Respecting our Military ... Thx Paul C!

 This should be required reading in every school and college in our country.
> This Captain, an Army doctor, deserves a medal himself for
> putting this together. If you choose not to pass it on,
> fine, but I think you will want to, after you read it.

>
> I am a doctor specializing in the Emergency Departments of the only two
> military Level One-Trauma Centers, both in San Antonio, TX.
> We care for civilian emergencies as well as military
> personnel. San Antonio has the largest military retiree
> population in the world living here. As a military doctor, I
> work long hours and the pay is less than glamorous. One
> tends to become jaded by the long hours, lack of sleep,
> food, family contact and the endless parade of human
> suffering passing before you. The arrival of another
> ambulance does not mean more pay, only more work. Most
> often, it is a victim from a motor vehicle
> crash.
>
> Often it is a person of dubious character who has been
> shot or stabbed. With our large military retiree population,
> it is often a nursing home patient. Even with my enlisted
> service and minimal combat experience in Panama, I have
> caught myself groaning when the ambulance brings in yet
> another sick, elderly person from one of the local
> retirement centers that cater to military retirees. I had
> not stopped to think of what the citizens of this age group
> represented.
>
> I saw 'Saving Private Ryan.' I was touched deeply. Not so much by the
> carnage, but by the sacrifices of so many. I was touched
> most by the scene of the elderly survivor at the graveside,
> asking his wife if he'd been a good man. I realized that
> I had seen these same men and women coming through my
> Emergency Dept. and had not realized what magnificent
> sacrifices they had made. The things they did for me and
> everyone else that has lived on this planet since the end of
> that conflict are priceless. 
>
> Situation permitting, I now try to ask my patients
> about their experiences. They would never bring up the
> subject without my inquiry. I have been privileged to hear
> an amazing array of experiences, recounted in the brief
> minutes allowed in an Emergency Dept. encounter. These
> experiences have revealed the incredible individuals I have
> had the honor of serving in a medical capacity, many on
> their last admission to the hospital.
>
> There was a frail, elderly woman who reassured my young enlisted medic, trying to start an IV line in her arm. She remained calm and
> poised, despite her illness and the multiple needle-sticks
> into her fragile veins. She was what we call a 'hard
> stick.' As the medic made another attempt, I noticed a
> number tattooed across her forearm. I touched it with one
> finger and looked into her eyes. She simply said, '
> Auschwitz .' Many of later generations would have loudly
> and openly berated the young medic in his many attempts. How
> different was the response from this person who'd seen unspeakable
> suffering.
>
> Also, there was this long retired Colonel, who as a young officer had parachuted
> from his burning plane over a Pacific Island held by the
> Japanese. Now an octogenarian, he had a minor cut on his
> head from a fall at his home where he lived alone. His CT
> scan and suturing had been delayed until after midnight by
> the usual parade of high priority ambulance patients. Still
> spry for his age, he asked to use the phone to call a taxi,
> to take him home, then he realized his ambulance had brought
> him without his wallet. He asked if he could use the phone
> to make a long distance call to his daughter who lived 7
> miles away. With great pride we told him that he could not,
> as he'd done enough for his country and the least we
> could do was get him a taxi home, even if we had to pay for
> it ourselves. My only regret was that my shift wouldn't
> end for several hours, and I couldn't drive him myself. 
>
> I was there the night M/Sgt Roy Benavidez came through the Emergency Dept. for the last time. He was very sick. I was not the doctor taking
> care of him, but I walked to his bedside and took his hand.
> I said nothing. He was so sick, he didn't know I was
> there. I'd read his Congressional Medal of Honor
> citation and wanted to shake his hand. He died a few days later.
>
> The gentleman who served with Merrill's Marauders,
>
> The survivor of the Bataan Death March,
>
> The survivor of Omaha Beach,
>
> The 101 year old World War I veteran,
>
> the former POW held in frozen North Korea,
>
> the former Special Forces medic - now with non-operable liver
> cancer,
>
> the former Viet Nam Corps Commander.
>
> I may still groan when yet another ambulance comes in,
> but now I am much more aware of what an honor it is to serve
> these particular men and women.
>
> I have seen a Congress who would turn their back on
> these individuals who've sacrificed so much to protect
> our liberty. I see later generations that seem to be totally
> engrossed in abusing these same liberties, won with such
> sacrifice.
>
> It has become my personal endeavor to make the nurses
> and young enlisted medics aware of these amazing individuals
> when I encounter them in our Emergency Dept. Their response
> to these particular citizens has made me think that perhaps
> all is not lost in the next generation.
>

> My experiences have solidified my belief that we are
> losing an incredible generation, and this nation knows not
> what it is losing. Our uncaring government and ungrateful
> civilian populace should all take note. We should all
> remember that we must 'earn this.'
>
> If it weren't for the United States Military, there'd
> be NO United States of  America!
>

> And now as you have finished reading this, our Congress that enjoys
> their free medical care, are in the process of charging these people for their medical care and at the same time possibly reducing their retirement pay.
> A typical political "Thank you."
>
> If you choose not to pass it on, fine, but I think you will want to.
>
> In God We Trust!

 

-- 

 

Deborah Ridge

432-563-5151

 

 

 

 

Thinking of the families that have lost service people in wars and the wounded in wars still among us fighting with the great American flag as their fighting synbol, I realize this cannot be considered Christian Conservative. In this instance, I believe the veterans deserve such respect that God userstands.

Please understand and forgive this Sinner.  He has blessed our country in so many ways. 

We should not allow libs, yes all such disrespectful are libs, to go unpunished with their disrespect.  After the a-k's please also forgive them, God.

Peace and love!

Sam

Subject: USN's point of view








Rules for Kickin' Ass



Rules for the Non-Military



Make sure you read #13



Dear Civilians, 'We know that the current state of affairs in our great

nation has many civilians up in arms and excited to join the military.



For those of you who can't join, you can still lend a hand. Here are a few

of the areas where we would like your assistance:



1. The next time you see any adults talking (or wearing a hat) during the

playing of the National Anthem - kick their ass.



2. When you witness, firsthand, someone burning the American Flag in

protest - kick their ass.



3. Regardless of the rank they held while they served, pay the highest

amount of respect to all veterans. If you see anyone doing otherwise,

quietly pull them aside and explain how these veterans fought for the very

freedom they bask in every second. Enlighten them on the many sacrifices

these veterans made to make this Nation great. Then hold them down while

a disabled veteran kicks their ass.



4. If you were never in the military, DO NOT pretend that you were, wearing

battle dress uniforms (BDUs) or Jungle Fatigues, telling others that you

used to be 'Special Forces'. Collecting GI Joe memorabilia might have been

okay when you were seven years old, now, it will only make you look stupid

and get your ass kicked.



5. Next time you come across an *Air Force* member, do not ask them, 'Do

you fly a jet?' Not everyone in the Air Force is a pilot. Such ignorance

deserves an ass-kicking (children are exempt).



6. If you witness someone calling the Coast Guard 'non-military', inform

them of their mistake - and kick their ass.



7. Next time Old Glory (the US flag) prances by during a parade, get on

your damn feet and pay homage to her by placing your hand over your heart.

Quietly thank the military member or veteran lucky enough to be carrying her

- of course, failure to do either of those could earn you a severe

ass-kicking.



9. 'Your mama wears combat boots ' never made sense to me - stop saying it!

If she did, she would most likely be a vet and therefore would kick your

ass!



10. 'Flyboy' (*Air Force*), 'Jarhead' (*Marines*), 'Grunt' (*Army*), 'Squid'

(*Navy*), 'Puddle Jumpers'(*Coast Guard*), etc., are terms of endearment we

use describing each other. Unless you are a service member or vet, you

have not earned the right to use them. Using them could get your ass kicked.



11. Last, but not least, whether or not you become a member of the

military, support our troops and their families. Every Thanksgiving and

religious holiday that you enjoy with family and friends, please remember

that there are literally thousands of soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen

far from home wishing they could be with their families. Thank God for our

military and the sacrifices they make every day. Without them, our Country

would get its ass kicked.



12. It's the Veteran, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the

press. It's the Veteran, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of

speech. It's the Veteran, not the community organizer, who gives us the

freedom to demonstrate. It's the Military who salutes the flag, who serves

beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the

protester to burn the flag.



AND ONE MORE:



13. If you ever see anyone singing the national anthem in Spanish - KICK

THEIR ASS.



ONE LAST THING:



If you got this email and didn't pass it on - guess what - you deserve to

get your ass kicked!

Every Friday at the Pentagon... Thanks Terry Krause!

IT HAPPENS EVERY FRIDAY! WERE YOU AWARE? Mornings at the Pentagon



By JOSEPH L. GALLOWAY McClatchy Newspapers



Over the last 12 months, 1,042 soldiers, Marines, sailors and Air Force personnel have given their lives in the terrible duty that is war. Thousands more have come home on stretchers, horribly wounded and > facing months or years in military hospitals.



This week, I'm turning my space over to a good friend and former > roommate, Army Lt. Col.. Robert Bateman, who recently completed a year-long tour > of duty in Iraq and is now back at the Pentagon.



Here's Lt. Col. Bateman's account of a little-known ceremony that fills > the halls of the Army corridor of the Pentagon with cheers, applause and > many tears every Friday morning. It first appeared on May 17 on the Weblog > of media critic and pundit Eric Alterman at the Media Matters for America Website.



"It is 110 yards from the "E" ring to the "A" ring of the Pentagon. > This section of the Pentagon is newly renovated; the floors shine, the > hallway is broad, and the lighting is bright. At this instant the entire length > of the corridor is packed with officers, a few sergeants and some civilians, > all crammed tightly three and four deep against the walls. There are > thousands here.



This hallway, more than any other, is the `Army' hallway. The G3 > offices line one side, G2 the other, G8 is around the corner. All Army. > Moderate conversations flow in a low buzz. Friends who may not have seen each > other for a few weeks, or a few years, spot each other, cross the way and > renew.



Everyone shifts to ensure an open path remains down the center. The > air conditioning system was not designed for this press of bodies in this > area.



The temperature is rising already. Nobody cares. "10:36 hours: The clapping starts at the E-Ring. That is the outermost of the five rings > of the Pentagon and it is closest to the entrance to the building. This clapping is low, sustained, hearty. It is applause with a deep emotion behind it as it moves forward in a wave down the length of the hallway.



"A steady rolling wave of sound it is, moving at the pace of the > soldier in the wheelchair who marks the forward edge with his presence. He is the first. He is missing the greater part of one leg, and some of his > wounds are still suppurating. By his age I expect that he is a private, or > perhaps a private first class.



"Captains, majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels meet his gaze and > nod as they applaud, soldier to soldier. Three years ago when I described one > of these events, those lining the hallways were somewhat different. The applause a little wilder, perhaps in private guilt for not having > shared in the burden ... Yet.



"Now almost everyone lining the hallway is, like the man in the > wheelchair, also a combat veteran. This steadies the applause, but I think deepens > the sentiment. We have all been there now. The soldier's chair is pushed > by, I believe, a full colonel.



"Behind him, and stretching the length from Rings E to A, come more of > his peers, each private, corporal, or sergeant assisted as need be by a > field grade officer.



"11:00 hours: Twenty-four minutes of steady applause. My hands hurt, > and I laugh to myself at how stupid that sounds in my own head. My hands > hurt. Please! Shut up and clap. For twenty-four minutes, soldier after > soldier has come down this hallway - 20, 25, 30.. Fifty-three legs come with > them, and perhaps only 52 hands or arms, but down this hall came 30 solid > hearts.



They pass down this corridor of officers and applause, and then meet > for a private lunch, at which they are the guests of honor, hosted by the generals. Some are wheeled along. Some insist upon getting out of > their chairs, to march as best they can with their chin held up, down this hallway, through this most unique audience. Some are catching > handshakes and smiling like a politician at a Fourth of July parade. More than a couple of them seem amazed and are smiling shyly.



"There are families with them as well: the 18-year-old war-bride > pushing her 19-year-old husband's wheelchair and not quite understanding why > her husband is so affected by this, the boy she grew up with, now a man, > who had never shed a tear is crying; the older immigrant Latino parents who > have, perhaps more than their wounded mid-20s son, an appreciation for the > emotion given on their son's behalf. No man in that hallway, walking or > clapping, is ashamed by the silent tears on more than a few cheeks. An Airborne Ranger wipes his eyes only to better see. A couple of the officers in > this crowd have themselves been a part of this parade in the past.



These are our men, broken in body they may be, but they are our > brothers, and we welcome them home. This parade has gone on, every single > Friday, all year long, for more than four years.



"Did you know that? Don't send it back to me, just send it on its way > as you see fit.



This email was cleaned by emailStripper, available for free from http://www.papercut.biz/emailStripper.htm

H.R. on board flight... thanks Luis flores!

You will want to read this.


AIRLINE CAPTAIN:





He writes:





My lead flight attendant came to me and said, "We have an H.R. on this flight." (H.R. stands for human remains.) "Are they military?" I asked.



'Yes', she said.



'Is there an escort?' I asked.



'Yes, I already assigned him a seat'.



'Would you please tell him to come to the flight deck. You can board him early," I said..



A short while later, a young army sergeant entered the flight deck. He was the image of the perfectly dressed soldier.



He introduced himself and I asked him about his soldier. The escorts of these fallen soldiers talk about them as if they are still alive and still with us.



'My soldier is on his way back to Virginia ,' he said.



He proceeded to answer my questions, but offered no words.



I asked him if there was anything I could do for him and he said no. I told him that he had the toughest job in the military and that I appreciated the work that he does for the families of our fallen soldiers.



The first officer and I got up out of our seats to shake his hand. He left the flight deck to find his seat.



We completed our preflight checks, pushed back and performed an uneventful departure.



About 30 minutes into our flight I received a call from the lead flight attendant in the cabin.



'I just found out the family of the soldier we are carrying, is on board', she said. She then proceeded to tell me that the father, mother, wife and 2-year old daughter were escorting their son, husband, and father home. The family was upset because they were unable to see the container that the soldier was in before we left. We were on our way to a major hub at which the family was going to wait four hours for the connecting flight home to Virginia ..



The father of the soldier told the flight attendant that knowing his son was below him in the cargo compartment and being unable to see him was too much for him and the family to bear. He had asked the flight attendant if there was anything that could be done to allow them to see him upon our arrival. The family wanted to be outside by the cargo door to watch the soldier being taken off the airplane.. I could hear the desperation in the flight attendants voice when she asked me if there was anything I could do.. 'I'm on it', I said. I told her that I would get back to her.



Airborne communication with my company normally occurs in the form of e-mail like messages.

I decided to bypass this system and contact my flight dispatcher directly on a secondary radio.



There is a radio operator in the operations control center who connects you to the telephone of the dispatcher.



I was in direct contact with the dispatcher.. I explained the situation I had on board with the family and what it was the family wanted.



He said he understood and that he would get back to me.



Two hours went by and I had not heard from the dispatcher. We were going to get busy soon and I needed to know what to tell the family.



I sent a text message asking for an update. I saved the return message from the dispatcher and the following is the text:



'Captain, sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. There is policy on this now and I had to check on a few things.



Upon your arrival a dedicated escort team will meet the aircraft.



The team will escort the family to the ramp and plane side. A van will be used to load the remains with a secondary van for the family. The family will be taken to their departure area and escorted into the terminal where the remains can be seen on the ramp. It is a private area for the family only.



When the connecting aircraft arrives, the family will be escorted onto the ramp and plane side to watch the remains being loaded for the final leg home. Captain, most of us here in flight control are veterans. Please pass our condolences on to the family. Thanks.'



I sent a message back telling flight control thanks for a good job. I printed out the message and gave it to the lead flight attendant to pass on to the father. The lead flight attendant was very thankful and told me, 'You have no idea how much this will mean to them.'



Things started getting busy for the descent, approach and landing. After landing, we cleared the runway and taxied to the ramp area.



The ramp is huge with 15 gates on either side of the alleyway. It is always a busy area with aircraft maneuvering every which way to enter and exit.



When we entered the ramp and checked in with the ramp controller, we were told that all traffic was being held for us.



'There is a team in place to meet the aircraft', we were told. It looked like it was all coming together, then I realized that once we turned the seat belt sign off, everyone would stand up at once and delay the family from getting off the airplane. As we approached our gate, I asked the copilot to tell the ramp controller we were going to stop short of the gate to make an announcement to the passengers. He did that and the ramp controller said, 'Take your time.'



I stopped the aircraft and set the parking brake. I pushed the public address button and said, 'Ladies and gentleman, this is your Captain speaking I have stopped short of our gate to make a special announcement. We have a passenger on board who deserves our honor and respect.



His Name is Private XXXXXX, a soldier who recently lost his life. Private XXXXXX is under your feet in the cargo hold. Escorting him today is Army Sergeant XXXXXXX. Also, on board are his father, mother, wife, and daughter. Your entire flight crew is asking for all passengers to remain in their seats to allow the family to exit the aircraft first. Thank you.'



We continued the turn to the gate, came to a Stop and started our shutdown procedures.



A couple of minutes later I opened the cockpit door. I found the two forward flight attendants crying, something you just do not see.



I was told that after we came to a stop, every passenger on the aircraft stayed in their seats, waiting for the family to exit the aircraft.



When the family got up and gathered their things, a passenger slowly started to clap his hands. Moments later more passengers joined in and soon the entire aircraft was clapping.



Words of 'God Bless You', I'm sorry, thank you, be proud, and other kind words were uttered to the family as they made their way down the aisle and out of the airplane. They were escorted down to the ramp to finally be with their loved one.



Many of the passengers disembarking thanked me for the announcement I had made.



They were just words, I told them, I could say them over and over again, but nothing I say will bring back that brave soldier.



I respectfully ask that all of you reflect on this event and the sacrifices that millions of our men and women have made to ensure our freedom and safety in these United States of AMERICA ..



Foot note:



As a Viet Nam Veteran I can only think of all the veterans including the ones that rode below the deck on their way home and how they were treated.



When I read things like this I am proud that our country has not turned their backs on our soldiers returning from the various war zones today and give them the respect they so deserve.



I know every one who has served their country who reads this will have tears in their eyes, including me.



Prayer chain for our Military... Don't break it!



Please send this on after a short prayer for our service men and women.



Don't break it!



They die for me and mine and you and yours and deserve our honor and respect.



Prayer: 'Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen.'



Prayer Request: When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our troops around the world.



There is nothing attached.



Just send this to people in your address book.



Do not let it stop with you.



Of all the gifts you could give a Marine, Soldier, Sailor, Airman, & others deployed in harm's way, prayer is the very best one.



GOD BLESS YOU!!!