tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76943320920350722212024-02-20T02:09:57.467-08:00MEMORIALSFORHEROES.COMMemorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-13850357393973690792014-06-08T04:49:00.001-07:002014-06-08T04:49:43.980-07:00K-9 Kallie : A Memorial to her Distinguished Career<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div id="fb-root">
</div>
<script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script>
<div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/MassStatePolice/photos/a.227475680669756.55919.218158751601449/640626452688008/?type=1" data-width="466">
<div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MassStatePolice/photos/a.227475680669756.55919.218158751601449/640626452688008/?type=1">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MassStatePolice">Massachusetts State Police</a>.</div>
</div>
<br /></div>
Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-86438602206174417682014-04-30T05:16:00.000-07:002014-04-30T05:16:18.655-07:00The Spartan Trifecta Mission: One Veteran's Way of Paying it Forward <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/individual-fundraising/vets4vets/"><img alt="https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/individual-fundraising/vets4vets/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Pr_dDD9JQGIGoUq3rSKRZ6-T9fSCp47Va2iYK3vMf5DRthB2qw5e6OhcvfmTAejNwyY4X_rwkD1JASeCGRyIcgTYh-yHOuZulKjwe1tJNsIBHijR275VRhLAjqg3JtaXS8gF5rwhezc9/s1600/Jaime1.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Navy Veteran Jaime Ackles is trying to raise $6,000 for The Wounded Warrior Project by competing in what's called the Spartan Trifecta.<br />
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.spartanrace.com/spartan-trifecta-members.html">The Spartan Trifecta</a> consists of a racer completing the following three races in a calendar year:</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br clear="none" /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">-The Spartan Sprints is a fast muddy run: 3+ MILES / 15+ OBSTACLES</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">-Super Spartan is battlefield of insane mud running: 8+ MILES / 20+ OBSTACLES</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">-Spartan Beast is an obstacle Race from Hell: 12+ MILES / 25+ OBSTACLES</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Please Help Support Jaime's goal to raise these much needed funds for our wounded veterans. <a href="https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/individual-fundraising/vets4vets/">CLICK HERE</a> to visit his fundraising page and make a donation. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLCSN7V7TgOx9hXgeULNMUu0_gE-dkbv2jB9GA3vVA5eigENmtCGwzIuWt0FFkehzSFlXRztrXmPP_RtDY96BK8Tdhf5vRw9oH3i6Q3U5KwUFC-fLJJI_IUJx8EQLOvig0l74y6WQxFtf/s1600/Jaime2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLCSN7V7TgOx9hXgeULNMUu0_gE-dkbv2jB9GA3vVA5eigENmtCGwzIuWt0FFkehzSFlXRztrXmPP_RtDY96BK8Tdhf5vRw9oH3i6Q3U5KwUFC-fLJJI_IUJx8EQLOvig0l74y6WQxFtf/s1600/Jaime2.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-75379624779312676152012-03-01T23:16:00.000-08:002014-04-30T05:01:54.108-07:00Goody Petronelli: He Lived For The Love Of The Sweet Science<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
By: Rich Bergeron<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://static.boxrec.com/wiki/c/c1/Petronelli_Goody.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static.boxrec.com/wiki/c/c1/Petronelli_Goody.jpg" /></a></div>
I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with the late, great Guerino “Goody” Petronelli for the first time a few years ago when I lived one town over from Brockton, Massachusetts and wanted to make a boxing comeback after about 10 years away from the sport. Walking up the 44 steps leading to Petronelli’s gym at 28 Petronelli Way for the very first time, I could hear the telltale thwack of a speed bag being worked and the jarring beeps of the round timer going off. Upon entering the facility, I felt like I just stepped into a museum highlighting the storied boxing history of Brockton. There were faded news clippings and old fight posters covering almost every inch of the wall space.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Some of the area’s best fighters in just about every weight class were known for frequenting Goody Petronelli’s place of business at some point in their careers. Many of them were on those walls, frozen in time and staring perpetually at prospects and seasoned pros who kept the Brockton boxing tradition alive.<br />
<br />
Petronelli spent nearly three decades in the United States Navy and retired as a Master Chief in 1969. As a former boxer himself, he was passionate about the Sweet Science and quickly put the pieces together to start a career as a trainer. His brother Pat would play a managerial role while Goody would train, corner, and serve as cut-man for all his fighters at the amateur and pro level.<br />
<br />
I interviewed Goody on my weekly radio show in July of 2009, but when I first ducked my head into his office and introduced myself he shook my hand and promptly located a signed picture of “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler (62-3, 52 KOs) to give me. “He signed thousands of these back in the day,” Goody told me, asking me if I wanted a poster to go with it. Petronelli had the same poster looking over his shoulder every day as he sat at his desk in the corner office of the ratty gym.<br />
<br />
<br />
“He was all business,” the trainer recalled about Hagler in our 2009 interview, which he graciously allowed to go more than an hour long. “He was one of the greatest middleweights of all time.” He went on to explain that Hagler “never got hurt, and he never complained.” <br />
<br />
<br />
If it hadn’t been for Petronelli, the city of Brockton might not get all the glory and the bragging rights it enjoys today for being “The City of Champions.” Before Goody came along, Rocky Marciano (49-0, 43 KOs) was the only world champ to claim the working class city as his home. Petronelli’s gym enterprise might have actually been named Marciano’s Gym if the Former Heavyweight Champion of the world did not die far too early in a freak plane crash on August 31, 1969. <br />
<br />
<br />
“Rocky was a good friend of mine,” recalled Goody. “Had he not been killed, he would have been my partner in the gym with my brother Pat and I. Before I retired out of the Navy I was up in Detroit, Michigan. We had a naval air station up there, and I was the coach of the Navy/Marine Boxing Team. And, I had Rocky come up from Brockton, and he flew up and he refereed all the matches for me and put out his posters all over the base, and it was real nice of him to do it. He didn’t charge me a dime.”<br />
<br />
<br />
Marciano asked Petronelli back then what he planned to do next, and Petronelli told him he wanted to open a gym back home in Brockton. The “Brockton Blockbuster” immediately asked to join the effort, and Petronelli obliged him. The trainer was in California when he did ultimately retire, and he was driving across the country when he heard the news of the plane crash that killed Rocky. <br />
<br />
<br />
“You could have knocked me over with a feather,” he said. “It was terrible, because Rocky was a great guy. Of course he was a great fighter, but he was also a great individual. He was really a down to earth guy, very honest, you know.” <br />
<br />
<br />
Petronelli was ringside for Marciano’s greatest moment of glory against Jersey Joe Walcott in their famous title tilt back on September 23rd, 1952 at Municipal Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He remembered Marciano going down in the first round and looking terrible through most of the fight. “I wouldn’t bet you a plug nickel that he would even finish the fight,” he recalled. “Lo and behold in the 13th round, Joe Walcott goes against the ropes and turned to throw a right hand at Rocky, and Rocky threw an inside right and boy, he caught him right there on the chin. That’s that famous picture that’s worldwide, and you coulda counted to a hundred.”<br />
<br />
<br />
Goody and his brother Pat Petronelli, who died last September, built and ran the gym without Rocky’s help, but not without his inspiration. Goody understood Rocky was no freak of nature and made it to the top through sheer hard work and determination, treating his road work and conditioning like a religion. <br />
<br />
<br />
“We trained him like Rocky Marciano,” said Petronelli about preparing Hagler for his famous fight with Tommy Hearns back in April of 1985. That bout will go down in history as one of the greatest fights ever, and Hagler won by way of a stunning third round knockout. <br />
<br />
<br />
“The thing is a trainer, we can’t give you a chin, and we can’t give you heart, but we can teach you how to fight,” Petronelli explained. “So, if a fighter’s got those two qualifications, we can make a good fighter out of you.” Goody recognized early on that Hagler had a heck of a chin and pointed out that the only time the former middleweight champion went down in a pro fight, it was actually a slip and not a legitimate knockdown. Hagler first came into Petronelli’s facility one day as a young teen from New Jersey convinced he could become a world champion. Goody recalled that Hagler was so cocky that he was already signing autographs proclaiming himself the future champ of the world when he was just 16 years old. Petronelli would run the beaches of Provincetown, Massachusetts with Hagler during his prime years just as Rocky’s trainer Allie Colombo ran alongside his champion throughout his pro career. Petronelli remembered those days running on the beach, pointing out the fact that Hagler always wore work boots during his runs and “was always in tip-top shape.” He added that running with Hagler “kept me in shape, too.” A good perspective on those days can be found in the following clip narrated by former Hagler Sparring Partner Tiger Moore: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHNaFGv1VdQ">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHNaFGv1VdQ</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
An article about the famed trainer’s Brockton gym published in the Boston Phoenix back in 2002 pointed out: “You get the sense that if every piece of duct tape were stripped away, the place would fall apart.” I trained there in the spring and summer months of 2009, and I can vouch for that characterization. <br />
<br />
<br />
“Nothing fancy, but it’s a gym,” Goody said proudly about the spot where he taught so many capable pugilists over the years. Still, it was the kind of place any young and hungry boxer would want to be, a place where they could learn from the best in the business and work with folks who knew how to mold ordinary men into world championship material. It was better than being on the set of a Rocky movie, because this was real, this was gritty, and this was where any boxer could draw inspiration from knowing that so many great fighters had passed through the facility in their prime. <br />
<br />
<br />
“I come from a family of 12. Five girls and seven boys, and you had to be tough in order to survive,” Petronelli explained about how he first got into boxing. “So, I was only about ten or eleven years old, and I was in the gym. Some kids take up football, baseball, you name it. I got into boxing when I was a young kid, and I fought in the amateurs and fought pro and boxed all through the Navy. When I got too old to box I trained, and that’s been my life. I’ve had great luck with it.” <br />
<br />
<br />
My own boxing comeback would begin and end right there in Goody’s gym. Though my first sparring opportunity left me confident and proud of bloodying my opponent’s nose within the first thirty seconds, the next session left me with a broken rib. I didn’t feel so bad about being put down on one knee when I later heard my sparring partner, Sean Bettencourt, went on to win the New England Golden Gloves in 2010. Bettencourt is now in the process of trying to secure a slot in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.<br />
<br />
<br />
“I like the kid that comes down the gym, and he gets a cut lip and a black eye, and he comes in the next day and says, ‘Hey, I wanna box him again.’ That’s the guy we’re looking for,” Petronelli said. “You know, they’re not as hungry today, as you know, as they were years ago. Today, they’ve got so many obstacles in their way.” I suppose I proved that statement to be correct by getting fat and out of shape after the rib fracture and a subsequent broken ankle, and I certainly was not the kind of kid Goody was looking for, but I still haven’t given up on getting back in the game at some point.<br />
<br />
During the nights I frequented the Brockton gym, I watched countless young men like Sean Bettencourt hit the bags, skip rope, and spar in the two floor rings by the giant bay windows lining one side of the main gym area. As a boxer who relied on the jab more than any other punch, my favorite part of the gym was a small sign on the wall that read: “When in doubt, jab out.“<br />
<br />
I was in the middle of a training session at Goody’s gym one night when Kevin McBride (35-10-1, 29 KOs) was in the ring hitting the mitts with Goody. Kevin’s young son saw me knocking around a heavy bag and confused me for his father at one point. I laughed it off and kept going, pointing at the ring to show the boy where his real father was.<br />
<br />
McBride and Petronelli had a very close friendship, and even when the odds were heavily favoring McBride’s opponents during his own comeback, Goody was there every step of the way believing his protégé could beat those odds. McBride was older, more robust, and a few steps slower than he was when he retired Mike Tyson back in June of 2005, but with Goody working with him he had a real chance to get back into prime condition. “He’s back in the gym training, and hopefully we can get him a few tune-ups and go for the big one,” said Petronelli back in 2009. “I’ve had him from day one, right from Ireland. He came over here, and I worked with him, and he had a lot of talent.” <br />
<br />
<br />
A few fights after he came back to work with Goody, McBride would be in the ring with Tomasz Adamek, who was 43-1 at the time of their April, 2011 bout for the IBF International Heavyweight Title and the WBO NABO Heavyweight Title. Though McBride lost a unanimous decision, Petronelli didn’t lose hope at any point in the fight, using every break in the action to coax his fighter to keep trying to close the gap and get within striking distance.<br />
<br />
<br />
Pat Petronelli’s son Tony Petronelli (42-4-1, 22 KOs) had his own world championship hopes dashed by Wilfred Benitez as a young welterweight, but he went on to become a world class trainer after retiring in 1979. “He was our number one man. He was the North American Champion, and he fought for the title,” said Goody about his nephew. “He was a great little fighter, and he could box like you know what, but he wanted to fight like a Puerto Rican. He’d just walk in and bang. He was a tremendous fighter, and he did a great job.” <br />
<br />
<br />
Tony was actually my own trainer until Bettencourt’s body blows derailed my short-lived comeback. His father Pat and his uncle Goody passed the family business and legacy onto Tony, who now trains boxers in a new Stoughton gym and remains very active in the boxing scene as a true ambassador of the sport.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://unlimitedfightnews.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/DUNDEEGOODYdoctored.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://unlimitedfightnews.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/DUNDEEGOODYdoctored.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>There will never be another trainer quite like Goody, but there are countless young fighters and seasoned trainers who were influenced by him. They will be his greatest legacy at the end of the day. Just meeting and talking to him was an honor for me, and I’ll never forget knowing him for the short time I did and spending those nights in his gym developing my own boxing skills. As the boxing world mourns Goody and his colleague Angelo Dundee (who died just a few days after Goody), they will look back to their prime years as the golden age of the sport. And it’s a sport both men helped put on the map by mentoring some of the greatest fighters to ever enter a boxing ring.<br />
<br />
<br />
Goody’s Obituary and Online Guest Book: <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/southofboston-enterprise/obituary.aspx?n=guerino-petronelli&pid=155726546">http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/southofboston-enterprise/obituary.aspx?n=guerino-petronelli&pid=155726546</a></div>
Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-76070455777959860052012-03-01T22:22:00.000-08:002012-03-01T22:22:22.658-08:00Colonel Joseph J. Ciampa: Leader, Teacher, Mentor, and Family Man<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8b-rg9Myojz1GO3pvdfpKszHZn6xQ_1s_qLiAwp_aZoDI_HmBVwsDkvaG3Lnvo4Fl8bsXIw0nzqAcqLUPi-oqY_U7idEVt6QIf9R-UzOT_hpVTNk8xBE3ZWuJMbJ7A7lPEh-Fq1IwxJEx/s1600/joeciampa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8b-rg9Myojz1GO3pvdfpKszHZn6xQ_1s_qLiAwp_aZoDI_HmBVwsDkvaG3Lnvo4Fl8bsXIw0nzqAcqLUPi-oqY_U7idEVt6QIf9R-UzOT_hpVTNk8xBE3ZWuJMbJ7A7lPEh-Fq1IwxJEx/s1600/joeciampa.jpg" uda="true" /></a></div>By: Rich Bergeron<br />
<br />
If there is any one man I could credit for keeping me out of trouble in high school, I'd have to say it was Lt. Colonel Joseph J. Ciampa. As a headstrong kid who liked to fight and spent a ton of time in the principal's office as a freshman, I needed the discipline junior ROTC provided for me. Ciampa ran Quincy High School's Air Force JROTC program and convinced me during an 8th grade tour of the school that I wanted to be involved. Little did I know when I first joined that I would end up being one of the highest ranking Quincy High School cadets in due time. Colonel Ciampa made that possible. <br />
<br />
We called him Colonel and always gave him the utmost respect, and he saw our best and worst moments and still gave us the benefit of the doubt. He often told me stories about how he loved boxing in the Air Force because he'd get a nice steak served to him before every bout. He encouraged me to pursue writing and ushered me through the JROTC program to the point where I was able to attend the Air Force Academy upon graduation. With Sergeant Holland as his right hand man, Colonel Ciampa inspired us all to work hard and achieve whatever we desired. It was his leadership that led our school's JROTC program to the Honor Unit designation that allowed me to bypass a congressional appointment to the Academy. At our annual awards banquet, Ciampa arranged for a formal presentation of my acceptance certificate and wished me success, although initially he read the script wrong and said, "I wish Rich great sex at the Air Force Academy." He handled the gaffe with grace and humor, throwing his paperwork up in the air when someone alerted him to his mistaken utterance. The crowd roared with laughter.<br />
<br />
Colonel Ciampa had such a gift for guiding teenagers like us to perform up to our potential. He took a small group of misfits and turned us into sharp little soldiers, and even if we didn't all go on to join the military, we never forgot the lessons he taught us. I never knew much about his life outside of the confines of the program, but it doesn't surprise me that he was also an extremely devoted and dedicated father, grandfather and family man.<br />
<br />
I am very fortunate to be among those who can say I was once a student of Colonel Ciampa's, and I'm sure there are thousands of other students who feel the same. I only wish I kept in touch with him more over the years since graduation. I was very saddened to hear of his passing and would like to launch a formal campaign to honor him with an official memorial. Stay tuned to this site as plans for that effort come to fruition. Meanwhile, if you want to pay your respects you can visit Colonel Ciampa's online guestbook <a href="http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/DignityMemorial/guestbook.aspx?n=joseph-ciampa&pid=155408687">HERE</a>. <br />
<br />
========================<br />
OFFICIAL OBITUARY: <br />
Lt. Col. Joseph J. Ciampa Ret. formerly of 48 Snowhill St., Boston’s North End, died at home, surrounded by his family on Cape Cod. Joe transitioned on Jan. 7th afer a short battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife Mary of 57 years and five children, John, Donna, Michelle, Deena and Joe Jr., along with his fifteen grandchildren. He is also survived by brother John Ciampa of Coral Gables, FLA and sister Maria (Pidg) Ciampa of the North End. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Colonel Ciampa attended Northeastern University where he was a finalist in the 1955 Olympic Javelin Trials. He then went on to serve 21 years in the United States Air Force as a Master Navigator with the Strategic Air Command. In 1957 Col. Ciampa was the lead navigator in a mission refueling a B-52 that circumnavigated the globe nonstop, for the first time in history. He served several tours in Vietnam and, after retiring from the Air Force he received two Masters Degrees in Education. The Colonel taught Aerospace Science courses in the ROTC program at Quincy’s two high schools for 20 years. This “patriot” wore many hats as a teacher, mentor and coach to his children, grandchildren and many cadets that attended the Quincy and North Quincy ROTC programs. Thank you for your service and dedication to country & family!</div>Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-72683574442920315712012-03-01T21:53:00.000-08:002012-03-01T21:53:31.690-08:00USS AMERICAN LEGION EXCLUSIVE VIDEOS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"></div><br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/l7e0a7s31c4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br><br><br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XyLr4vFB1sM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br><br><br />
<br />
The above videos feature US Navy Veterans Frank Zalot and Ted Picard detailing the experience of their World War II service on the USS American Legion, an attack transport. The ship played a crucial role in the invasions of Guadalcanal and Bougainville. The vessel was a civilian ship before being recruited for the war effort where it became an Army transport and then evolved into an impressive attack ship.Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-30089574822304485462012-03-01T21:39:00.000-08:002012-03-01T21:39:35.169-08:00Life And Death Aboard The USS American Legion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpLoJXAV1h2bNjpy-3-VuzW3XtpZRSUjYg6IVZ3mXBF2J35EcfUsxnN_9Jol_Tzy9fxpyAEY68y0U_sgd7BpdgRVaujYsZzk3ciOSOJmvE2fMc3nuPY99zcDThUxkj6VoZcMidVHtn0V7/s1600/Dad+Medals+gd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpLoJXAV1h2bNjpy-3-VuzW3XtpZRSUjYg6IVZ3mXBF2J35EcfUsxnN_9Jol_Tzy9fxpyAEY68y0U_sgd7BpdgRVaujYsZzk3ciOSOJmvE2fMc3nuPY99zcDThUxkj6VoZcMidVHtn0V7/s320/Dad+Medals+gd.jpg" uda="true" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frank Zalot and his service medals from his U.S. Navy stint in the South Pacific during World War II</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
By: Rich Bergeron<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The bombing of Pearl Harbor happened on Frank Zalot’s 17th birthday in 1941. He signed up to serve his country the next day and wound up on a ship bound for the South Pacific. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“I was a Senior at Hopkins Academy in High School,” recalled Zalot. “I attended class in the morning, and at noon time my father--who knew I wanted to join--said, ‘If I were 20 years younger, I’d join the Navy.’ I turned the car around, drove to Springfield, and I enlisted. The recruiting officer said ‘When do you want to go on duty?’ And, I said, ‘Right now!’” <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Navy obliged the Hadley, Massachusetts native and sent him right to boot camp. “Three weeks later, New Year’s Eve, we were on the back of a ton and a half truck looking for a ship in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which was The USS American Legion,” Zalot said. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The modified transport vessel was not at all what the young teen expected. “It was a big disappointment, because it was under repair,” he explained. “When you see a transport, you’re kind of disappointed to begin with, because it’s not what you had in mind. You know, you‘re picturing these fighting ships. I was just excited to be aboard ship. To me it didn‘t make any difference what kind of ship it was, as long as it was the United States Navy.” <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The highest rank Zalot would receive was signalman first class, just before he left the Navy in 1944. He served the majority of his time in service aboard the USS American Legion and saw the mighty ship support landings and occupations at Guadalcanal and Bougainville. “My entire career was aboard the USS American Legion with the exception of boot camp and my discharge in Boston,” he recalled. “The USS American Legion is the only Navy ship named after the Veterans Organization. So, it’s a proud name, and we’re very proud to have served on it simply because it represents veterans of all wars.” <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The USS American Legion would play a starring role in World War II in many ways: battling low-flying Japanese planes, delivering Marines to shore and sustaining Marines in combat, training landing parties, taking on stranded sailors from ships sunken in naval battle, transporting wounded troops to Australian hospitals, and ferrying thousands of United States servicemen like Frank Zalot into the war effort to pay the Japanese back for Pearl Harbor. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Beginning as a simple civilian transport owned by the federal government, the USS American Legion would grow into an imposing, seasoned warrior roaming the South Pacific for the U.S. Navy, bringing the guns and butter to the shores of crucial battleground islands in the war. The vessel evolved from a harmless cargo ship into an “attack transport” over the course of her battle-hardened time in the Navy. The Zidell Ship Dismantling Company would ultimately recycle the vessel in February of 1948.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
One of the USS American Legion’s most striking contributions to the World War II allied naval theater was her role as a training platform teaching countless new troops how to storm beach heads across the battlefront. The steady drilling of maneuvers prepared them for the real thing. It was a fitting role for the ship that distinguished itself during the invasions of Guadalcanal and Bougainville. She sailed the South Pacific with men aboard who were highly durable and dependable. The sailors the USS American Legion dispatched on landing parties logged multiple hours of meticulous practice and simulated battle conditions before setting foot on real enemy shores with battle crews. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Zalot is actually the last living witness of one event that turned a typical rigorous training day into a horrible tragedy. The loss of ten of the American Legion’s crew on June 20th, 1943 was one of the worst disasters in New Zealand history, and it almost took Zalot‘s life, too. Among those lost were nine enlisted Navy men and one officer. The deaths came in extremely high and choppy seas off Paekakariki Beach in New, Zealand. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“The beach was actually a great recreational area. It still is. It’s a gradual beach the way a beach should be for swimming,” said Zalot. “But, if you have an LCVP (landing craft, vehicle and personnel) loaded with men, you want the water to be deep, so when you hit the beach your rear end is still in deep water and your bow is on dry land so they can gun it and get going. So this was the worst kind of conditions for an LCVP.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A strong wind was whipping the waves into a frenzy and adding a different dynamic to the New Zealand surf on the evening of the accident. Multiple landing craft were stranded on the beach earlier that day at low tide. Zalot’s landing craft turned out to be one of the last ones plucked off the beach and plopped back into deeper surf by a civilian crane borrowed from the mainland. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It was well into the night by the time Zalot’s craft was able to get moving back to the ship. A dead motor followed by one towing mishap after another provided the backdrop for the disaster. The men aboard the LCVP had never seen such horrendous conditions. Just when it seemed they were well underway and through the worst the night could throw at them, the craft suddenly and violently capsized when it was dragged backward into a crushing breaker. All 25 passengers and their equipment emptied instantly into the cold, thrashing ocean. The tow boat crew didn’t even realize the craft flipped over until they made it back to the ship. Of the 15 survivors, nine made it to shore, and six were picked up by rescue boats.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The death of the ten sailors prompted new orders mandating every landing craft passenger be required to wear life vests, likely ensuring tens of thousands of lives would be saved throughout the rest of the war. Only a scant few men who tumbled into the water that night lived through the catastrophe. Zalot would never forget the sacrifice of the men who didn’t make it. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Every night before I fell asleep, and I knew it was gonna happen, I would hear these men screaming. Not only women scream, but men scream when they’re dying, and it’s a kind of a scream that’s difficult to describe. It’s a death scream, a terrifying scream. And it became a nightmare,” he said. “Every single night I would hear them screaming. For 68 years it was happening, and then my daughter Googled Paekakariki, New Zealand, and the report she got back was that ten Marines drowned in heavy surf and their boat capsized and all this stuff. And when I read that I was really upset. I said, ‘Marines weren’t even involved in it.’ I said, ‘Where did you get that stuff?’ So, I wrote the story, and she emailed it down there, and the story just took off there because it was a piece of their history that was missing. ” Last year on Memorial Day, the names of the fallen were read for the first time in Kapiti, New Zealand, which is the closest town to Paekakariki Beach. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The fact that Zalot is even alive today to tell the tale of that fateful disaster is a miracle in itself. Before rescue crews snatched him out of the churning, angry, chilling sea, he blacked out and traveled in his unconscious mind to his hometown of Hadley, Massachusetts. Something he calls “supernatural” brought him back from the brink of death and kept him alive.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“When we capsized, I didn’t know we capsized. I don’t remember capsizing, hitting the water, because I was on top of the motor mount,” Zalot recalled about his last ditch effort to get the ship towing the LCVP to stop plowing through huge breakers. “The next moment I’m back in Hadley, Massachusetts, and it’s not like a dream, it was real. And I got onto the bus, drove up Russell Street, and the bus stopped in front of my home. I walked up the steps, had my handbag, was ready to knock on the door, when I felt a kick to my head. And that’s when I realized and said to myself, ‘I’m underwater.’ So I reached up and grabbed a sailor’s belt buckle. I don’t know who he was. I grabbed the belt buckle, and I pulled myself up.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The seas were so rough that night that Frank feared he might actually drown in the very boat that eventually came to his rescue. Bosun’s Mate Mulcahy steered him to a life vest they shared until both were rescued, and he later received the Presidential Unit Citation for his heroism.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Before the accident we’d already been together for 9 months,” Frank said about his fallen shipmates. “Of course I knew them all. We were friends. They were ordinary guys just like the rest of us, but they had a great, great sense of humor.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Ted Picard also served on the USS American Legion and remembers the general alarm sounding on the ship the night of the tragedy. “It was cold and windy, and when we lowered the boat in the middle of the night there were waves about 14 feet high,” said Picard. “So, I had to travel up and down the beach in that storm and try to find anybody that survived that was out in the water with life jackets. It was a hell of a time, because we hit some pretty good waves. Even lowering the boat in the water in those conditions was bad.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Frank would later find himself rewriting history of the accident to recognize the lives of those lost. He also solved the mystery of one of the most culpable men involved, the same lieutenant commander who ordered an inquiry into the incident and pressured Zalot to blame someone else. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Lieutenant Commander Jensen held an inquiry into the accident two or three weeks later. And, he was putting a lot of pressure on me to blame Lieutenant Ackerman for causing the boat to capsize,” Zalot said. “I refused to do that, because he didn’t.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
50 years later, Zalot attended a navy reunion in Minneapolis. While having breakfast with Grady and Betty Brooks from Virginia, Betty said to him, “You know, Grady was the coxswain of the boat that pulled the boat off the beach in Paekakariki where those ten men drowned.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Zalot perked up immediately, he recalled. “I said, ‘What? For 50 years I’ve been trying to find out who the coxswain was.’ And Grady said, ‘Frank’s blaming me for the death of those ten men.’ I said, ‘No, I’m not blaming you,’ I said, ‘I just want to ask you one question. Why didn‘t you stop when we hit the first breaker?’ And he said, “I did, but Lieutenant Commander Jensen was in the boat, and he ordered full speed ahead. And I had to obey orders.’ So, Ironically the man responsible for the disaster started the board of inquiry.” The conclusion of the investigation left out blame entirely, and there were no reprimands or charges handed down as a result of the tragic accident.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“To me, this whole thing is mind boggling, because for 68 years we didn’t talk about it because it was history and you figured they had a record of it down there, they knew all about it, and, you just don’t talk about these things,” said Zalot. “So, if my daughter hadn’t Googled the internet a year ago, we wouldn’t be here today. It would be a mystery forever. It would be lost forever.” <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Zalot still knows a few local Massachusetts residents he served on the Legion with. Ray Plante of North Attleboro and Ted Picard of Easthampton will attend a special memorial for the accident victims with Frank on Memorial Day, 2012.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The accident’s always been difficult for Zalot to discuss. “I think I talked about it two or three times,” Zalot said. “It’s tough to talk about it, and why would you want to?” Once he finally set the record straight about how they passed away, the screams of his drowning, dying shipmates finally ceased. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Memorial Day, 2011 ceremonies in Kapiti, New Zealand centered around the drowned men. “Their names were read for the first time,” Zalot explained. “They didn’t even know the names of these guys ‘till I sent them in. That night I’m laying in bed thinking Mayor Jenny Rowan read their names for the first time. Then it dawned on me. The only reason I heard this screaming all these years was these guys were trying to communicate with me to ‘tell our story because we died without names. We died and we want people to know who we are. We didn’t die in vain.’ The minute their names were read, the screaming stopped, and I haven’t heard it since.” <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The people of Kapiti, New Zealand will have another celebration on May 28th, 2012 featuring a sculpture of a Higgins boat and a plaque marking an official memorial. The names of the 10 sailors lost will be remembered forever thanks to Zalot‘s efforts to explain what really happened. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Frank’s daughter J.M. Stowe maintains contact with Allison Webber, who is the Executive Secretary for the Kapiti U.S.Marines Trust. Webber is gearing up for the Memorial Day festivities. She even set up a Web-site in support of the volunteer trust she created at: www.marinenz.com.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“We will start on the weekend before Memorial day with a series of 1940’s themed concerts and a bit of a festival in Paekakariki, then have a big event on May 28, with the Governor General, various local and national politicians and other dignitaries attending,” Webber explained in an email to Stowe. “At this ceremony, we expect to plant a memorial grove of trees and to open a new memorial to the U.S. sailors who lost their lives on our coast. This is where Frank and his buddies will certainly come into the picture. We are also planning a memorial dinner the following night, and are hoping the Government will host an event at Parliament for the veterans who come over.” <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“I’m the only one alive who really knew them and who was in the boat with them when they died. So, to me it’s a big relief I guess to know that the story finally came out. I had no idea that they didn’t have a record there of what happened,” said Zalot. “I had the first eyewitness story to that event, and this is why they were thrilled to receive it.” <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
During the whole time Zalot fought for his life off the New Zealand coast, the mother of a woman he was dating on the mainland sat by her bedside praying furiously. Jean O’Brien woke from a terrible dream the night of the incident and sensed Zalot was in some kind of danger. She wrote him a letter after the accident explaining how she reached out for divine intervention until around midnight, just about the time Frank’s rescue ship plucked him from the water. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
He’s not overtly religious, but Zalot admits, “I should be. I’m a believer. Was it just a coincidence that she had this dream when we capsized and was on her knees praying for 45 minutes until I was saved? That can’t be a coincidence. There had to be something to it. And I can still hear myself, even though I was unconscious, talking to God. And I can still see him on a cloud flanked by two angels. And we had a long conversation, so did the mind play tricks on you, or what? Is there something in the supernatural? I have no idea. And why were these guys screaming for 68 years if it wasn’t something from the supernatural?”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Zalot is a natural story teller who says he’s not overtly religious, but listening to his account of his life and times it’s easy to wonder if there’s a guardian angel looking out for the proud 87-year-old veteran. He survived epic battles in the South Pacific during his teen years, a fatal cancer diagnosis nearly 30 years ago, and even a heart valve replacement in 2005. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Talking to Zalot it’s clear there’s a reason he is still around to tell the tales of life sailing all around the world on the American Legion. Zalot seems born to pay attention to details. One of his chief duties at sea was to actually pass the signals from ship to ship and ship to shore. That task required him to be the messenger, and he took it seriously, studying and memorizing all the different configurations of semaphore and Morse Code. He volunteered to take on the signalman duties after the ship’s original signalman was injured in the Guadalcanal invasion. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Before that Frank also served as a trainer on the attack transport’s 3-inch 50mm cannon where he experienced his proudest moment of combat in shooting down a low -flying Japanese bomber trying to strafe the Legion off the shores of Guadalcanal. The ship also hosted War Correspondent Richard Tregaskis during the Guadalcanal invasion. Tregaskis wrote “Guadalcanal Diary” based on his war coverage. The resulting 1943 movie based on the book featured a strikingly accurate portrayal of life aboard ship and the battles waged to occupy the island. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Frank returned home to Hadley after the war and became very active in his community as a building inspector, selectman, school committee member, and restaurant operator with his father Frank, Senior. He was also the postmaster for the town he’s lived in nearly all his life and a past commander of his local American Legion post (Post 271).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Zalot spent more than four years in the Navy. He wanted to stay in the service longer, he insists, but the loss of his brother Edward put too much strain on his family. Ensign Edward Zalot perished in a plane crash while flying off the USS Cabot in the South Pacific just 13 days after his 20th birthday on September 18, 1943. Frank and his family took the loss hard, but he has mostly fond memories of his own wartime service. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“You join the Navy to see the world and you really do,” he recalled. “I mean, just about every island in the South Pacific, Wellington, Auckland (New Zealand), Brisbane, Melbourne (Australia), San Diego, Frisco, all those places, and it’s just, you’re moving, you‘re constantly moving. You’re at home, but your home is moving with you. It’s kind of exciting. For a young man it was exciting. I was very young and right off the farm. You never left home and all of a sudden you‘re traveling around the world. We had a lot of fun, because we were like McHale’s Navy, not battleship Navy.” <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Frank also experienced painful casualties of war outside of the accident he survived. A good friend of his was just about cut in half by a strafing attack on a ship to shore boat in Bougainville. He stood right next to someone who had his jaw shot off in combat. He walked through fields where hundreds of enemy soldiers lay dead. He described going through the motions of combat himself as being similar to starring in an old “cowboy western” movie where bullets are flying but none of the main characters are really getting hit. Somehow he endured it all and lived to tell the story of what happened to those who died at sea, those who needed a narrator to describe their final tragic moments with a certain dedication to accuracy and honesty. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
For Frank Zalot, death screams have turned to cheers of triumph and remembrance as he prepares to return to New Zealand one more time. The torment is gone. History stands corrected, and the 87-year-old signalman is coming out of retirement to hit the same Paekakariki shore he left so long ago. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“It will be a relief for me to go there and see the beach one more time, walk on the shore and look out,” Zalot said. “It’s not botherin’ me in any sense. I’m looking forward to it as a matter of fact.” <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
His two good friends and fellow USS American Legion ship mates Ray Plante and Ted Picard will be by his side to give one last salute to those sailors who made the ultimate sacrifice and died at the mercy of the unforgiving sea. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Names of Fallen: <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
H.C. Winfrey (Ensign) <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Howard J. Britton (Seaman 1st Class)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Joseph P. Lorbietski (Seaman 1st Class)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
William D. Roundtree (Seaman 1st Class)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Alva L. Skoog (Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Kenneth G. Snow (Seaman 1st Class)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Alden P. Thatcher (Seaman 1st Class)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Charles F. Vetter (Seaman 1st Class)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Walter J. Yanghis (Seaman 1st Class)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Cox (first name & rank not available) <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Pertinent Links:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://kiwiscots.blogspot.com/2011/05/day-to-remember.html">http://kiwiscots.blogspot.com/2011/05/day-to-remember.html</a> (Memorial Day, 2011 story)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/06/frank_zalot_of_hadley_helps_rewrite_new_zealand_history_world_war_ii_history.html">http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/06/frank_zalot_of_hadley_helps_rewrite_new_zealand_history_world_war_ii_history.html</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.gazettenet.com/2011/07/23/veteran-sheds-light-on-mission-in-new-zealand?SESS8a824e581f3703b4fecc78a5f15c7d9a=gnews">http://www.gazettenet.com/2011/07/23/veteran-sheds-light-on-mission-in-new-zealand?SESS8a824e581f3703b4fecc78a5f15c7d9a=gnews</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/media/photo/united-states-navy-tragedy-paekakariki">http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/media/photo/united-states-navy-tragedy-paekakariki</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-a/ap35.htm">http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-a/ap35.htm</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_American_Legion_(APA-17)">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_American_Legion_(APA-17)</a></div></div>Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-20084960018305418512011-11-17T03:38:00.000-08:002011-11-17T03:38:16.152-08:00Autographed Mike Tyson Boxing Glove Raffle To Benefit Mike Pusateri Memorial Fund<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21890" title="tysonglovesigned" src="http://unlimitedfightnews.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/tysonglovesigned.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="1338" /><br />
<br />
"Iron" Mike Tyson appeared at Studio 54 on November 12, 2011 to sign autographs for a steady stream of fans. Fight News Unlimited was on hand to get a Muhammad Ali Signature Series Boxing Glove signed by Tyson. The glove will be raffled off in coordination with <a href="http://www.enterprisenews.com/answerbook/brockton/x1510862929/Massive-celebration-planned-next-year-in-Brockton-for-Rocky-statue">the 89th Birthday celebration for the late, great Rocky Marciano to be held in Brockton, Massachusetts on August 31 through September 2, 2012</a>. The official date and time of the raffle drawing will be announced at a later date. The dedication of a larger than life statue of the only heavyweight champion to ever retire undefeated will be part of next year's festivities. The proceeds of the raffle ticket sales will benefit a memorial plaque for Brockton's own Mike Pusateri, considered by his friends and fans as "The Original Iron Mike."<br />
<br />
Pusateri was a middleweight boxer in the late 60s and early 70s. <a href="http://unlimitedfightnews.com/wordpress/?p=21615">Fight News Unlimited put up a tribute piece in his honor not long after his recent untimely death</a>. The raffle's proceeds will go to a decorative memorial plaque to be placed somewhere special in Brockton to honor Pusateri's boxing career and support of the local boxing scene over the years. Pusateri not only fought himself, he also trained countless young fighters in retirement, including famed world-class Trainer Freddie Roach. The plaque will likely cost over $2,500 and will be commissioned <a href="http://www.enterprisenews.com/answerbook/brockton/x1650250906/Brockton-pays-tribute-to-Allie-Colombo-Marcianos-friend-and-trainer">by the same company used to give tribute to Rocky Marciano Trainer Allie Colombo</a>:<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://www.enterprisenews.com/archive/x531842174/g12c00000000000000017361cb04c9631d5e535d7062e2630cc35edf72d.jpg" alt="" /></center>Your $5 ticket will go toward the memorial fund to pay for the plaque in Mike's honor. The winner receives the signed glove (see above photo), a certificate of authenticity, and the event card for the November 12, 2011 Studio 54 signing. The winner will not have to pay shipping and handling should it turn out to be a raffle participant who is not in attendance at the live drawing. We will ship the item at no charge to the buyer in that event. Just click on the donate button below for a chance to win this glove, which is valued in the <a href="https://www.google.com/#q=Mike+Tyson+autographed+glove&hl=en&prmd=imvnso&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=Ue3ETrrgN_Ly2gWFyonADg&ved=0CFkQrQQ&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&fp=f8402f01c489f1b3&biw=1280&bih=649">$275 to $495 range</a>. Once we receive your payment and information you will be entered into the drawing.<br />
<br />
We will be holding official events in the Brockton area to raise additional funds for both the Pusateri memorial and a project to produce a documentary film on Brockton's contribution to the sport of boxing over the years. Stay tuned for more information, and thank you for your support. If you were a friend of Mike's or knew him well, please leave a comment on this story about what you remember and miss most about "The Original Iron Mike."<br />
<br />
BUY YOUR $5 RAFFLE TICKET BY CLICKING ON THE DONATE BUTTON BELOW<br />
<br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post"><input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="FULXKB45WUJBU" /> <input type="image" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" /> <img src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /></form>Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-36581809306581184722011-09-23T21:30:00.000-07:002011-09-23T21:30:20.782-07:00Work Vessels for Veterans [FOX 7-06-2011]<object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/mld_A_Tu5O4&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/mld_A_Tu5O4&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="360"></embed></object>Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-52237336125513414582011-09-04T15:34:00.000-07:002011-09-04T15:34:34.877-07:00Welterweight Boxing Champ Mayweather breaks from training to spend time with US Troops in Afghanistan<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<table align="Center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mceItemTable" style="border-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-style: dashed; border-width: 1px; cursor: default; width: 1px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="Center" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; color: black; cursor: text; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px;"><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://boxscorenews.com/clients/boxscorenews/9-4-2011-10-37-41-AM-7842614.jpg" src="http://boxscorenews.com/clients/boxscorenews/9-4-2011-10-37-41-AM-7842614.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; color: black; cursor: text; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px;"><div><div>U.S. Army soldiers and boxing enthusiasts from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Task Force Duke, talk with five-time World Boxing Council champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. via Skype at Forward Operating Base Salerno Sept. 2 (Photo by Maj. Travis Dettmer).</div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div><br />
</div><div>by John Martinez<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.boxscore.com/" href="http://www.boxscore.com/">Boxscore</a><br />
September 4, 2011</div><div><br />
</div><div>While in the midst of busily training for his upcoming bout with Mexican powerhouse and WBC Welterweight title-holder Victor Ortiz (29-2-22KO), the undefeated six-time world champion of five weight classes, Floyd Mayweather Jr (41-0, 25KO), temporarily set aside his preparations holding a candid, yet lighthearted, Skype session on Friday with United States Soldiers serving in Afghanistan.</div><div> </div>Despite his training schedule, Mayweather Jr. found the time to hold nearly two-hour discussion in which he appeared relaxed, confident, and in good humor prior to his September 17 HBO PPV fight.<br />
<br />
“God bless you, thank you for fighting for this country... the red white and blue, there’s nothing better than this country, America - you guys are great, thank you so much… from the bottom of my heart.”<br />
<br />
Continuing, “You know, you guys are out there [fighting] in 120 degree weather so, if you guys can make [that] sacrifice, why can’t Floyd Mayweather make a sacrifice?” asked the Michigan born boxer to the Soldiers of mostly 1st Battalion 6th Field Artillery HHB “Hellions”(Task Force Centaur) and other Soldiers of Task Force Duke.<br />
<br />
He was cordial and humorous even when he gave the deployed warriors a tour of the “Big Boi” Mansion. “Hey, y'all need anything? Let me show you house.” And with that, the Soldiers were granted a VIP tour of a dwelling that puts other people’s homes on an episode of Cribs to shame. From the built in waterfall to the large screen television hidden behind a picture to the closet that is a home within itself, Floyd proved that he lives his moniker, “Money.”<br />
<br />
When Floyd finally discussed his upcoming showdown for the WBC welterweight title, he dismissed the punching power and chances of Ortiz with a laugh and a flash of a smile.<br />
<br />
“Ortiz? Ha. Its gonna be easy work -like taking candy to a baby. I'm not worried about him at all, I have a lot of experience and I’ve been places in the sport [boxing] he will [probably] never go in his career.”<br />
One Soldier asking Mayweather why so many of his fights have gone the distance at this stage of his career? Floyd responded by laying blame on the foe not wanting to engage him in a fisticuff scrap.<br />
<br />
“It’s like y'all, one shot can end it all."<br />
<br />
Continuing he explained, "Once I get to beating these guys and I take the lead, these guys go into survival mode. They try to say they went the distance with Floyd Mayweather instead of trying to go for the victory. You have fighters that will just settle and be happy that way. You know, you have fighters like Shane [Mosley] who hit me with a good shot. I bit down like a true champion and I kept fighting and what did Shane do? He went into survival mode. When I was beating [Juan Manual] Marquez, his corner could have easily stopped the fight but what did he do? He went into survival mode, so there’s nothing I can do. And when I faced Oscar De La Hoya, he chose to be the heavyweight gloves, he chose the weight class, so they are always putting me in a no-win situation, so, you know, all these guys work together. I’m a one-man Army. You know, you have all these guys working with certain promoters, and like I said before, I’m the trainer, the promoter, and the fighter.”<br />
<br />
Despite a 16-month layoff, Floyd’s trip back into the ring promises to be an event, victory, or both. His prowess is second to none. His defense is “impregnable,” but more importantly, like many others hypothesize, it seems like a tune up for bigger things.<br />
<br />
“I’m working on the biggest contract ever!” he exclaimed. “Y'all know who it is.” To the delight of the packed room, Floyd began simulating the act of tying a tourniquet around his arm and pretending as though he was injecting a syringe into his veins.<br />
<br />
“Poochiao (Manny Pacquiao) don’t want this. You know,” he claimed. With Pacquiao supporters amongst the gathered troops, Floyd exclaimed, “He can’t say nothing. He’s getting my left overs. I beat them [Manny’s biggest named conquests] all way before he got to them. What's he gonna say? I beat them in their prime and when they still had something to give. I got 'em first.”<br />
<br />
When another Soldier questioned him on how he stays motivated, Floyd stood up in front of the camera, pulled 100 dollar bills from his pant pocket, numbering in the seemingly thousands, and flushed the screen with what could only be "chump change” to the world class fighter and entertainer. He described himself this way, “There’s talented and then there’s gifted. I’m God gifted. It doesn’t matter who they put in front of me. Others have been knocked down and lost.“<br />
<br />
As the soon to be seven-time world champion ended his time with the troops, he did offer his political views on the conflict in Afghanistan.<br />
<br />
“Everytime we get someone new in the White House, they always say they’re gonna bring you (Servicemen and women) home; well it’s time to bring y'all home. You know what I’d do? I’d be buying jets and sending them over there to pick you all up, that’s what I’d do. Gotta send the jets over there to pick y’all up and bring y’all back home.”<br />
<br />
With all the bravado and swagger that only an undefeated fighter can possess, Floyd Mayweather showed he is more than just a self-promoting boxer. He proved he was a supporter of the troops and offered to put on an exhibition - meet-and-greet for the Servicemembers of FOB Salerno, Afghanistan after he makes “easy work” of Oritz and prior to his “biggest contract ever” against whom he hints is ”Poochiao.”<br />
<div><strong><br />
</strong></div><div><strong>For more about Mayweather's session with the troops - <a data-mce-href="http://www.dvidshub.net/news/76407/undefeated-mayweather-talks-upcoming-title-fight-with-tf-duke-troops-afghanistan" href="http://www.dvidshub.net/news/76407/undefeated-mayweather-talks-upcoming-title-fight-with-tf-duke-troops-afghanistan">Undefeated Mayweather talks upcoming title-fight with TF Duke troops in Afghanistan</a></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><em>Note: The Salerno Skype Session between the Soldiers and Floyd Mayweather Jr. would not have been possible without the sincere dedication, hard work, and cooperation of Kelly Swanson and Leonard Ellerbe. And a special thanks to Floyd for taking the time to answer questions from some of those who are currently serving in Afghanistan.</em></div><div><br />
</div><div>John Martinez is respected boxing writer who has interviewed many of the sport's top fighters. A regular writer for the Boxscore World Sportswire, he is an Afghan War veteran who is currently on active duty assigned to the U.S. Army Task Force Centaur PAO, S7 & S9, 3rd Brigade 1 ID, 1-6HHB.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span>Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-16415705148336026772011-08-15T23:03:00.000-07:002011-08-15T23:03:58.033-07:00We Are All Warriors: Inspired By The September 9th Release Of Lionsgate’s WARRIOR, Multi-Tiered Campaign Celebrates Everyday Warriors Among Us<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br />
<br />
Winner Of Associated Sweepstakes Sponsored by AMC Theatres® To Receive Free Hometown Premiere Of WARRIOR</strong><br />
</div><strong><img alt="" height="274" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/399890/a47edd32b8e74c72e72f1f7a32cfe866/image/jpeg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; float: right; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 274px; width: 486px;" width="486" />Santa Monica, CA, August 11, 2011</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>- The upcoming release of the film WARRIOR, in theaters everywhere on September 9th, has inspired “We Are All Warriors,” a national grassroots and online initiative to identify everyday heroes – the real life warriors among us.<br />
<br />
The project is an opportunity for people all over the country to join together to share their stories and answer the central question of WARRIOR: “What Do You Fight For?” From our teachers and coaches to our athletes and veterans, we all fight for something – we are all warriors. At<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.weareallwarriors.com/" style="color: #406480;" target="_blank">www.WeAreAllWarriors.com</a>, project participants can answer the question in their own words, nominate another everyday warrior, vote for their favorite warriors and rally friends and family to share their contender via Facebook and Twitter. <br />
<br />
“We Are All Warriors” will be promoted through media, corporate and non-profit partnerships on both national and local levels. With word first spreading through a series of ESPN-sponsored screenings of the much anticipated and inspiring film, which Edward Douglas of Comingsoon.net has called “as powerful and unforgettable as ROCKY,” the program now expands in its official partnership capacity to include a national promotion with AMC Theatres centered around a sweepstakes where one everyday warrior will receive a free hometown premiere of the film at the nearest AMC theatre.<br />
<br />
Said WARRIOR’s director Gavin O’Connor of the initiative, “Everyone fights for something- from parents struggling to support families through tough economic times, to soldiers defending democracy, to teachers combating illiteracy, we fight for things that we believe in. I made this film to celebrate that quality of the warrior within us all, and am proud that this project is reaching out to so many people and inviting them to join in honoring those individuals who embody the qualities of a true everyday warrior. It all comes down to the question, "What Do You Fight For?' and the broad range of partners and participants so far shows how universal and important this topic is."<br />
<br />
All of the project’s inspirational submissions will remain on the website to be shared with the world – a true army of some of America’s most extraordinary citizens is already forming, including Massachusetts’ lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray who fights for his constituents, beloved wrestler Anthony Robles, submitted by ESPN, who fought to ascend in his sport despite having lost a leg, Dolores Bastrop, nominated by her husband for her tireless fight for the poor, and Mike Hardin, nominated by a “proud neighbor” for fighting for life, when he rescued a mother and child from a mobile home that had erupted in fire in while they slept.<br />
<br />
The website will also regularly feature video diaries from both everyday warriors and celebrity guests including prominent bloggers, parents, coaches, troops, actors athletes, and pastors, answering the film’s central question ‘What Do You Fight For?’ in their own words.<br />
<br />
About WARRIOR<br />
Rising stars Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton command the screen as two estranged brothers facing the fight of a lifetime in Lionsgate’s WARRIOR, a moving, inspirational action drama from acclaimed director Gavin O’Connor (Miracle).<br />
<br />
Haunted by a tragic past, Marine Tommy Conlon (Hardy) returns home for the first time in fourteen years to enlist the help of his father (Nick Nolte) to train for Sparta, the biggest winner-takes-all event in mixed martial arts history. A former wrestling prodigy, Tommy blazes a path toward the championship while his brother, Brendan (Edgerton), an ex-fighter-turned teacher, returns to the ring in a desperate bid to save his family from financial ruin. But when Brendan’s unlikely, underdog rise sets him on a collision course with the unstoppable Tommy, the two brothers must finally confront each other and the forces that pulled them apart, facing off in the most soaring, soul stirring, and unforgettable climax that must be seen to be believed.<br />
<br />
A rousing ode to redemption, reconciliation and the power of the human spirit, WARRIOR is also a moving testament to the enduring bonds of family. WARRIOR stars Joel Edgerton (Animal Kingdom, Star Wars: Episode III), Tom Hardy (the upcoming The Dark Knight Rises, Inception, Black Hawk Down), Jennifer Morrison ("House", Star Trek) and Nick Nolte (Tropic Thunder, The Thin Red Line). The film is directed by Gavin O'Connor; screenplay by Gavin O’Connor & Anthony Tambakis & Cliff Dorman and story by Gavin O'Connor & Cliff Dorfman. Lionsgate and Mimran Schur Pictures present a Lionsgate / Mimran Schur Pictures production. A Solaris Entertainment and Filmtribe production.<br />
###<br />
<br />
For more information about WARRIOR, visit<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.warriorfilm.com/" style="color: #406480;" target="_blank">www.warriorfilm.com</a>.<br />
<br />
To answer the question “What Do You Fight For” in your own words, or to nominate a warrior fighting for something important to you, visit:<a href="http://www.weareallwarriors.com/" style="color: #406480;" target="_blank">www.WeAreAllWarriors.com</a>.<br />
<br />
To view movie trailers, buy movie tickets and see showtimes at AMC Theatres, visit:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.amctheatres.com/" style="color: #406480;" target="_blank">www.amctheatres.com</a>.<br />
Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-41288637236986020532011-06-03T14:21:00.000-07:002011-06-03T14:22:48.119-07:00Interview With Jonathan Flora: Executive Producer and Director of Troop Tribute Documentary "Lt. Dan Band"This Special Podcast features Jonathan Flora, Executive Producer of the documentary "Lt. Dan Band," an award-winning producer with Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, and Founder of Lamplight Entertainment.<br />
<br />
After 9/11 Actor Gary Sinise, also known for his role as Lt. Dan in "Forrest Gump" vowed to never to forget those who are willing to give all. He started a band that would fly in to war stricken parts of the Middle East and perform for the troops.<br />
<br />
Flora followed Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band and filmed him performing for the troops, thanking them for the work they do. The mission has been turned into a movie starring Sinise by Flora called "Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good" launching July 4th in theaters.<br />
<br />
Flora, interviewed by "Rabble Rousin'" Rich Bergeron, discusses the production of the film, Gary Sinise's work to support the troops, and his own interaction with troops and administration officials in association with the movie. <br />
<br />
THE PODCAST:<br><br><br />
<br />
<embed class="MP3" wmode="transparent" style="height:24px;width:290px;" src="http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/9/16/1434673//player.swf" quality="high" bgcolor="#fff" width="290" height="24" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" flashvars="playerID=1&bg=0xDCDCDC&leftbg=0x696969&lefticon=0xF2F2F2&rightbg=0x696969&rightbghover=0x000&righticon=0xF2F2F2&righticonhover=0xFFFFFF&text=0x000000&slider=0x808080&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0xFFFFFF&loader=0xAF2910&soundFile=http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/9/16/1434673//jonathanflora.mp3"></embed><br />
<br />
THE TRAILER FOR "<a href="http://ltdanbandmovie.com/">LT. DAN BAND: FOR THE COMMON GOOD.</a>"<br />
<br />
<iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xLaI4jMOGR4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-88350558592316533572011-05-31T22:41:00.000-07:002011-05-31T22:41:17.421-07:00Memorial Day, 2011 News Links<a href="http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/news/memorial-day-ceremony-keys-freedom-512207">Memorial Day ceremony keys on freedom</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://blog.al.com/breaking/2011/05/post_649.html">Hundreds gather in Huntsville to celebrate Memorial Day</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://southshorexpress.com/whitman-hanson/8409-parade-steps-off-from-court-street.html">Memorial Day events set to honor the fallen</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://www.montgomerynews.com/articles/2011/05/31/roxborough_review/news/doc4de54568c914e889367477.txt">Veterans lead the observance in Gorgas Park</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://www.kxlf.com/news/butte-honors-veterans-at-memorial-day-service/">Butte honors veterans at Memorial Day service</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://www.kwqc.com/Global/story.asp?S=14758937">Davenport Dedicates Veterans Memorial Park</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://www.whbf.com/Global/story.asp?S=14751680">Veterans Memorial Park Dedication in Davenport</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://www.kxlf.com/news/butte-honors-veterans-at-memorial-day-service/">Butte honors veterans at Memorial Day service</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://www.kwqc.com/Global/story.asp?S=14758937">Davenport Dedicates Veterans Memorial Park</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://www.whbf.com/Global/story.asp?S=14751680">Veterans Memorial Park Dedication in Davenport</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://wjon.com/the-day-after/">The Day After</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://tristatehomepage.com/fulltext?nxd_id=275677">Memorial Day Observances Honor Fallen</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://www.zwire.com/news/newsstory.cfm?newsid=20462221&title=Sacrifice%20honored%20in%20Memorial%20Day%20service&BRD=1145&PAG=461&CATNAME=Top%20Stories&CATEGORYID=410">Sacrifice honored in Memorial Day service</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKDAfw4ctrA&feature=player_embedded">Video: Remembering Fallen Soldiers</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://www.yankton.net/articles/2011/05/31/community/doc4de4657ba9af9514955600.txt">Memorial Day: Ceremony Honors Sacrifices Of Soldiers</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://www.thecherawchronicle.com/view/full_story/13500484/article-Memorial-Day-honors-soldiers-of-today--yesterday-and-tomorrow?instance=home_news_lead">Memorial Day honors soldiers of today, yesterday and tomorrow</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://uppermoreland.patch.com/articles/memorial-day-ceremony-honors-veterans-begins-construction-of-new-monument">Memorial Day ceremony honors veterans, begins construction of new monument</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://www.atmoreadvance.com/2011/05/31/veterans-honored/">Veterans honored</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boPvWWV5W1c">Hundreds Gather At Local Veterans Memorial Cemetery</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://blogs.forbes.com/markhughes/2011/05/31/memorial-day-and-how-war-films-have-changed/">Memorial Day and How War Films Have Changed</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://mediagallery.usatoday.com/Memorial+Day+for+all/G2309">Memorial Day for all</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://blog.seattlepi.com/militarywire/2011/05/30/a-memorial-day-tribute/">A Memorial Day Tribute</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://blog.seattlepi.com/apartmentliving/2011/05/30/memorial-day-what-does-it-mean/">http://blog.seattlepi.com/apartmentliving/2011/05/30/memorial-day-what-does-it-mean/</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110531/GPG0101/305310016/Area-Memorial-Day-ceremony-honors-fallen-living-veterans">Fort Howard Cemetery ceremony honors fallen, living veterans</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://www.wsaw.com/home/headlines/Marshfield_Honors_Local_Civil_War_Vets_122843849.html">Marshfield Honors Local Civil War Vets</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2011-05-30-Memorial-Day-veterans-cemeteries-VFW-American-Legion_n.htm">Caravan spreads Memorial Day message</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/30/on-memorial-day-weekend-v_n_868796.html">The Meaning Of Memorial Day: Veterans Reflect</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2015187638_apwawarmemorial1stldwritethru.html">Diligence gave WWII soldier place on war memorial</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://www.pal-item.com/article/20110531/NEWS01/110530019/Legion-group-rides-honor-veterans">Legion group rides to honor veterans</a><br><br><br />
<a href="http://www.kpcnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7260:Remember-veterans-at-all-times&catid=51:latest&Itemid=79">Remember veterans at all times</a><br><br>Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-34326255945346534362011-05-31T21:29:00.000-07:002011-05-31T21:39:04.172-07:00Memorial Day, 2011 VIDEOS<object id="swfclipV4178921" width="421" height="376" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://player.grabnetworks.com/swf/cube.swf?a=V4178921&m=1705170"><param name="movie" value="http://player.grabnetworks.com/swf/cube.swf?a=V4178921&m=1705170"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="base" value="." /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"/></object><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<object id="swfclipV4179374" width="421" height="316" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://player.grabnetworks.com/swf/cube.swf?a=V4179374&m=1705172"><param name="movie" value="http://player.grabnetworks.com/swf/cube.swf?a=V4179374&m=1705172"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="base" value="." /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"/></object><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<object id="swfclipV4178301" width="421" height="316" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://player.grabnetworks.com/swf/cube.swf?a=V4178301&m=1705176"><param name="movie" value="http://player.grabnetworks.com/swf/cube.swf?a=V4178301&m=1705176"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="base" value="." /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"/></object><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<object id="swfclipV4179769" width="421" height="316" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://player.grabnetworks.com/swf/cube.swf?a=V4179769&m=1705182"><param name="movie" value="http://player.grabnetworks.com/swf/cube.swf?a=V4179769&m=1705182"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="base" value="." /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"/></object><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<object id="swfclipV4179521" width="421" height="316" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://player.grabnetworks.com/swf/cube.swf?a=V4179521&m=1705192"><param name="movie" value="http://player.grabnetworks.com/swf/cube.swf?a=V4179521&m=1705192"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="base" value="." /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"/></object><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<object id="swfclipV4179344" width="421" height="316" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://player.grabnetworks.com/swf/cube.swf?a=V4179344&m=1705194"><param name="movie" value="http://player.grabnetworks.com/swf/cube.swf?a=V4179344&m=1705194"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="base" value="." /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"/></object><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<object id="swfclipV4179786" width="421" height="316" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://player.grabnetworks.com/swf/cube.swf?a=V4179786&m=1705196"><param name="movie" value="http://player.grabnetworks.com/swf/cube.swf?a=V4179786&m=1705196"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="base" value="." /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"/></object><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<object id="swfclipV4179536" width="421" height="316" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://player.grabnetworks.com/swf/cube.swf?a=V4179536&m=1705198"><param name="movie" value="http://player.grabnetworks.com/swf/cube.swf?a=V4179536&m=1705198"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="base" value="." /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"/></object><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<object id="swfclipV4179475" width="421" height="316" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://player.grabnetworks.com/swf/cube.swf?a=V4179475&m=1705200"><param name="movie" value="http://player.grabnetworks.com/swf/cube.swf?a=V4179475&m=1705200"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="base" value="." /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"/></object><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<object id="swfclipV4179362" width="421" height="316" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://player.grabnetworks.com/swf/cube.swf?a=V4179362&m=1705202"><param name="movie" value="http://player.grabnetworks.com/swf/cube.swf?a=V4179362&m=1705202"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="base" value="." /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"/></object><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<object id="swfclipV4180069" width="421" height="316" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://player.grabnetworks.com/swf/cube.swf?a=V4180069&m=1705204"><param name="movie" value="http://player.grabnetworks.com/swf/cube.swf?a=V4180069&m=1705204"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="base" value="." /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"/></object>Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-56345842635663449232011-05-31T21:10:00.000-07:002011-05-31T21:10:17.039-07:00Memorial Day Dedication of Capt. Palermo Plaque in Brockton, MA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxDDKrCy0uHYs49KtzjH-kB8J2rY4PEcfGNgDmN1_JHLxqWUla8JF9Chz96rXRv93zkg0nP36rE2EQOFnrQdztvdpCM1IKuWbiv1w-zcjiXkv8a6R64BvImwvicgSLXHb_tXmjf0uDmTN/s1600/tonyplaque2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="377" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxDDKrCy0uHYs49KtzjH-kB8J2rY4PEcfGNgDmN1_JHLxqWUla8JF9Chz96rXRv93zkg0nP36rE2EQOFnrQdztvdpCM1IKuWbiv1w-zcjiXkv8a6R64BvImwvicgSLXHb_tXmjf0uDmTN/s400/tonyplaque2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<script type='text/javascript' src='http://wn.whdh.com/global/video/videoplayer.js?rnd=355680;hostDomain=wn.whdh.com;playerWidth=600;playerHeight=380;isShowIcon=true;clipId=5901179;flvUri=;partnerclipid=;adTag=Station%25201;advertisingZone=;enableAds=false;landingPage=null;islandingPageoverride=false;playerType=STANDARD_EMBEDDEDscript'></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.enterprisenews.com/features/x704497000/In-9-11-anniversary-year-Memorial-Day-takes-on-added-significance?img=21">BROCKTON ENTERPRISE STORY ON DEDICATION</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://articles.boston.com/2011-05-30/news/29600327_1_local-soldier-roadside-bomb-plaque">BOSTON GLOBE PIECE ON PLAQUE DEDICATION</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.enterprisenews.com/features/x1078554498/Brockton-to-unveil-bronze-plaque-honoring-fallen-soldier">BROCKTON ENTERPRISE PLAQUE DEDICATION PREVIEW</a>Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-60173051733567144932011-04-24T03:57:00.000-07:002011-04-24T03:57:31.416-07:00Meet Colonel Timothy H. Donovan<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma; font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://randallhmiller.com/meet-colonel-timothy-h-donovan/"><u>Interview And Story By: Randall H. Miller</u></a></span></span><br />
<div id="BlogContent" style="margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px;"><img alt="Colonel Timothy H. Donovan" class="alignright size-full wp-image-4403" height="268" src="http://randallhmiller.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Colonel-Timothy-H.-Donovan.jpg" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px;" title="Colonel Timothy H. Donovan" width="210" />On the afternoon of November 1st, 1969, 1st platoon of Charlie Troop, 10th Cavalry, 4th Infantry Division, was ambushed by North Vietnamese forces. Charlie Troop’s Commander, Captain Timothy H. Donovan (Norwich University class of 1962), instinctively ordered his remaining soldiers to counterattack and simultaneously maneuvered his headquarters element into the heart of the action. As the battle unfolded, a North Vietnamese sniper (waiting patiently in a “spider hole”) managed to squeeze off a round from his AK-47 that would forever change the face of the United States Military.<br />
<br />
The bullet entered through the seam of Captain Donovan’s flack jacket, broke several ribs, burst his left lung, and pierced his pulmonary artery before riddling its way down his spinal column and lodging itself in his spleen. A few hours (and several heroes) later, an Army surgeon stood over a bloody M.A.S.H. operating table and declared that it was “too late for this one.” His plans changed when Donovan (with two collapsed lungs) reached up and grabbed him by the throat with his right hand. In that instance, the fate of countless service men and women changed forever.<br />
<h2>Contribution</h2>Colonel Timothy H. Donovan (born in Bristol, Connecticut, and thankfully rejected by the United States Coast Guard Academy) is a 1962 graduate of Norwich University. A member of the prestigious<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.norwich.edu/about/news/2008/img/041808-mcwRescue.jpg" rel="external">Mountain Cold Weather Rescue Team</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><sup>[2]</sup>, the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity (back in the day when NU had fraternities), and Kilo Company (an affiliation that, after conducting this interview, I’m convinced he’s most proud of), Colonel Donovan is a mentor and source of inspiration to countless Norwich grads. In addition, he also taught at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, where he trained cadets with last names like<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://randallhmiller.com/friday-morning-fix-january-30th-2009/" rel="external">Petraeus</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><sup>[3]</sup>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.newsweek.com/id/216237" rel="external">McCrystal</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><sup>[4]</sup>, and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=16" rel="external">Odierno</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><sup>[5]</sup>.<br />
<img alt="Socom" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4435" height="200" src="http://randallhmiller.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Socom.jpg" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px;" title="Socom" width="303" /><br />
<strong>Straight to the chase</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>– Colonel Donovan’s career (and life) should have ended on that table in Viet Nam. Instead, he left indelible marks on the entire military over the next twenty four years. Do you like the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.army-technology.com/projects/abrams/" rel="external">M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><sup>[6]</sup>? Colonel Donovan’s fingerprints are all over it. Do you have an appreciation for<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.socom.mil/SOCOMHome/Pages/default.aspx" rel="external">Special Operations Command (SOCOM)</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><sup>[7]</sup>? Colonel Donovan, at the behest of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs (with the personal backing of President Ronald Reagan), took it from concept to reality in one year. As a warrior-scholar, he also contributed several chapters to a textbook on the U.S. Civil War (<em>The American Civil War, Avery Press, Wayne, N.J., 1987 T.H. Donovan, et al</em>). Not bad for a soldier with “permanent disabilities.”<br />
<h2>Legacy</h2>Colonel D’s father (Timothy H. Donovan, Sr.) served honorably in World War I with the 4th Infantry Division. When he returned, his wife (Mary Donovan), presented him with a hand-sewed replica of the 4th ID Unit Patch as a keepsake. Fifty years later, upon learning of his son’s assignment to the same unit, he blew the dust off of his padlocked foot locker, retrieved the patch (a modest piece of stitching on plain, olive drab cloth) and passed it along to his son (seen on the right, moments before donating it to the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.carson.army.mil/units/4id/index.html" rel="external">4th Infantry Division Museum</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><sup>[8]</sup>). Ironically, and unbeknownst to Colonel Donovan until the formal ceremony, the Norwich class of 1993 would eventually honor him by including the 4th Infantry Division unit patch (his patch) on its ring.<br />
<img alt="Donovan in Viet Nam" class="alignright size-full wp-image-4469" height="345" src="http://randallhmiller.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Donovan-in-Viet-Nam.jpg" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px;" title="Donovan in Viet Nam" width="225" /><br />
<h2>Interview: </h2>What follows are the highlights from our recent hour-long phone conversation.<br />
<br />
<strong>RHM:</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You once told me about a conversation you had with your South Vietnamese counterpart where he expressed optimism that the war would “be over soon.” But when you pressed him for more information, he replied that “soon” meant another 15 or 20 years. Clearly, many other cultures have more patience than Americans. Do you see any parallels to Viet Nam and the current conflicts in Iraq and especially Afghanistan?<br />
<br />
<strong>Colonel Donovan:</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Actually I said to my counterpart, Capt Dung (pronounced Young) in the summer of 1966, “at this rate the war will be over soon.” He answered “yes, in maybe 20 or 30 years,” without a smile; dead serious.<br />
<br />
We Americans seem to think that other countries are just like us with a central government elected by the people, etc. In Afghanistan especially, that is far from the reality. That part of the world is tribal and culturally quite different. The ruling framework hasn’t changed in centuries, if not eons. The Afghan tribes aren’t even similar, speaking several languages, and with different mores, customs, and religions. It is an extremely complex region.<br />
<br />
Vietnam had many different sects and religions and cultures, but nothing like Afghanistan. For centuries, the Afghans have seen foreign armies come and go. For the US and NATO to prevail, we must recognize that this is going to be slow and deliberate work, one village, one province, one region at a time. It will be done by teaching native people how to have a better way of life; by teaching them how to have security in order to protect their families. It’s more teaching than fighting. I think that the common human denominator (security and pursuit of happiness) is the way to success in Afghanistan. Sounds like a job for lots of SOF (Special Operations Forces) types.<br />
Instead of having lawyers assigned to planning staffs, we need cultural anthropologists.<br />
<br />
<strong>RHM:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></strong>Do you think we’re doing enough for our returning veterans when it comes to health care and educational benefits?<br />
<br />
<strong>Colonel Donovan:</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I think the new GI Bill will help a great deal. Finding jobs for returning veterans should be a top priority for everyone. The injuries in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom are different than in other wars. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is more common because of the type of IED’s used. Health care for veterans must be in place and protected. Remember, that in World War II almost 20% of the country was in uniform fighting the enemy, and all at home were in support. If you were too young to join, you were a plane spotter or a bicycle messenger; too old you were an Air Raid Warden or a Civil Defense volunteer. Today, less than 1% of our country is in uniform. We owe them an awful lot.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://randallhmiller.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Colonel-Donovan-Bn-CMD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Colonel Donovan Bn CMD" border="0" src="http://randallhmiller.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Colonel-Donovan-Bn-CMD.jpg" /></a> The picture on the left was taken in Schweinfurt, Germany, when LTC Donovan was commanding the 3rd Battalion/64th Armor (1978). They were on full alert. At the end of the lanyard that disappears into his shirt is a Cold War era CEOI (Communications-Electronics Operating Instructions) which contained the unit’s “go to war” call signs and frequencies.<br />
<br />
The jeep is an old M151, which is very similar to the one procured for the Norwich University Corps of Cadets by retired Special Forces Master Sergeant Duke Dewey.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"></span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 0px;">Onward…</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong>RHM:</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Do you remember what happened after you were wounded?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong>Colonel Donovan:</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When I went down I knew it was bad, real bad. My medic, Gary Redding, was right there, but there wasn’t much he could do. When the sniper shot me, it triggered (no pun intended) a new firefight. Somebody was over me firing an M-16 and the hot brass was hitting me in the face (funny what you remember). I was still in command and trying to get the word to my guys, but they were doing fine. When the Huey came in to the midst of it to get me out, I turned command over to a platoon leader. My 1SGT sent me a letter a few weeks after with some pictures. C Troop definitely won the day.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong>RHM:</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Do you know what happened to the sniper who shot you?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong>Colonel Donovan:</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Yes. Before I hit the ground (in about a second and a half), my 1SGT sent that very brave and courageous soldier from North Vietnam to his heaven.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong>RHM:</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When it comes to National Security, what keeps you up at night?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong>Colonel Donovan:</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Our lack of unity in fighting this war. What’s the saying? “The Army and the Marine Corps are at war, America’s at the Mall, and Congress is on vacation.” We seem to think that it’s somebody else’s job to protect our freedom, not everybody’s job and duty to protect it. That’s very disturbing to me.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 0px;"><img alt="Alden Partridge" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4600" height="173" src="http://randallhmiller.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Alden-Partridge.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px;" title="Alden Partridge" width="135" /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong>RHM:</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Norwich has a long history (going back to 1819) of producing military and civilian leaders who accomplish great things. How will Norwich’s role change in the 21st Century?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong>Colonel Donovan:</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Norwich has always led the Nation in producing citizens with the skills needed for the time and to meet the current challenge. Whether it was railroad engineers and inventors in the 19th century, to soldiers, industrialists, and visionaries in the 20th century, Norwich has been the educational pioneer. Since its founding in 1819, it has been the revolutionary, not evolutionary, leader in American education. That’s what it will do in this century too.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong>Conclusion:</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I had a lot of fun catching up with Colonel Donovan for this interview. Since retiring in 1993, he traded in his tank for a fishing boat. However, he remains very active as a teacher and currently has about 50 students (including many of his neighbors) in the Virginia area that attend his lectures and field trips to various historical sites. Colonel Donovan is also an avid<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/#/profile.php?id=100000168677071&ref=ts" style="color: #3366cc; text-decoration: none;">Facebooker</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and loves to keep in touch with Norwich folks.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><br />
</div>Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-812662285917195552011-04-13T22:42:00.000-07:002011-04-13T22:43:46.729-07:00Tribute To Colonel Bob Howard, The Most Decorated Soldier<br><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">You want to meet a hero? Watch this film about Bob Howard who was nominated for the Medal of Honor 3 times. You can only receive it once in a lifetime. He was not a simple man. He had two masters degrees, but he also served us all for 50 years in the uniform of the U.S. Army. Rest in Peace, Bob Howard.</span></span><br />
<br />
<object width="640" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HQA8ewpvnE0&rel=0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HQA8ewpvnE0&rel=0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object>Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-86552294687940234722011-03-19T13:17:00.000-07:002011-03-19T13:17:19.048-07:00As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support 'Red Fridays.'<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; text-align: left;">By: Paul Moorehead, Jr.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><br />
Last week I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed One of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.<br />
Moving through the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As t<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">hey began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />
When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and Cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.<br />
<br />
Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.<br />
<br />
Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our Service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said 'hi...'<br />
<br />
The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her...<br />
<br />
The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.<br />
<br />
The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.<br />
<br />
When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second... Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it..<br />
<br />
After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying 'your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.'<br />
<br />
The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.<br />
<br />
As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.<br />
<br />
We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.<br />
<br />
RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority'. We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.<br />
<br />
Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday - and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear something red.<br />
<br />
By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers.<br />
<br />
If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED.<br />
The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is.....We need your support and your prayers.<br />
<br />
Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=194414383922254">IF YOU AGREE -- THEN INVITE EVERYONE YOU KNOW</a></span></span></span>Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-34008090618528729662011-03-16T02:58:00.001-07:002011-03-16T02:59:13.707-07:00Humbled De La Hoya Returns Home After Lifting the Spirits of Thousands of Troops on USO Tour to Kuwait and Iraq<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin-bottom: 6px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Renowned Champion and Accompanying Fighters Depart Region Having<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
Visited Eight Military Bases and Experienced the Trip of a Lifetime</i></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b> </b></span></div><table style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center; width: 582px;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; margin: 0px;" width="582"><img alt="de la hoya group shot" border="0" hspace="0" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.339" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs052/1102226479292/img/339.jpg" width="582" /></td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Oscar de la Hoya (center) poses with troops during his USO tour to the Middle East.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><table align="left" style="margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px; text-align: center; width: 290px;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; margin: 0px;" width="290"><img align="left" alt="Cargo plane" border="0" height="191" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.340" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs052/1102226479292/img/340.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="290" /></td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">De La Hoya (center) boards a cargo plane with troops during his USO tour to the Middle East.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="right" style="margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px; text-align: center; width: 277px;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; margin: 0px;" width="277"><img align="right" alt="usoflag" border="0" height="194" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.341" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs052/1102226479292/img/341.jpg" style="text-align: right;" width="277" /></td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">De La Hoya, Broner, Jacobs and Mitchell pose in front of army tank during their trip to visit troops in the Middle East.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div></div></td></tr>
<tr><td align="left" colspan="1" height="15" rowspan="1" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin-bottom: 6px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><b> </b></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><b>For full photo gallery click<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=7fwc6qcab&et=1104841204992&s=1912&e=001t9RO4P_P42cgW7pCjB9eu293_-myYRdp3fKVa0XMYbLuSd4A_HpeSBFqCvo4F0BLP5lR7aCfNs-F39nkoCSPvO7tJd3XYbjf21iv7fGOr8cMo1BbyOLSUEEg96uBfuCyW6yoTT2K1nLcsb1HrGq0kFzqzvGct4zzZ9XYHPORwH3Skpektby0WYird6wQC7czFuSjszlvfXCiRIBsCJc1iTTboHBqFDtwIRuFDQGOIEY=" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</b></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">(Photo Credit: USO photo by Steve Manuel)</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Twitter Pitch:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></span><span style="color: black;">@GoldenBoyBoxing's @OscarDeLaHoya, @ajtheproblem21, @DanielJacobsTKO & Seth Mitchell return stateside following whirlwind @the_USO tour</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>ARLINGTON, VA. (March 15, 2011)<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></span><span style="color: black;">- Olympic Gold Medalist and former Ten-Time World Champion in six weight divisions who turned USO veteran,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><b><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=7fwc6qcab&et=1104841204992&s=1912&e=001t9RO4P_P42cG0Cf5teNzuib6KPi1AffRMW0M4auQ2QzN9hCkbw8OmBywhNvUsb5DuyzbGx0mk3EV0xqKp9FuYW3RPugr9f6mPsjJfdFHD0rgjCT43YHUC-9EvBM-avNe" shape="rect" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Oscar de la Hoya</a></b>touched down<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>stateside today following a whirlwind seven-day<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=7fwc6qcab&et=1104841204992&s=1912&e=001t9RO4P_P42fCYCMQ0PVC3VGWzGwvublH3L03cWJXtyVLNAsTZPFc6tlc8CuVtRYCkHfXRFUcp8ywAo2PRzcdBqylVygIfJ-KHwMns_A-KdY=" shape="rect" style="color: #406480;" target="_blank">USO</a>/<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=7fwc6qcab&et=1104841204992&s=1912&e=001t9RO4P_P42ec52hxryYzYQzLlcrG09iSWKva0jvW9rFNBwiHBrXb9c8izhDFmAmuuqUePMgcyH_FKRcj8HTWUo-IF_1sIxdKbiShFENqZpbHiEp2oXwzL4tuK1hGNKU5flgichXTrZA=" shape="rect" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Armed Forces Entertainment</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>tour to Kuwait and Iraq. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Accompanied by up-and-coming fighters<b>Adrien Broner</b>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Danny Jacobs</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Seth Mitchell</b>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>De La Hoya<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="color: black;">led the group to the Middle East on March 8, where they went on to extend their thanks to troops and visit eight military bases. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Among some of the installations visited were<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Camp Arifjan</b>,<b>COB Basra</b>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Camp Victory</b>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Camp Liberty</b>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b>JSS Loyalty</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b>JSS Justice</b>.</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Having lifted the spirits of thousands of servicemen and servicewomen, the group held a series of boxing clinics as well as signed hundreds of autographs and delivered an infinite number of smiles. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Most telling of the group's popularity among troops was seen at Camp Victory, where more than 600 troops turned out to attend a USO boxing demonstration featuring the fighters</span>.<span style="color: black;"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Despite the tour coming to a close, its impact on De La Hoya and the others were felt once they returned home.</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Quotes:<br />
</b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><br />
</b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>Attributed to Oscar de la Hoya:<br />
<br />
</i></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>[On the impact the tour had on his life...]</i></b></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">"Going on this USO tour and spending time with the servicemen and servicewomen who protect our country was a life-changing experience. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You don't realize what it means to be a participant in our military efforts and the sacrifices each one of them is making to fight for and protect our freedom until you see it first-hand."</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>[On what he learned while out on tour...</b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>]</i></b></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">"Hearing their stories and seeing what they go through on a daily basis has changed my life.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> The opportunity to see how our troops live and understand their ability to be ready for anything at a moment's notice showed me what it means to be truly brave."</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>[On what he plans to do after his tour...]</i></b></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">"I hope that we were able to make a difference in the lives of the troops we met.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> I am dedicated to continuing to help the USO with their mission of uplifting the spirits of our nation's troops, sharing my experiences and encouraging others to support our brave servicemen and servicewomen in any way they can."</span></div></div></td></tr>
<tr><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></tr>
</tbody></table></span></span>Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-8552870499720293982010-12-21T12:45:00.000-08:002010-12-21T12:45:20.674-08:00SUPPORT NO SOLDIER LEFT BEHIND<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.no-soldier-left-behind.org/Mission_Statement.php"><img border="0" height="128" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5k2L3z8j9I-IDDZ4CCnh0dV4VEKNXjTZW0zdao-iWAfAaP8VxlxtexJR_zYbldPPfSt827vhSYUbbu7VNPVWbdpR2dAM7T-oh-RRLMzNauL-Kulb__Qt3fawMypRDSkYFefFGBstmtiGp/s320/000aaanosoldierleftbehind.jpg" /></a></div>Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-22702554140709843952010-12-21T12:34:00.000-08:002010-12-21T12:46:26.519-08:00A MILITARY MOM'S MISSION<object width="500" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-lnDbVsxsmI?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-lnDbVsxsmI?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="300"></embed></object><br />
<br />
Military Mom Angela Lashley has an important mission this holiday season. Her son's safe return from war and devoted service to his country keeps her inspired to help other soldiers and their families. She recently participated in a podcast interview describing her goals to spread the blue star movement across the nation in order to keep the spirit of soldier appreciation alive. Please visit her Web-site <a href="http://www.sobravesong.com">sobravesong.com</a>. You can listen to her interview by <a href="http://fnu.mypodcast.com/2010/12/ANGELA_LASHLEY_A_MILITARY_MOMS_MISSION-336710.html">CLICKING HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
During the holiday season it is very important to realize, regardless of your politics, that soldiers everywhere need your help. Their bravery and sacrifice is important to acknowledge and appreciate, and there are many important charities helping out in this capacity. Support one of these charities or think of something you can do independently to help a family or soldier in need during this holiday season. <br />
<br />
Please spread the word however you can about Angela's important motherly mission and share her songs and message of appreciation with everyone you know.Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-40164982354505937212010-12-08T15:52:00.001-08:002010-12-08T15:53:46.652-08:00UGLY SWEATER PARTY TO SEND ILL KIDS TO SEE CELTICS<a href="http://unlimitedfightnews.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/UGLY-SWEATER-FLYER.jpg"><img src="http://unlimitedfightnews.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/UGLY-SWEATER-FLYER.jpg" alt="" title="flyer redback" width="450" height="234" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-10605" /></a><br />
<br />
On Saturday December 11, 2010, the <a href="http://bpositiveproject.com/">b Positive Project</a> will host <a href="http://bpositiveproject.com/2010/11/11/bostons-4th-annual-ugly-sweater-party/">“Boston’s 4th Annual and Largest Ugly Sweater Party."</a> The purpose of this event is to send 45+ sick kids from the <a href="http://starlightnewengland.org/">Starlight Children’s Foundation</a> to a Boston Celtics game on January 3rd. Fight News Unlimited is pleased to be sponsoring this wonderful event at <a href="http://mktboston.com/">Market Boston.</a> Join hundreds of fellow Bostonians at this wild, wacky event. It’s the funniest of its kind. There will be raffles, prizes and drink specials and plenty of ugly sweaters. The cost to attend is a $20 cover charge at the door. But we'd like to extend an opportunity for you to pre-register for just $15, as our guest.<br />
<br />
Just click <a href="http://bpositiveproject.com/2010/11/11/bostons-4th-annual-ugly-sweater-party/">this link</a>, and you and your colleagues will be able to sign up, courtesy of Fight News Unlimited. We look forward to seeing you there!<br />
<br />
For more information about the b Positive Project, <a href="http://bpositiveproject.com/">click here</a>.<br />
<br />
The b Positive Project – An apparel company that gives back to non-profits. When you see someone wearing the “b” it means they are doing good for others. We believe in creating quality, comfortable and inspiring apparel that motivates you and makes you feel good in your mind, body, soul and heart. Become a fan on Facebook and help spread the positivity – <a href="www.facebook.com/thebpositiveproject">www.facebook.com/thebpositiveproject</a><br />
<br />
<br />
b Sure to attend our upcoming event – “Boston’s 4th Annual Ugly Sweater Party” – To purchase tickets <a href="http://bpositiveproject.com/2010/11/11/bostons-4th-annual-ugly-sweater-party/">CLICK HERE</a>Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-55789007762352941172010-11-22T17:00:00.000-08:002010-11-22T17:27:15.972-08:00George Everette "Bud" Day And The Tap CodeBy: Rich Bergeron<br />
<br />
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b7/Col_George_Day_1987.jpg/150px-Col_George_Day_1987.jpg">Retired US Air Force Colonel George Everette "Bud" Day was the only serviceman in Vietnam to be held prisoner in both North and South Vietnam camps. His multiple years in captivity forced him to rely on a sophisticated tap code he told my entire freshman class about once in a presentation at Michell Hall (A.K.A. The Mess Hall). I was a freshman cadet in the class of 1999, eating lunch under duress and listening to a legend on the podium describe years of painful and trying mental and physical torture. I felt rude chewing food in front of this guy, but his eyes lit up when he spoke of the tap code that connected him with every other prisoner who ever had to communicate this way. Messages were banged out in a necessity-driven, adapted Morse Code language of successive taps or knocks. The exchange had its own special meaning to the captive soldiers who resorted to using it, because it symbolized an unspoken victory in their fight to maintain their honor and camaraderie.<br />
<br />
Day's incredible saga of truly honorable and courageous service in the face of the worst conditions possible is the stuff of legend. It is no wonder his efforts earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor. <br />
<br />
According to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bud_Day">Day's Wikipedia Page</a>, his Medal of Honor Citation Reads:<br />
<br />
"On 26 August 1967, Col. Day was forced to eject from his aircraft over North Vietnam when it was hit by ground fire. His right arm was broken in 3 places, and his left knee was badly sprained. He was immediately captured by hostile forces and taken to a prison camp where he was interrogated and severely tortured. After causing the guards to relax their vigilance, Col. Day escaped into the jungle and began the trek toward South Vietnam. Despite injuries inflicted by fragments of a bomb or rocket, he continued southward surviving only on a few berries and uncooked frogs. He successfully evaded enemy patrols and reached the Ben Hai River, where he encountered U.S. artillery barrages. With the aid of a bamboo log float, Col. Day swam across the river and entered the demilitarized zone. Due to delirium, he lost his sense of direction and wandered aimlessly for several days. After several unsuccessful attempts to signal U.S. aircraft, he was ambushed and recaptured by the Viet Cong, sustaining gunshot wounds to his left hand and thigh. He was returned to the prison from which he had escaped and later was moved to Hanoi after giving his captors false information to questions put before him. Physically, Col. Day was totally debilitated and unable to perform even the simplest task for himself. Despite his many injuries, he continued to offer maximum resistance. His personal bravery in the face of deadly enemy pressure was significant in saving the lives of fellow aviators who were still flying against the enemy. Col. Day's conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Armed Forces." <br />
<br />
Day's sacrifices and soldiering on through the most intolerable conditions afforded him a reputation as one of the most decorated United States Military men since General Douglas MacArthur. He endured so much pain and suffering to protect his fellow pilots, and Colonel Day should be forever saluted as a hero for his selfless service.<br />
<br />
<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-rih6YOetrw?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-rih6YOetrw?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></object>Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-35778228840000203012010-11-22T16:38:00.000-08:002010-11-22T17:34:11.683-08:00Lance Peter Sijan: Courage Under FireBy: Rich Bergeron<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6acoa3NIjAt2nitWnBm0wPd136vgcTUdNjIpxA1YlTDSLjd-etIwgOgVCUNuqmrzItKiodc3tO5aldPJcGib4aykqoEB-ILLGC45bhIbLeUQeWS5SWcIwpJYcn0geNY6llctwAlVutQT1/s1600/150px-Sijan_2lt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6acoa3NIjAt2nitWnBm0wPd136vgcTUdNjIpxA1YlTDSLjd-etIwgOgVCUNuqmrzItKiodc3tO5aldPJcGib4aykqoEB-ILLGC45bhIbLeUQeWS5SWcIwpJYcn0geNY6llctwAlVutQT1/s1600/150px-Sijan_2lt.jpg" /></a></div>As a freshman "doolie" at the United States Air Force Academy, I learned that Lance Peter Sijan was the Academy's only medal of honor winner. His legend loomed large as a beacon to greatness, though his stint as a cadet was not particularly spectacular. He blended into the crowd on campus, but when Vietnam came he jumped into an F-4 Phantom and stood out with his skills and his bravery.<br />
<br />
The Medal of Honor Citation for Captain Sijan says it all:<br />
<br />
"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'New Century Schlbk'; font-size: medium;">While on a flight over North Vietnam, Capt. Sijan ejected from his disabled aircraft and successfully evaded capture for more than 6 weeks. During this time, he was seriously injured and suffered from shock and extreme weight loss due to lack of food. After being captured by North Vietnamese soldiers, Capt. Sijan was taken to a holding point for subsequent transfer to a prisoner of war camp. In his emaciated and crippled condition, he overpowered one of his guards and crawled into the jungle, only to be recaptured after several hours. He was then transferred to another prison camp where he was kept in solitary confinement and interrogated at length. During interrogation, he was severely tortured; however, he did not divulge any information to his captors. Capt. Sijan lapsed into delirium and was placed in the care of another prisoner. During his intermittent periods of consciousness until his death, he never complained of his physical condition and, on several occasions, spoke of future escape attempts. Capt. Sijan's extraordinary heroism and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty at the cost of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Armed Forces."</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRvZj7WR5wHbnZI3DBuEYWyOQr9zgjyFr_9L2xPAxwklDO2XH78CAWpFjeBbJeAOMl_J7i7RJsHWjzzgt19rHCI0vXDg6FgNGcfVgcg4amtIXiZ2TCF0DjpJ867vKV5yM-3sT0erJXodH/s1600/300px-Lance_Sijan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRvZj7WR5wHbnZI3DBuEYWyOQr9zgjyFr_9L2xPAxwklDO2XH78CAWpFjeBbJeAOMl_J7i7RJsHWjzzgt19rHCI0vXDg6FgNGcfVgcg4amtIXiZ2TCF0DjpJ867vKV5yM-3sT0erJXodH/s1600/300px-Lance_Sijan.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'New Century Schlbk'; font-size: medium;"> </span></span>. At the Air Force Academy we memorized the code of conduct and several other passages and quotes meant to ingrain in us a method of surviving any capture and/or interrogation without divulging anything more than name rank and serial number. None of these codes and credos were as significant as knowing Lance Sijan's true tale of survival, bravery, and stalwart support of his country, though. We all knew that despite vicious torture techniques employed on him while in North Vietnamese captivity, Sijan never displayed a weak moment under questioning. He was the toughest of the tough, crawling over harsh terrain on his back with such severe fractures to evade capture for so long. I can never forget his true story of amazing endurance and human spirit. His will to survive without compromising his integrity or his devotion to duty was remarkable.<br />
<br />
Find out More about Lance Peter Sijan, United States Air Force Academy Class of 1965, at his <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lance_Sijan">Wikipedia Page</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://memorialsforheroes.blogspot.com/2010/11/thanksgiving-for-heroes.html">Click Hereo To Learn How to Nominate A Hero</a><br />
<br />
<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/M970Imc3wf8?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/M970Imc3wf8?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-77917840655184557902010-11-19T08:51:00.000-08:002010-11-19T09:41:16.784-08:00THANKSGIVING FOR HEROESBy: Rich Bergeron<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSWO_HTfQJYPrM0w0PzScbAj-YhlUUWrfp2lObbfU6dDubRECU267oCyc4jpkWv_Mm0VJQCuSzkSqBmC9dW6LACGJv9EJWHM73y2_LKmsUZwtoJ_ZkMwthM5CELF3A2KVzRCYeFG2jUWQ/s1600/heroism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSWO_HTfQJYPrM0w0PzScbAj-YhlUUWrfp2lObbfU6dDubRECU267oCyc4jpkWv_Mm0VJQCuSzkSqBmC9dW6LACGJv9EJWHM73y2_LKmsUZwtoJ_ZkMwthM5CELF3A2KVzRCYeFG2jUWQ/s1600/heroism.jpg" /></a></div>Heroism is much more than an important value. It's a way of life for some people, and they react to injustice or tragic circumstances without a second thought. They throw themselves into the fire again and again if it saves the lives of others. If they die on duty, then so be it. That's what they signed up for. <br />
<br />
Heroism is unfortunately all to often a rare commodity in today's society. Not everyone feels like they can really be a hero, whether it is because they don't feel strong enough or because they can't afford it, or maybe they don't have the spine for it. We've become a society of cogs, thinking we're specialized pieces and better leave the heroism to the military and the civil service folks. Yet, everyone could be a hero if they really wanted to and the moment ahead of them required heroism. You don't need a phone booth or a Superman costume. It's only a matter of confidence and a willingness to step up and help. <br />
<br />
Whatever the reason so many people don't step up and do great things as much as they should, it also seems people who are heroic often get overlooked, or they fade away. We need to make the stories of heroes historic. Something we don't just hear about on Veteran's Day or Memorial Day. We need to make those lives matter and share their stories with the world, so that others will want to follow their example of bravery and fortitude in their own lives. Role models like the men and women who have earned the hero label throughout history should be celebrated and thanked. <br />
<br />
To promote the Thanksgiving For Heroes concept I would like to print stories of heroic people that are personalized and nominated by real people out there. I'd like to keep this up through the holidays, straight through to the new year, and beyond. It should be a central theme of this site to salute everyday heroes from all walks of life, so we will keep the thanks coming. Please email Memorials For Heroes Founder Rich Bergeron at <a href="mailto:rich.bergeron@gmail.com">rich.bergeron@gmail.com</a> to nominate a hero from your community or family. Please be creative and include pictures. I will write a personal account of their heroism working with your material and approval, and I will post a blog here on the site telling your hero's story.Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7694332092035072221.post-38544518979951755412010-07-30T18:17:00.001-07:002010-07-30T18:17:05.477-07:00PLEASE SUPPORT VETERAN TICKETS FOUNDATION<a href="http://www.vettix.org/"><img src="http://www.unlimitedfightnews.com/images/vetstix.jpg" width="450" /></a>Memorials For Heroeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01917196990425564254noreply@blogger.com0