Wounded warriors get heroes’ greeting at Lakeshore Foundation

Printed in yesterday’s Birmingham News:

Sandy Ballard waved a flag outside the Lakeshore Foundation tonight to give a group of veterans the greeting she said her loved ones did not receive when they came home from Vietnam.

“They need to see that people support them,” Ballard said.

About 450 people joined Ballard, a Bessemer resident, in welcoming a motorcade of classic cars carrying 35 veterans who suffered war injuries or have other disabilities, said Damian Veazey of the Lakeshore Foundation.

The former soldiers will be taking part in Lima Foxtrot — a program that includes activities such as rock climbing and scuba diving designed to help disabled military personnel.

The veterans said they were thrilled to be greeted by the flag-waving crowd.

“They say across America patriotism is dead. Actually, it’s not,” said Robert Silvia, a U.S. Navy petty officer 3rd class who served in the first Gulf War.

A genetic condition cost Silvia about 60 percent of his sight. His wife and two kids came from their home near Palm Springs, Calif., for the event, Silvia said.

Silvia said he was excited about the opportunity to fish and rock climb. “I’ve been gearing up for this for about four months,” Silvia said.

Marine Col. Don “Doc” Ballard, a Medal of Honor recipient who serves on a board of veterans who aid Lakeshore in fundraising, said soldiers today are more likely to survive war wounds, but as a result those injuries are often more severe.

“Life is what they want to make of it,” Ballard said. “The only disability they have is the one in their minds. It’s up to them to look for ways to re-enter society and be more active.”

River Falls mourns loss of a hero

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sgt. Gordon’s loved ones:

Army officials say a Stryker Brigade soldier who fell ill in southern Afghanistan has died at a military hospital in Germany.

According to an Army statement, 22-year-old Sgt. Robert David Gordon II of River Falls, Ala., got sick last Friday and died Wednesday at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. His illness was not disclosed but is described as not related to combat.

Gordon enlisted in the Army more than four years ago in Montgomery. He was assigned to the 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, which was sent to Afghanistan in July.

Riders flocked to Legion’s Poker Run

Printed in this week’s North Jefferson News:

What sounded and felt like a small earthquake in Fultondale on Saturday was simply a group of men and women wanting to help others.

More than 200 motorcycles roared in to American Legion Post 255 in Fultondale to take part in the American Legion Riders 9/11 Poker Run.

This is the fifth year that American Legion District 21 has hosted the ride. Each of the six posts in the district takes turns heading up the event.

“This is in remembrance of the fallen police officers and firefighters on 9/11,” said Ron Slay, vice-commander of post 255 and commander of American Legion Riders of Post 255.

Proceeds of the ride benefit the Fultondale Police and Fire Departments.

On hand to receive plaques and recognition from Post 255 Commander Bill Steber and other officials were Fultondale Assistant Fire Chief Larry Adams and Gardendale Police Chief Mike Walker, along with other members of both departments.

Also on hand at the post Saturday were representatives from the Breast Cancer Foundation and representatives of Kendall Thomas, both of whom were taking up donations.

On Sunday, Walker attended a District 21 meeting at Post 255, where he received a $1,000 check for the Kendall Thomas foundation.

Kendall Thomas, a former softball player at Gardendale High School, has been diagnosed with leukemia.

“That’s what the Legion is, helping the community and helping people in need,” said Slay.

The riders stopped at the American Legion posts in Fairfield, Tarrant and Leeds, giving plaques to the police and fire chiefs there.

The group also picked up extra riders at every post before ending the ride at the Birmingham Race Course.

Slay thanks the dozens of sponsors, who donated more than $2,000 in cash and items for door prizes.

VFW invites members and prospects to picnic this weekend

Courtesy of this week’s North Jefferson News:

A veterans group in Fultondale is working hard to recruit new members. Recruitment is one of the main purposes of a picnic that North Jefferson VFW Post 10250 is hosting on Sept. 12 at Black Creek in Fultondale. The picnic, scheduled at noon, is free and is open to all VFW members and their families, as well as to those eligible to join.

To join the VFW, a veteran must have served in the U.S. military overseas during a war. Active duty, Reservists and National Guard members are all eligible, whether or not they are still in the military. Those no longer in the military must have an honorable discharge. The membership fee to join the North Jefferson VFW is $25 a year.

Post 10250 Commander Robert Mattox said that only about 10 percent of the post’s roughly 128 members participate in VFW activities, such as attending the monthly meetings in Fultondale and volunteering for committees and programs. Mattox, a World War II veteran, wants to see the younger generation of male and female veterans get involved in the local VFW.

One Iraq War veteran has not only joined the VFW, but has stepped up to serve as an officer. Michael Thorin, a member of the Fultondale and Hoover fire departments, is also VFW Post 10250’s new quartermaster. Thorin took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom from June 2005 to September 2006 as part of the 31st FSB. He was a cavalry scout and a medic, and served as gun truck commander and later as acting platoon sergeant. Thorin’s missions took him to areas such as Baghdad, Fallujah, Mosul, Tikrit and other areas where U.S. and coalition troops were operating.

“I decided to become a part of the VFW because I love my country,” Thorin said. “Now that I am out of the military I have a desire to be a part of an organization that holds dear the values which myself and so many others have fought for.”

Other veterans are invited to the VFW picnic on Sept. 12. The event will feature free barbecue with the trimmings, live local music, and activities for children. VFW officers will be on hand to talk with those interested in joining and to answer questions.

To learn more, call Mattox at 205-841-2424.

When the music stopped

My mother-in-law sent me this lovely piece. I get so many military jokes and stories that often Snopes is one of the first places I hit after receiving these types of emails. Don’t get me wrong … it’s not that I don’t believe in tales of valor and honor from our men and women in uniform. On the contrary, I like to post sources to give credit where credit is due. I know that without a doubt, some of the finest men and women you’ll ever see are in the military, and I’m always happy to share stories illustrating this!

Anyways, back to the story. Snopes didn’t have anything on this, so I hit up Google and found another source that confirmed that this story is indeed TRUE!

For those who are unaware, at a military theater, the National Anthem is played before every movie.

From a Chaplain in Iraq:

I recently attended a showing of ‘Superman 3,’ here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial services and other large gatherings. As is the custom back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going as planned until about three-quarters of the way through the National Anthem the music stopped.

Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments; and everyone would sit down and call for a movie. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the National Anthem in the first place. Here, the 1,000 soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again. The soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. And again, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect to happen?

Even here I would imagine laughter, as everyone finally sat down and expected the movie to start. But here, you could have heard a pin drop. Every soldier continued to stand at attention. Suddenly there was a lone voice , then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off:

‘And the rockets red glare,
The bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night
That our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O’er the land of the free,
And the home of the brave.’

It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in Iraq. I wanted you to know what kind of soldiers are serving you here. Remember them as they fight for you! Pass this along as a reminder to others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here at home and abroad. For many have already paid the ultimate price.

Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins
LSA Anaconda is at the Ballad Airport in Iraq, north of Baghdad

According to TruthorFiction.com, this was indeed written by Army Reserve Chaplain Jim Higgins who, when he is not deployed, is Senior Pastor of McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church, in Powder Springs, GA. It goes on to say that this event took place in May of 2007 while he was stationed at Camp Anaconda — which is a US base near Balad, and one of the largest airbases in Iraq.

But I bet many of you already knew that about C.A.

God bless our troops!!

Best dog story I’ve heard in a while

My best friend sent me this email with a “get the tissues ready” warning. While Snopes denies that the following is literally true, I believe it best serves as a figurative truth to this: we must never forget how much our troops give and how much we owe them. If you are in a position to open your home to a soldier’s pet, please consider contacting Guardian Angels for Soldiers’ Pet!

They told me the big black Lab’s name was Reggie as I looked at him lying in his pen. the shelter was clean, no-kill, and the people really friendly. I’d only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street.

But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn’t hurt. Give me someone to talk to. And I had just seen Reggie’s advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn’t look like “Lab people,” whatever that meant. They must’ve thought I did.

But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes, and a sealed letter from his previous owner. See, Reggie and I didn’t really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike.

For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls — he wouldn’t go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes. I guess I didn’t really think he’d need all his old stuff, that I’d get him new things once he settled in. but it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn’t going to.

I tried the normal commands the shelter told me he knew, ones like “sit” and “stay” and “come” and “heel,” and he’d follow them — when he felt like it. He never really seemed to listen when I called his name — sure, he’d look in my direction after the fourth or fifth time I said it, but then he’d just go back to doing whatever. When I’d ask again, you could almost see him sigh and then grudgingly obey.

This just wasn’t going to work. He chewed a couple shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and he resented it, I could tell. The friction got so bad that I couldn’t wait for the two weeks to be up, and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for my cellphone amid all of my unpacked stuff. I remembered leaving it on the stack of boxes for the guest room, but I also mumbled, rather cynically, that the “darn dog probably hid it on me.”

Finally I found it, but before I could punch up the shelter’s number, I also found his pad and other toys from the shelter. I tossed the pad in Reggie’s direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most enthusiasm I’d seen since bringing him home. But then I called, “Hey, Reggie, you like that? Come here and I’ll give you a treat.” Instead, he sort of glanced in my direction — maybe “glared” is more accurate — and then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down. With his back to me.

Well, that’s not going to do it either, I thought. And I punched the shelter phone number.

But I hung up when I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that, too. “Okay, Reggie,” I said out loud, “let’s see if your previous owner has any advice.”

To Whoever Gets My Dog:

Well, I can’t say that I’m happy you’re reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie’s new owner. I’m not even happy writing it. If you’re reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab after dropping him off at the shelter. He knew something was different. I have packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time … it’s like he knew something was wrong. And something is wrong … which is why I have to go to try to make it right.

So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you.

First, he loves tennis balls. the more the merrier. Sometimes I think he’s part squirrel, the way he hoardes them. He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn’t done it yet. Doesn’t matter where you throw them, he’ll bound after it, so be careful — really don’t do it by any roads. I made that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly.

Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but I’ll go over them again: Reggie knows the obvious ones — “sit,” “stay,” “come,” “heel.” He knows hand signals: “back” to turn around and go back when you put your hand straight up; and “over” if you put your hand out right or left. “Shake” for shaking water off, and “paw” for a high-five. He does “down” when he feels like lying down — I bet you could work on that with him some more. He knows “ball” and “food” and “bone” and “treat” like nobody’s business. I trained Reggie with small food treats. Nothing opens his ears like little pieces of hot dog.

Feeding schedule: twice a day, once about seven in the morning, and again at six in the evening. Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand.

He’s up on his shots. Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with yours; they’ll make sure to send you reminders for when he’s due. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him in the car — I don’t know how he knows when it’s time to go to the vet, but he knows.

Finally, give him some time. I’ve never been married, so it’s only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He’s gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn’t bark or complain. He just loves to be around people, and me most especially.

Which means that this transition is going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new.

And that’s why I need to share one more bit of info with you …

His name’s not Reggie.

I don’t know what made me do it, but when I dropped him off at the shelter, I told them his name was Reggie. He’s a smart dog, he’ll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt. but I just couldn’t bear to give them his real name. For me to do that, it seemed so final, that handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admitting that I’d never see him again. And if I end up coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it means everything’s fine. But if someone else is reading it, well… well it means that his new owner should know his real name. It’ll help you bond with him. Who knows, maybe you’ll even notice a change in his demeanor if he’s been giving you problems.

His real name is Tank. Because that is what I drive.

Again, if you’re reading this and you’re from the area, maybe my name has been on the news. I told the shelter that they couldn’t make “Reggie” available for adoption until they received word from my company commander. See, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could’ve left Tank with … and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq, that they make one phone call to the shelter … in the “event”… to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my colonel is a dog guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he’d do it personally. And if you’re reading this, then he made good on his word.

Well, this letter is getting to downright depressing, even though, frankly, I’m just writing it for my dog. I couldn’t imagine if I was writing it for a wife and kids and family. but still, Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family.

And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me.

That unconditional love from a dog is what I took with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things … and to keep those terrible people from coming over here. If I had to give up Tank in order to do it, I am glad to have done so. He was my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.

All right, that’s enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. I don’t think I’ll say another good-bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first time. Maybe I’ll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.

Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight — every night — from me.

Thank you,
Paul Mallory

I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast all summer.

I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog.

“Hey, Tank,” I said quietly. The dog’s head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright.

C’mere boy.” He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn’t heard in months.

“Tank,” I whispered. His tail swished.

I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him.

“It’s me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me.” Tank reached up and licked my cheek. “So whatdaya say we play some ball? His ears perked again. “Yeah? Ball? You like that? Ball?” Tank tore from my hands and disappeared in the next room.

And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth.

Guardian Angels for Soldiers’ Pet can be reached at info@guardianangelsforsoldierspet.org or (501) 325-1591. As an all-volunteer 501c3 nonprofit public charity Guardian Angels for Soldiers’ Pet depends on the kindness and generosity of the public to keep its programs supporting the military.

Tears For The Wounded Warriors

There’s a great editorial by Thomas Segel explaining why we should not only shed tears for fallen heroes, but also for our wounded warriors:

In war related news, both electronic and print media has been very detailed about reporting the death totals of American service personnel, the latest roadside bomb blasts and any military mistake. What is rarely reported are the feats of our heroes on the battlefield. Those very special heroes are not only the individuals who perform great acts of bravery, but also the men and women who give of their blood and endure unbelievable pain in defense of every person in this country.

Supporting our men and women in uniform means much more than placing a bumper sticker on the back of an SUV or flying the American Flag on selected holidays. It means we should really “care” about those who take up arms in defense of the nation. It means we should be doing everything humanly possible to ease the pain of those who will wear the scars of combat forever. And yes, it means we should not only mourn our war dead, but also shed tears for all the wounded warriors.

A very touching article. I hope you all will take the time to read it.

(H/T: Karie @ Wife of a Wounded Marine)

9-11 Remembrance & Memorial events this week

The Patriot Guard Riders are having a Memorial Ride Thursday:

The PGR (Patriot Guard Riders) will be hosting an honor ride on Thursday Sept 10. The escorted ride will start at the front of Bryant Denny Stadium and proceed to the quad where we will park and line up for a ceremony Honoring America’s Heroes. You do not have to be a PGR member to participate in this ride. Simply loving America is all that’s required. We are standing in honor of those Military and uniformed personnel that serve us while remembering 911. Come on out and enjoy a short escorted ride and ceremony that should last about 30-45 minutes. I will have some flags available, but if you have a flag please bring it and “Show your colors” in support of America’s heroes.

http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/forumid/53/view/topic/postid/1234338/Default.aspx

Please be at the front of Denny Stadium by 5:20 PM KSU (kick stands up) at 5:50. Ceremony starts at 6pm.

Speakers will include UA President Robert Witt, Colonel Duane Lamb USAF (retired), Tuscaloosa Fire Chief Alan Martin and others.

Mission Coordinator: Eddie Fulmer 205-242-0950

Courtesy of The Birmingham News, there is a 9-11 remembrance Friday in Birmingham:

9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at 9 a.m. Friday at Homewood City Hall. The fourth annual 9/11 ceremony in the Home­wood City Hall courtyard with the cities of Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills participating.

Note: If your city or organization is having a memorial event, please email me and I’ll post the details here!

Patriot Guard holds Welcome Home celebration for Vietnam Vets

I received this email from Paul Reynolds, Alabama PGR State Captain:

Greetings my friends,

As you know a Welcome Home celebration is long overdue for all of our Vietnam Veterans. The heroes have always deserved this, and I am so proud to announce their day has finally come in the great state of Alabama. Last year I was selected to lead a committee for our State fair in Montgomery doing a kickoff for the fair honoring our World War II Veterans, and having a tribute to our men and women of our Armed Forces. The PGR proudly escorted these heroes to the Fair, and stood proudly as all of them were Honored. Shortly after this event I was asked how to follow up this wonderful event, and I simply stated it is time to do what should of been done over 30 years ago. So my friends the day has come to say Thank You for all they have done, to finally give them the Welcome Home they earned and deserved, and to ensure them “NEVER AGAIN. This was accepted and now we have began the motion to make their dreams come true.

On October 9th in Montgomery Alabama we will kick off the Alabama State Fair with a Welcome Home Celebration for our Vietnam Veterans. This will include a parade into the fair grounds, and a wonderful tribute inside the coliseum. We have secured General Hal Moore as our key note speaker. I have also secured a most fitting tribute, a fly over by a group of Huey Helicopters. The PGR will ride into the Parade staging, and then will continue onto the fair grounds. Let me say, only our Vietnam Vets will be riding in this parade, as it is their day, and it is the rest of our duties to stand and cheer for our Heroes. Our Vietnam Veterans that are members will be seated, and the rest of us will line the Coliseum with our most proud Flag Line ever. This will be open to all that served during this era, so please get the word out to your friends and community.

I will be updating this thread as we receive more details. We are also in the planning stages of having an event after the Fair, so please mark this day on your calendar, and making this a weekend event. We will contact Motels and try and receive a discounted rate for those of you who may want to attend.

Remember this day is very special, and all of us should be proud to attend. If you are a Vietnam Veteran, Thank You and Welcome Home, if you are not please join me on the side of the road, and help me cheer our true American heroes.

Again Thank You and excuse me if I sound a little proud, because I am, I am very proud of each and everyone of you. We have stood beside many of them as they Welcomed Home many of our Heroes, this time we will stand for them “Welcoming them home”.

Jim “Dinky Dau” Lorenzo has secured a great Hotel rate for this event, as many of his Vietnam Veterans will be staying here, this rate will also apply to everyone. Make sure when you reserve your room please advise them, you are either VFW of PGR to secure the quoted rate of 49.00.

Americas Best Inn and Suites
5135 Carmichael Road
Montgomery Alabama

334-270-9199

We will be updating staging times later through the PGR thread and another Statewide. Please get this word out to everyone, the streets of Montgomery need to be lined with Americans showing their appreciation to our Heroes. This will be late afternoon of the 9th.

That’s wonderful!!!

Fort Rucker soldiers return from Iraq

Posted earlier this week in the Dothan Eagle:

Jayden Lacy was just 9 months old when her dad deployed to Iraq. Today, she will celebrate her second birthday, this one with her father by her side. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. William Lacy was one of nearly 180 soldiers with the 46th Engineer Battalion B Company who returned to Fort Rucker on Thursday night to a hero’s welcome.

“It’s a great feeling, but I really can’t explain it,” Lacy said. “I’ve been over in Iraq for 15 months, and now that I’m back, it’s like starting all over again.”

The soldiers had been deployed in Iraq for 15 months, a time frame that was agonizing for family members.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Millicent Vickers, who was at Thursday’s ceremony to pick up her husband, Frederick Vickers. “It’s been lonely, but very strengthening. I’m very proud of myself, because it strengthened me as a person to be so long without him.”

Doug Roach returned to see his wife, Nicole, waiting with open arms. It didn’t take him long to embrace her, and with their 8-month-old baby, Cale, they are looking forward to the future.

“I just felt like it would never be over, and now that it is, I don’t know how to explain it,” said Nicole.

Doug didn’t have the same problem finding the right words.

“It’s the best feeling in the world,” he said.

Lacy’s wife, Melissa, said her own military experience helped her deal with her husband’s deployment.

“It’s been tough, but I’m also in the military, so it keeps me busy,” she said. “I’ve just tried to stay busy to keep my mind off of it.”

It wasn’t just wives and husbands waiting on the soldiers to return, though.

Willie Blue has been worrying about his son, Pfc. Ryan Blue, for the duration of his deployment. He couldn’t hide his joy or his pride at Thursday night’s ceremony.

“I’ve been on the edge, because from day to day, you watch the news and you don’t know if there’s been a fatality. I’m just very glad he could make it back home alive,” he said. “The biggest thing I’m proud of, though, is he’s defending our country.”

That pride is shared by many of the families of the other returning soldiers.

“My mom just can’t wait to see him, my brother’s excited to see him, and my dad is very proud of him, that he’s been able to support me, because not many of our peers have made it,” Vickers said.

William Lacy hadn’t been able to process the emotion of his return until he boarded his plane. Then, the reality of the trip set in.

“Between missions and still working, it really doesn’t dawn on you until you’re on the plane halfway here,” Lacy said. “Then it sets in.”

According to a U.S. Army press release, the battalion’s primary mission was to conduct reconstruction projects, provide security and conduct joint construction projects with Iraqi forces.