Duty, Honor, Country, Valor, Sacrifice, and Heroism

Today and every day, I raise my American flag proudly and think about the sacrifices that our men and women have made and are still making in Iraq, Afghanistan and in places which we don't even think about to keep our great country free. We, as a free Nation, should be ever grateful for our veterans—those past and present. I am a proud American because it honors the brave men and women who have served our country and given so much. Their service is such a noble sacrifice that, in my opinion, demands our sincerest respect, thanks, and admiration.

Happy New Year - Good Bye 2010 Blog

I swear I am running out of steam with all the holidays galore. Whether you celebrated Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or your own special holiday, December is a whirlwind of activity capped off with a final holiday called the New Year—after which brings us a brand spanking new set of 12 months. I don't think I am going to make any New Year's resolutions this year but I typically make continuous goals that I strive for yearlong. These goals are easy, like trying to be a better wife, friend, employee, and overall person. If you want to make changes in your life, you need to start right now with something that is not that hard to change. Here are a few goals that I plan to work on this year:

1. I will try to exercise more regularly.
2. I will try to get more sleep in the coming year because 3-4 hours a night is about to do me in.
3. I will try to drink more water. I think I need to break my McDonald’s Sweet Tea and Starbuck’s Sweetened Green Tea addiction.
4. I will try to recycle more and be mindful of my footprint on this Earth.
5. I hope to do writing/blogging that is more meaningful in 2011.
6. I plan to say, "I love you" or “I appreciate you” every day to those that matter.
7. I want to be a better person. That means I will be more open and more introspective. I will listen more, preach less and lead with smaller steps rather than huge leaps.
8. Lastly, I look forward to the New Year with promise and hope.

I hope when you take time to reflect back on the past 12 months as I have, you will find happy thoughts and pleasant memories. New Year's Day means to me that we all have a fresh start with our goals and resolutions. It means that we have more chances to do the things we have always wanted to do. It means yet another year to spend with our loved ones and our friends. I am wishing you all a safe and wonderful New Year.  Happy New Year!

Santa is Coming!

Hello girls and boys around the world. It is Christmas Eve and Santa is coming. In some places, there is only one more time to fall asleep until Christmas morning. That is right; it is only one more night before the most joyous day of the year is here!

Santa is very lucky because he gets to see many wonderful things as he travels the whole world. He also gets to see many things that make him a little sad too. He sees people that are hungry, people that are hurting, and people that do not have a place to live. I am sure this year that he received many letters and emails from parents and children asking for more help. I am sure the letters and emails also expressed many feelings of thankfulness and hope. What gives Santa his energy and ability to serve the world is the hope and belief from all of us around the world.

Santa is really good at making toys and other Christmas presents, but he needs your help to make the world a better place. He needs all of us working on finding cures for diseases, stopping world hunger, and finding world peace. So, it is your turn to help Santa fulfill the wishes of all the girls and boys around the world.

I want to wish my readers and faithful supporters a Merry Christmas and happy New Year, filled with love, joy and happiness and my God bless you every day.

 

Christmas is forever, not for just one day,

for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away

like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.

The good you do for others is good you do yourself.

(Norman W. Brooks)

May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope,

The spirit of Christmas which is peace;

The heart of Christmas which is love.

(Ada V. Hendricks)

The Splendor of Fall

I woke up this morning in Nashville, TN and the thermostat read 28 degrees. The temperature change was a huge shift from the 70s that we had on Wednesday. Just a two-hour drive south to Huntsville, AL and the temperature is now hovering in the mid 50s. What a difference and what a lovely day today is turning out to be! The sun is shining, the air is so fresh and clean and I am warm and comfortable wearing a scarf and light jacket. I am now sipping on a cup of tea as the sun is shining enjoying this Saturday afternoon.

The large Maple tree outside my sunroom window has almost shed all of its leaves while others are still sporting the magnificent colors of Fall. As I look out, I am taking a snap shot with my mind and I almost wish I could freeze time to capture these beautiful moments, but then I realize that it is the change itself that makes it so beautiful. Without Nature’s constant change, everything would be the same and the beauty would become dull and lifeless. Much as in our lives, without change and reinvention the splendor would be gone. If we stop changing and improving ourselves, then we lose ourselves into a world of routine and monotony. Sometimes we need to let our leaves fall, knowing that they will reemerge all the more vibrant again. So as the leaves are falling, I am cherishing these moments as they come and go.

Why do we celebrate Labor Day?

Why do we celebrate Labor Day? The true meaning and significance of Labor Day, much like many other holidays, has been largely forgotten by many Americans. I do not pretend to be very knowledgeable about our Labor history or the origins of Labor Day, but I did look it up on the Internet and learn about it this morning. What I found is that Labor Day is more than just a day off or a long weekend. It is a day that is intended for us to honor and recognize the contributions of all working people, both those with jobs and those who are struggling to find them in this current climate where our unemployment rate hovers in the double digits across the country. At a time when so many people are unemployed, Labor Day also reminds me that having a job is a valuable thing.

Observed on the first Monday in September, Labor Day was created by the labor movement during the height of the Industrial Revolution in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. Back then, the average American laborer worked 12-hour days and seven-day workweeks in order to survive. Does that mean that Labor Day is a relic, and no longer a meaningful holiday? Labor or being a worker in today’s job market has not become easier, it is just different because the majority of our workers are no longer unionized, blue-collar, or manual laborers. This does not mean that they do not work hard, in fact, these days many workers are working longer hours than ever to adapt to the global economy and ever-changing communications technology. Knowledge workers are perpetually tethered to their Smartphone’s and are always virtually at work.

In this decade, we saw taxpayers bailing out Wall Street while some greedy individuals continued to receive million dollar bonuses for their failures; all the while working families struggled to live paycheck to paycheck. We also saw our U.S. tax policy reward companies for shifting millions of jobs overseas in order to take advantage of workers that labored for mere pennies a day. Countless American workers saw wage cuts, loss of basic health care benefits or lost their jobs altogether while numerous corporations posted record profits. These are clear and compelling examples of corporate greed and reasons why we need to take another look at the true meaning of Labor Day. The examples should also make it clear to everyone that we need to celebrate the social and economic achievements of the American worker while also continuing to fight to help restore our country to the “land of opportunity” our parents and grandparents created for us. I have confidence that the working middle class will survive and will continue to provide the foundation for this country’s greatness. In memory of the true heroes who fought for the rights we all enjoy today, it is our duty to stand up now and to honor all of those who will follow us. That, I believe, is the true meaning of Labor Day.

Memorial Day and Service

There are very few callings more fulfilling than a tour of duty or a career spent in military service. As we approach this Memorial Day weekend, let us honor the fallen by ensuring that our future is worth the sacrifice of their tomorrows. Behind every grave of a fallen soldier is a spouse without a loved one to whom they pledged their undying love, a child who will never again feel the warmth of their parent’s embrace, or a mother and father who have lost the son or daughter they once cradled lovingly in their arms. Such losses are unmatched but can be seen at any of a 100 national cemeteries across the United States where there are military graves.

At Arlington National Cemetery, our nation’s preeminent military cemetery, America’s most recent war dead (Iraq and Afghanistan veterans) are buried in Section 60, also know as the “saddest acre in America”. Arlington also contains the remains of more than 260,000 brave men and women who gave their lives for their country. Others that are laid to rest there also include Presidents and Supreme Court Justices, astronauts and significant historical figures, Medal of Honor recipients and Five Star Officers, along with more than 4,700 unidentified soldiers represented by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Several years back I visited Arlington. What I saw there left a profound sense of emptiness in my soul and has stayed with me and touched me in a way that I will never forget. The cemetery has a peacefulness about it, but as I stood there and viewed the rows and rows of white tombstones stretching towards the horizon, I realized the real cost of war, the real cost of freedom, and the real sacrifices our service men and women make for our country every day. I could not help but feel the loss and the sadness of those families as I stood in such a sacred place that epitomizes the honor of service of our military. Each tombstone gives voice to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to their country.

I don't know how you plan to spend Memorial Day, but I hope you will take a moment to remember those who have served, suffered, and given their lives in defense of our country.

Armed Forces Day Thoughts

Throughout our nation's history, many women and men of courage have willingly defended our nation's liberties at freedom's front in any land, sky, or ocean. Sixty years ago, President Harry S. Truman deemed that a day be set aside to honor this tradition by paying homage to those who have served this nation in uniform. Today is Armed Forces Day and all across the nation, thirteen stripes and fifty stars soar high in the sky at many of our homes because the flag represents our banner of freedom and it is our way to show respect to those who have served and continue to serve in the military.

Armed Forces Day was designated to celebrate all the services (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force) standing watch around the globe. It is because of the selfless service, perpetual vigilance, and constant readiness for action from our soldiers that this day inspires many Americans to pause and pay tribute to the men and women in uniform. Our military has played a major role in the development of our country and has brought peace to many other countries because of their unbending honor, their dedication to duty and their love of country.

This new century ahead holds new and great challenges for our county. The fight for freedom around the world is an ongoing battle. Yes, those missions include supporting the Iraqi and Afghanistan people and the Coalition Air Force Transition Team in their battle with insurgents, so that a free and stable government can take hold and survive. Remember, this fight is not just the conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is also a fight to save lives through our humanitarian relief operations, a fight to discourage and deter our adversaries, and it is a fight to provide for the strategic defense of our country now and in the future.

As we set aside this day, please show your support of our Armed Forces as they continue to carry out their assigned missions. This evening in particular, my thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the soldiers who have died serving their country honorably. Their bravery and sacrifice deserve our respect and gratitude. Let us also not forget the families of our service members either. They should also be recognized for their contributions, loving support, and sacrifices they endure that ensure that our service members are ready to answer when our Nation calls.

God Bless Our Troops

If you look at the military forces that we are fighting against, you begin to understand how dedicated and professional our own troops are. Our American forces do not hide in civilian clothes, wave white flags in order to get a little closer, and then commit deadly suicide bombings. Suicide bombing is not part of our military doctrine, nor will it ever be. The Taliban and the insurgents have shown that they do not respect human life. They torture and execute their own people, our fallen heroes, and random civilians. Our military provides food, water and protection for captured enemy combatants. Often, our military medical teams conduct battlefield operations to save the lives of our enemy and their people. While the enemy hides among their civilian population, thus putting their safety at risk, our soldiers are protecting their civilians, and providing medical services to them when they are caught in the middle of friendly fire. We know and understand that there is a profound difference between the use of force for liberation and the use of force for conquest. Iraq and Afghanistan civilians are forced to fight, we volunteer. Our volunteer troops go about their mission because they believe in the freedom and the values that our country stands for. Every day our troops are risking their lives in pursuit of freedom and a safer world for everyone.

Once again, I want to express my appreciation to our dedicated and professional troops that serve our country with integrity and honor. They have held strong to the founding principles of our nation; pursuing liberty, justice, and freedom without regard for their own personal cost. Our troops are the greatest generation who continue to serve as inspiration for us all.

God Bless America

Have you recently thought about the thousands of soldiers serving overseas right now? So many families have sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, mothers, or fathers that have volunteered to serve not once, not twice, not three times, but even four different deployments. These service men and women have served tours of duty in some combination in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as in various other locations throughout the world. They are serving years away from their families, friends and loved ones. Just this week, in the aftermath of the quake that devastated Haiti, America once again rose to the task of being the leader of the free world in contributing humanitarian aid and also by sending American troops. Yes, our soldiers are not just at war, they also serve selflessly aiding many other counties helping them preserve their way of life too.

On the calendar, there are a couple of days where we have the opportunity to remember and pay tribute to the men and women throughout history who have served our great nation. On Memorial Day and Veterans Day, we pause to honor those who gave their lives to defend our freedom. The freedoms and liberties we cherish on these days was paid for with the blood and sacrifice of countless Americans who answered their nation’s call to serve. Do we really need a day on the calendar to realize that we need to think about and thank our veterans for their service—past and present--every day?

I want take this time to express my appreciation to those who continue to serve our country with integrity and honor. You have held strong to the founding principles of our nation – pursuing liberty, justice, and freedom without regard for the cost to your personal lives. You are the greatest generation who continue to voluntarily serve as inspiration for us all. You understand the difference between the use of force for liberation and the use of force for conquest. Today, as our service men and women answer the call to defend our nation and provide freedom and stability to many ailing and troubled regions around the world, we find ourselves with a new generation of American heroes. These young men and women join their predecessors who made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of freedom and a safer free world. Please join me in celebrating our heroes today and every day. God bless them and America!

Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Around the United States and throughout the world, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday is celebrated with marches and countless playbacks of his brilliant "I Have a Dream" speech. King’s words, are as valid today as they were over 30 years ago, and continue to inspire people. President Ronald Reagan signed legislation designating the "Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.," or MLK Day a federal holiday. King's birthday is on January 15 and this holiday was designated to celebrate and honor his legacy. For some, this holiday is simply a day off from work. However, some have chosen to use this day as a day of community service to the community in which they live. The United States has come a long way since the days before the beginning of the civil rights movement. Despite this, there is always room for improvement and the need to make life better for all Americans. I do not know how you plan to spend MLK Day, but I hope it will be meaningful.

Happy New Year

I wish for courage and strength for those serving in harms way. Our men and women of our armed forces represent the true heart and soul of America. We are blessed to have soldiers and commanders who are committed to the mission of making a better Iraq and Afghanistan. Wishing for peace on earth and wishing all a Happy New Year.

Merry Christmas

Today in our comfortable homes surrounded with plenty on the eve of Christmas, it is well for us to pause and remember with deep appreciation our loved ones both home and abroad. Merry Christmas to all our soldiers and their families. Hurry home safely and wishing you and yours peace in the New Year.

Giving Thanks

Where did the last month go? I blinked, and the month has gone by so quickly. Now Thanksgiving is upon us this week. For me, Thanksgiving Day has always been a day in which I take a few moments to reflect upon the blessings that I am truly thankful for and that I sometimes take for granted. Therefore, I offer a few things that I am personally grateful for.

• I am truly thankful that my family, pets, and friends are in good health. All my family and friends, whether they are local or distant (Facebook) or even whether I have ever met them in person or not, make life every day more manageable.
• I am thankful that I have a great job. One of the most rewarding things about moving to Huntsville and working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the thing for which I am most thankful, is the fascinating people that I have met along the way. Each one has an incredible talent or ability, and by some fantastic event, our paths are able to cross. Equally, I am also thankful for the kindness of strangers, many of which have gone out of their way to make my transition from San Antonio to Huntsville an easy one.
• I am very thankful for the times that I have an abundance of work, but I am equally thankful for the down times when I can engage in some hobbies, travel, and just be a couch potato every once in a while.
• I am thankful that every day brings a continuum of options.
• Lastly, I am thankful for today and tomorrow and for all the individuals, which put their lives on the line to protect us and preserve our freedoms as Americans.

Holiday Consumerism

Don’t get me wrong, I like Christmas but I prefer to enjoy the fall season and colors for a while before seeing Christmas decorations too early. It seems that every store I go into, early Christmas decorations abound. Every year, stores seem to push their holiday goods earlier and earlier. In some stores, decorations were actually displayed in September. I remember a day when Thanksgiving decor came out right after Halloween, and Christmas decor came out right after Thanksgiving. It is starting to feel like these holidays only represent a huge consumerism push and the real meaning of each holiday is getting lost in the shuffle.

Veterans Day - Thank You

You do not have to be a genius to understand that our heroes are not just the men and women in uniform but also their families staying behind and leading normal lives in very abnormal situations. I am continually marveled at the willingness and strength of families that put aside their own careers and dreams for their spouses in the military. Without the loving support of a veteran’s family, the service member would not be able to go off to war and support our country. Therefore, in honor of Veterans Day, I want to say “thank you” to all veterans, including family members of a veteran and service members currently serving in all corners of the world.