Tour of Honor
Category: Personal Experiences
The Honor Flight Network
Carl Melcher Goes to Vietnam
Category: Books
I followed Papa and Glock back through the trenches to the bunker. We sat on the bunker roof under the bright sunlight. Below, the vast expanse of jungle shimmered in the growing heat. We ate quietly. Ted, the guy that met us earlier at the chopper pad, came over carrying a green patrol radio. A loud, staticky voice issued from it, saying something I couldn’t make out. Ted decreased the volume. He called over to the guys at the next bunker, “Friendlies on the way in.” Then he yelled to Papa, “I’ve got Ron on the horn right now. They’ll be coming up through the wire any minute, okay?” “Okay,” said Papa. He put down his plate and stood. We moved to the edge of the bunker and looked down to where the maze of barbed wire, mines and trip flares met the tangled green of the jungle. I could barely make out something moving through the greenery. Then bamboo crackled loudly and they emerged, hunched over, the green rucksacks high up on their backs like humps, weapons cradled in their arms. They plodded slowly up the winding path like a team of mules tethered together, three black guys, soul brothers they liked to be called, and a white guy bringing up the rear. One of the soul brothers carried an M-79 grenade launcher and another an M-16 rifle and the radio. The point man was very dark, and carried a sawed-off, automatic shotgun. The white guy carried the M-60 machine gun. All four of them had belted machine gun ammo X-ed across their chests like Mexican banditos. Papa yelled down to them. They looked up and waved feebly. I think they were too winded to yell or say anything. The dusty-colored guy lost his helmet as he leaned back to see us. He quickly grabbed it and laughed. The darker point man’s eyes were hidden behind a pair of wrap-around sunglasses.
The Yanks are Coming Over There: Anglo-Saxonism and American Involvement in the First World War
Category: Books
A closer look into the reasons for the involvement of the United States in the First World War.
Taking care of veterans
Category: Personal Experiences
CNN Hero of the Year Liz McCartney (2008) is starting her next big venture -- taking care of veterans. The co-founder and COO of the disaster recovery nonprofit SBP is getting ready to break ground on a new veterans and low-to-moderate income housing community in New Orleans. In addition to the 50 units, the entire complex is net-zero thanks to 450 solar panels donated by Entergy -- making it the largest residential building of its kind in the south.
"LOVE OUR VETS: Restoring Hope for Families of Veterans with PTSD"
Category: Books
Loved ones caught in the wake of the post-war battles of PTSD, you are not alone!
Latin Post 840 hosts Three Kings Day celebration
Category: Personal Experiences
Three wise men bring gifts to children of all religious backgrounds
Don't kneel on me
Category: Music
Stand for the national anthem and our flag.
Whiteblooms
Category: Books
When we arrived at graves registration there was a row of bodies, all Marines. There was a body bag lying beside each body, but some of them were not in their bag. I could see the tag on the toe of one of the bodies. I saw some with unattached arms and legs lying beside them. I walked past, and immediately knew the meaning of death, and the reality of these people no longer being here.
Highway for a Vietnam hero
Category: Film / Documentary
There are many silent stories resting in our cemeteries of military men and women who served with distinction and whose forgotten stories need to be brought to life in remembrance that freedom is not free. It comes at a cost to family, friends, community and the nation. Their stories must be shared and passed on to present and future generations in perpetual remembrance. Episode No. 1: A Highway for a Vietnam War Hero: Honoring Lt. Frankie Lee (Pete) Wallace
Snapdragon: The World War II Exploits of Combat Photographer and Darby's Ranger Phil Stern
Category: Books
Two years before D-Day, U.S. Army "Darby's Rangers" were fighting the Germans in North Africa and SIcily. Described by Vanity Fair editor David Friend as the "Chronicler of Cool,” Brooklyn-born American photographer Phil Stern became the only photographer trained by the British commandos and attached to a Ranger unit, Darby's Rangers. While best remembered for his iconic images of James Dean, Marilyn Monroe and JFK's inauguration, his remarkable service during World War II as a combat photographer with Darby's Rangers has remained largely unknown. Until now.