Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines

The New Guy In Town

2011-10-14T06:35:00.000-06:00

Nearly a year since I have added anything to this blog. I am sure there are many things that I really should take the time to update, and I will get to that a step at a time. My first order of business really, truely, however is to take the time to welcome a son-in-law to out family. David Case is a Marine who is currently stationed in North Carolina. He and Rebecca were married August 1, 2011. They did the romantic thing and eloped. We are very happy that he has joined the family and we look forward to meeting him in person.

But the first order of business is to get the newlyweds under the sane roof, Rebecca is still living in Oregon. Government housing, as usual, is a long waiting list, and any affodable housing is something you wouldn't let your dog live in, let alone your wife. I have vever understood that, but I think it is because landlords know if they don't get paid by a servicemember they can go to that persons chain of command and make thier lives a living hell. Hey, guess what landlord, even for those outside the military who can't meet the bills, it sucks for us too!

But I digress. The word "son" feels strange to roll off my tongue, but I am glad it is David I get to call that. I have enjoyed watching the two of them communicate online. BUT I can't wait until they are under the same roog, as it should be. I love you both. Mom

The Military Wife

2011-07-30T20:34:00.000-06:00

When the Lord was creating a military wife He ran into His sixth day of overtime. An angel appeared and said, "You're having a lot of trouble with this one. What's wrong with the standard model?"

The Lord replied, "Have you seen the specs on this order? It has to be completely independent but must always be sponsored to get on a military installation. It must have the qualities of both mother and father during deployments, be a perfect host to 4 or 40, handle emergencies without an instruction manual, cope with flu and moves all around the world, have a kiss that cures anything from a child's bruised knee to a husband's weary days, have the patience of a saint when waiting for its mate to come home and, have six pairs of hands."

The angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands? No way." The Lord answered, "Don't worry; we will make other military wives to help. Besides, it's not the hands that are causing the problem, it's the heart. It must swell with pride, sustain the ache of numerous separations while remaining true, beat soundly even when it feels too tired to do so, be large enough to say 'I understand' when it doesn't, and say 'I love you', regardless.

"Lord," said the angel, gently touching His sleeve. "Go to bed. You can finish it tomorrow." "I can't," said the Lord. "I'm so close to creating something quite unique. Already it can heal itself when sick, on a moment’s notice it will willingly embrace and feed total strangers who have been stranded during a PCS move and it can wave goodbye to its husband understanding why he had to leave."

The angel circled the model of the military wife very slowly. "It's too soft," she sighed.

"But tough," the Lord said excitedly. "You cannot imagine what this being can do or endure."

"Can it think?" asked the angel. "Can it think?! It can convert 1400 to 2 p.m.," replied the Lord.

Finally the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek. "There's a leak," she said. "I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model." It's not a leak," said the Lord. "It's a tear." "What's it for?" asked the angel. "It's for joy, sadness, pain, loneliness and pride." "You're a genius," said the angel.

Looking at her somberly, the Lord replied, "I didn't put it there."

Red White Blue Night in Georgia

2009-10-26T17:37:00.005-06:00

NOT USED FOR COMMERCIAL PUPOSES COPYRIGHTS BELONG TO AMAZING GRACE RECORDS AND LEAH FAITH

She's Mighty Pretty That One

2009-05-25T14:36:00.001-06:00

It was only days ago that I first held you in my hands. With the respect and tenderness one gives a newborn you were inspected from end to end. You were perfect, sleek, but dull, shiny; bored just waiting for the chance to prove you were as eloquent as you appeared.

Your perfect fit, your comfortable feel fired dormant embers for others in your presence that fateful day. You will never know the unleashing reprocussions your mere presence in the room had. It was only the sake of propriety that kept the drool from passing the lip and hitting the floor.

It was a surprise to learn the masters had changed you ever so slightly. Who are the mere owners to question those who know so much more than us? Still it will take a concious effort to adjust.....it will happen easily because you have come home....you will not leave. You have again become a member of the family it will remain that way.

It was impressive to watch as you soaked up the attention first given to you. You rewarded your owner with the promise of flawless, impressive performance.

Your accessories were firm in their acceptance of the mission they were to perform. Like soldiers stepping up to a task they lined up waiting to take part in accomplishing the task.

Finally, the day arrived. Two met one in a perfect level line, and like a the well oiled machine you are the task was executed again, again and again. Addiction was stronger now than before.

She's mighty pretty that new Beretta 92FS.

Citizen Soldier

2009-05-06T16:42:00.011-06:00

NOT USED FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES
COPYRIGHT BELONGS TO: 3 DOORS DOWN, Universal Republic Records
ALONG WITH: US ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

Letters Home

2009-04-17T22:34:00.012-06:00

NOT USED FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES

ALL COPYRIGHTS BELONG TO EVERLAST

A Soliders Letter-From the Heart

This Soldiers Ride

2009-04-15T00:23:00.000-06:00

My sister, my comrade, my friend
She was too young for such a tragic end
Now I kneel tracing her name with my fingers
Wet drops from my tears on her headstone lingers

Courageous he murdered her, cowardly he died
Making sense of it all is something we have tried
Senseless violence that hurt so deep
Changing lives forever, making souls weep.

I hear her voice whisper to me "I am here
I am on your shoulder, I am always near
I am that voice telling you Yes! You Can!
I am the voice telling you Get rid of that man!"

I hear her voice whisper and say "it will be alright
I know your worries and fears your battles, your fights
I am watching those you love and over you
GO! DO! What your heart tells you to do!"

I stand and salute my friend, she was a soldier after all
I thank her for the pep talk, I promise to stand tall
I click my heels and walk away knowing she is by my side
Sometimes I just need a reminder she never left THIS Soliders ride.
D. Martin

Dark December

2008-12-25T00:22:00.000-07:00

That day in December I will never forget
I will live my life will one regret
I never told you what you meant to me
Blue eyes, blonde hair I will never again see
What happened is horrible it ended your life
To think this man he made you his wife
My best friend is gone and I miss her dearly
I still talk to her, I hope she can hear me
Gretch, I miss you, I always will
I will never forget that day in December when time stood still.

D. Martin

~This is the first of several poems I wrote about my friends death and domestic violence after she was murdered by her husband. ~

Night Before Christmas

2008-12-24T21:46:00.000-07:00

Twas the night before Christmas,
he lived all alone,
in a one bedroom home made of plaster and stone.

I had come down the chiminey with presents to give
and to see just whom in this house did live.
I looked all about, a strange sight did I see.
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land,
with medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
a sober thought came to mind.

For this house was different, it was dark and dreary.
I had found the home of a soldier, once I could see.
The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle, the room in disorder,
not how I pictured a United States soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?

I realized the families that I saw this night,
owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.
Soon round the world the children would play,
and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.

They enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.
I couldn't wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.

The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don't cry, this is the life of my choice,
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,
my life is my God, my country, my corps."

The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, and continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,
and we both shivered from the cold winter's chill.

I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over, whispered with a voice soft and pure,
"Carry on Santa, It's Christmas day and all is secure."

One look at my watch and I knew he was right,

Merry Christmas to All and to All A Good Night

9 11 A Year Later

2008-09-11T23:47:00.000-06:00

A young girl stood in church today
Simple, powerful words she had to say
"A year ago these pews were full
Cause other to us had been so cruel
We came to churches and asked God why?
Why do so many innocent have to die?
Now the rows are empty the congregation gone
Fewer voices each week praise Him in song
Did they forget, or don't they care?
There are men and women over there
They put on uniforms, they stand and fight
So we can be safe every day, every night
Have we forgotten God as time has gone on
Do we only need him when things go wrong?"
The little girl sat and looked around
And my heart was warmed by what I found
Friends and family standing strong and true
American's who understand God's hand
In the Red, the White, and the Blue.

D. Martin

Memorial Day

2008-05-31T23:25:00.000-06:00

Better late than never.........

Mike and I did get a chance to leave some flowers on her headstone this year. For those of you who could not go with us, we took you there in spirit. Just as she is with us everyday...........

All things being equal

2008-01-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

NOT USED FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ALL COPYRIGHTS BELONG TO CARAVAN PICTURES, and HOLLYWOOD PICTURES COMPANY DISTRIBUTED BY BUENA VISTA HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Don't know if then men are ready to see the women go this far to be equal in protecting and defending the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic!