Quote of the Day

"The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his."

Gen. George S. Patton

h/t VoxVeterana

New Fisher House!

Check this out- there's a new Fisher House coming in Seattle!

Also this- awesome way to support the new House!

SA

Whether or not you agree with the act of war, or the conflicts that this country is currently engaged in, one fact remains. The men and women who are fighting in these conflicts are our neighbors, our neighbors sons and daughters and they are, whether you are comfortable with it or not, fighting and dying in the name of the rest of us. To those of us who have loved ones fighting and risking their lives, it can't be about politics, it is about loving each other.

Every day, new batallions of soldiers leave. Luckily, there are amazing organizations like Soldiers' Angels who exist solely to make the lives of these soldiers easier and happier.

You can help. You don't have to support the war- but you can support your neighbors. All it takes is a commitment to send a card or a letter a month. Usually, an adoption lasts about 6-8 months, and it makes the biggest difference in the world to the soldiers who are treated to a bit of normalcy from home. Please take the time to explore this organization and reach out and support a soldier. They need us.

"Non-Citizen Soldiers" etc. - WashPo

The Washington Post had an awesome opinion piece today... Definitely worth a read. Totally valid point- and a good illustration of politics getting in the way of a really great idea. Politics can be okay sometimes, but in this case the conservative agenda is harming the country.

Also this one... food for thought. Something that isn't illuminated very often, but there are a great deal of our servicemembers that don't see combat, while others see way too much. Thus is the nature of different types of jobs - the military has them just like every other industry has them!

Amendment

Okay, so I know that I've written about the terrible things that women can do while men are deployed- but what I didn't talk about was terrible things that men can do while they are deployed. Starting with NOT SAYING GOOD BYE. This is a simple note to all those who are facing impending deployment. Just because you can't say where you're going, or how long you're going to be gone doesn't mean that you should just disappear. That is not an acceptable course of action! SAY GOODBYE!

Lebanon

A simple request tonight... please pray for those in Lebanon- 'specially the American troops that were sent there today. Can't say why, but would appreciate good thoughts going out for them!

Memorial Day

Reading the local newspaper about Memorial Day, I was struck by how many cemetaries were in my area. There were so many opportunities to stand side by side with the American Legion, or the VFW and honor the amazing men and women who have given their lives for this country. It struck me that this was a really depressing holiday.
I know that Memorial Day is about honoring those who have fallen, and remembering and mourning them is an incredibly powerful thing to do. But what better way to honor those that have died by supporting those who continue in their stead? Servicemembers that are not able to complete their mission, or accomplish their objective, are missing a part of themselves. Servicemembers want to be able to assist their comrades in their missions, and in life.
My suggestion then is this: This memorial day, certainly, stand on hallowed ground where soldiers are laid to rest, and honor their deaths. But also honor their lives, and the lives of those who still live. Fisher House and Soldiers' Angels are two great ways to support people who live Memorial Day every day.