Basic Training in the Military Can be Very Tough and Yet Very Rewarding.

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Military news…

Russian strike on Ukraine’s Odesa badly damages landmark Orthodox cathedral; 1 dead, many wounded

Four children were among those wounded in the blasts, which severely damaged 25 landmarks across the city, including the historic Transfiguration Cathedral.

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WWII veteran and legendary singer Tony Bennett dies at 96
Before Tony Bennett had an impressive singing career, he served his country in WWII.

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North Korea fires 2 short-range ballistic missiles after US submarine arrives in South Korea

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into its eastern sea, according to South Korea’s military, adding to a recent streak in weapons testing that is apparently in protest of the U.S. sending major naval assets to South Korea in a show of force.

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Moscow, Crimea hit by Ukrainian drones while Russian forces bombard Ukraine’s south

Russian authorities accused Ukraine of launching a drone attack on Moscow early Monday that saw one of the aircraft fall near the Defense Ministry’s main headquarters, while the Russian military unleashed new strikes on port infrastructure in southern Ukraine.

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US Sending More Warships, Marines to Gulf to Counter Iran’s Efforts to Seize Commercial Ships

The U.S. is sending additional warships and thousands of Marines to the Middle East to increase security after attempts to seize commercial ships there.

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Many of us have stories about our drill sergeants in basic training. I am no different.

I enlisted in 1959, and was sent to Ft Ord California, which is now closed. I enlisted with two buddies and we were in Basic together.

My first adventure with my drill Sgt, Sgt MacDonald was in the first week. He came barking into our barracks yelling us to attention. He was looking possessed! He stop in front of every soldier and screamed. He tore beds apart. He called guys names.

After he left we all felt dumbfounded.

That was just the beginning. He marched us and marched us for hours. He sent many guys to KP, and clean-up duty.

My personal dealing with him was brutal at first. He ordered me out of the barracks one night, and told me to dig a hole. When I was done, he threw a cigarette in it and told me to cover it up. When I was finished he told me to dig it up again.

I never got angry our upset. I knew he was just training me to be tough.

He sent me to KP more times than I can remember.

Towards the end of basic. He let up a little. Then he even named me soldier of the month. Later he nominated me for the honor guard.

I finally asked him why he was treating me so good. He said, “You never once looked upset or angry. I like that in a good soldier.”

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I am in the process of interviewing a submariner. Not just any submariner, but a nuclear submariner. Incredible interview. This should be enough to buy my upcoming book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the trenches of life.

I also talked to a Vietnam veteran who is deciding if he will allow me to interview him. He has an amazing story. (He had a bayonet go through both legs in an one on one fight.

Keep coming back to find what new interviews I may be having.

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Checking in on you. How are you doing? Is everything going OK, or are you fighting back memories?

FEAR NOT!

There are over 15,219 Veterans on this site who have your back.

If you are battling mentally, but you are losing, GET HELP!!

Here is a toll free number that you can call 24/7. There are highly 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.

And above all…never, ever, give up.

+Now there is an easier way to get help. Just dial 988, and you will have help ready for you.

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Latest Military News that May Affect Us

There are 21 new subscribers since I last posted. Welcome to each of you! Amazing things are happening here lately.

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I decided to make this Military news day. The following is the latest news about what may affect us:

 PREVENTS Roadmap Released: On Wednesday, VFW Washington Office Executive Director B.J. Lawrence attended the release of the President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS), which is a nationwide plan for ending suicide. The PREVENTS Task Force calls for a number of steps to be taken, including a nationwide public health campaign to change the culture around suicide and mental health, launch a National Research Strategy for effective solutions for the prevention of suicide, and build partnerships among organizations to share best practices. 

VA to Host Virtual Women Veterans Event June 23: Next week, the VFW will join VA Acting Deputy Secretary Pam Powers who will host an event for women veterans on June 23 from 12:30-3:30 p.m. EST. VA Secretary Robert Wilkie will kick off the event to include presenters from all three VA administrations, as well as the Center for Women Veterans, and the Veterans Experience Office. The discussion will focus on how VA responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, address how VA has changed as a result of it, and the post-pandemic environment.

MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced three new identifications for service members who have been missing and unaccounted-for from WWII and the Korean War.

TRICARE Dental Program Increasing Annual Maximum: United Concordia, the TRICARE Dental Program contractor, announced it will be raising every enrollee’s annual maximum an additional $300. For the contract year that runs from May 1, 2020, to April 30, 2021, the annual maximum will be $1,800. The change is automatic. Enrollees do not need to take any action for this to apply. 

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How are you doing? Things aren’t exactly rosy right now. It is hard to watch the news anymore.

There is tension now in the Philippians. The United States, and the Philippine armies are training together. This does not make China happy. Apparently the Chinese have been trying to frighten the Philippians by having hundreds of war ships pass by their country. We will see what happens there.

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Many of the Generals seem to fighting back against President Trump and his wishes to use the regular Army to clean up the rioting areas. I can see both sides here.

What really has to happen is this:

If you notice that every place there is rioting, burning of businesses, and looting, is run by the democrats. Coincidences? I don’t think so. Those “leaders,” need to get tough and take charge. Clear out their own mess!!

We really do not need the National Guard. We need strong people who live there to step up.

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How are you holding up during this storm we are going through? Is it getting overwhelming?

I know your pain. I have been struggling. The main thing I cling to is that no one can intimidate me. I will not back down. I will remain strong, and reach out to others who need help.

If it is getting a little dicey for you and your need help. Call the crises line below:

1-800-273-8255 Do not delay. It could be your life line.

You should never feel you are weak if you seek help. Do not let people think that since you are a veteran, you should tough it out. I needed help and I got it.

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If you like what this site has to offer, please go to the top of this page and click on “Subscribe.” When you do all future posts will go directly to your in box. Also, please tell others you may think could use this site as well.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!