So my neighbor obtains a donated wreath and invites to me to join him and some other members of the Yorktown Virginia Marine Corps League for an impromptu ceremony at the National Cemetery to commemorate the anniversary of Lieutenant Sargent's death. For me, it was simply an honor to be in the presence of so many outstanding Marine Corps veterans. But it gets even better. As part of the personal ceremony my neighbor organized, the Commandant of the Yorktown Chapter presented me with a special challenge coin and a picture of him holding up a painting of Freddy Gonzalez painted by famous Marine Corps painter, Col (ret) Charles Waterhouse. Not only did these Marines take time out on a rainy Sunday afternoon to honor an Army Medal of Honor recipient. They knew I am fortunate to command a great ship like GONZALEZ and found a way to make it special for me as well. My neighbor is right...never pass up the opportunity to talk to someone serving or who has served. You never know who you might get to hang out with. So, XO, if you are reading the blog, stand by to organize a tour for some great Americans! Go Navy and Semper Fi Marines!
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3 comments:
"I never walk by another person who's serving and not speak. Life is all about who you hang out with."
This is a great habit. We should all adopt it.
Walt
What an outstanding active duty blog. One doesn’t find many of these unless the owner of the blog is wearing 3 or 4 stars on their shoulders. Captain Fort, I found your blog last month when I was reading about today’s Navy destroyers. I also have a younger cousin who serves on a DDG with DESRON 23 based in San Diego as a CS-2.
This morning Sir, I was reading your latest entry and it reminded me of the one and only time I met a living recipient of the Medal of Honor. Colonel Roger Donlon, (A native of Kansas and the first MOH recipient of Vietnam) was who I met http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Donlon This occurred at the 190th Air refueling base, Forbes Field in Topeka KS. I was station there for two years in the Air National Guard, 190th SFS. During one of our drill weekends, Colonel Donlon was there with his wife for his book tour http://www.pritzkermilitarylibrary.org/events/2007-07-18-rogerDonlon.jsp I walked up to his table to buy a copy (this occurred in April or May 2004) and I couldn’t believe I was meeting a piece of living history. The Colonel asked me where I was from, was I presently in college, about my job and where I’d been on active duty. He was warm and personable, but I could barely speak in normal sentences. I felt like a 1st phase recruit when addressing him. He had the ability to look right through you upon eye contact. Looking back on it, the Colonel could have easily given any poker table at the MGM Grand or the Bellagio a serious run for their money. I was most impressed with him and his book. Any history buff will enjoy it.
As for me, I’m Prior USAF Security Police, E-5. May 1996-2002 active duty.
June 2002-2004 Kansas Air National Guard.
Sir, Thanks for providing such a great blog. It is both informative and fun to read.
May the wind be on your back.
SSGT J. Casey
USAF
What an outstanding active duty blog. One doesn’t find many of these unless the owner of the blog is wearing 3 or 4 stars on their shoulders. Captain Fort, I found your blog last month when I was reading about today’s Navy destroyers. I also have a younger cousin who serves on a DDG with DESRON 23 based in San Diego as a CS-2.
This morning Sir, I was reading your latest entry and it reminded me of the one and only time I met a living recipient of the Medal of Honor. Colonel Roger Donlon, (A native of Kansas and the first MOH recipient of Vietnam) was who I met http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Donlon This occurred at the 190th Air refueling base, Forbes Field in Topeka KS. I was station there for two years in the Air National Guard, 190th SFS. During one of our drill weekends, Colonel Donlon was there with his wife for his book tour http://www.pritzkermilitarylibrary.org/events/2007-07-18-rogerDonlon.jsp I walked up to his table to buy a copy (this occurred in April or May 2004) and I couldn’t believe I was meeting a piece of living history. The Colonel asked me where I was from, was I presently in college, about my job and where I’d been on active duty. He was warm and personable, but I could barely speak in normal sentences. I felt like a 1st phase recruit when addressing him. He had the ability to look right through you upon eye contact. Looking back on it, the Colonel could have easily given any poker table at the MGM Grand or the Bellagio a serious run for their money. I was most impressed with him and his book. Any history buff will enjoy it.
As for me, I’m Prior USAF Security Police, E-5. May 1996-2002 active duty.
June 2002-2004 Kansas Air National Guard.
Sir, Thanks for providing such a great blog. It is both informative and fun to read.
May the wind be on your back.
SSGT J. Casey
USAF
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