I Found Out That White Lightning Can Make You Blind, in the Military

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Military news…

The Army is developing a COVID-19 vaccine to fight all variants of the virus, including those that may not yet exist.

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Russian forces could soon push deeper into Ukraine, and this time it may look more like an invasion than the covert campaign Russia has waged since 2014.


“When I opened the door, it didn’t even register at first who I was looking at, and when it finally clicked … words cannot describe the feeling.” That’s from Army veteran Adam Strick, who got a surprise visit on Saturday night from his old battle buddy Mike Fligg. The two spent every day of their 15-month deployment to Iraq together, but they had not seen each other in 14 years.

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A private housing contractor that subjected military families across the country to mold, insect infestations, burst pipes and other problems agreed to pay more than $65 million in fines and restitution.

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A Florida state Senator wants to bring back the old cliche ‘join the military or go to jail’ for criminals.

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Everyone knows reindeer help Santa deliver presents, but did you know they also helped defeat the Nazis? That’s right, about 6,000 reindeer played a crucial role helping the Soviet Army beat the Wermacht back into Germany during World War II.

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rally sweeps

Win $100 Gift Card with Rally$weeps

Holidays are cherished times spent with family and loved ones. Sometimes, due to deployment, or situations outside of our control, we can’t spend holidays with the people we love.

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Another excerpt from my upcoming book, Signs of Hope for the MIlitary: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.

This chapter was about my exposure to White Lightening

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White Lightning in West Virginia

While I was stationed at Ft Bragg, North Carolina, we went on maneuvers in West Virginia. We were out in the country hills right in the middle of farm land.

We had time off on one of the days there so a couple of others guys and me went on a walk through the farm land. As we came around a bend, we saw some men sitting up on a hill in lawn chairs laughing and carrying on. We thought we might as well get to know some of the locals.

As we got closer we saw that the men had rifles leaning up against their chairs. I started thinking about the movie, Deliverance. They were all in overalls, and were smoking pipes with who knows what in them. Beards were the style for all of them. They would fit right in with the people of, Duck Dynasty.

We said hi, and they invited us to sit with them for a while. I noticed one of them was drinking out of a Mason jar. It looked like water, but I knew better. One of my friends asked what it was. “We call it White Lightning, here,” said one of the men who looked like he may be the elder of the group.

I was such a naïve young man, that I had no idea what they meant by the term White Lightning. They laughed when I asked them.

They said I should take a taste of it to see for myself. They handed me a jar, and I took a sip. I thought my insides were going to explode. I made some kind of noise, because all the Virginia guys laughed when it looked like I was going to heave.

However, the guys with me were “veteran,” drinkers and they tried a taste. They really liked it and drank the whole jar full. It wasn’t long before they started acting “silly.”

One of them liked it so much he asked for a refill. The “farmers,” had no trouble doing that. My friend sat there and drank another full jar of the concoction. He was getting very dizzy and incoherent about that time.

Then he started screaming, “I am going blind!” He said he couldn’t see. The hosts didn’t seem to get too worried. They said it is common to go temporarily blind for those who are new at drinking it.

It wasn’t funny for my group, and we helped our blind friend back to the camp area. He eventually got his sight back. It must have been interesting for him to explain how he was blinded in the first place.

In life we can start slowly doing things we maybe shouldn’t be, and think that it is OK. We keep doing the things we know we shouldn’t be doing, and then we see we are in too deep and fall.

It is no different than drinking White Lightning. It seems harmless at first, but then we are blinded by the force that has overcome us.

Be careful to always check out what is happening around you, wherever you may be. There things that look innocent, and yet can lead you down the wrong path.

IWILL

All too often there are people in the private sector who try to take advantage of the soldiers when they come home. It could be a scheme to supposedly help you get rich quickly, or it may be people wanting to pilfer money out of you in other ways.  Never jump into any project or new venture without researching everything about it. Let others see what you may be doing and ask for their opinion. You will have many eyes to help you seek the truth for you.

Think About this

Isn’t it interesting that we always believe someone who says they are trying to help us be successful?

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I will be sharing excerpts from time to time, so keep coming back to check this site out. Better yet…go to the top of this page and click on “Subscribe.” When you do all future posts will go directly to your inbox.

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Bed check. How are you doing? Do you have dreams about your service time? Are they nightmares?

FEAR NOT!!

There are over 13,530 fellow veterans subscribed to this site who have your back.

If the dreams just too much for you right now, GET HELP!

Here is a toll free number to call 24/7. There are highly qualified counselors there to help you, and they will not hang up until the know you are OK.

1-800-272-8255..texting 838255.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do, all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit from this site, please let them know.

Sometimes You do the Wrong Things While in the Military

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Military news…

For the next few posts I will be shairng freebees, for veterans because veterans day is coming up on 11-11-2021

The first section will be restaurants:

Missing is Applebees. They have a free meal for all veterans on Veterans Day

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Veterans Day discounts and meals at restaurants

Bob Evans – November 11, 2021
Veterans and active-duty military receive a special menu of seven (7) homestyle favorites for FREE at local restaurants. Dine-in only. Visit the Bob Evans website for more details.

The Chop House – November 11, 2021
Veterans and active military receive a 50% discount off any entrée with a valid military ID on November 11. Dine-in only. Please call ahead to your local Chop House if you have any questions about your Veterans Day Discount, or visit the Chop House website for additional details.

Cotton Patch Café – November 11, 2021
All Veterans and active military members are being offered a Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken FREE on November 11. Please call ahead to your local Cotton Patch Café if you have any questions about your Veterans Day Discount.

IHOP – November 11, 2021
Veterans and active-duty military are being offered FREE red, white and blue pancakes on November 11.

Lucille’s BBQ – November 11, 2021
Veterans and active-duty military receive a FREE Lucille’s Original Pulled Pork Sandwich and one side item on November 11. Must show proof of service. During the month of November, dine at any Lucille’s location to round up your bill to the nearest dollar where your generous donations will support Operation Homefront’s Holiday Meals for Military.

McCormick & Schmicks – November 7, 2021
Veterans, Gold Star parents and Gold Star spouses can enjoy a half-priced entrée from a special menu on Sunday, November 7, 2021, at McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants. Please contact your nearest location for details.

Red Robin – November 1-November 14, 2021
Veterans and active-duty military who are Red Robin Royalty members are being offered a free Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries anytime between Nov. 1-14 for dine-in or to-go. Visit the Red Robin website for details.

Yard House – November 11, 2021
Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary appetizer on November 11. Please visit the Yard House website or contact your nearest location for details.

California Pizza Kitchen – November 11, 2021
Veterans and active military get a complimentary entrée and beverage when they dine in and show proof of service on November 11. In addition, all veterans who dine with California Pizza Kitchen will receive a BOGO, redeemable from November 12 through 20.

Chili’s – November 11, 2021
Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select menu on November 11. Available for in-restaurant only.

Denny’s – November 11, 2021
Veterans and active military personnel get a free Build Your Own Grand Slam on November 11, from 5 am to noon. Dine-in only.

Golden Corral – November 11, 2021
Golden Corral is hosting their Military Appreciation Night on November 11 from 5 pm to close. This includes a free “thank you” meal when dining in.

Mission BBQ – November 11, 2021
Veterans and active-duty military get a free sandwich on November 11.

Shoney’s – November 11, 2021
Veterans and active-duty service members get a free All You Care To Eat, Freshly Prepared Breakfast Bar on November 11 until 11 am. Dine-in only.

Texas Roadhouse – November 11, 2021
Texas Roadhouse will hand out dinner vouchers at the stores’ parking lots on November 11, from 11 am to 2 pm. Veterans and active-duty military can redeem their dinner vouchers when the restaurant opens for dinner, through May 30, 2022.

Logan’s Roadhouse – November 11, 2021
Logan’s Roadhouse will be offering all Veterans a free American Roadhouse Meal From 3 pm to 6 pm on Thursday November 11.

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse – November 11, 2021
BJ’s is serving those who have served their country by once again teaming up with Dr Pepper®, offering a complimentary meal from a select menu and a Dr Pepper® beverage to all current military personnel and Veterans with proof of service.

Red Lobster – November 11, 2021
Free Appetizer or Dessert for Veterans Day: In honor of Veterans Day, and to thank veterans, active duty military, and reservists for their service, Red Lobster is offering a free appetizer or dessert on Thursday, November 11.

Olive Garden – November 11, 2021
Free entrée from a special menu for each Veteran and current member of the military. Simply show proof of military service. Dine-in only. All entrées include freshly baked garlic breadsticks, and your choice of homemade soup or famous house salad.

Veterans Canteen Service – November 10, 2021
Veterans Canteen Service locations are honoring Veterans with a free coffee or fountain beverage.

Buffalo Wild Wings – November 11, 2021
Veterans and service members get a free order of 10 boneless wings and fries. This offer is available for dine-in or takeout (online ordering excluded). Proof of service must be shown for redemption.

O’Charley’s – November 11, 2021
Veterans and service members receive a free meal from a special menu with proof of service.

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Here is another excerpt from my upcoming book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.

White Lightning in West Virginia

While I was stationed at Ft Bragg, North Carolina, we went on maneuvers in West Virginia. We were out in the country hills right in the middle of farm land.

We had time off on one of the days there so a couple of others guys and me went on a walk through the farm land. As we came around a bend, we saw some men sitting up on a hill in lawn chairs laughing and carrying on. We thought we might as well get to know some of the locals.

As we got closer we saw that the men had rifles leaning up against their chairs. I started thinking about the movie, Deliverance. They were all in overalls, and were smoking pipes with who knows what in them. Beards were the style for all of them. They would fit right in with the people of, Duck Dynasty.

We said hi, and they invited us to sit with them for a while. I noticed one of them was drinking out of a Mason jar. It looked like water, but I knew better. One of my friends asked what it was. “We call it White Lightning, here,” said one of the men who looked like he may be the elder of the group.

I was such a naïve young man, that I had no idea what they meant by the term White Lightning. They laughed when I asked them.

They said I should take a taste of it to see for myself. They handed me a jar, and I took a sip. I thought my insides were going to explode. I made some kind of noise, because all the Virginia guys laughed when it looked like I was going to heave.

However,  the guys with me were “veteran,” drinkers and they tried a taste. They really liked it and drank the whole jar full. It wasn’t long before they started acting “silly.”

One of them liked it so much he asked for a refill. The “farmers,” had no trouble doing that. My friend sat there and drank another full jar of the concoction. He was getting very dizzy and incoherent about that time.

Then he started screaming, “I am going blind!” He said he couldn’t see. The hosts didn’t seem to get too worried. They said it is common to go temporarily blind for those who are new at drinking it.

It wasn’t funny for my group, and we helped our blind friend back to the camp area. He eventually got his sight back. It must have been interesting for him to explain how he was blinded in the first place.

In life we can start slowly doing things we maybe shouldn’t be, and think that it is OK. We keep doing the things we know we shouldn’t be doing, and then we see we are in too deep and fall.

It is no different than drinking White Lightning. It seems harmless at first, but then we are blinded by the force that has overcome us.

Be careful to always check out what is happening around you, wherever you may be. There things that look innocent, and yet can lead you down the wrong path.

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There is more to this, funny/not so funny, chapter, but I am making you order the book when it comes out to read the rest. 🙂

Come back to see more excerpts here. Better yet… Go to the top of this page and click on “Subscribe.” When you do all future posts go directly to your inbox.

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Check in on how you are doing my friend. Are things going smoothly, or are your paths rough and going no where?

FEAR NOT!

There are over 13,300 fellow veterans subscribed to this site who have your back.

If the path is just too much for you, GET HELP!!

Here is a toll free number to call 24/7. They have highly qualified counselors there to help you, and they will not hang up until they know you are OK. (By the way…it is free.)

1-800-272-8255…texting 838255.

______________________________________________________

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

_________________________________________________________

+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do, all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit from this site, please let them know.

Drinking Too Much Moonshine Can Make you very Blind

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Since I have been a member of the social network RallyPoint, (There are 1.8 million members there. All military.) I have many new military friends. They are as close as a brother or sister.

I suggest that you check it out. You may find some of your military buddies that you served with.

www.rallypoint.com/join/655611-spc-douglas-bolton

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Military news

“I made a quick decision” is the understatement of the year, but it’s how Army Sgt. 1st Class Jedadia Powell made his move to rush inside a burning house to save two women and a dog back in 2017. He made sure nobody else was in the house, and then he went right back to work after first responders arrived on the scene. Now, more than three years after the event, the Oregon National Guardsman received the Soldier’s Medal for his efforts.

The GI Film Festival San Diego Is A Socially Distanced Way to Enjoy Movies
See compelling and inspiring stories with a military or veteran connection at the 2021 GI Film Festival San Diego. Films and post-screening discussions are offered as online showtimes or as an on-demand rental. The all-virtual festival starts May 18.

+I checked this out and there are 38 films, documentaries, to see. Great choice.

U.S. veterans scramble to help interpreters left behind
More than 17,000 are hung up in dangerous immigration mire.
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When I got back to the states from Korea, I was sent to Ft. Bragg. I did pretty much the same work as I did in Korea.

One time our unit was sent on Bivwak to Virginia. We had all our equipment set up, and settled in.

Me and two other buddies went on a walk to see the area. We came across an elderly lady who greeted us. Actually she was being persistent in having us come in and have coffee with her. We soon realized she wanted to have sex with us and we moved on.

Further on the walk we saw three guys sitting together on a hillside. They invited us up. We quickly realized that they were moonshiners. They had the equipment to make booze near them. We sat down and heard some great stories about the moonshine business.

They offered to have us try their mix. We politely agreed. My first sip almost blew my head off! I very slowly finished my drink that was in a mason jar.

One of my buddies really liked it and asked for more. The guys were thrilled he liked it and gave him another drink. My buddy had two more after that.

Then he screamed, “I am blind!!” The three men laughed and said “You drank too fast. You will be fine in a few hours.”

We guided our buddy back to our camp and got him laid down.

On that same trip I was riding with a buddy up in the mountains in the area. He was driving.

There were no safety belts back then.

As we came around a curve we saw a boulder right in our way. The driver swerved to miss the boulder, but the force threw me out of the jeep right on top of the boulder, back first.

I hit the boulder with a tremendous force since we were going about thirty miles an hour. I blacked out as soon as I hit the boulder. The forced also caused me to have a whiplash.

I woke up in a medical tent.

I started screaming in pain. My lower back was one solid brush, and my neck was really painful.

The medic rushed over and gave me some morphine. That really helped.

I have had to have three neck and back surgeries since that day.

These two stories are in my upcoming book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the trenches of Life.

Be sure to keep checking back in to see further excerpts and updates as to how the book is coming along.

Better yet… if you subscribe by going to the top of this page and click on “subscribe,” you will get all further posts sent directly to your inbox.

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How is your world turning. Too fast? Is it spinning out of control?

FEAR NOT!

There are over, 11,900 fellow veterans here who have your back.

However, if you feel you are on a rollercoaster ride, GET HELP!

Here is a toll free number that is available 24/7.

There are highly qualified counselors there to help you. They will not hang up until they know you are OK.

Never get on the rollercoaster ride of life alone!

1-800-273-8255 Option # 1

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Remember:

You are never alone!

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

__________________________________

+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do, all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit from this site, please let them know about it.