
so both countries might want to
think about working together.
Maybe they should
build a refinery at our borders,
or on either the east or west coasts?
Then they could pipe this oil to the new refinery and
ship it and then truck it to points south?
Canada Defiant After US Oil Pipeline Rebuff
December 24, 2011
My Christmas Wish
My wish for this Christmas is really very simple,
I wish that all
of the brave men and women in any service, in
every country
all over the world could be home with those that they
love.
As a show of support and respect for those who
give so much that we may be free,
the next time that you pass someone in uniform, please
thank them.
We owe them everything.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all.
December 21, 2011
Our Military Helps the Law
According to a recent story in the Los Angeles
Times,
"Predator Drones are being used in domestic law
enforcement case
and are raising concerns that the aircraft are
being deployed beyond
the missions that Congress originally
authorized them for."
So, what?
How many things from our space program are now being used,
for the betterment of the private sector?
The Brossart family in North Dakota, like some others in this country,
stole from their neighbors.
This family showed law
enforcement that they could and would
kill at any time that they wished to, so why
should the police
go into a known hostile situation, when the use of
our
military could get the situation under
control,
without the loss of life on either side?
Even if this family did not steal, they had no right to pull guns
on the police.
An unarmed Predator drone spy plane
helped the police make the arrest.
You say, "what's
next?"
I say, "whatever it takes to stop crime in
this country."
Police
Employ Predator Drone Spy Planes
December 18, 2011
Drones and Satellites and their potential security
problems
Are satellite images exposing our secrets?
Did we lose one of our most secret drones to Iran?
Is Google risking the security of our country with
its absolutely
nothing is "off limits policy" on its web sites?
Much of the news lately seems to be saying that
too much freedom of the press
with the Search engines combined with the loss of
a secret drone,
could all be putting the military security of our
country at risk.
While there is not much that the government can do
to handcuff Google,
the loss of one of our drones to a country who
would relish the chance
to learn every single military secret that they
can get their hands on,
is unnerving.
Could it be possible for our government to find
companies like Google
and others who put our security at risk, guilty of
war crimes or treason?
Where do we draw the line on this?
If Google were a single person, they would
probably have already been put on trial.
American lives are being put at risk by the
policies of these companies.
And how can we ever protect our military secrets,
when our drones can
apparently be captured and then studied by hostile
countries?
National security in America has never been so at
risk as it is right now
and the solutions may not be so easy to
find.
We need to get back to the basics in our
patriotism in this country,
like it was when I was in service back in the
sixties,
back then, we put country first.
US May Have Lost Its Most Advanced Drone
Are These Satellite Images Exposing Americas Secrets
December 14, 2011
Our Navy Keeps On Looking Forward
Here is just one more reason to be proud of our
military right now.
The Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and the
Department of Agriculture
Secretary Tom Vilsack, have recently announced the
signing of a contract
for the single biggest purchase in Government
history,
of 450,000 gallons of advanced drop-in biofuel.
Good news for us, the fuel, which is made from a blend of used
cooking oil
and algae, costs less now than it did only two years ago,
as green energy and demand make prices continue to
drop.
This latest contract, is just one of the many
ways that the Navy is using
to stay on track for being at 50% renewable or green
energy by 2020.
Navy
Secretary and USDA Secretary Announce Largest Government Purchase of
Biofuel
December 11, 2011
The Saddest Stories That I Have Ever Read
At this normally happy time of the year, when
people are enjoying the Holidays
and spending time with their families, the pain
that has been brought to
those affected by this terrible news, just goes beyond any words.
There just has to be some more dignified,
respectful, peaceful ending for
these service members who gave their lives
for their country.
If you, like me, are incensed after learning about
this,
for God's sake, for the sakes of these
service members
and for the sakes of the loved ones that they left
behind,
tell your elected officials in your state, city or
local area, right now, today,
that this is the most unacceptable behavior
in the history of our military.
This shameful, unbelievable treatment of all of
these brave souls,
should never have happened, not in my America.
You who ordered this in Washington, must and will,
bear the
scars from this act forever.
Remains of War Dead Dumped
Air Force Dumped Thousands of Ashes
Air Force Dumped Thousands of Cremated Remains
Air Force Dumped More Than acknowledged
December 8, 2011
What a Great Video For the Holiday Season
First saw this on Good Morning America
and just had to go look it up.
The song is from my favorite Christmas movie, Love
Actually,
which in case you haven't seen it, is very funny.
So here they are, with their hilarious Holiday
Greeting,
the Crew of the HMS Ocean, who will be home
with their loved ones for this
Christmas.
God Bless and God Speed.
"Fair winds and following Seas."
All I Want For Christmas - HMS Ocean
Ocean Crew Film Alternative
December 5, 2011
Hard to Believe This Could Happen in My Navy
Keeping Drugs out of the work place is always an
important job
for any employer, but in the case of
the US Navy, consider the thought
that something the size of an Aircraft
Carrier is running amuck on the
high Seas, with sailors on board, or in command,
who may be high on drugs
and it takes on a whole new perspective.
An even worse case scenario would be a Submarine
deep under Sea, or
even just out to sea, with shipmates who are high
while on the job.
This kind of behavior in an American Military
service is completely unacceptable.
The Navy has not only the right, but more
importantly, the moral obligation
to get these idiots out of our service.
Our military must Always be given respect, both
here and overseas,
but that is pretty hard to do if they are stoned
while on Duty.
Navy Discharging 64 Sailors for Use of Drugs
December 2, 2011
New Fuel For Navy Is High Tec Trash
US Marines in Hawaii, in co-operation with the
Office of Naval Research,
or ONR, are testing a new type of fuel
called MAGS,
or Micro Auto Gasification System, that is both
environmentally friendly and fuel efficient.
They will continue to test MAGS until next March,
This fuel is a result of a controlled
decomposition process that
converts energy from biomass by baking the trash
and
recovering a high portion of combustible gas
byproduct.
This new fuel testing program is just another
example of how the
Navy plans to reach an alternative fuel
level of 50% by 2020.
Marines Test New Energy Efficient Weapon
ONR
November 30, 2011
Message for the Troops is Green
The new message for today's Navy is to be Mean,
Lean and Green.
Rear Admiral Phil Cullom is encouraging all navy
personnel
to take a look at their new Facebook page and
video podcast for
some ideas on making energy wise choices during
the Holiday season.
Now all of the other services need to get on board
this Energy Saving Train
and send out this same message to their members.
When it comes to saving energy, everyone should be
on board this train.
Sailors Encouraged to Conserve Energy
Navy
Task Force Energy Facebook Page
November 27, 2011
The Navy's Hybrid Electric Ships
I like all of this new thinking from the Navy,
except for the
idea of anything nuclear being in the seas
or in the air.
America needs to end her dependence on other
countries for any
kind of fuel, but especially that being used
for our Military.
The goal of the SECNAV Mabus is to have the Navy's
fuel consumption
of fossil fuels reduced by 50% by 2015 and this
new biofuel
being used is an algae product and a good
beginning.
The name for this new alternative energy
Fleet for the Navy
is the "Great Green Fleet."
This new trend makes us look good to the rest of
the world and
shows that America is still an innovative world
leader.
A non fossil fuel military is exactly what the
whole world needs to
be doing in a joint Global effort, if we are ever
going to clean up
our environment and get weaned off of non
renewable energy forever.
US Navy Powers Destroyer with Biofuel
November 24, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone
Now back to our regular channel
Thanks to the complete failure of the "Super
Committee" to do its job,
the Navy may now be forced to cut the budget of
the Blue Angels,
who have so proudly represented the men and women
of my navy
and the Marines for over 60 years.
It seems like an odd place to cut, when they only
get about $37 million
of the Pentagon's massive $926 Billion annual
budget.
Still, if they are to be eliminated, then it would
only be fair to do the
exact same thing with the Thunderbirds and the Golden Knights.
You cannot favor one of your children over the
other.
It seems a shame that the only thing left of my Navy
may in the future,
only be War Ships, War Weapons and War Machines.
Blue Angels Fly into an Age of Budget Woes
November 21, 2011
Add Another Name to the List
This week in Tampa, another severely wounded
soldier was given a new home.
This time it was Army Sgt. Joel Tavera, who for the
past four years has
endured over 75 surgeries, yet still remains
positive through it all.
'Building Homes for Heroes' is just one of so many
organizations
now dedicated to giving back to our returning
wounded.
Now I only have one question, how many other
returning
wounded veterans can we help like this one?
There are thousands more whose stories must also
be told.
Wounded Soldier Gets New Home in Tampa
Building Homes for Heroes
November 18, 2011
It's the very least we can do
Seems Like An Almost Fair Trade to Me, a House For
2 Legs.
To fully appreciate the dry humor of this remark,
You would have to go back to the 1960's to
Understand what
it was like for my whole generation coming
home from Viet Nam
and the often cold, sometimes hostile, welcome
that we all got,
But, today it's a new generation and the welcoming
home committees
are now giving our wounded warriors the show of
respect that
every single military veteran has always deserved.
For Army Sgt. Puertas, it is a new home, for
others it may only be a smile
and a thank you, but it's a change we can all
learn to love.
The next time you meet a wounded veteran and
sometimes it is not easy,
to recognize them because not all wounds are
physical, please,
offer them the kind of thanks they deserve for a
job well done.
Orlando Home For Wounded Veteran
Homes For Our Troops
November 15, 2011
Say It Proudly, "Made in America"
Once again the U.S. Navy has done the right thing,
and has given a Defense Contract to the American Company,
American Systems of Chantilly, Virginia worth up to $26 Million.
If like me, you have been disgusted with the recent
trend
by our Country in giving huge contracts to
outsiders,
this gives us all a reason for renewed hope and
pride.
We all need to let the people that we pay to do a job
for us
in Washington know that we demand that this be
the norm, instead of the exception, when it comes
to making or building products for America.
Let your local elected person in office know how
you feel,
by phone or email, just send them this message:
Let's bring the work and the dollars back to
America,
because "Frankly Scarlet" we need the jobs and
the money a
whole lot more than they do!
American Systems Awarded Navy Contract
November 12, 2011
The Folds Of Honor
One of the many ways to thank those who have made
the ultimate sacrifice
for their country, is by making sure that their
children can
and will be able to go to college.
An organization called "Folds of Honor", started by Pilot Major Dan
Rooney, who witnessed a family's grief for their
returning solider years ago
and then made it his mission to see that the children
of
these fallen soldiers never have to be "left
behind." At a recent golf Tournament, the young son
of Marine Sgt. Michael Bock,
who was killed in Afghanistan in 2010 and
was the first Florida soldier
to receive a silver star since the invasion began
in 2001,
was awarded a full scholarship.
if you wish to help by having a Golf event,
please call Mike Langley of Leesburg at: 352
787-3580
Folds of
Honor Gives Full Scholarship to Son of Marine
Folds of
Honor
November 9, 2011
Remembering those who gave all on Veterans Day
As Veterans Day approaches on Friday, it is
time to say thank you
once again, to all of those who made the ultimate
sacrifice for
God and Country, our Military Veterans.
From me and millions of Americans, to all of you,
those who came home,
those who did not and those who came back
wounded,
thank you, we owe you more than we can ever repay.
The groups below are two of the many who are devoted
to our Veterans:
A group of Wounded Veterans who refuse to accept
any limitations in their lives:
The Wounded Warriors Ride
An organization that offers care for wounded
Veterans and their families:
Hope For
the Warriors
November 5, 2011
An Insult To Our Brave War Veterans
Two time Iraq war veteran, 24 year old Scott
Olsen,
who protected our right to the first
amendment,
by serving two tours in Iraq, in 2006 and
2007,
was critically injured by the Oakland Police
while
legally demonstrating in support of what he went
to war for.
We all have the Freedom to peacefully protest for
these rights
and should not need to fear local Police while
doing so.
Occupy Oakland
Iraq Vet Seriously Hurt In Oakland Protests
November 2, 2011
Thank You For Your Dedication to Us
Can you remember the last time you saw a first
Lady of this,
or any other Country, doing what Michelle Obama is doing
here?
I cannot.
The project called, "Sears Heroes at Home "
is painting
a home here for Sgt. Johnny Agbi , Jr.
Mrs. Obama and Dr. Jill Biden have now set the bar very high
for future White House women.
So many in the past, have only been allowed
to be involved with
"women's work," like
decorating or entertaining foreign dignitaries
while they were in the White House.
Now, This pair of strong, vibrant women, who are
not to be denied,
are using
their position to bring attention to a situation in America,
that deserves everybody's attention:
the living conditions for so many of our Military Veterans.
Ladies, we the Veterans of this country proudly salute
you both.
Joining Forces to Rebuild 1,000 Homes for Veterans
October 30, 2011
It's All Good, It's Made in America!
The U.S. Navy's newest Submarine, a
Virginia-Class Attack
Submarine was commissioned yesterday at a
ceremony in Norfolk, Va. The USS California will be
commanded by Clinton, Connecticut
Native, Commander Dana Nelson.
Groton based Electric Boat, Mare Island,
California and
Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, should all
take pride in this newest U.S. built
Submarine,
that is made in America and will be
home ported at
the Naval Base New London in Groton,
Connecticut.
Connecticut Native Takes Helm of Navy's Newest Nuclear Submarine
October 27, 2011
J.R. Martinez
Heroes come in many sizes and shapes, but severely
wounded soldiers
don't normally become contestants or stars
on popular TV shows.
J.R. Martinez has broke all of the usual molds.
This Army Iraq War veteran has shown the rest of
us what true courage,
selflessness and commitment truly are.
J.R. has been through hell and back, but just
keeps on smiling,
showing that besides being a great motivational
speaker,
he has just a few other talents like his great
moves on
Dancing with the Stars,
and his dramatic skills on all my children.
J.R. Martinez is a winner!
If there was ever a case for self-pity, he could
have been one,
but J.R. refuses to feel sorry for himself and has
dedicated
his life to helping others.
Yes, this man is a real hero for so many reasons.
A great YouTube about his life is here:
IAVA Honors
J.R. Martinez
October 24, 2011
Serving Your Country Does Not Guarantee VA Health
Benefits Later
It seems that when it comes to Medical Care, the
new VA qualifications
and restrictions gives some Veterans all and others none.
Depending on when you served and your current
income level,
the VA can and does deny many Veterans who have
served
during our wars or conflicts, Medical Health benefits.
The Government run VA health centers have very
strict rules
now, for who does and does not get care.
The lines seemed blurred to me and many veterans
are left with no way
to get the medical help that they need and have few
other options.
US Navy Veteran Says He's Gotten "Very Little" From VA
October 21, 2011
Watching Our Backs in the Gulf
My opinion of what to do about the Iranian
Revolutionary Guard Corps
is to congratulate the British Warship HMSA
Iron Duke (F234),
for their recent heads up response to the
speedboat that made
a threatening move on their ship.
Then it should be about time for our Blue Angels
to do some flybys
while escorting our Navy P-3 Orion surveillance
planes on their
routine patrols over the Persian Gulf.
Top Gun comes to mind!
Shocking Gulf Firefight Caught On Tape
US Shouldn't Ignore Iran's Speedboat Threat
October 18, 2011
Dear Fellow Veterans
If you are having trouble finding long lost
buddies,
this could be a good place to start looking for
them.
Some of us old salts still reminiscing about what
we remember
as the "good ol' days", should give this web site
a "look see" to help us find an old war
buddy.
To quote them, this group is:
"Helping United States military veterans
reconnect,
Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard,
connecting people and reuniting thousands of old
friends."
Vet Friends
October 15, 2011
Happy Birthday to you
Calm winds and following seas, a happy 236th
birthday to the US Navy:
Navy Marks 236th Birthday
Semper Fidelis, a happy 236th birthday to the US
Marines Corps:
Marine to Run 236 Miles
Be all that you can be, a happy 236th birthday to
the US Army:
The
236th United States Army Birthday
Semper Paratus, a Happy 221st Birthday to the US
Coast Guard:
Happy Birthday to the US Coast Guard
October 12, 2011
This is a 2 Part Commentary on Drone Warfare
Part One - The Computer Virus Infection
As one of many strong advocates of the ideology
of,
if we must go
to war, go with Drone Warfare,
this story is unbelievable
to say the least.
It looks to me from reading the reports, that this
is just a common malware.
If our government cannot control computer virus
software,
how can the normal user ever hope to?
How can they justify the use of Drones, if they
cannot know for sure,
if the Drone might boomerang on them?
In 2009, insurgents in Iraq were able to capture
video from
the Drones using a piece of cheap software.
Computer Virus Reportedly Hits US Drones
Part Two - The CIA Drones
Our government will not officially acknowledge
that Drones
are carrying out Airstrikes in Pakistan, Yemen and
other countries.
I have some thoughts on this......
It is no secret that the countries complaining
about our air strikes,
have been contributing to a systematic assault on
our troops,
Beginning with Bush 1 and continuing through
until today.
If the people of these countries wish for us to
stop hunting killers ,
then they need to stop hiding and protecting them.
If you hide or help these monsters, you are also
our enemy.
In the end, even you will benefit by the removal
of these killers,
before they turn on you, if they have not done so
already.
Are Drones Carrying Out Airstrikes?
October 9, 2011
Our Veterans Believe the Wars Were Not Worth
Fighting
As the tenth year of fighting these two wars is
being observed,
many in this country think that the costs
were just too high.
The cost in lives for these two wars is
over 6,000 and still counting
and the cost in dollars is at one trillion.
However, something that is never talked about is
this,
that with every conflict, (we have not been
in a war since 1945)
before the conflict is ended, we turn the land
and the people over to the enemy.
then we send millions more into this country, so
that they can build
inferior products to sell to us for less than our
American companies
are able to make and sell them for.
In a real war, both sides fight until one side
wins, the fight is to win,
not to give up and walk away at the end.
One-in-Three Vets
Say Wars Were Not Worth It
Veterans Believe Iraq and Afghan Wars Not Worth Fighting
October 6, 2011
We Are Your Veterans
Found this great story in my local paper,
the Daily Commercial last week.
We do not have to be in uniform or on active duty
to be
involved in doing what is right for our country.
At a recent luncheon in Eustis, Florida, Am Vets
Post 2011
gave a check to members of the Veterans
organization,
Resource and Recovery for the homeless .
The money was raised for the group over the Labor
Day weekend.
Am Vets Org
October 3, 2011
Long Overdue Respect For Our Military
I Did not know that the Senate passed a resolution
proclaiming March 30th
as "Welcome Home Viet nam Veterans Day."
It was introduced by North Carolina Republican
Richard Burr
to commemorate March 30th, 1973, which was
the last day of the conflict.
If not for my Native American heritage, this date
would have still gone unnoticed.
why does this country still take that conflict out
on our warriors?
This Ain't Hell, But You Can See It From Here
Viet Nam Veterans Day
September 29, 2011
Our Navy's Newest Ship is Made in America
The USS Spruance, our Navy's newest destroyer, pulled
into Key West, Florida
this week and will be commissioned on
October 1st.
Although I am not pleased with the current war and
war machines, we need
to understand that many counties are just
waiting for us to slip up,
so that they can crush peace loving countries
around the world.
But the best part of this, I believe, is that this
new ship and her sister ship,
the USS Michael Murphy, were and are being
made in the United States by Americans.
The USS Murphy is slated for completion next year
at Bath Iron Works in Maine.
For now, the Navy's newest destroyer the USS
Spruance, pays a port call in Key West.
The USS Spruance
September 26, 2011
Homeless Grandmother given a home
As shown in this story,
Veterans groups help more
than just Veterans.
Why in this great country are there still people
like Sandie Wilbanks,
our military Veterans and Elders on Reservations
living in such terrible conditions?
The only thing that sandie did to our society was
to lose her husband and go blind.
The only thing that our Viet Nam Veterans did was
to fight for our freedom
in a war that was never really supported and few
approved of in America.
And finally, the only thing that Elder Native
Americans have done,
is to be born Native Americans.
What is that old saying, "there but for the grace
of God, go you or I?"
You never know, you could be the next homeless
person on the street.
Paying It Forward
VORRH
September 23, 2011
The USS Florida
The state of Florida has a long list of her people
who have served,
are serving and I am sure will be serving in our
Navy for this country.
Did you know that the state has also had many
ships serving our country also?
There have been at least ten ships named for the
state, some by fuel,
and one by Nuclear.
each has its own story to tell about Florida's
past,
present and the future.
Many have had different missions, some have been
reconstructed
and at least one is now a training ship.
Despite their differences they carry a special
name:
USS Florida
Florida on the High Seas
September 20, 2011
A New ERA in Welcome Home
This should be happening
in every state in this country!
The Warriors Watch
Riders organize events for servicemen and women,
who are either deploying or coming home from
service to our country.
the mission of the Warrior
Watch Riders is to make sure that servicemen ,
and women know that there are people supporting
them before they go,
as well as during and after they return home.
Ride coordinator Barb Fitzpatrick says, "This is to honor the
soldiers coming
and going into war zones because of the way men
came home from Viet Nam.
We don't want them to come
home or go feeling ashamed."
Minooka Marine Gets Honorable Send Off
September 16, 2011
Why Did This Take Two Years?
President Obama gave the Medal of Honor to Marine
Corporal Dakota Meyer
yesterday at the White House, but why did this
take two years to happen?
Didn't this outstanding soldier, who claims to
only to have done his job,
deserve to have this award given to him long ago?
Going against orders, Meyer chose instead at great
personal risk,
to save the 36 lives of both American and Afghan
soldiers.
Obama awards Medal of Honor
Marine Receives Medal of Honor at White House
September 5, 2011
And now, The Blue Angels are goin' green!
Just when you thought it
couldn't get any better,
along come the blue angels.
Every aircraft of the Blue
Angels, the U.S. Navy's Flight Demonstration Squadron,
which
performed over the labor day holiday at the Patuxent River Air Expo
(NAS),
was powered by a biofuel blend.
This is the ultimate
demonstration of the Navy's commitment to reducing
our
dependence of fossil fuels and foreign oil, as well as protecting
the environment using
cleaner, more sustainable
and renewable
energy sources.
Blue
Angels Soar on Biofuel
September 2, 2011
Our Navy is Going Green in the Aloha State
The U.S. Military
Service branches of Army, Navy and Marines in Hawaii
are working to
reduce their energy consumption
of Fossil Fuels and increasing their energy
consumption from
renewable sources.
The Navy has contracted with three Hawaiian companies
to produce
Solar Power for various military sites in the state including,
at Pearl Harbor and on the Islands of Maui and
Kauai.
U.S. Navy Contracts For Solar Power
August 30, 2011
It's Time For Robo-Copter
Our only combat casualty in Libya had no way to
defend itself,
and that is about to change.
there was no loss of Human life however, which is the
best news of all.
A second video shows that President Bush ordered
about 46 drone attacks
and President Obama ordered about 218.
Not sure what points the report is trying to make?
Drone warfare is still in its infancy and the
enemy is now everywhere.
After spending the past few months in the Indian
Ocean chasing pirates,
watching over troops in Afghanistan and
flying
into a stronghold in Libya,
our Navy's Robotic helicopter called Fire Scout,
is about to begin
test-firing rockets that it can use to defend
itself if attacked.
It be would great, if in the future, all wars were
fought using
drone warfare only, with no human military
casualties.
After Libya Shoot Down, U.S. Robo-Copter Will Weaponize
August 27, 2011
A Remarkable
Navy Man Honored During Navy Week
A Hoosier Navy man has been honored by
the
renaming of a local park in Indianapolis.
Navy Lieutenant j.g. Graham Martin, was one of
the Navy's 13 member
Golden Thirteen, the first African
Americans to become Officers.
Following his military service, Martin came home
to become a Varsity Football
and baseball coach at Crispus Attucks High School
from 1947-1982.
Martin, was a football player, Senior Class
President and valedictorian
at Attucks before going on to Indiana University,
where he earned his degree and also played
football.
Martin finished his education with a Masters
degree from Howard University,
before joining the US Navy in 1942, which was at
the time segregated.
Golden Thirteen Park Dedication photos
Martin Honored for Making a Difference
A Golden Thirteen Member is Honored
August 23, 2011
Navy Seals Drop in on Indianapolis
Once again, for the third time since its inception,
It's Navy Week in the Capital of Indiana.
Although Indianapolis may seem a strange location for Navy events,
the city does have a bit of their own Naval
history, including
an active Destroyer named after a Hoosier General and the
famous USS Indianapolis, which was
honored this week by renaming
the Interstate wrap-around the city I-465, after it.
The most beautiful place in downtown for many
Hoosiers,
will always be the
Soldiers and
Sailors Monument
on the circle with its own special memories for
residents who had
driven around it after their
graduations, proms and weddings to
celebrate.
The parachute team Leap frogs
were to make several drops, but because
of the recent tragedy, those at the State Fair
Grounds were canceled.
While the Seals are in
Indianapolis for Navy Week, some of their activities will
include visits to the Colts and lending a hand at Habitat for
Humanity.
Twenty other cities have hosted
Navy Week so far this year,
including Chicago, Cincinnati and Detroit.
Navy Seals Hit the Ground Standing
August 20, 2011
Lending a Hand for Good in Thailand
Crew Members of the USS George
Washington Aircraft Carrier Group,
spent some shore time recently helping those in
the area by
painting and cleaning up lawns at schools
for the blind
and disabled and also at senior homes.
The excited local children also received
autographs of the helpful Crew.
After the work was done, the Sailors enjoyed some
time with the
children playing games of football and soccer.
Always ready to do any job right, our Navy has
always been one
we can all take pride in and these Service Members
make the US look good.
US Navy Clean and Paint for Needy in Thailand
August 17, 2011
Nothing New Here
This has been going on since WWI!
Seems like the only time that we can count on our tax dollars
being spent wisely by our government and the military,
is when we force them to pay out of their own
pockets
for their blundering and careless disregard for our money.
Our money should not even be going to these
countries, because most of
them have more than we do, thanks to all of the
oil and gas wells
that have made them super rich and that we
built.
In this murky process known as "reverse money laundering",
payments from the U.S. goes through companies
hired by our
military for transportation, construction, power projects
and
other services to businesses with ties to the
insurgency or criminal
networks according to the AP.
Wasn't the mob doing this as far back as the
1920's?
Nothing new here.
$360M
Lost to Insurgents, Criminals in Afghanistan
August 14, 2011
Issaquah History Museum Remembers '45 Day
The dates were either August 14 or 15,
this difference was due to time zones across the
Pacific Ocean.
"People made some amazing sacrifices, and
contributions"
said museums director Erica Maniez,
"I think that really contributed to a lot of
feelings of unity,
not just on a local level, but on a national
level"
This is what we sorely need, not reliving any war,
we should all hate war.
but, the reliving of coming together as "one
nation
-------------- "
working to once again be "all that we used to be!"
Yes, it should have said, "under God", however we
need everyone pulling together,
so, we should not start out with an argument about
our individual supreme beings.
Commemorate End of World war II on Spirit of '45 Day
Memorial Day
2011 in Washington DC
Spirit of '45 Day
August 11, 2011
The Space Shuttle, Saying Goodbye is Never Easy
It began in 1981 with Columbia and ended July 21, 2011
with the return home of Atlantis.
in
between were 135 launches and 30 years of the reason that
the United States led the way in
Space Exploration in the world.
Now it is finished and with it will we now become a
second rate country in Space?
The sadness was felt all across this country, but
none more than here
in Central Florida, where thousands of jobs were
lost forever.
The Shuttle program and NASA were such a vital
part of the
economy for this region and now it is gone.
Will this also cost President Obama his job as
well?
Any man who wants to be President must carry the
state of Florida
and ending the Shuttle program so quickly
could really hurt him.
We will see.
The Space Shuttle Program: Spanning 30 years of Discovery
August 8, 2011
Our Navy Is Going Green In Guantanamo
Two fuel efficient 3.5 Megawatt Generators were
installed
and turned on at the Naval Station in Guantanamo Bay,
Cuba, July 29.
These two generators and four wind turbines were
installed in 2005.
The base has been using generators that dated back
to 1957.
Two more of the 112,000 Pound 3.5 Megawatt
Generators are due to be
on the island in September and to be installed in
December and January.
It would be nice if they could add more wind and
some solar generators too,
just as long as we take them with us if we ever
leave the base.
New
Generators on Guantanamo Bay Already Saving Money
August 5, 2011
While China is building a massive military
presence, who is watching our store?
China is not only building an aircraft carrier fleet,
they are buying up
a massive military force to bully the east and
other countries,
but also to keep us out of their waters in the
future.
Their military budget for 2011 is $91.5 Billion and
one third of that is for their Navy.
While our Navy has been sliding into mediocrity,
theirs has been growing stronger every day.
When China makes its next move and we all know that
they will,
We and the countries of the East will be in
serious trouble.
China's Two Pronged Maritime Rise
August 2, 2011
Army, navy, Air Force or Marines, we still do not
leave a man behind
half of a century of waiting ends as a naval
aviator from Houston
who died in the Vietnam war, finally makes it home.
Lt. Commander William Patrick Egan was flying an
A1-H Skyraider
off of the aircraft carrier USS Hancock, when he was shot
down
April 19, 1966 while bombing targets in Central Laos which was
then
considered a major artery of the ho Chi Min Trail leading into
Vietnam.
Egan's widow Anne, received the remains of the
"love of her life" in an urn.
A burial for the navy pilot was held July 20,
2011 accompanied
by over 100 motorcyclists, many of whom are
combat veterans
of the
Patriot Guard, who often escort funerals.
"He's part of our family, we're never going to
leave our heroes behind,
no matter how long it takes" said Navy Veteran and rider K.P. McNeal.
Houston Vietnam Vet Comes Home After 50 Years
July 30, 2011
Can the US Navy and Dolphins Co-Exist Peacefully?
Today there was an interesting story on CNN about a
Navy Marine Mammal Unit that is being used to train
Dolphins to
detect and
intercept swimmers who could be potential terrorists.
they are also training other animals to check the
shoreline
and ships for mines and explosives.
Their are several different opinions about this program linked below:
CNN: Beasts of Warfare
Marine Mammal Program
US Navy Trains Dolphins and Sea Lions
July 27, 2011
Navy Having Open House at Port of Los Angeles
The Summer X Games and Navy Week will be together
for the first time.
Sure wish I could be in Los Angeles this week.
The US Navy is having an Open House, so to speak
and four ships
will be docked at Cabrillo Beach and open to the
public
for tours, exploring and learning.
This is a great way for the public to see and
enjoy all that the Navy has to offer.
Great PR for them, lots of fun for families!
Navy Week Runs July 25 - 31
July 23, 2011
Pakistan Ends US Use of Base for Drone Attacks
Pakistan has stopped the US from using an air base
in the southwest
part of the country to launch drone strikes against militant
groups.
I say, "it is their country, so if that is what
they want, so be it."
we should agree, but with the understanding that if they do not control
the militants, we will, from other places and as hard as we need
to.
then we must immediately stop all money and
goods going from us into their country.
Pakistan to US: No More Drone
Strikes from Base
July 19, 2011
For the Navy, It's Time to Move On
This is not a bad idea and is about time, just as long
as
all of the people of Japan agree to this move.
Japan has been a good friend and military ally
since WWII
and Iwo Jima is an unnecessarily bad reminder of the
past.
From today's military point of view, it is also an
inconvenience,
while helping to keep peace in the region.
Not one of these places need to be used in today's
wars:
US Navy Studies Plans to move Training off of Iwo Jima
Remembering the Puerto Rica and Central
Florida bombing ranges:
Remembering Puerto Rica
Central Florida Bombing Ranges
July 16, 2011
My Viet Nam Brothers, stand with me and send a
message to Chase Bank:
Don't Foreclose on a young soldier's family
Home
Do you now have or are you planning on getting a Chase Bank Credit Card?
Please look at the web site below, before you make
your final decision.
We were planning on getting this Credit card just
recently,
but after reading this about them, we have since
changed our minds.
As a Viet Nam Veteran, I will forever
boycott this Company.
I ask you to join me and millions of Veterans in Boycotting Chase Bank.
Boycott Chase Bank
July 13, 2011
Who Will Stand With Us?
If the United States ever decided that we were going to
invade
countries like Mexico, Cuba or Chili and take them as our
own,
every country in the world, especially communist
China,
would scream and rightfully so and line up on their side
against us.
This Communist Country, China, has been threatening to do
this ever
since it overthrew its own leaders years ago.
Australia you could be next.
China Sea Dispute Looms Large in US Visits
Caught Between the Giants
July 10, 2011
Our Navy To The Rescue Thank God for two tug boats and the
fast response of the USS Philippine sea,
all 26 crew members of the Liberian-flagged oil tanker
were rescued.
but the briallante Virtuoso did not fight the fire
on board and
instead abandoned 144,000 tons of crude oil to the
ocean.
the two tug boats towed the ship and its load of
oil to safe port in Aden.
US Navy Rescues Tanker Crew
Pirates Attack Oil Tanker
Tanker Catches Fire
Oil Tanker on Fire
July 7, 2011
Flying High with the Blue Angels
The Navy's Blue Angels fly and fly well, but
they also make time to meet with the public.
After missing the air show the week before,
Three children from the Woonsocket, Rhode Island
Make
a Wish Foundation got to meet with the Blue Angels Pilots
while they were at a
reception recently.
Each child had their picture taken and received
autographs
from the Pilots before going to Disney World.
Make A Wish Children Meet Blue Angels Pilots
Meeting The Blue Angels
July 4, 2011
Launching the Military Spouses Employment
Partnership
Military spouses already have a great work ethic, skills
and education
needed to make them great employees in today's
workforce,
but, they also have some drawbacks that others
don't have,
like frequent moves and deployments.
Recognizing these challenges was a Top Priority
for the
joining forces initiative that First
Lady Michelle Obama
and Dr. Jill Biden are
now heading up.
Their new plan was created to develop and encourage educational
opportunities for
military spouses.
the military spouse employment partnership will
make people aware
of all of the services for them that they didn't
know that they had.
Opening Doors for
Military Spouses
Career Step, an online School partner
July 1, 2011
The US Navy to Get Bids on Biofuel for
Ships and Planes
It is a good idea for the Navy, as well as other
military branches,
to get bids on fuel, biofuel to be exact.
this will force
companies to compete with each
other and drive the prices to the
Navy down.
Queensland Bidding to Supply US Navy Biofuel
June 28, 2011
The US Military is Now Embracing Alternative Energy
Why you might ask?
Because up to half of our casualties in Iraq and
Afghanistan
come from guarding oil convoys.
The Pentagon now says what people have been
saying for years,
that we will no longer tolerate oil's "burden in
blood."
Well duh!
the truth is, that we are guarding all of the oil
wells
in these countries as well.
every war/conflict, that our young men and
women have been
fighting since the Viet nam war/conflict,
has
been to protect oil
and oil supplies in countries ruled by Kings
like in Libya.
how are we thanked for this?
both countries cannot wait for us to get out, so
that they can
once again overcharge us for this "blood stained" oil.
Blood and Oil
June 25, 2011
It Has Taken Way Too Long For This To Happen
53 year old Rear Admiral Nora Tyson commands one
of the world's
biggest warships and is the first woman to command a US Carrier
strike group.
Admiral Tyson, who joined the Navy in 1979, is in charge of 75 jets,
helicopters and other aircraft, together worth $45 billion,
as well as a cluster of
cruisers and destroyers
and nearly 10, 000 men and women.
She says, "I hope I'm the first of many."
The Woman at the Helm in the US Navy
Her biography:
Rear Admiral Tyson
June 22, 2011
Museums Honor Many Military Members, But Not All
Two Chicago area Museums have become the latest of more
than 900 Blue Star museums in all 50 states.
They are offering free admission until Fall, to Active Duty,
National Guard and Reserve Military Members and their families,
but why did they not also include all those who have
served in past wars,
like Viet Nam and the later wars in this offer?
And why only until Fall?
Dedication to duty and Country was not just a
summer thing.
We were not on vacation!
All of our veterans should be included, all year
long.
many were called, many served,
not all came home.
Museums Honor Military
June 19, 2011
Diesel Submarines
After reading this story, my first thought was,
what?
But after reading it again, maybe this is a
great idea.
Diesels are very noisy compared to Nuclear, but
if they are sunk,
for whatever reason, they will pollute for a much shorter
period of time.
Just because it is called Diesel, does not mean
that we cannot use new
and improved types of bio fuels, because we
can.
it makes perfect sense to make some Submarines
that are used solely
to keep track of Communist countries like
China and North Korea,
just to let them know that we are watching them.
If this can be done safely and with less expense,
so much the better.
China has added 40 Submarines to their list and
North Korea has at least 35,
and both countries are using our money to help
build their war machines.
*There are many shipyards in this country that
were shut down by
past administrations, just waiting for the
chance to hire our
laid off workers and get America back to work
building again.*
US
Navy Needs Diesel Submarines
June 16, 2011
Found this on the White House
Blog
Coast Guard Admiral becomes first woman to lead a US Service Academy
If the Coast Guard and my Navy
are not careful,
they just might become a
Matriarch society.
Just kidding, but it is good to
see that unlike Florida,
women are
being recognized as good choices for top advancement.
women have proven themselves
for centuries in our matriarch tribes
and they were the main reason why we did not battle ourselves into extinction.
Flag Day is June 14th
Do you know how to fly the American Flag?
Learn more here:
Rules
for American Flag Display
Please remember that our veterans are watching to
see how we honor
their sacrifices in past wars to assure that all
of us would be free in the future.
Let us Show them the respect that they deserve on this
very important day.
The Flag represents a living country and is itself
considered a living thing.
The US
Flag Code
June 13, 2011
The Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Roughead says that
The Navy
needs to find more efficient energy sources.
If humans abuse the Arctic the way that they have every
other place,
the ice and snow will really start melting and
there
will be climate change like nothing ever seen
by mankind.
CNO
Speaks at Strategy Forum
Another good web site showing newer and
better sources for Military fuel:
Alternative Fuels for Aviation: Navy and Air Force are Bullish
June 10, 2011
So, Where Was Your Navy?
It would seem that the US is damned if they do
and dammed if they don't.
Pirates hijacked a Taiwanese fishing boat back in
March and
while It is true the family was in negotiations with these thugs,
the boat owner
was never going to pay any ransom.
Someone must have called our Navy for help and
help the Navy does.
But, this time, a person other than a pirate was
killed and for this I agree,
we should
apologize for this unfortunate accident, nothing more, nothing
less.
Our Navy did the best that they could, because your
navy did not.
Taiwan Protesters Pelt US Mission with Fish
June 7, 2011
America's Shame, Our Homeless Veterans
God bless our brother Lloyd Thorne, a Vietnam War veteran,
and Helen Shaut, the wife of a Viet Nam
Vet,
who have a place in Eustis for Homeless Vets.
Their Organization is called Resource and Recovery
for Homeless or VORRH.
There are about 17,000 homeless veterans in
Florida, second in the Country
after California, including those in the Woods between Gainesville
and Apopka that Thorne checks up on regularly.
Homeless
Vets
If there are this many Homeless Veterans just in
Florida,
how many are there in the whole country?
The politicians in this country are responsible
for this unspeakable situation
and so are you and so am I,
we all need to share this shame and this blame.
We need to bring our people home from two countries
that no longer want or need us.
For those of you who voted for Rick Scott, please
read the story below and
then find a way to let him and all those like him,
that we Veterans are
a powerful voting group and we will remember
exactly which of them
turned their backs on us, at next election time.
Speak the only language politicians understand,
vote them out of office.
Rick Scott vetoes Grant for Homeless Vets
June 3, 2011
Are you tired of all the bad news?
If it weren't for the bad news, we would have no
news at all.
Sometimes I want to turn it all off,
the TV, Radio and Computers, everything.
And then you
read a story about a U.S. Navy Ship being named after Cesar Chavez.
The ship named for Chavez is so fitting,
it is a Cargo Ship.
So, now there is hope that an airplane or a ship could be named for
Mahatma Gandhi,
the Dalai Lama, or even Chief
Tecumseh.
Might I suggest a Ship of hope,
like the one used by the Red Cross for the Dalai Lama,
or a Freedom Ship on how to win a war without the use of weapons for
Gandhi.
or a United Committee Freedom Plane to and
from all countries for Chief Tecumseh?
May 31, 2011
The U.S. Navy
is not the only one with an oops.....
61 gallons of
toxic coolant leaked from a pipe being pumped
from
the Nuclear Submarine HMS Trafalgar.
The Trafalgar
was involved in another safety incident in 2002,
when it ran
aground off the Isle of Skye.
My two
questions are, how is this coolant cooled down while
the
boat is running through the waters?
Pipe must be
subjected to salt water at some point and
salt
water is very corrosive.
Think about
this.
How many
accidents by our Navy have never been reported?
The Military
does not have to report to the people.
Submarine in Worst Nuclear Leak Since the 80's
May 28, 2011
Just How Safe are our Nuclear Fuel Rods in America?
Experts say that 30 million spent Nuclear Fuel
Rods in
this country could cause a
Fukushima type disaster.
My home state of Connecticut lost 2 spent fuel
rods years ago
and they still have not been found.
Each of these rods is lethal for
at least 10,000
years.
I have been writing about the dangers of Nuclear
Power since the
First Atomic Powered Reactor was
built in Connecticut in the 1960's<,/a>
however, even I was shocked to learn that the number
is 30 million and still climbing.
Today these same plants are called Nuclear Power
Plants,
a clever way the builders used to make
them seem
less dangerous and more important to our Country.
The World's First Nuclear Powered Submarine,
the USS
Nautilus (SSN-571)
was
built in 1951 by Electric Boat in Connecticut, where
some members of my family worked for many years.
The Nautilus is now retired and has been made into a Museum
of Submarine history with thousands of visitors a year.
I can remember our politicians
talking about launching nuclear waste into space.
If you have a leak in your wind
generator, you fix the leak or do not worry about it.
If you have a leak in your wave
generator, you may need to repair the leak.
But if you have a leak in your
spent fuel rod, you are dead.
May 25, 2011
We Take Care of our Own
This weekend is Memorial Day and for those who
understand its true meaning,
it is a time for all of us to thank the Veterans
in this and other countries
for the great sacrifices they have
made to keep all of us free.
If you don't already have plans, here are several that
you might consider attending:
North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System
will host a Memorial Day Ceremony.
The VAMC will host its annual "Catch the
Sprit "
Memorial day Ceremony Event,
Friday May 27 at 10 AM on the Front
Lawn of the Lake City VAMC.
The Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in
Gainesville will be celebrating
Memorial Day with a Ceremony Honoring Fire
and Rescue Workers,
Monday may 30 at 10AM at Forest Meadows
Cemetery.
Other planned events are Parades in Orlando and
Leesburg.
Memorial Day VA Ceremonies in Florida
May 22, 2011
Come Fly with the Blue Angels
New state of the art additions to their web site
will now allow
interested viewers to come fly with the Blue
Angels.
The Blue Angels is promoting their new
site to increase recruiting,
inspire
existing service people by setting an example of precision
and pride and to instill a sense of patriotism
among the public.
Inside the Cockpit: A
Captivating Experience
May 19, 2011
Chavez honored by Navy
Yesterday it was a dream and a wish,
today it is a
fact,
The US Navy has named a Ship after Navy veteran
and Farm Labor leader Cesar Chavez.
After some initial drama, the Navy has named a Lewis and Clark
Class Cargo Ship after a man who spent his life
trying to make
others lives better.
The US Navy Secretary Mabus made the announcement
in San Diego yesterday.
As of 2006, Hispanics numbered 43,000 in the Navy,
Hispanic men represent 11% of that number,
but make up less than 5% of Naval Officers.
Hispanics in the Navy by the Numbers
May 16, 2011
Caring For Our PTSD Veterans
the Ninth Circuit
says treatment for PTSD and other
disorders are so "egregious that they violate
veterans rights."
"Judges say that they have waited
long enough for the VA
to act and were compelled to intervene."
This overhaul is so overdue that it is ridiculous, not only do the
suicides need to be mentioned, but we also need to
talk
about the terrible crimes that these Veterans
may commit if they have too many flashbacks.
We should also talk about the returning Vets who are now homeless.
Some of these Veterans have lost everything that they loved because no one
took the time to try to understand their
horror or help them deal with it.
A friend of mine
came back from Viet Nam and to this day,
whenever he hears a loud noise, he dives to the ground,
then looks
for where the noise came from.
Our help at
discharge time was, "How are you feeling?
"Do you
feel like committing suicide?"
"No?"
"OK, Go Home!"
Court Orders Overhaul of VA Mental Health System
May 13, 2011
Serve your country again?
You served your country honorably, now, its time to do it again,
only, this time it's nine months in the house of
corrections.
Why are we throwing
traumatized Vets in Jail for calling 911?
when we servicemen returned from the Bay of Pigs, the Panama Canal
and Viet Nam, to us these were all wars.
Many of us spent time
talking with counselors about how we felt
about our time in the service of our country.
I spent about a half an hour with a 1st class corpsman talking about this.
We both laughed and I left the service.
thank God I was in the Navy, because my service time was nowhere as
traumatizing as the other branches of the service were.
Now, Veterans are getting a second chance to be truly treated for what war
does to soldiers, regardless of whether politicians call it a war,
a conflict or an incident.
No matter the name, it is
still traumatizing.
Now, Veteran courts, about 46 of them in 20 states,
like the one of Judge Robert Russell, in Buffalo
New York,
are treating the veterans as well as
trying the crimes committed by them.
Veteran Courts
May 9, 2011
If you were Wounded in a War and are Still Alive,
please thank a Nurse!
The
North
Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System
is honoring nurses May 6-12.
The Department
of Veterans Affairs is the nation’s largest
single
employer of nurses who are dedicated to saving lives
and
maintaining
the health of our Veterans.
National
Nurses Week began on May 6, marked as Nurse Recognition Day,
and ends on
May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale,
founder of
nursing as a modern profession.
It's Nurses Week at the VA
May 6, 2011
Anyone who knows me or has been reading my Blogs,
knows
that I watch very carefully whenever a
school, or even
a University, puts up a new web site about Native Americans.
There is a new web site, that appears to be a much appreciated exception.
Assistant Professor Lawrence Gross, a Montana State University
Professor
and an
Anishinaabe/Ojibwa, has created what I call an about time web site,
offering help to all of my brothers and sisters from wars
and
conflicts.
Native
and non Natives, are all one in stress, both physically
and mentally and traditional Natives know that the ceremonies
he is doing, will greatly help us all.
Veteran
Ceremonies
Veterans with PTSD
May 2, 2011
Are we not A Christian Nation under God?
This is not
just closure, it should be treated as comfort.
The Navy
Seals, the greatest fighting machine in the world,
were in a
firefight with bin Laden and his henchmen,
they faced
him, asked him to surrender, but he would not.
Wouldn't it
have been much better , (a long term plan)
to
shoot him in the legs and/or arms,
(to make sure that he
couldn't run, or pull the trigger on a bomb)
and then bring him
back to New York City to stand trial?
We are, after
all, called a Christian Nation under God aren't we?
What does the
jubilant celebrating all over the world say
about us as
the human race, when we celebrate death for death?
Bin Laden's Death Brings Closure to Local Firefighters
And speaking of the Navy Seals, they just keep doing it right!
To learn more about this great group of Navy Men,
who are into everything when it comes to getting
it right for their country.
take a look at their award winning web site Blog,
which is not just about war, it is about giving
help of all kinds :
US Navy Seals Blog Among the Great American Web Sites
April 29, 2011
Love the Good Old USA
Let this be the first of a landslide of moves
back home
for all of our wayward companies.
For too long now, companies starting in this
country have
strayed away or gone overseas.
These jobs and these companies, however large or
small,
will show the world that Americans can and
should
be, our own keepers.
because of changing times, Naval Bases in
this country are
closing down and good hard working Americans are
losing jobs.
Let us close down our bases around the world first,
turn
them into sub stations and return our own people back to work.
Brunswick Naval Air Station Brings Tenet 30 Jobs
April 26, 2011
One small step by Navy, one giant step for
Earth
Navy to upgrade wastewater treatment plant and
sewer system
The US Navy has agreed to minimize the release of
metals, oils and
other pollutants treated by the Apra Harbor wastewater
treatment plant, to further reduce discharges
of aluminum based treatment chemicals into the sewers
and to prevent the leaching of copper
from
households.
The project is estimated to cost more than $50
million and be completed by 2016.
EPA and Navy Reach Agreement on Upgrades at Apra Harbor Treatment
Plant
April 23, 2011
Of Love and War
This story is
about two College sweethearts who found
each other
again a quarter of a century later in Afghan.
This
couple has now been married for seven years
and for each it was a first time marriage.
if you like romantic military stories, this one has three parts.
Romance Spans the Globe and Nearly 40 Years
April 20, 2011
This is not the first time that
I have written about the abuse
of our Oceans
and more than likely not the last, because the
US Navy does not have
the answer for the people who pay them.
When I was in the navy, in the
early '60's, I was ordered
every day
to dump our waste into
the Ocean.
I see that this has still not changed even today.
When a US Navy ship gets destroyed,
the Navy just orders a new one,
but when Endangered Wildlife are destroyed,
we cannot just order up new ones.
If civilian ships have to keep
their waste until they dock
and dispose of it properly,
why doesn't the US Navy?
Environment:
Military Debris Threatens Oceans
April 16, 2011
America is doing what we do best, helping those in
need!
Members of the navy, Marines and Army show our
long time
friends in Japan that we are with them in this new war
with
the wrath of
nature and present their defense minister
Toshimi Kitazawa, an Operation Tonmodachi banner.
Our military has been on the ground and helping
since the
beginning of this disaster and we will be helping our
friends,
until they can
once again stand proudly on their own.
Military flexes might in war against Nature's wrath
April 13, 2011
Ok, for a long time, I have been pointing out many of the
good things that my
Navy is doing around the world, but now I
and hundreds of
thousands of people, including Environmental groups
and fishermen are upset and
rightfully so, about the Navy's
planned Live-Fire exercises near Kodiak, Alaska.
at no time since the Viet Nam conflict, has the Navy bombed an
enemy,
they now use computerized or so called smart
bombs, or even better,
missiles from ships, submarines and planes.
so why is the Navy still in
the Live
dive bombing mode while practicing?
What does this have to do with modern war fare?
Are we at war with wild and marine life?
Fishermen See Red Over Alaska Navy Exercises
April 10, 2011
Our Navy is still at it Bringing aid for Haitian
Orphanages
The US Navy is trying hard to do its part in
helping humanity,
but we need to find ways to stop the gridlock.
$1million in supplies, 177 pallets of bottled
water and canned goods
were delivered by the Navy crew aboard the
HSV-2 Swift.
The Navy had goods and supplies from the January 2010 earthquake,
but the shipment held up in Guantanamo Bay went
past
its expiration date and most of it had to be thrown out.
US Navy Ship Brings Aid to Haitian Orphanages
April 6, 2011
Back together after only 67 years
A close encounter of the Navy Kind just happened
right here in my own neighborhood.
Two world war II Veterans met recently at their
Chiropractors
office here in Lake County, Florida.
The two men worked together while serving on the
Aircraft Carrier
USS Ticonderoga CV-14 in the South Pacific.
But, the chance meeting might never have happened,
without
a Navy Cap to reveal their connection to each other.
When you think about the size of our carriers and
how big
Florida is and these two men ended up living
just a few
blocks away from each other.
What a small world!
It doesn't matter how many times I write about my
Elders Veterans,
this just never gets old, because like our WWI
vets, soon they too will
be gone to that
peaceful Military in the sky, to watch over us forever.
Navy Vets are reunited
April 3, 2011
It's never too late, even at 95!
A WWII US Navy veteran will finally receive the
necessary
paperwork to prove that he is a US Citizen.
After several failed attempts, the Government
came through
for this 95 year old Veteran and he will now get
everything
that he
needs to get a special Driver's license.
WW II Vet
finally gets
Proof of Citizenship
More of this
story
March 30, 2011
It is a matter of National Pride
The Recent attacks on Americans by Pirates sent a
clear message
to all who sail through their part of the World,
if you come here, we will attack you.
But regardless of how foolish they were for not heeding the
warnings that may have saved their lives, these
were still Americans
and this was an act of
war.
It is time to send these Pirates back a
message of our own,
"We will not tolerate the
murder of Americans on any open Seas."
Time to return the favor
March 27, 2011
US Navy Barge Departs Yokosuka for Fukushima
A US Fresh Water Barge is heading to help cool the Fukushima nuclear
plant.
While the Navy is heading to Fukushima with
this barge, the U.S. Marines
are also helping, even with the increasing health
risk, to unload
hardware to install hot showers and makeshift
shelters.
To quote Marine Captain Robert Gerbract,
"I'd much rather be carrying relief food packages than a rifle."
Japan welcomes U.S. Troops
Also in the news,
who can blame the German's Protest
of the use of Nuclear Power in their country?
the German people have a right to fear Nuclear Power:
German Nuclear Protests
March 24, 2011
U.S. Brings Relief and Goodwill to Japan
Operation Tomodachi (friend) has been going on now
almost as long as the disaster in Japan.
Say what you want about my
Navy, however,
please give them credit where credit is due.
The United States Navy is always there when needed.
Contrary to popular belief, when their school children called them
Gods from the sky bringing much needed food, water and supplies,
they are not gods, however, God
bless the United States Navy.
Navy Brings Relief to Japan
March 21, 2011
National Anthem at the Super Bowl - an Editorial
So, with all the kindness I can muster,
I give this one piece of advice to the
next pop star who is
asked to sing the national anthem at a sporting event:
learn
the words, save the vocal gymnastics and the physical
gyrations for your concerts.
Just sing this song the way you
were taught to sing it in kindergarten straight up, no
styling.
Sing it with the constant awareness that there are
soldiers, sailors, airmen
and Marines watching you from
bases and outposts all over the world.
Don't make them
cringe with your self-centered ego gratification.
Sing it as if you are standing before a
row of 86-year-old WWII vets
wearing their Purple Hearts,
Silver Stars and flag pins on their cardigans
and you want
them to be proud of you for honoring them and the country
they love,
not because you want them to think you are a
superstar musician.
They could see that from the costumes,
the makeup and the entourages.
Sing The Star Spangled Banner
with the courtesy and humility
that tells the audience that
it is about America, not you.
Author
Unknown
March 18, 2011
Nuclear Powered Submarines
On ABC news this morning we were shown several nuclear power plants
that are very near large
populations of our people.
How easy would it be for a rouge country with a
modern nuclear powered submarine
to use guided missiles and aim them towards each of our power plants?
It was very disturbing to see how many of our power
plants, nuclear and non nuclear,
were built with so little regard for a future
disaster like Japan now faces.
Can our country stop these missiles?
This can't be happening
March 15, 2011
Border Agents Forced to Use Bean Bags
We lost a good soldier in this new war, why?
Because he was ordered to use rubber bullets to
fight
an enemy using a Russian AK 47.
What would this country look like if we had used
wooden bullets
in 1846 in the war with Mexico?
This all began with an agent using his pistol to
protect
himself on our side of the border,
who was being attacked by rock throwers.
In Guantanamo Bay in the 1960's, ship watchmen
were ordered
to have one bullet in the pocket, to be loaded only after getting
permission from the
OOD if attacked from the Bay.
We need to start protecting our people!
Concerns for our Border Agents
March 12, 2011
A Potential Nuclear Holocaust
In response to one of the World's greatest
disasters this week in Japan,
Americans were quick to offer them help:
US Navy set to help Japan Earthquake Relief Effort
Our own Nuclear History
The
first nuclear
power plant in this country was built in 1954.
All the rest of our power plants were built in the
early 1970's,
but, America's Nuclear power plants were not
designed to survive
a worst
case scenario,
as Japan just witnessed this week.
these people, like the Auto Industry,built for acceptable losses.
In this country we have hurricanes, tornados,
earthquakes,
sink holes and an occasional chance for tsunamis.
My question since the 1970's has always been, what if?
So.....Worst Case Scenario or Build Baby Build,
which one will we choose?
We have so many other Safer choices, why not use
one of them:
Alternative Energy
March 9, 2011
Wake Up America!
There are Billions in Federal waste.
Democrats and Republicans keep dropping the ball.
take a look at what Congress is doing with your
money.
Can you say PORK BELLY?
If you don't do anything, you will get exactly
what you deserve.
We can save $460 million in Duplications,
overlapping and fragmentation
in our Military alone, without risking the life of
a single military person.
There are Billions to be saved.
come on America, demand what you are paying for.
Federal Waste Report
March 6, 2011
The
punishment must fit the crime!
When a person cheats the U.S. Government, that person
needs to be punished.
however, when a person cheats our Government
by selling
substandard materials used in the building of our Navy
submarines,
which could have resulted in the deaths of
hundreds of our servicemen,
this is attempted murder and the punishment should be
the most
severe that is allowed by our laws!
Man
sentenced for defrauding US Navy
March 3, 2011
Last U.S. Veteran of WW I Dies at 110
Today we lost someone who will be deeply missed,
he is truly the last of his kind, the last of the
Great War.
We will miss him because we can no longer talk
about that sad
time in history and while doing so talk to someone in
the flesh.
I am speaking of Frank Buckles.
Someone by the way, who was also a POW-MIA as a
Civilian.
These World war II veterans will not be with us for
much longer,
please, remember this and let them know how much
you
respect them every time that you see one of them.
A touch on the shoulder, a nod, anything to let
these Men
know that they have not and never will be forgotten!
Buckles, last WWI doughboy dies at 110
February 26, 2011
Sacred Bundles created to help with their healing
on trip back to Viet nam.
When we ask Creator in a good way, Creator Blesses
in an even better way.
The hearts of my Viet Nam Brothers and sisters
have
been heavy for such a long time,
I am pleased to see this group went to the
Creator
in a good way (prayer and a clean heart).
We in this country could learn much from what
happened
because this sacred bundle was handled correctly.
AHO!
Veterans Tap Traditions of Native Americans
February 23, 2011
Should the US Navy have killed All the
Pirates?
No, I believe that our Government did the
right thing
by trying to negotiate a peaceful
settlement.
I also do not believe that these people
are all terrorists,
but possibly very hungry people
looking for a way to save
their starving families lives.
I
also do not believe that those who were killed
should have been there to begin with,
You cannot and should not try to force your Religious beliefs on
other people, especially if they are 8,000 miles
away from your home
and in a very dangerous part of the world known
for hijackings!
But, Americans were killed in
international waters,
so the Somalis' should
be our prisoners and treated as such!
Americans Hijacked by Somalis
February 20, 2011
US Navy Going Renewable
There can never be too much support for Alternative
Energy.
It is very good that UC Davis is lending a
hand to the Navy,
but it would be appreciated if they could also
lend that same hand
to the Elders on our Reservations, who could
truly benefit from
a switch to
Alternative Energy, like Solar and Wind Power.
UC Davis to help the Navy go Green
February 17,
2011
The
Victorious US Carrier that didn't exist
During a very
crucial time for the United States Navy,
while at war
with Japan and with our carrier fleet
seriously
crippled, along came a mysterious,
fully
equipped carrier, the USS Robin.
The
problem was, for both the enemy and the allies,
she
could not be found in any of our records.
Today the
mystery has been solved, she was actually
a
British carrier, the HMS Victorious (R38).
And she saved
the day!
The USS Robin
February 14,
2011
Navy
Ordinance Chief Saves Life of navy Seal
"We just
do what we are trained to do, Save lives!"
And Gerardo
Sosa, a U.S. Navy explosive ordinance disposal chief, EOD,
did just that
in Afghanistan on September 7, 2009.
Sosa was
awarded the Navy star for his brave actions.
Navy EOD receives Navy Star for saving Navy Seal
February 11, 2011
Hello, It's
your past on the phone!
This is for me and the old salts who like to
reminisce
about the good old days back in the navy.
it is way past time for us to hit the internet
and
find those shipmates.
while it is true that the USS Betelgeuse, (the goose)
does have a reunion every year,
we know that many of our old friends are still out
there,
not knowing how or where to swap old stores and sea salt fib
so to speak.
The search for an old sailor
February 8, 2011
All Women Navy
Remember the WAVES of WWII?
Lu Albrecht was a member and continues to be
active at 90.
Today we would like to thank the US Navy for once
again
recognizing the women of our Navy.
The WAVES were a group of women in the Military Service,
beginning in WWII, who were at the front in
Hospitals
and almost every place else that they were
needed,
while helping to end the terrible War!
Remember the WAVES of WWII ?
February 5, 2011 US Disrupts Pirate Attack
Two Navy ships, the USS Momsen
and the USS Bunker Hill,
responded to
a call from the Merchant Vessel Duqm,
whose crew
reported Pirates were attempting to board their ship.
Arabian Sea Pirates thwarted
US Navy attacks suspected Pirates
When Pirates successfully rob
ships, we all pay in higher prices.
These thugs are lazy and need to get a real job.
February 2, 2011
Can a trained Bomb dog go back to civilian life?
First, my condolences to Pfc. Colton Rusk's
family.
I know from experience that an Army guard dog can
be
retrained and returned to civilian life.
When I was younger, A friend of my brother's had a
German
Shepherd that had served in the Korean War.
One day, my brother asked me to dog sit and the
dog got loose.
I chased this guy all over town, until he caught
me out on the city pier.
Because of the stories I had heard, the last thing
I expected was,
that after growling at me, he would walk up and
lick my face!
Semper -fi Eli, I hope that you get your new home
soon.
Marine Dog may get a new home
January 29, 2011
Navy Week
now is the time to see first hand
some of the good things that
the navy is doing for our young people and
the country.
Some of the events will be fabulous Blue Angels
precision Flying Team,
The Navy band, mobile dive tank and much more.
For more information about when it will be in your
part of the country,
please see this web site:
Navy Week
January 26,
2011
Flight 93
families visit USS Somerset
The USS
Somerset is named after the County in
Pennsylvania where Flight 93 went down on 9/11
and reminds us
just how close we came to losing
The White
House that terrible day.
Thanks to the
heroes on Flight 93, it did not happen.
The USS New York and USS Arlington
are also dedicated to the Heroes of 9/11.
The USS Somerset
January 24, 2011
Wreaths for Fallen Soldiers
I very much regret that this story was missed
last month
and even though the Holiday season has passed,
the
reason for this show of respect will never leave us.
Wreath Ceremony planned for Fallen Soldiers
Wreaths for fallen soldiers
Volunteers craft Holiday wreaths for fallen soldiers
January 21, 2011
Sargent Shriver, Activist, politician and my hero
Robert Sargent Shriver, jr. (1915-2011)
Shriver served in the US Navy during world war
II.
He married Eunice Kennedy, my idea of a very smart
man
and as a member of the Kennedy family, was
instrumental
in founding the Peace Corps, the war on poverty.
After retiring from politics, Shriver served as
president of the special Olympics.
in my opinion, it takes a great man to be
mentioned in a sentence with visionaries
like Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi,
Nelson Mandela and
Fannie Lou Hamer.
Mr. Shriver was that kind of man.
god now has a new hero helping to watch over us.
Founder of the Peace Corps dies at 95
The
Sargent Shriver Center
Sargent Shriver
January 17, 2011
Be careful where your charitable donations are
going
A so called Navy Charity using the name
U.S. Navy Veterans Association,
has been put out of business, it appears.
For over eight years, This man used a fake name
and
a fake business to set up shop all over the
country and
scam many unsuspecting persons out of their money.
U.S. Navy Veterans Association Under the radar
Navy Vets leader made unchecked rise
Florida paper profiles fake Navy Vet
January 14, 2011
Florida officers doing the right thing for a
WW II Seabee
Volusia County Deputies surprised a widow with a
new
flag to replace the one that had been recently
stolen.
The four officers not only gave the widow a new
flag, but they
also held a formal ceremony to show respect for
her husband.
It's good~
Deputies
replace Widow's Flag
Deputies pool money and replace stolen Flag
January 10, 2011
A
War Hero adjusts to his fame
As member of the American Legion and a Viet Nam
Vet,
I understand why our country finds it so important
to honor our veterans.
This man is what a real hero is made of, not just because
of what he did, although what he did was truly amazing,
but because of who he is.
Our young people and new recruits need to read
about this young man.
staff sergeant Salvatore Giunta, thank you for
teaching our young how to live life.
Humble soldier adjusts to fame
January 5, 2011
Hawaii and the United States Navy, Marines and Air Force
have joined
together and are now using Chevrolet Equinox fuel
cell SUV's.
this may not be the best example of green energy,
but it is far
better than fossil fuel.
the Ford Focus electric hybrid is one of their 5 wired vehicles for 2012.
I believe that it is way past time for the entire
country to have
incentives for changing from fossil fuel to
electric vehicles.
Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell to us navy
2012 Ford
Focus electric teaser photos released
December 29, 2010
An Urgent Message from "Goose"
Shipmate Bobby Cribb
We are asking everyone to say a
prayer for "Dark
Horse"
3rd
Battalion, 5th Marines and their families.
They are fighting in Afghanistan and have lost 9 Marines in 4 days.
These marines gave their lives for us
and sadly, The numbers keep
growing.
Please honor them
by remembering their sacrifices and passing this on.
Semper Fi and God Bless the
United states Marines Corps and all of our troops.
December 25, 2010
When will the little things become the biggest
thing?
It is great to see things like the U.S. Naval Mobile
Construction
Battalion 7 (NMCB-7)building wells in places like Dawa,
Ethiopia,
not for war,
but because of wars or just because they should.
It would also be great to see this same battalion
digging wells and installing
wind generators and solar panels on American
Indian Reservations.
Dedication of new Ethiopian well
December 20, 2010
US Navy and the Pentagon becoming serious about Global Warming
Rear Admiral David Titley is, as should many,
speaking out loudly
in favor of helping our planet.
As seen in this blog, the military is doing its
part to protect our planet.
They are changing the way they use sonar to save
marine life,
the navy is using seaweed and other types of Bio
Fuel in place of oil and gas.
Hunting our enemies with drones not only
saves lives,
it also uses less fuel.
Rebuilding our home ports with up to date
equipment will cut pollution drastically.
The Navy is talking to Congress about reusing old
retired ships and equipment,
rather than sinking them in our oceans.
The US Navy and Global Warming
December
16, 2010
A Nuclear Aircraft carrier in Florida
The Navy plans to move at least one of their
Nuclear Carriers
from Norfolk, Virginia to Jacksonville, Florida.
Anyone alive On December 7th 1941, will tell you
that we quickly learned why
we should never have had all of our ships in the
same place, at the same time.
In 1940, the Military had moved our West Coast Fleet into
what is now
called Battleship Row, making an attack for our enemy like
shooting chickens
in a hen house.
Pearl Harbor 1941
as an Environmentalist, I do not approve of
Nuclear anything,
however it is here, so we must deal with it.
But with so many Military Vessels now Nuclear, a
repeat of the
attack of Pearl Harbor would be even more
devastating.
December 12, 2010
Don't Ask, Don't Tell
My question is, who cares?
As an old salt from the 60's era, I am having a
problem with what all of the fuss is about.
In my short stay in the Navy, from Boot Camp to
discharge,
I had many friends now called "gays" in the
military.
At no time, was there a problem with our
friendship.
as one of my best friends said once, "you're not
my type"
Worked for me, he was not my type either.
The only thing that should matter is when needed,
I trusted knowing that he had my back!
While working on a Cargo ship, sometimes 12 to 14
hours on and 8 hours off,
things can happen, so it was good to know that you
could always trust
your shipmates to watch your back when you
were tired.
If a person is of another race, who cares?
If a person is of another religion, who cares?
Can this person do the job?
This is all that should matter.
http://www.ydr.com/ci_16778202
December 7, 2010
Remembering
Pearl Harbor
Today we
honor all of those who gave their lives defending America.
Please join
with me in saying a prayer of thanks for their great sacrifices.
Pearl Harbor History
December 5, 2010
Merry Christmas from Navy Dads!
To find information about a Navy or Marine
member of your
family,
you should go to their web site at:
Navydads.com
December 1, 2010
Korean Crisis demonstrates need for
stronger Navy
From what I have been reading in this blog
and elsewhere,
I believe that having 600 ships may be overkill?
Korean Crisis
We have about 11 aircraft carriers:
Navy Ships
78 submarines:
(72 active and 6 under construction).
Navy Submarines
A wiser move, in my opinion, would be to put some
of the carriers and subs
into dry dock and convert them into the newer, drone type robotic
ships.
November 27, 2010
Can our past truly help us with our future?
Today the uss George Washington entered the yellow
sea.
Koreas clash
I believe this administration has it right showing our
determination
for peace, before the need to use force when it is too
late.
Soon after the first and second world wars, the
free countries
wanting only peace turned their backs on South
Korea, while
the aggressors
brutally pushed their way into the country.
this became the first of our losing conflicts, the
Korean war.
Korean war
Korean war -
Wikipedia
November 25,
2010
The US Navy
has come a long way Baby!
Not only do
we have drones hunting the Taliban, al-Qaeda
and the
Coyotes smuggling immigrants across our borders,
but soon we
will have a ship that can act like a drone
and can hunt,
unmanned, for submarines.
Now if they
could only get some robotic warriors,
we
could bring all of our soldiers home.
New
US Navy Robotic Subs
November 22, 2010
Rebuilding the US Navy Ports
I am one of many frugal taxpayers in this country,
however, I am also very aware of the fact that we
still need
to maintain a first class navy around the
world today.
As shown in this story, the US Navy must
find ways to
overhaul our naval Ports in this country.
I know from personal experience in the 60's at
one of my home ports, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
at that time, she was a pretty good base of
operation,
however like me, she is getting up in years,
unlike me,
she can be remade, let's do so now before its too
late.
Norfolk was built in 1767 as the Gosport Royal
Navy Shipyard
and in 1862 after making repairs, the US Navy
purchased the Base.
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
Overhauling US
Navy Ports
November 19, 2010
Aircraft
Carrier sunk to become another reef
As with our
beloved "Goose", the uss Oriskany, another
decommissioned navy ship was
sunk off of our coast.
the uss
oriskany CV-34 will now spend her
retirement
caring for a new kind of crew.
how
many shipmates tried and failed, as we from
the "goose" did,
to save these old war horses from a watery grave
to be
used as a location for our reunions?
I know that
like me, my shipmates will also miss walking around on her decks.
I guess that
it was her time?
After all of
the oil and other pollutants are washed away,
many of the marine life
who have lost their natural habitat
will now have
new homes.
Decommissioned Navy Ship to become a new reef
November 16, 2010
The USS Kirk
and the Lucky Few
This news
story is important, I feel, because it shows that our military is on
the job doing
many things other than waging war, while saving
lives even at a great risk to themselves.
The heroes on the
USS Kirk ( all of the crew), spent the closing moments of the
Viet
Nam conflict at the Fall of Saigon in 1975, rescuing some
30,000 Vietnamese men,
women and children, with no news fanfare, just caring
for people.
Smithsonian premiers documentary film
November 12, 2010
Navy Told to Avoid Whales
I say that any plan aimed at
protecting our marine mammals,
such as whales, porpoises
and seals, no matter how small, is a good plan.
We must remember that marine
mammals can and do hold their breath
for a very long time, so that
they will not be seen.
Correct me if I am mistaken,
but I remember back in the '60's,
when
navy sonar was picking up
these mammals
so this sonar must be
shut down because these mammals
can pick up
the navy sonar from well over a mile away.
And finally, why is the Navy
setting off explosives in the middle
of the ocean,
when the conflicts are all taking place in sand?
Navy told to avoid whales during exercises
Another story shows the Navy does not care as much for
West Coast Whales
Navy
Authorized to Use Sonar
November 9, 2010
He can't vote anyway
"An editorial cartoon with the flag-draped coffin
of a military service member with a caption that said,
basically, that vote does not count anyway."
No disrespect intended
As a reader and a Veteran, I would think that a news reporter,
especially an
editor, should have done a much
better job of proof reading
this article being printed in a large military town like
Jacksonville, Florida.
Just when you've started to relax from all of the political back biting
and
the voting is over, they had to put this in the Jacksonville times-union!
November 7, 2010
Why are we building ships in Germany?
Crowds cheer as new Disney cruise ship floated out in
Germany.
Disney Dream Ship Floats out in Germany
Why would our government allow big business like Disney
to go
to Italy and Germany to spend money when this
country is
shutting down our shipyards for lack of work?
Avondale Shipyard Closing
What was the cost to build the Disney Dream?
Around $1 billion dollars.
Bigger Bills for Disney Ships
The Disney Fantasy is still being built!
The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder were built in Italy.
Disney is tight lipped on the cost of their other ships.
Wiki
Disney Cruise Line
For many months in the media I saw that the Democrats
and Republicans
are looking for common ground for how to
work on ways to get
our people back to work.
The politicians pick on the president because of this
high unemployment,
why not come together to help keep
shipyards open for lucrative business
like cruiser ship
building?
American companies and workers need to change and
build better for less.
November 5, 2010
If you read it in the paper it must be true?
Obama is not taking ships with him to India
No! we always have ships around that area.
No!
The trip did not cost 200 billion dollars.
No!
Our president did not deploy one third of our navy for his trip
to India.
During his nearly hour long Press Conference/meeting
yesterday,
President Obama did not shy away from any of the
questions
from the media and there were some pretty tough ones.
November 1, 2010
"the following is a passage in Hamid
Dabashi’s
Iran: A People Interrupted
Some say it’s an
actual radio conversation between
a US chief of naval
operations and what he believed
to be another
vessel. Others claim it’s just a joke.
Either way, it’s
a brilliant statement about US foreign policy."
http://pulsemedia.org/2010/10/31/killing-reconciliation-in-afghanistan/
US Naval Chief: Please divert your
course fifteen degrees to the North to avoid a
collision.
Unidentified Vessel: Recommend you
divert your course fifteen degrees to the South to avoid
a collision.
US Naval Chief: This is the captain of
a US Navy ship. I say again, divert your course.
Unidentified Vessel: No, I say again,
divert your course.
US Naval Chief: This is the aircraft
carrier Enterprise. We are a large warship of the US
Navy. Divert your course now!
Unidentified Vessel: This is a
lighthouse. Your call.
October 30,
2010
Looking for some good news about
my navy?
About the Navy
I was in this mans navy some 45 years
ago and
enjoyed every minute of that experience.
I thought that you may be interested in
some reasons why?
October 28, 2010
Navy tests seaweed power
I am not sure about using seaweed/diesel as a fuel on all ships,
however, I have had a web site about alternative energy for
several years concerning the use of algae or bio fuels
that have been shown to work very well.
US Navy Tests Seaweed
http://www.sachem-uncas.com/energy.html
October 26,
2010
Naval Station
Norfolk
Goose shipmates talk about reliving history, read about
the history of the largest naval base in the world.
I am talking about our own home port in Norfolk,
Virginia.
Norfolk Naval
Station History
October 24,
2010
Hooah to the Veteran’s in King,
N.C.
"Christian Flag
Day"
I say enough is
enough.
where is the
state in a Veteran’s Memorial Park?
Where is the church in a Veteran’s
Memorial Park?
Where were the members of the ACLU
while our veteran’s
were fighting and dying for their
right to butt in at a veteran’s affair?
Semper Fi to the
citizens of King, N.C.
King's concerned citizens fired back with protests, walks,
rallies and public displays of the Christian flag in homes,
businesses and on cars. Monday past was officially declared
"Christian
Flag Day" for this town of nearly 7,000.
Calm winds and following sea’s from me to you all.
Military Veterans vs King, N.C.
October 22,
2010
Bad luck
comes in threes
I was reading the swampland blog yesterday and the
navy said bad luck comes in threes.
I believe A submarine that now costs some $2
billion dollars should not
have stealth coating, I say let the enemy know that we
are stalking them!
As for The F-35 fuel pump problems, how many types of
air craft
do we need now for flying over our bombing ranges?
I do want the USS San Antonio up and running because
we could
also use her to keep the pirates in check and help our
shipping industry.
Bad Luck comes in threes
October 20,
2010
The USS Betelgeuse has a
sister ship.
Did you know that you can
still sail the sea on our sister ship?
Well maybe not the sea,
however you can enjoy history on the
USS
American Victory Ship
October 18,
2010
Because they
can......
In this day and age with all of the improvement in science
and with our economy in the tank,
why is our government
still practicing bombing with real ammo?
What's
going on at Pinecastle?
Should the Navy Vacate Vieques?
*If you are current/former Navy personnel and
wish*
to be considered for future contributions to
this Blog,
please send an email to:
donnaljones@centurylink.net
You can contact me at:
ussbetelgeuse at centurylink.net
              
Web Design by:
Gator-Woman
Mate visits
since 10-18-2010
Last edited
February 20, 2012
Copyright© 2008 - 2012 USSBETELGEUSE.COM All rights reserved.
|