Tag: overwhelming

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Military Personnel Must Stay at Their Posts no Matter What

+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 for the site, please let them know about it. I want to reach out to as many veterans as possible.

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What a ride I have been on. I had surgery on my left eye on Monday, and it is healing quite well. Still hard to type, but I will not leave my post. I will share a story from my upcoming book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life. I was injured, but stayed on my duty spot.

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One of the things that happened to day which is Veteran’s Day, is nothing. I had to head to the coast and they didn’t have any restaurants on the list I gave you a couple of posts ago.

I went to the very small town of Waldport, Oregon. It is right on the coast. It is actually a pretty cool town.

I was there to get a haircut at the salon where my wife always goes, because a close friend is running it. We drive 70 miles each way to get our hair done.

As I was getting my haircut, the barber told me to look across the street. In this small little town the people were gathering to honor our veterans. You could see all the American Legion hats being worn. She said they have been there for a couple of hours. They had speakers, and some music. I so wanted to go there and greet them, but it was over when my haircut was done.

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I said I would share an excerpt from the book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life. This excerpt is from my time deployed to Korea. I was a radio/teletype (053) operator, and spent each of my days up on hill 468. On top of that hill was a small military outpost. It was being used to monitor the airwaves for breaches of security.

I was highly trained for that site since I was chosen to be a part of the Army Security Agency. It was something like the CIA of the military.

One day I was monitoring he airwaves when every started stopping. The machines all began to turn off.

I rushed outside to see that the main generator was out of gas. The previous solider was suppose to make sure it was full before he left.

I got two cans of gas and climbed up on the generator. I had just finished filling the tank when I started to fall. I grabbed for something to help me not get too hurt. Unfortunately it was the manifold for the generator. It was extremely hot and it burnt my left hand seriously.

I was in severe pain.

I could have called down to headquarters and have them send up the next shift, but that would wake them up with only a few hours of sleep.

I decided I need to remain at my post and tough it out. I found some Vaseline and wrapped my left hand with a medical cloth.

I was one handed and had to work the the equipment the best I could.

Luckily I only had a few hours left on my shift.

This was a time where I learned about not leaving your post no matter what. Many of heroes have done that on the front lines to save many of their buddies. I certainly was not a hero in this case, but I did my appointed task and I am very proud of that.

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Time to check in on you my friend. How are you doing? Is the life we have to live right now starting to get to you? Does the news cause you to scream like it does me? You certainly are not alone.

We just past 10,000 veterans following this site. (10,040.) Everyone of us has your back.

However, if it is just too overwhelming right now, GET HELP! Here is a toll free number to call, 24/7. There are highly qualified counselors there to help you. They will not hang up until the know you are OK. It is free BTW.

1-800-273-8255 Option # 1

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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 for the site, please let them know about it. I want to reach out to as many veterans as possible.

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Reaching Out to Those Veterans Who Are Suffering

+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 for the site, please let them know about it. Your comments will not be seen by other people, just me, and I will connect with you to see if you are OK to share it.

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What a rare mood I’m in. It has brought me a grin. It’s because the election outcome is almost in..

The tallies are still going and it is very tight. Our world will change big time no matter who wins the presidency.

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I had a very interesting doctor’s appointment this morning.

My doctor surprised me with what they call a test that is for dementia. He handed me a sheet of paper with different things to do to test your memory.

The first two assignments I blew. The first one was to draw lines from one to ten, like a dot to dot. I forgot the ten. BUSTED!

The second one was to copy a square that was drawn on the sheet. It was an optic illusion for me, and I completely failed that. BUSTED!

Then he had me read five words in a row three times, He then had me wait a couple minutes and say them again without looking. PASSED IT!

The next one was easy for me. It was just pictures of three animals and I had to identify them PASSED IT!

Then he read a sentence and had me repeat it. He read two sentences. I was able to repeat them. PASSED IT!

He went on to ask me what year it was; what month, and what was the date today. He finished with what day of the week it was. I blocked my brain on that one. It is because I am retired and I don’t keep track of what day it is very often. Before he could start the next faze I blurted out Wednesday! Passed it!

He closed with the game stopper if I didn’t get it right.

He asked me to repeat the five words he had me say at the very beginning of the test. I named 4 out of 5. He said that is the best that any patient has done on the test ever. PASSED IT!

Score: 27-out of 30!

So what he is saying to me is that my thinking is spot on still. He suggested I do crossword puzzles to keep the brain going strong. I do those puzzles, and lots of solitaire each day.

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I have been following the updates on the military and their improving of weapons.

I am so impressed. We, without a doubt, have the best weapons, bombs, air power, etc. on the plant. That is because President Trump supports the military so much.

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How have your days been going my friend?

Do they seem too long? Have the world events been dragging you down?

You are not alone! There are close to 10,000 fellow veterans here that have your back.

However, if it is just hard and over whelming you. GET HELP!!

Here is a tool free number that has highly qualified counselors to help you. They will never hang up until they know you are ok.

1-800-273-8255 Option #1

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 for the site, please let them know about it. Your comments will not be seen by other people, just me, and I will connect with you to see if you are OK to share it.

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This WWII Soldier Should Have Died

+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 for the site, please let them know about it. You may be saving a life. Your comments will not be seen by other people, just me, and I will connect with you to see if you are OK to share it.

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It is hump day. The rest is down hill for the week.

I have decided to share with you the story of Don Malarkey. He was a WWII veterans who servid in Easy Company for the 101st Airborne division. (The Screamin Eagles)

Why am I sharing his story? He is from my home town of Salem, Oregon.

His company was written in a book called, “The Band of brothers.” He was one of the main caharcters. The book was later made into a mini series with the same name. He was a main charcter in that as well, and played by Scott Grimes.

He was 96 when he passed.

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Don was dreafted out of University of Oregon.

Something that wouldn’t happen today. He decided to become a paratrooper. Within months he was assigned to the 101st Airborne division.

During the early hours on D-Day June 6th, 1944, Malarkey parachuted behind enemy lines in support of the allied invasion. Later that day, in a pitched battle, he helped knock out four German 105 mm artillery battery, in action now called the Bre’court Manor Assault. This is still studied at West Point as a classic example of small-unit attack tactics and leadership in overcoming a large enemy force.

Marlarkey was award, among other awards, the Bronze star, the Purple Heart, and in 2009 the Legion of Honor Medal, the highest honor awarded by the French Government.

Back to the “Band of Brothers,” book and mini series. Mararkey appeared on several of the introductory segments that were incorporated into the show.

After the mini series, Malarkey and his Band of Brothers counterparts practically became household names. Malarkey spoke often to college students, and other groups of his experiences. He also traveled with the USO to Army Posts and hospitals in the United States and Europe.

He wa asked how he felt about telling all the experiences he had. he said he was humbled and even a lttle bit embarrassed by the attention he and his fellow Easy Company members had received.

Then he said, “But, then I remember that I owed it to the guys who did not return, as I tell of their courage, trauma and accomplishments.”

It was still a little overwhelming for him , but he was grateful for the letters from people who wanted to say thank you, ask questions, and wanted pictures autographed.

I have another story coming up about another Band of Brothers, who also lived in Oregon. He just passed away last week.

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I have been able to interview several WWII veterans.I will tell you about one veteran, and you have to read the book, “Sign of Hope for the Military: In and out of the Trenches of life.,” to see the interview.

Ira Feldman was at the end of WWIl, and was actaully honorabley discharged. Then the Korean war was started, and they drafted him again, because of his knowledge. The following story is about this part of his military carreer:

When he got to the airport to be sent to Korea he happened to see a buudy of his from WWII. They met and told many strores. Then they were separted. In the hanger they were waiting in to fly, a Sargent was calling out names of who was flying on one of the two planes leaving. Ira figured out that his buddy wasn’t going to be on the same plane with him. He went up to the sargent and asked if he could change planes to be with his buddy. The sargent barked and told him no!

Ira was trying to figure out what to do, when he saw an officer along the edge of the hanger looking like he was in cahrge of the whole operation. Ira got brave and walked up to him and asked him the same question. The office got irritated and told him to get back with his men. Ira didn’t budge. He knew this was his last change to fly with his buddy. He explained again to the officer how important it was to be with his friend. The officer finally yelled, “Get out of my face and get on the other plane with your buddy!”

So he was with his buddy and they even sat together. The two planes took off at the same time. Things were going great until he heard from the cockpit that the other plane had crashed. Everyone was killed, and he was suppose to be on that plane!!

There is a trmemneous interview with him on his feelings about the crash and what happened while he was fighting in Korea.

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BTW… I just got exciting news about my up coming book, “Signs of Hope for the military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.” I have a publisher who is very interested. We are in the negotiation stage, and I think we will be working together. More news on this later.

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This is a pretty long post, but I really enjoyed sharing it with you.

How are you doing?

Do the days seem hard and long. Are there days you wish you could forget? You certainly are not alone my friend. There are over 9,600 fellow veterans here who have your back. Reach out to them if you need help.

If it is just too overwhelming right now, GET HELP!

Here is a 24/7mtoll free number for you to call. There are highly qualified counselors there to help you. They will not hang up until they know you are OK.

1-800-273-8225 Option #1

_________________________________________

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 for the site, please let them know about it. You may be saving a life. Your comments will not be seen by other people, just me, and I will connect with you to see if you are OK to share it.