VETERANS DAY

KA9FFJ

Veterans days is coming up Saturday, November 11. Thought it was appropriate to bring it to light.  

I have a couple of suggestions as to how we can utilize this "pre-Vet-day" time on TPL:

1. Give thanks for those who served...

2. Let us know if you served and what branch... 

Now the fun part:

3. Give us you idea(s) as to what blends you think would be appropriate for each branch (be nice)...

4. Let us know if you have plans to observe that special day...

In closing, may all of you who served realize that you sacrificed years of your life for the benefit of this country, and I'm proud to stand tall and rub shoulders with all of you veterans...

motie2

O God of spacious skies and purple-mountain majesties, these United States of America comprise a wonderful nation, surely the best on earth, a nation aglow with the spirit of liberty, but whose radiance has been darkened by fears born in mountain caves and the baleful fire of September 11th. The faith-born-of-unity following that great tragedy was squandered, but, throughout years of war, we have prayed for our brothers and sisters in uniform, especially our men and women stationed overseas. We pray for them and for their parents, their husbands, wives, and children. We pray for families whose sons and daughters have already given their lives, or have been maimed in body and spirit. The price they have paid will not be in vain, if our nation achieves its goal: the  regional peace we all pray for. 

Determined to preserve our shared world from the tyranny of terrorism, we turn to You for answers, for values, for strength. We come before you with respect and concern for those who have been summoned to protect and secure our nation and our world. Give them courage to meet the chilling stare of death. Show compassion to them as they seek to make the world safer for us and for those we love. Ease the pain of their loneliness as they face the darkness of their daunting task. Help those far from the comfort of home to find value and meaning in their mission; that their sacrifice not be an empty act. Let them sense the yearning of those who await their return and long for their presence - their loved ones, their parents, their children. 

Sovereign Who desires life, above all protect them with Your merciful care. Return them safely to fulfill dreams unrealized so that they may bless Your name through the lives they live. And may their efforts further the cause of peace throughout the world. So may it be God's will. AMEN.

PappyJoe

1. Thank everyone who has served in the military.
2. U.S. Coast Guard (Yes, it is a military service) Jan. 1972 - Sept. 1993. Retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer
3. I have two private blends that are available from The Country Squire if you ask for them. Senior Chief and Lighthouse Keeper. For the other services:
     Navy - Brown Boogie Uncut
     Army - Brigadier Black Sherman's March
     Marines - Hearth & Home Strikeforce
     Air Farce - John Middleton's Wine Berry
4. I will smoke some Senior Chief in my US Coast Guard Meerschaum.

KA9FFJ

Outstanding @PappyJoe I knew you'd come through with some nice blend selections. 
Thanks @motie2 for your contribution. Most appropriate...

buflosab

I Served in the Army from 1966 to 1969,Ft Benning, Ft Lenard Wood,Vietnam,Hunter Army Airfield,and Ft.Gordon. Usually spend a rather subdued Veterans Day and think back and give thanks to all veterans who served.  I feel this is my day and no one can take it away from me.I guess what I'm saying is it is a day to feel proud. Thank you to all that served and thanks to those for the recognition you give us. This is a picture I took on my visit to Washington DC. This is the Marine Corps Memorial.

KA9FFJ

@buflosab Thanks fellow vet. I was USMC and went in the same year as you. Your comments concerning "...this is my day and no one can take it away..." was right-on...

motie2

Congregants have said to me that their days in service were some of the best days and some of the worst days in their lives.

For those of you that are vets, does that ring true?

buflosab

Yes motie,it's the truth.And thank you KA9FFJ for the comments and I hope you have a great Veterans Day.

jfreedy

1. Huge thanks to all who served and fought for our freedom!
2. Army National Guard from 1986-present
3. I’ll have to give this some thought & come back to it
4. This Veterans Day I’ll be at the 45th Infantry Museum in OKC for their annual Vet Day ceremony. 

Woodsman

US Army Military Police.
Navy- Navy Flake, what else?
Army- White Knight.
Air Force- Squadron Leader.
Marines- Byzanteum.
Coast Guard- Sail.

Woodsman

@motie2 Oh Yeah.  Boredom and misery followed by Adrenalin Rush, followed by some of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen, the richness of People, Places, and things. I'll never trade that time and I'll never do it again.

buflosab

buflosab

This is another pix I took at Arlington National Cemetery,Ira Hayes,one of the flag raisers on Iwo Jima in Feb.1945.I must have walked three quarters of Arlington to find this grave site,wouldn't leave till I found it.

buflosab

Their are actually three Members of the Iwo Jima flag raisers buried at Arlington,Michael Strank and Rene Gagon and the above mentioned ,I found Stranks grave site and will post a picture at another time. I ran out of time so I couldn't get to Gagons site,next time.

KA9FFJ

@Woodsman Outstanding blend choices!

Charles

USMC here.  Served 1980-84 then again from 1989-92.

xDutchx

My greatest regret in life, has nothing to do with a woman. The day after I graduated high school, I should have promptly signed up with a recruiter, and became a U.S. Marine. 2 of my closest friends in high school did just that, and I have always admired both of them immensely. Sadly, one of them developed cancer and passed away in the summer of 2016. His name was Calvin Hopper, he was tatted up with full sleeves, and was truly a man's man. RIP Calvin, you were truly one of America's finest in every sense of the word.

mfresa

Thanks to all of you vets.  I was "4F" and couldn't get in.  Even tried to volunteer after 9-11.  No dice.  But I'm with you in spirit.

KA9FFJ

@xDutchx Nice comments. Calvin lives on, because he's gone, but not forgotten. Very touching entry...

KA9FFJ

Semper-Fi @Charles

xDutchx

<quote @xDutchx Nice comments. Calvin lives on, because he's gone, but not forgotten. Very touching entry... quote>

@KA9FFJ, Here is a pic of Calvin in his dress blues, and the story about how  he developed cancer. When the docs diagnosed him, he had only a short time to live. I am ashamed that the local news station, misspelled his last name.

http://popularmilitary.com/veteran-denied-disability-getting-cancer-camp-lejeunes-water/

pwkarch

US Navy, 1967-1973

Fun times, sad times, but the greatest adventure a young man could have. Hours and many days of boredom interrupted by periods of absolute mayhem. Fun times with friends of which will remain like brothers even to this day. Sadness for those who did not make it then or have since reported to heaven in later years.

A place where significant responsibility is placed upon the shoulders of very young men who just years earlier only had the concern of turning in a book report, or delivering all their newspapers. A "melting pot" of sorts where young men VERY wet behind their ears (no Navy pun intended) are placed with a diverse group of other men of different colors, backgrounds, religions, and become a well tuned "machine" capable of doing things that were unimaginable a short time before. The experience provides an incredible boost in self confidence and maturity. It is a wonderful opportunity to grow well beyond your previously assumed ability, learning to get along with others and to have respect for others.

Some guys join strictly for the adventure, others for the learning, some to get away from whatever they are running from. BUT, everyone serves their country. Remember, "A veteran is one who once signed a check up to and including dying for his country".

Hand salute to ALL my fellow Veterans, may you smoke in the Peace that you helped to preserve.

Charles

@KA9FFJ- Semper Fi brother and to all of our family who served in the other branches.  My God bless the United States and may God bless you and your families. 

Charles

@xDutchx -  That is exactly what I did.  Three days after my H.S. graduation, all of my friends were getting ready for senior week at the seashore.  I was on my way to Parris Island, S.C. for boot-camp.  I kept asking myself "what the hell did I get myself into?"  It was one of the most scariest things I had done, one of the most exhilarating, and one of the most proudest moments in my life.  I grew up real quick and experienced things most people either dreamed of or avoided.  The Marines have given me a lot, both good and not so good, but I would do it all again in a flash.

KA9FFJ

@xDutchx Nice entry. I had some good friends I lost during Nam. Got to go to the wall a few years back. I was able to find their names. Unfortunately, I found the name of another buddy on the wall. We were separated and I never knew what happened to him. Now I know... Thanks for sharing your story. Very touching...

buflosab

buflosab

Here is the other Iwo Jima flag raiser,and the photo I took at Arlington National Cemetery.

KA9FFJ

I have a neighbor =Air Force lifer (retired), going to have a small fire pit in his front yard just outside his garage Saturday evening. A bunch of Vets are bringing snacks, drinks portable heaters for his garage. 3 of us are pipe smokers so it should be chilly, but enjoyable...

pwkarch

@KA9FFJ

Sounds like a GREAT time. enjoy the Veteran kinship, and Hand Salute to you and all the participants. And Hand Salute to all of our fellow Veterans on This Pipe Life..... 

buflosab

buflosab

Here is a picture I took leaving the Vietnam Veterans Memorial..