I recently asked Sgt. Honda what he wears when driving the general. He told me that it depends on what event the general is attending. Apparently, if they are going to a military function then Sgt. Honda wears his Service “A” or Alpha uniform. I have only seen him in this uniform once. It was during his boot camp graduation. Unfortunately my computer acquired a virus and many of those photos were lost.

Here is an illustration of the Service “A” uniform.

When the general attends private social events, Sgt Honda dresses in a suit and tie. Here he is in front of the car that carries the general. Nice.

Yes the car is cool, but I prefer to see a fine young man dressed in suit any day.

Goodness how has this year come to an end? I suppose like all the other ones before. I have sat thinking about everything that has come to pass these 365 days. I thought about where I was last year at this time and where I am today. It is eerily the same. However, eerily different.

I moved and moved again. I had help from good friends. I had help from family. I was resistant because of my pride. I relented and swolled that pride.

I once again said goodbye to my oldest son. He left on his adventure to the other side of the world. He is not in combat, but I still miss him. Another birthday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas without him. Still. I am proud.

I rejoiced in my daughter’s year of wedded bliss. I am thankful for my granddaughter’s good health. 10 years in our lives. For that, we are truly blessed. The twin bulldozers turned two. We spent another year missing our Lolly. That will never change.

I said goodbye to two friends. Angelina and Buddy. They lived long happy lives. Yes, they were just pets. They were my pets.

I spent many weeks learning to become the pack leader with Lucie my big, red dog. This is an ongoing task. I am happy to continue the task everyday.

I spent the first months of the year writing about neighborhoods. I then tried my best to write about mounting elk heads. Oh, not so good.

I lost my job. That is all I have to say about that.

My youngest grandson turned one while screaming at the top of his lungs. I some how think this is a view of what is to come.

The end of the year came with Grandma M. Diagnosed with cancer in the fall she (we) are facing a huge fight. We will win. We have won before. Yes, we will.

I am ready for you 2012. Bring it on.

The war on terrorism has been long and tedious. It is not over by a long shot. But for quite a few families, the chance to spend the holidays together is now a reality.

Homecoming is a special event. I’ve lived through the waiting. Still waiting for another. I found this story especially uplifting in this season of joy.

Miss you son. Merry Christmas.

I was watching the news the other night and horrified when I heard a story about Marcus Luttrell and his service dog Dasy. Luttrell was the lone survivour of a Navy Seal mission in Afghanistan during 2009. He was later awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism.

Dasy, an akronym for the Seals killed that day was a  Labrador retriever given to him by friends to help Marcus cope with the after effects of war. Dogs are used quite frequently to help returning veterans with PTSD.

I am a big lover of animals, especially dogs. I spend a lot of time talking about my own pets. I hate hearing about animal abuse. They are innocent creatures and only want to please their owners. So when I heard that two thugs had shot and killed Dasy my blood began to boil.

Marcus actually chased the two men and thought about shooting at them, but he knew he might not be able to catch them if he missed. Witnesses testified that after the dog was shot the men could be heard laughing and one even kicked Dasy.

Digusting. The two men were found guilty and will be sentenced in February. I sincerely hope the judge puts them away for a long time.

Marcus has a new service dog now. Rigby took the stand with Marcus during his testimony.

Our veterans deserve better. So do our dogs.

After a few static filled phone calls, I finally was able to have a nice conversation with Sgt. Honda. He is good at his duty station on the other side of the world.

He is also enjoying his new job driving a general to meetings and other events. His says the general is an impressive guy and treats Sgt. Honda well. It was fun hearing stories about the man the top-notch car used to transport he and his wife. Sgt. Honda says the car actually talks to him. Only problem is it speaks in Japanese. He calls the car the Knight Rider car. Ha, my son driving Kit!

On Thanksgiving the general, his wife and Sgt. Honda went to several locations on the island to provide and serve the holiday dinner. I believe this was a wonderful experience for Sgt. Honda that he will hold close to his heart.

I am starting to like this general as during the dinner he asked Sgt. Honda, “Did you call your mother son?”

Sgt. Honda was told during training for this job to remember three rules:

1. Never let the general arrive early to a meeting or event.
2. Never make the general mad. (Choice of words was different but you get the idea.)
3. Never let the general arrive late for a meeting or event.

Simple and to the point would you not say?

Tomorrow we will sit down and give thanks for all that we have. Most of us will spend time with loved ones and friends. Some may not be as lucky.

I will be privileged to spend another year with my parents, Grandma M and Grandpa DingDon, my sister Crafty and her husband, my daughter Cinderella, her husband, my precious Butterfly and newest grandson, D.D.

I will miss other family members. Especially ones that are far away. Sgt. Honda is once again absent because of his service. Sgt. Red will not be joining us this year.

I know how hard it is for military families during the holidays and all year. I feel for the children that can not be with their parents. Wives that can not be with their husbands. Husbands that can not be with their wives.

Mommies that miss their sons.

I miss my son.

At least I know he is safe. Thank you God.

Here is a video sent to me.

“Dinner at Quantico”

This slide show consists of photos taken  at a formal dinner at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, VA.

It is a beautiful presentation of the honor, commitment, and pride that today’s heroes share with yesterday’s heroes.

If you know a Sailor, Marine, Soldier, Airman, or someone of any branch of the military (of any age), make sure he or she sees this.

Please tell them thank you and Happy Thanksgiving.

Today we honor all those that sacrificed and served the United States of America. Thank you to all the brave and honorable people that stood up for me and all Americans.

Click here to view the embedded video.

A special thanks to the veterans in my family.

Grandpa DingDon former Navy

Cinderella former Army

and future Vets

Sgt. Honda active duty Marines

Sgt. Red active duty Marines

I got a call from my son, Sgt. Honda. He interviewed for a new job in the Marines. Well, he got the job. He will now be driving a Lt. General around. Yea, not bad! He will also act as a body guard for the general too. Needless to say Sgt. Honda is very excited. This will look great on his record and probably help him gain rank a little faster.

Apparently the general is a highly decorated individual. He posses this medal that is only rewarded for saving a life. Sgt. Honda does not know the details but I am sure he will find out at some point.

I do not know if this means he will travel with the general, but you never know. Either way this is just another adventure in his career. I look forward to hearing about were he goes and who he meets.

Of course I am not going to post the general’s name here but family and friends can email me and I will send a link to his bio. Impressive and interesting.

Congratulations son! I know you will do a great job. Can’t wait until you come home though!

I always watch Dancing With The Stars. I would love to learn ballroom dancing. Maybe someday. This week the stars showcased their most memorable years. There was lots of great stories but what stood out for me was J.R. Martinez and his struggle to come back after running over an IED in Iraq and was burned over 40% of his body.

J.R. and his partner, Karina Smirnoff danced the rumba and trust me there was not a dry eye in the house. Not only was it emotional, it was well done. I hope he goes far this season.

Oh, one more thing. Thank you for your service sir. Good Luck!

Click here to view the embedded video.

I have heard of Sidewinder, a group of Airmen and woman that caused a YouTube sensation when they covered Adele’s ‘Rolling in the Deep’. They just recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan and appeared on Fox and Friends yesterday morning.