As many of you know, I am from Chicago. There is a great, inspirational story about a little girl who was battling cancer, Emily Beazley. Unfortunately, she lost her battle with cancer last night.
Childhood cancer is one of the most underfunded studies across America. If you can make a difference, whether it is voluteering, donating $, etc, every little bit helps. Praying for all the littles enduring the fight now, and who have earned their angel wings.
Emily's Story.
Ways to Help:
St. Jude
St. Baldrick's
Lurie Hospital
Showing posts with label prayers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayers. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Monday, May 26, 2014
Memorial Day
This is one of America's most solemn holidays. Not just a day off. Just a day to unwind, but also a day to remember those that gave all.
I have lost some Sailors and Marines. Some to the war, some to training, some to suicide, some to cancer...the list goes on. Whenever I start to feel sorry for myself, or just get down, I think of them. Think of the sacrifices they made. Remember them.
This Memorial Day is especially solemn, as we remember a dear friend who left this earth far too soon. I hope that when I return to Chicago, I can run the Soldier Field 10 miler each year in his honor.
If you know of anyone who is interested in donating to his children's college fund, the link is here: http://www.youcaring.com/tuition-fundraiser/captain-reid-nannen-memorial-children-s-fund/146125
I have lost some Sailors and Marines. Some to the war, some to training, some to suicide, some to cancer...the list goes on. Whenever I start to feel sorry for myself, or just get down, I think of them. Think of the sacrifices they made. Remember them.
This Memorial Day is especially solemn, as we remember a dear friend who left this earth far too soon. I hope that when I return to Chicago, I can run the Soldier Field 10 miler each year in his honor.
If you know of anyone who is interested in donating to his children's college fund, the link is here: http://www.youcaring.com/tuition-fundraiser/captain-reid-nannen-memorial-children-s-fund/146125
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Thursday, April 24, 2014
Bella Update
Well folks, I have good news and bad news.
The good news is my miss Bella is cancer free! The vet got all of it with the tumor, and she should be healed up soon.
I got that news last night.
Then I checked up on her today. She was ok, and ready to go home.
Fast forward to an hour later, when my fiancé emailed me at work, saying she had to have emergency surgery. What?!!?
Turns out someone left her "E-collar" off where she stays. She chewed out all of her staples. So she had to have surgery today to suture her paw back up. Poor thing. I rushed from work and had to see her. My little girl was so out of it, and just super sedated. I can't wait to spoil her with snuggles tomorrow!! She has to stay the night so they can make sure she is ok.
The good news is my miss Bella is cancer free! The vet got all of it with the tumor, and she should be healed up soon.
I got that news last night.
Then I checked up on her today. She was ok, and ready to go home.
Fast forward to an hour later, when my fiancé emailed me at work, saying she had to have emergency surgery. What?!!?
Turns out someone left her "E-collar" off where she stays. She chewed out all of her staples. So she had to have surgery today to suture her paw back up. Poor thing. I rushed from work and had to see her. My little girl was so out of it, and just super sedated. I can't wait to spoil her with snuggles tomorrow!! She has to stay the night so they can make sure she is ok.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Boston Strong
It has been 1 year since the Boston Marathon bombings, and I found this article on www.runnersworld.com .
This article is amazing. I don't know what it was about that day. I cringed when I saw it on real time on tv, while at the vet with Bella and my love. I immediately texted all of my brothers. My middle brother is a runner. I was so impressed and moved how the city of Boston rallied together, prayed together, and found the suspects who changed so many lives that day.
Just 3 days before, my friend took this pic of me and my brother at O'Hare. He covets that jacket, such a milestone in the life of a runner-the Boston Marathon.
Keep praying for Boston, and those who are running this year on April 21st. Many of those who are running and those who were injured. They are also running for those who died.
Boston Strong.
This article is amazing. I don't know what it was about that day. I cringed when I saw it on real time on tv, while at the vet with Bella and my love. I immediately texted all of my brothers. My middle brother is a runner. I was so impressed and moved how the city of Boston rallied together, prayed together, and found the suspects who changed so many lives that day.
Just 3 days before, my friend took this pic of me and my brother at O'Hare. He covets that jacket, such a milestone in the life of a runner-the Boston Marathon.
Keep praying for Boston, and those who are running this year on April 21st. Many of those who are running and those who were injured. They are also running for those who died.
Boston Strong.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Bad News
Well folks, I have been under the weather for the past few days, and I slept a lot on Thursday and Friday.
While resting up for a big week at work, I got a call from the vet. My poor little Bella has skin cancer, and we hope to get her surgery next week. She is such a sweet baby. Please send hugs, prayers, and snorts this way!
While resting up for a big week at work, I got a call from the vet. My poor little Bella has skin cancer, and we hope to get her surgery next week. She is such a sweet baby. Please send hugs, prayers, and snorts this way!
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| Bella in Rhode Island 2012. |
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Prayers
Some of you may have heard about the fatal shooting that occurred onboard the USS Mahan (DDG 72) last week. I was out at sea, and it was tough news to hear, especially with friends onboard.
Please pray for MA2 Mayo's family, as that brave Sailor lost his life protecting another shipmate.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Prayer for St. Patrick
God our Father,
you sent Saint Patrick to preach your glory to the people of Ireland.
By the help of his prayers,
may all Christians proclaim your love to all men.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
you sent Saint Patrick to preach your glory to the people of Ireland.
By the help of his prayers,
may all Christians proclaim your love to all men.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Thankful
A lot has happened in the last two weeks, and the one word that keeps coming to mind is thankful.
I am thankful for my friends. I met an amazing group of people at University of Illinois, and throughout my Naval career thus far. These are people that I can pick up the phone at any time, and they are there for me. They can watch basketball with me, drink with me, pray with me, cry with me-you name it.
I am thankful that I met my friend Reid, and his wife Sarah in college. I am also so happy that we have a great group of people that will help Sarah through this great loss. We love you!
I am thankful for my friends. I met an amazing group of people at University of Illinois, and throughout my Naval career thus far. These are people that I can pick up the phone at any time, and they are there for me. They can watch basketball with me, drink with me, pray with me, cry with me-you name it.
I am thankful that I met my friend Reid, and his wife Sarah in college. I am also so happy that we have a great group of people that will help Sarah through this great loss. We love you!
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Sunday, March 9, 2014
High Flight
This week has been a rough week for my ILLINI WGNB Family.
We lost a great friend last week, and I have been praying non stop for Sarah and her famliy.
If you are able to donate to the fund set up for her kids, please do. Thank you, and continue to pray for her, her kids, and the family. You can read a story about how amazing she is here.
We lost a great friend last week, and I have been praying non stop for Sarah and her famliy.
If you are able to donate to the fund set up for her kids, please do. Thank you, and continue to pray for her, her kids, and the family. You can read a story about how amazing she is here.
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air....
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace.
Where never lark, or even eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
- Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air....
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace.
Where never lark, or even eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
- Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
John Gillespie Magee
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Taking a Step...
I have had an interesting week. A long one at that. Sick fiancé, sick dog, work has been stressful, etc.
Out of the blue, I received a phone call from the past. I was worried, because it felt like ex boyfriend day. I was congratulated by one on my engagement (odd), and then, in the same day, another ex called. All of this odd because these are relationships from over 10 years ago. (Now I sound old). But I digress.
Well..ex numero dos called, and I was shocked. I literally did not know what to say. He apologized to me. For all of his shortcomings in our relationship. We broke up because he hid one thing really well. He was an alcoholic. In college, it was tough to see this, and when I realized he had such an issue, I begged him to get help. I supported him. I rallied behind him. But he did not think he had a problem. All in all, we broke up after I was commissioned as an Officer. We kept in touch for about 5 years, but I haven't talked to him in 5 years. When I did reconnect with him, I was trying to be his friend, and continued to try to get him help. He refused.
Fast forward to the phone call. He called to tell me that he appreciated everything I did to push him in the right direction. The genuine concern I had for him. He said "I could have killed myself or someone else. I finally got help 9 months ago when I hit rock bottom. I haven't drank since". I was in shock. I didn't know what to say. He proceeded to go on. "I know it is selfish of me to apologize, and even think that you might accept this apology, but I have to do this."
What a lot of people might not know, that this is one of the steps of AA. I am happy for him. Truly. He is on the right path in life. He has gotten help, and will continue to thrive on the right course.
Step 8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Was it selfish of him to call. Maybe considered that way to some folks. Do I care? No. I am just glad he is ok. The Lord works in mysterious ways..
Out of the blue, I received a phone call from the past. I was worried, because it felt like ex boyfriend day. I was congratulated by one on my engagement (odd), and then, in the same day, another ex called. All of this odd because these are relationships from over 10 years ago. (Now I sound old). But I digress.
Well..ex numero dos called, and I was shocked. I literally did not know what to say. He apologized to me. For all of his shortcomings in our relationship. We broke up because he hid one thing really well. He was an alcoholic. In college, it was tough to see this, and when I realized he had such an issue, I begged him to get help. I supported him. I rallied behind him. But he did not think he had a problem. All in all, we broke up after I was commissioned as an Officer. We kept in touch for about 5 years, but I haven't talked to him in 5 years. When I did reconnect with him, I was trying to be his friend, and continued to try to get him help. He refused.
Fast forward to the phone call. He called to tell me that he appreciated everything I did to push him in the right direction. The genuine concern I had for him. He said "I could have killed myself or someone else. I finally got help 9 months ago when I hit rock bottom. I haven't drank since". I was in shock. I didn't know what to say. He proceeded to go on. "I know it is selfish of me to apologize, and even think that you might accept this apology, but I have to do this."
What a lot of people might not know, that this is one of the steps of AA. I am happy for him. Truly. He is on the right path in life. He has gotten help, and will continue to thrive on the right course.
Step 8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Was it selfish of him to call. Maybe considered that way to some folks. Do I care? No. I am just glad he is ok. The Lord works in mysterious ways..
Today
One of my friends posted this on my FB page this morning. It brought a smile to my face.
Makes me realize that no matter how bad your day can suck, there are always people to bring you up when you are down. Some of those people are family, some are friends, some are strangers...and above all, God.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Prayers
Yesterday and today were extremely stressful days for me. Between work, personal life, and family, I was a bit emotional, but held it together.
I was fine until I saw one of my co workers today. Like "didn't cry" fine. And then the waterworks came. Big time. I guess I just needed a good cry.
I found this prayer today. And I have to think of the good, amidst all of this madness. If you have a minute..please say this prayer. For me, for anyone else that needs it. Sometimes no matter how strong or busy we think we are, we need a minute for us... need a minute for God.
I was fine until I saw one of my co workers today. Like "didn't cry" fine. And then the waterworks came. Big time. I guess I just needed a good cry.
I found this prayer today. And I have to think of the good, amidst all of this madness. If you have a minute..please say this prayer. For me, for anyone else that needs it. Sometimes no matter how strong or busy we think we are, we need a minute for us... need a minute for God.
Watch, O Lord,
with those who wake,
or watch,
or weep tonight,
and give Your angels charge over those who sleep.
Tend Your sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest Your weary ones. Bless Your dying ones. Soothe Your suffering ones. Pity Your afflicted ones. Shield Your joyous ones. And for all Your love's sake.
Amen.
Tend Your sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest Your weary ones. Bless Your dying ones. Soothe Your suffering ones. Pity Your afflicted ones. Shield Your joyous ones. And for all Your love's sake.
Amen.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Motivation and Prayers
As we have powered through strongly these past 8.5 months, I have found that we have reached a point where motivation is hard to come by these days.
Sailors are tired. They want to go home. They want to be in America, with their families. Not on a ship, where they work 12-18 hour+ days all the time. One of these days I will go into a day in the life of a Sailor, but not today. Today I need some prayers that everyone finds what motivates them, so we can work day in and day out-ultimately getting home safely.
Sailors are tired. They want to go home. They want to be in America, with their families. Not on a ship, where they work 12-18 hour+ days all the time. One of these days I will go into a day in the life of a Sailor, but not today. Today I need some prayers that everyone finds what motivates them, so we can work day in and day out-ultimately getting home safely.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
100 Days..
That is right folks. We have less than 100 days ahead of us on this journey. I obviously can't say where/when I will be coming home, but I am excited.
So many things to do! Finish up deployment strong..stay safe, bring everyone home. The things that not everyone always has at the forefront, but need to be.
We just got done with another amazing port call, and all we could talk about is "home". The sights, smells, who is waiting for us..all of it!
Will write more soon. Busy/lazy Sunday ahead of me. Must catch up on magazines that I have received in care packages...
So many things to do! Finish up deployment strong..stay safe, bring everyone home. The things that not everyone always has at the forefront, but need to be.
We just got done with another amazing port call, and all we could talk about is "home". The sights, smells, who is waiting for us..all of it!
Will write more soon. Busy/lazy Sunday ahead of me. Must catch up on magazines that I have received in care packages...
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Patience
Have you ever had one of those weekends where you tried to have a good time, make plans, and just really crazy stuff happens? Yeah, that was this weekend. I honestly felt like I was being challenged to be a better Christian this weekend. My patience was overloaded, and I had many ethical challenges put in my face. Luckily I dealt with each one the best I could. Now it is Sunday night. I just finished a book, and am about to study and go to bed.
I know sometimes you read blogs that are nothing but puppies and sunshine, or the opposite of nothing but bitching and moaning.
I try to be somewhere in between. I am just in a place right now where work and life are tending to push me to the limit and I am trying to find a happy medium.
I was trying so hard to be a good person this weekend, be a good Samaritan, be a good neighbor. It is tough when other people test you, and make you into an ugly person. A person you do not want to be.
I really hope the good Lord gives me patience to be a better person this week. Praying for peace of mind this week.
After finding this prayer, I think I need to listen more and talk less. I have many heartaches, especially with life right now, and in the past. I think these life experiences have made me a better person, and have taught me valuable lessons about life in general. I am having a hard time dealing with these on my own in the face of uncertainty, so I vent to people. I feel like venting to those I trust is okay, but now I feel like maybe I am overburdening them. I guess I need to find a happy medium for it all.
I know sometimes you read blogs that are nothing but puppies and sunshine, or the opposite of nothing but bitching and moaning.
I try to be somewhere in between. I am just in a place right now where work and life are tending to push me to the limit and I am trying to find a happy medium.
I was trying so hard to be a good person this weekend, be a good Samaritan, be a good neighbor. It is tough when other people test you, and make you into an ugly person. A person you do not want to be.
I really hope the good Lord gives me patience to be a better person this week. Praying for peace of mind this week.
After finding this prayer, I think I need to listen more and talk less. I have many heartaches, especially with life right now, and in the past. I think these life experiences have made me a better person, and have taught me valuable lessons about life in general. I am having a hard time dealing with these on my own in the face of uncertainty, so I vent to people. I feel like venting to those I trust is okay, but now I feel like maybe I am overburdening them. I guess I need to find a happy medium for it all.
Teach me, my Lord, to be sweet and gentle in all the events of my life, in disappointments, in the thoughtlessness of others, in the insincerity of those I trusted, in the unfaithfulness of those on whom I relied. Let me forget myself so that I may enjoy the happiness of others. Let me always hide my little pains and heartaches so that I may be the only one to suffer from them. Teach me to profit by the suffering that comes across my path. Let me so use it that it may mellow me, not harden or embitter me; that it may make me patient, not irritable; that it may make me broad in my forgiveness, not narrow or proud or overbearing. May no one be less good for having come within my influence; no one less pure, less true, less kind, less noble, for having been a fellow traveler with me on our journey towards eternal life. As I meet with one cross after another, let me whisper a word of love to You. May my life be lived in the supernatural, full of power for good, and strong in its purpose of sanctity. Amen.
Friday, August 26, 2011
All in a week..
This week has been incredible. I went out for Thai with friends, Ran my first Hash Run, and studied my butt off for my first exam in my current school. The studying paid off, I passed my test!
I then started my "hurricane preps". I got gas, bottled water, food, booze, and some entertainment (books and UNO). Yup. We may have a hurricane party in the barracks, or I may get the hell out of dodge. All of my friends on the East Coast are affected, so none of us really have anywhere to go.
First we have an earthquake, now a hurricane. I have many friends in Norfolk, and right now I am praying for their safety. I hope this hurricane isn't that bad, but I have a feeling that where I am right now, we will have significant wind damage and power outages. We had a minor storm yesterday, and it was pretty bad here. Downed trees, power outages everywhere. Thus, no one could prepare yesterday, leaving it to today. Yikes!
I just hope I get my act together tonight/tomorrow, so I can get out of here in time, or just ride it out with all my shipmates. Like I said, we have UNO. And wine. Lots of wine.
I then started my "hurricane preps". I got gas, bottled water, food, booze, and some entertainment (books and UNO). Yup. We may have a hurricane party in the barracks, or I may get the hell out of dodge. All of my friends on the East Coast are affected, so none of us really have anywhere to go.
First we have an earthquake, now a hurricane. I have many friends in Norfolk, and right now I am praying for their safety. I hope this hurricane isn't that bad, but I have a feeling that where I am right now, we will have significant wind damage and power outages. We had a minor storm yesterday, and it was pretty bad here. Downed trees, power outages everywhere. Thus, no one could prepare yesterday, leaving it to today. Yikes!
I just hope I get my act together tonight/tomorrow, so I can get out of here in time, or just ride it out with all my shipmates. Like I said, we have UNO. And wine. Lots of wine.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Memorial Day
What is Memorial Day? I think many folks think of it as that awesome 3 day weekend as the start of summer. I mean, that is what I thought when I was a kid. Until my dad would take me to the cemetery to put American Flags on my uncle's grave. He was a Navy Captain, and we would always go to pay our respects. He was a Navy Chaplain, and baptized me many years ago.
People have been celebrating Memorial Day ever since the end of the Civil War. It hit me yesterday when I drove along the parade route on State Street in downtown Chicago. The Parade was getting set up a few hours beforehand, and I saw that the city was going to recognize the Gold Star families. According to this news story, there were 23 service men and women from Illinois who were killed in action this past year.
I always think of my fellow Sailors on Memorial Day. People I know, and people I never even met. One of my biggest inspirations in life is LT Michael Murphy. He served as a Navy SEAL, and lost his life trying to save his team. Only one man survived, Marcus Luttrell. He wrote a book about his ordeal and about how LT Murphy tried to save his life, and the lives of the other men on his team. The Navy just recently christened a ship in his name.
I know I have written other posts about LT Murphy, and Marcus Luttrell. Talking about people who put Honor, Courage, and Commitment first and foremost in their lives.
Who are you thinking about this Memorial Day?
People have been celebrating Memorial Day ever since the end of the Civil War. It hit me yesterday when I drove along the parade route on State Street in downtown Chicago. The Parade was getting set up a few hours beforehand, and I saw that the city was going to recognize the Gold Star families. According to this news story, there were 23 service men and women from Illinois who were killed in action this past year.
I always think of my fellow Sailors on Memorial Day. People I know, and people I never even met. One of my biggest inspirations in life is LT Michael Murphy. He served as a Navy SEAL, and lost his life trying to save his team. Only one man survived, Marcus Luttrell. He wrote a book about his ordeal and about how LT Murphy tried to save his life, and the lives of the other men on his team. The Navy just recently christened a ship in his name.
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I know I have written other posts about LT Murphy, and Marcus Luttrell. Talking about people who put Honor, Courage, and Commitment first and foremost in their lives.
Who are you thinking about this Memorial Day?
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Patience
Patience is a virtue. It is something I have been lacking all week because it has been craptastic. I hate being down about anything, but holy crap, this girl needs a break. Just about everything that could go wrong, did go wrong the past three days. It wasn't like one big thing..just a multitude of tiny itty bitty things that really added up, and prevented me from accomplishing anything.
I am glad that I went to Ash Wednesday service today. I almost had a breakdown earlier because of computer issues involving a paper due tomorrow. Luckily, the bf said "pray for patience". And I did.
I know I have a chaplain or two praying for me, too...so that helps:)
I am glad that I went to Ash Wednesday service today. I almost had a breakdown earlier because of computer issues involving a paper due tomorrow. Luckily, the bf said "pray for patience". And I did.
I know I have a chaplain or two praying for me, too...so that helps:)
Prayer for Patience
Lord, teach me to be patient - with life, with people,and with myself. I sometimes try to hurry things along too much, and I push for answers before the time is right. Teach me to trust Your sense of timing rather than my ownand to surrender my will to Your greater and wiser plan. Help me let life unfold slowly, like the small rosebud whose petals unravel bit by bit, and remind me that in hurrying the bloom along, I destroy the bud and much of the beauty therein.
Instead, let me wait for all to unfold in its own time. Each moment and state of growth contains a loveliness. Teach me to slow down enough to appreciate life and all it holds.
Instead, let me wait for all to unfold in its own time. Each moment and state of growth contains a loveliness. Teach me to slow down enough to appreciate life and all it holds.
Amen.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Sacrifice
I have been mia all week because I had a headache that lasted three days. Pretty much gone now, but I finally had a chance to log in.
I want to share this article, because it made me speechless. LT Gen John Kelly
It is an article about the General, and the loss of his son in Sangin, one of the places in Afghanistan that has seen some serious insurgency lately.
Articles like this make me happy/proud that I decided to stay in the Navy for at least one more tour (which is really 2).
I have done two deployments, and one surge, and the stuff you see is unlike what gets in the news. The news is there to determine what Americans "want" to hear, not what is "actually" happening.
Here are a few photos from my past couple of years in the Navy. These are from my deployments, to show some of what we do..
General Kelly's article states how so many people do not understand the sacrifice that our Nation's men and women in uniform, and their families, sacrifice day to day. Deploying with no to little email, phones, tv, cell phones, showers, mail (it takes weeks to get mail at sea..sometimes longer), fresh food and milk, sleep, etc. Life on a ship is much different than the desert, but life out at sea makes me appreciate the little things that much more. Email doesn't always work. There are phones only for emergencies, and I mean emergencies. I never have time to watch tv/movies because I am always working or on watch. When I am not doing these things, I am sleeping or working out. I love mail call. Receiving that random care package from family/friends is the best feeling in the world. You have no idea.
These are the things that service men and women are more than happy to go without, because they took an oath to defend freedom and democracy around the world. To take care of themselves, and others.
Take a moment today to think about what you are thankful for, grateful for, and say a prayer for our troops. They need every prayer they can get.
Stay safe, Semper Fi.
I want to share this article, because it made me speechless. LT Gen John Kelly
It is an article about the General, and the loss of his son in Sangin, one of the places in Afghanistan that has seen some serious insurgency lately.
Articles like this make me happy/proud that I decided to stay in the Navy for at least one more tour (which is really 2).
I have done two deployments, and one surge, and the stuff you see is unlike what gets in the news. The news is there to determine what Americans "want" to hear, not what is "actually" happening.
Here are a few photos from my past couple of years in the Navy. These are from my deployments, to show some of what we do..
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| USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) on the pier in New Orleans just days after Katrina. We provided humanitarian relief, and I definitely learned a lot. The news media did not give the relief workers, both military and civil, justice. |
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| Senate meeting with the President in the Wardroom. That is the place where we eat and have meetings. I got to sit in on this because I was the governor's escort. |
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| LCAC evacuating American Citizens from Beirut, Lebanon, 2006. |
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| Memorial at the Beirut Marine Corps Barracks, 2006 |
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| Flight Deck of the USS Iwo Jima. "Why We Are Here" |
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| Standing FPTAO on USS Porter (DDG 78) on our way back home through the Med , Jan 2008. The ship conducted anti-piracy operations throughout the deployment. |
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| Getting Promoted to LT on the USS Constitution June 1, 2008. |
General Kelly's article states how so many people do not understand the sacrifice that our Nation's men and women in uniform, and their families, sacrifice day to day. Deploying with no to little email, phones, tv, cell phones, showers, mail (it takes weeks to get mail at sea..sometimes longer), fresh food and milk, sleep, etc. Life on a ship is much different than the desert, but life out at sea makes me appreciate the little things that much more. Email doesn't always work. There are phones only for emergencies, and I mean emergencies. I never have time to watch tv/movies because I am always working or on watch. When I am not doing these things, I am sleeping or working out. I love mail call. Receiving that random care package from family/friends is the best feeling in the world. You have no idea.
These are the things that service men and women are more than happy to go without, because they took an oath to defend freedom and democracy around the world. To take care of themselves, and others.
Take a moment today to think about what you are thankful for, grateful for, and say a prayer for our troops. They need every prayer they can get.
Stay safe, Semper Fi.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Inspirational Read
This past summer I was talking with a Chaplain that I work with, and I noticed that he worked a lot with the Navy SEALs. He also happened to be the Chaplain that did the memorial service for the SEALs killed during Operation Redwing. I knew that the "lone survivor" of Operational Redwing wrote a book, so I decided to pick up a copy. I read it front to back in two days, struggling to put it down, even for work. It is that good.
The website for the book is http://www.lonesurvivor.net/
Reading about this operation, which was only a few years ago, and how Marcus Luttrell survived his ordeal...really put a lot in perspective for me. We are a generation of complainers..nothing is ever good enough, everything seems to be a tragedy, etc. The men who fought that day, the men who went to rescue Marcus, the villagers who risked all...it just makes you think. It makes you realize how fortunate you are, and how lucky I am to be in the greatest Navy in the world. Lucky to have these brave men, called SEALs fight for our freedoms each and every day.
Next time you need an inspirational read, pick up a copy of Lone Survivor. I can guarantee, you will love the book.
The website for the book is http://www.lonesurvivor.net/
Reading about this operation, which was only a few years ago, and how Marcus Luttrell survived his ordeal...really put a lot in perspective for me. We are a generation of complainers..nothing is ever good enough, everything seems to be a tragedy, etc. The men who fought that day, the men who went to rescue Marcus, the villagers who risked all...it just makes you think. It makes you realize how fortunate you are, and how lucky I am to be in the greatest Navy in the world. Lucky to have these brave men, called SEALs fight for our freedoms each and every day.
Next time you need an inspirational read, pick up a copy of Lone Survivor. I can guarantee, you will love the book.
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