Category: Navy

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Do You Need to be Tough to be in the Military?

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINES!!

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Military news…

U.S. Bank is proud to honor military veterans. We’re committed to helping you reach your financial goals during and after your military career. That’s why we offer competitive rates on VA home loans so you can buy a home or refinance with little or no down payment.

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The Air Force has relieved a colonel at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma who berated his airmen for not flying a training mission in dangerous conditions.

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No, the Marine Corps is not offering backseat rides in F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets for Marines who re-enlist.

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While we’re fact-checking, the British press may have to correct its claims that British Royal Marines wiped the floor with their American counterparts during an exercise last month, writes retired U.S. Marine Col. Andrew Milburn, who was actually at the exercise.

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Housing veterans living on the streets in LA could spark momentum nationwide, VA secretary says
VA Secretary Denis McDonough, who spoke at the National Press Club, said the VA succeeded in its goal of getting all homeless veterans living in the area known as “veterans row” in Los Angeles into housing by Nov. 1.
Former Marine in Russian prison goes on hunger strike over rights violationsFormer U.S. Marine Trevor Reed, jailed in Russia for nine years after being convicted over a drunken 2019 incident he did not remember, declared a hunger strike to protest violations of his rights in prison, according to his family and lawyers.

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Law saves the day, Army defeats Air Force in OT

Jordyn Law recovered teammate Christian Anderson’s fumble at the goal line for an overtime touchdown and Army defeated Air Force 21-14 on Saturday.

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Yes I have another excerpt for you from my upcoming book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trecnches of Life. . Aren’t I nice? 🙂

Do I Need to Be Tough in the Military?

I spent twelve hour days on hill 468 in Korea. (That’s the number I remember. Each hill was numbered.) You were up there alone to run the whole operation. I worked in a 2 ½ ton truck with a radio shack placed on top of it.  You were closed into a little area where you could reach both walls from where you sat. The shacks were only about eight to ten feet long.

If you had trouble with claustrophobia, this was not the job for you.

One night everything came to a stop. The generator had stopped. I went out to check and it was out of gas. I had to climb up on the generator to put more gas in. I was doing just fine until I slipped. I started to fall off the generator. I grabbed the first thing I could. Unfortunately it was the extremely hot manifold. It burnt the whole palm of my hand.

There was not one person to take my place, as the soldier who was my replacement was on leave. I had to operate the radio system with my hand wrapped in a cloth, and I was in severe pain.

I could have radioed down to the base, but you were supposed to be a soldier first and a cry baby later. I finished the night. Luckily I only had about three hours to go when I had my accident. I was off duty for over a week while my hand recovered.

Have you had a sudden incident change your path? Did you feel like crying out for help, but didn’t think you should because of how tough we as soldiers are supposed to be?

I am sure many of you have while you were in the service, or are still there.

What do we do about this?

I am convinced now that there is no shame in seeking help. There is no time when you should ever feel that your integrity will be hurting if you seek help for something.

It could a minor injury or it could be harassment. It could that you need to see a counselor for some issues you are going through.

The tough guy/gal theory has no place in the military. It is good to be tough when you are in a trench fighting for your country, but when you need some special help, get it.   

Don’t let the rigors of daily military life drag you down like a huge magnate. Seek help for whatever you think you need help with. 

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Be sure to come back and see more excerpts. Better yet..go to the top of this page and click on “Subscribe.” When you do all future posts will come directly to your inbox.

Bed check… How are you doing today?Does the world seem dark and dreary? Would you rather stay in bed all day to avoid thiss earth?

FEAR NOT!!!

There ar eover 13,350 fellow veterans subscribed to the site who have your back.

But…if it is just too dark and dreary, GET HELP!

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

1-800-273-8255…texting 838255.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

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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.

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As a Veteran, You should Never Feel Like a Failure. You Served Your Country

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Military news…

During recent testing at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, the Army tried out a new 20mm Gatling-style machine gun for the very first time.

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The Marine Corps is being really shady by not releasing public documents that lay out the exact charges it leveled against Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller, the 17-year infantry officer who ignited a firestorm of controversy in August after publicly criticizing military leaders.

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Speaking of fire, bravo to the Marine Corps photographer who managed to make this picture of an M777 howitzer look like the depths of hell.

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

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Are You Trying to Finish the Race With a Broken Leg?

You have spent several years of your life serving your country. You have had many months of stress, and pain. You may be still in the trenches, or you may be already out in the private sector.

As the time gets near to facing the outside world, separate from the military, are you ready? Do you have a plan? If you are already in the private sector, have you attempted to fit in, or are you hiding from others?

What I have said here doesn’t fit most of you, but there are some who are having difficult times thinking about the future. You worry about the new approach to living. You were used to the strictness, and regimented type atmosphere, and fear that this approach will not be too acceptable in your new environment. Then you are facing a world where you make all the decisions. Some of us do not do well with no one in authority over us.

In the private sector, we have to find a new normal. The first goal at this time is to release the past. The second goal is to plan for the present. The third goal is to look to the future.

Treat each new day, in the private sector, as if there was just a new fallen snow and it has provided a white blanket for you to walk on to form a path that only you take and others follow.  

After we join the private sector, we expect our lives to suddenly be happy, trouble free, and victorious. We forget that victories come only after we fight battles and win. 

There shouldn’t be this barrier between you and what you are trying to accomplish. It is tough enough to survive in this world without other factors digging into your thinking process.

Having stress about facing the new world is like having a broken leg and trying to finish a race. It can be done, but the pain, and agony is almost unbearable.

Help yourself by taking time before you leave the military to study the ways of cooperation’s. Learn how to adjust to the new status quo. Don’t go into a new situation cold turkey.

Read up on life after the military. There are books that can guide you to walk the right path to help ease you into the new world.

Go to night school and get some college credits. There are also online courses you can take no matter where you are in the world. My son was able to get two Masters Degrees while in the military, and this helped him get a very nice job when he retired.

My first few months after I got out of the military were pretty stressful because I had a family. I had to provide, and there weren’t too many jobs to be had. I had to work at jobs I didn’t really like. Some were down right degrading, like the story I told you about working on the “chain gang,” railroad crew.

But I slowly adjusted and eventually found a job in teaching that was very good for not only providing for my family, but was rewarding as well.

Take on this world with vigor, and courage. It is almost as daunting in the private sector as it is in the deserts of Afghanistan. You are a brave soldier for facing that challenge, and I am sure you will be just as brave in the private sector. You will achieve your goals and be a very productive citizen, who has a big feather in their cap. The feather of valor, and commitment, because of your time you served your country.

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There will be more excerpts in the future. Keep coming back to read them. Better yet… go to the top of this page and click on “Subscribe.” When you do all future posts will come directly to your inbox.

Checking in on you… How are things going? Not too good? Does it seem like that are too many storms in your life?

FEAR NOT!!

There are over 13,330 fellow veterans on this site who have your back.

If the storms are just too fierce, 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 fosaken.

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.

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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.

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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.