As promised, I intend to deliver more military stories. I was watching TV tonight when I learned about Got Your 6. This organization focuses on helping our military personal return to civilian life. It also educates civilians on enlisted and veteran men and women.

Those of us at home will better understand military duty, service, and veteran culture. Our vets give up so much to serve and deserve our respect and help.

This campaign is led by some leading celebrities. I do know that Hollywood life might tend to be a bit superficial. I am glad to see these celebrities lending into a great cause. Our heroes.

Watch this video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

We got your back!

We got your 6!

Lately, I do not have any desire to write. Why? Probably the events in my life that bring me down and want to make me crawl in a hole. Don’t worry. I see the hole but have no intention of jumping in anytime soon.

I know that I have steered away from the military focus of this blog and I want to get back to writing about the people serving our country and the many charities and organizations that go out of their way to serve our bravest.

I am hoping to secure a position with one of our leading military insurance companies. It would be a wonderful way for me to get back in the workforce and do something else to give back to people who give to me and our country.

I want to begin participating in the Patriot Guard once again. Being a part of that organization grounds me and reminds me to think of others. I think everyone has times that they feel a little sorry for themselves. Running and standing with the Patriot Guard leaves no time for such feelings. That is as it should be.

I still continue to appreciate my friends and family who are always there and always give. I pray and give thanks for their generosity and support.

I pray for those that are having a hard time. I will always care. I hope for the best.

No, I will not let go of the hope because it lives in my heart.

We can not forget. Some gave. Some gave all.

Some return to spend eternity with their comrades.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Yes, I am sure you are wondering about that title. I spoke with my son, Sgt. Honda early Sunday morning. Our time zones are so far apart that I usually hear from him at some ungodly hour. It is ok. I have not seen him in over a year so I welcome the communication. The not seeing him part sucks. I won’t lie. It is the way it is.

He has a new girlfriend and she is showing him around the country and introducing him to some local cuisine. They went whale watching the other day. I asked for photos and I just might receive some. Eventually. Anyway, he was impressed with the size of the whales and had a great time.

She took him to a restaurant where he experienced raw tuna, octopus, and wait for it, sea cucumber. Now it seems that sea cucumber is not a vegetable like you might think. No, it is actually a marine animal classified as an echinoderm. It has leathery skin with spines. Apparently it does not have much taste and is usually served in other dishes or with condiments.

Sgt. Honda said it was not bad. He is braver than me. I guess that explains how he survives the Marine Corps.

Here is a photo.

Yea, I am thinking the same thing.

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.