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Military news…
The German military has to deal with a very German problem: What to do with 65,000 cans of beer at its base in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan? In this amazing story about our NATO ally, about the enormous quantity of alcohol that Germany wants to withdraw from the country before the scheduled departure date for coalition troops on September 11. There would be much less around if only American troops could help um, get rid of the booze.
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Did you know that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has a baller home worth nearly $3 million? The military takes us on a grand tour of the retired Army general’s 7-bedroom 7-bathroom, 5-car garage home, with heated floors in the master bath.
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Yes, the Marines have to learn the correct way to open and close doors. That is, if you are a Marine sentry guarding the White House, where opening doors is one of many duties they must execute with robot-like precision. In this story, James Clark takes us behind the scenes of what it’s like to prepare for the most public parade ground on the planet, where even opening a door has to be done with style.
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I remember when I was a recruit. That was 65 years ago. I was only 18 and super naive.
The military made me into a man. I learned discipline. I learned honor and country. I learned that there are brothers to protect as they protect me.
I learned some things the hard way.
I had never left my home state of oregon. When I was deployed to South Korea, I was pretty much in shock.
Total different culture. Totally different the way the people looked.
One thing I learned quickly is to question people before you move forward. I had one incident that had me grow up overnight.
I came into Camp Red Cloud in South Korea, and was lost, of course. They directed me to my quinsite hut, and I started to unpack.
About half way through two guys came in looking like players for the 49er’s.
I was guessing this was a hazing. I was very wrong. These two guys came up and shock my hand to welcome me to Camp Red Cloud. They were very friendly and polite.
The next night, they invited me to go with them to the Camp bar. I thought it was a good idea to say yes, so I could be a part of the group.
We got to the bar, and they bought me a couple of beers. Then oneof them went up to the bar and ordered three drinks. He brought them to our table and said, “Drink up!”
I had no idea what kind of drink it was. I was gray and ugly.
I had a sip, and my head exploded. The other guys laughed, and challenged me to keep drinking with them. Again, wanting to be accepted I took a couple more sips.
After the fourth gulp, I went into a blackout. I never remembered the rest of the evening.
I woke up the next morning lying next to the tire of a deuce and a half truck, doing the dry heaves.
Welcome to camp!!
This is another story from my upcoming book. Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.
Keep checking back to see more stories and reports about the progress of the book.
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How is your world spinning? Out of Control? Did you have times when you battled the drinking and drugs that were so available?
You certainly are not alone. Alcohol and drugs were to plentiful in the military.
FEAR NOT!!
There are over 12,100 fellow veterans subscribed to this site, and they all have you back.
However, if you are in a dark world and struggling mightily 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 they know you are OK.
Fight back against drugs and alcohol!
I-800-273-8255 Option # 1 For 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 about it.