Periodic Declaration/Disclaimer

Posted By Laughing_Wolf

The ideas and opinions expressed by me are mine and mine alone.  They do not represent the view of any other author, authority, or non-authority blowhard; any U.S. federal, state, or local government agency or administration; the Department of Defense, the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marines, the Coast Guard, the Civil Air Patrol, or other military or quasi-military agency of the U.S. or any other country or entity; the Politburo, the pirates of lower Arbat street, the Diet, or any other foreign government, government agency, or administration; any employer or client (especially Purdue); any spouse or significant other; any past, present, or future mother-in-law, in-law, out-law, cousin, aunt, uncle, or other relative; any friend, acquaintance, co-worker, or that strange person down at the coffee shop; any supervisor or person supervised; any organization for which work is done on a paid or volunteer basis; the dog, the cat, and most especially the wolves; and, are neither approved or disapproved by any employer, client, member of the government, or any corporation or other business entity.  If any person, agency, organization, employer, or other desires to pre-approve content, they can bite me, knowing that I bite back and have been learning from the best.  If any person, agency, organization, employer, or other desires to chastise, reprimand, discipline, demand changes, or otherwise express opprobrium for my thoughts and work posted here, there, anywhere, or even in private, they may do so as allowed by law; however, I once again suggest they bite me.  All provisions, decisions, declarations, demarcations, and other are subject to availability and no warranty or guarantee is expressed or implied.  Tag, tax, and title are extra. 

Any comment, or post by another author, belongs to the person or thing who wrote it and is their problem, not mine; and, leaving said post or comment up here, there, or elsewhere does not imply or acknowledge acceptance, agreement, or even that it has been read.  Comments are subject to the rules as set forth in comments policy, and registering and posting is agreement to and with said policies.  Comments are subject to counter-commentary, praise, ridicule, change, deletion, alteration, or pretty much whatever I choose to do either upon mature reflection, profound thought, or wild hair or on a whim.  Regardless of category of the latter, all decisions are final and not subject to appeal, redress, or even to be given a dress. Frocks are extra.

While the right to an opinion is respected, there is no legal, moral, or ethical requirement that all opinions have to be respected, because quite frankly, some of them are so poorly thought out, posited, or considered so as to be beyond idiotic.  Nor do I acknowledge or accept that all opinions have equal value and acceptance by myself or anyone else.  They don’t.  Deal with it. 

This concludes the declaration, and we return you to your regularly scheduled programming. 

LW

Cooking with the Wounded Phase II Kickoff

Posted By Laughing_Wolf

There is little better in this world than doing some good, and especially doing some good for the troops with a good group of people. Cooking with the Wounded is now a formal program, and Phase II kicked off in high style thanks to Katy and Molly of the Yellow Bowl Bakery, who have founded their own group Bakers without Borders to do for the troops, and to Concrete Bob who brought together the 173rd ABN, the Warrior Legacy Foundation, DC Free Republic, and the grilling regulars to do quite a cookout. The result was pure Southern hospitality:  grazing from the early afternoon on into the evening.  

The day started with Concrete Bob and company setting up for an afternoon of fine eating.  Bob provided some excellent chicken, which was far better than the last batch of BBQ chicken I did.  Carter and Dayna, Lisa Everington (Apogee Solutions), and Gunn Nutt took care of the sides, hamburgers, hot dogs, and more.  We even had Princess Crabby drive down from Boston to help with the cookout, and Mary Ripley of the U.S. Naval Institute joined in as well. Special thanks also go to Olga for her help. 

This went from about 1 until 5:30, and a special shout out needs to go to a certain CSM who truly got things cooking.  The crowd was not quite what was expected, but it turns out half the residents had hopped a charter to Vegas and that some field trips caused the crowd to slowly build.  The families made it for me, however, and my favorite was the little girl who, when her parents wanted to leave and go inside, and daddy waved and said goodbye, simply looked up at him, smiled, waved, and called out good bye to him... 

As things got dark, it was time to move in and for Soldiers' Angels to host Bakers without Borders.  These excellent chefs brought:  6 Kentucky Bourbon pecan pies; 6 pumpkin pies; 6 blueberry oatmeal pies; 2 sheet cakes; brownies; cookies; and... I know I'm forgetting something but I lost count and track of all the goodies.  I also have to admit, their pecan pie out did my momma's pecan pie and may even be my all-time favorite.  We didn't get a shot of the spread, in large part because the hordes descended and we think around 200 people were fed.  Again, I lost count and how do you count at least one person who came back for thirds on the pecan pie?  

Phase II of Cooking with the Wounded is off to a roaring start.  Work now turns to raising the money for the ladies of the Yellow Bowl Bakery to Landstuhl for the next event.  There is some community support, and all support is welcome.  Check out what we are planning, not just for Landstuhl but where we would like to take the program.  You can also check it out on Facebook.

My thanks to Bakers without Borders, Bob, and everyone who came and made this event such a success.  Just goes to show what you can do when good groups and people all work together.  Thank you.

LW

PS:  If you want to know why all of us, from all the different groups, do this here's one reason why from an e-mail sent to Concrete Bob:

Your group's presentation and serving of an afternoon meal on 11/14 at Malogne House was of the highest regard and is sincerely appreciated.  My son is recently returned from Afganistan with battle wounds, and is overcome with emotion at the incredible outpouring of support from virtually all he encounters.  May the Lord bless all of you, and all that you do, in support of these warriors.  Thank you again. 

Our thanks to you and to your son, Sir.  The honor and pleasure are ours. 

Let's Put Valour-IT Over The Top

Posted By Laughing_Wolf

We are almost there, or are we? Times are tough, but there is always more we can do.  Yet, sometimes we need a bit more incentive to go do it.  Well, we have some incentive for you.  Patti and others are willing to go bald if you will take it over the top.  With an example like that, how can I fail to step up?

If Team Army gets to $50,000 by Wednesday evening, I will go bald as well.  I will even arrange to have photos or video taken if you can kick it up to that level. 

So, what's it to be?  Shall we just barely equal the Marines, or show what Army Strange Strong really means. 

LW

Dealing With The Pain That Comes From Rendering Honors

Posted By Laughing_Wolf

I watched what I could of the Ft. Hood memorial service, and found it good.  I was particularly pleased at some of what was said, and some that was not said.  Now is not the time to parse the words or actions, or to criticize, but to acknowledge the loss and that which was good from each who took part.  I was particularly pleased with certain things said by the President, and in his action of placing a coin at each memorial for the families.  The musicians and the singers did an excellent job, as did. Lt. Gen. Cone.

I won't claim to speak for anyone else, but for me, watching or attending military memorial or funeral services can just about rip my guts out. Frankly, I've gotten where I hate movies or television that feature taps or a bagpipe playing Amazing Grace.  If you, like me, need something to take you away and change your mental state, I would share a memory of my father's funeral that still can bring a bit of humor even during that difficult moment.

Dad had a military funeral, and even though most there knew what that entailed, I'm not sure all were prepared for it.  Having been busy and going for days since I rushed home when things started downhill, I was tired but busy.  Taking care of Dad, his care, and final time, and all that comes with such a loss had been my focus and my way of coping.  It was at the end of the service, when almost all was done and I had no more to watch, check, or care for that it began to hit.  The final words were said, and the Marines rendered honors.  I can't begin to describe my thoughts at that moment, but the first volley ended up taking me almost to laughter.  It probably isn't nice of me, but that's where I almost went courtesy of my youngest niece, who was in her early 20s.  When the volley was fired, she didn't just jump a bit, she probably came a full foot out of her chair, and then leaped/lunged across her big sister's lap like she was diving for safety.  I knew that the loss was hitting her hard, but her reaction (esp. since she did seem like she might keep going for ground and cover) almost made me laugh out loud.  I found out that some others present thought she might be hitting the deck too, and had a hard time not laughing. 

She never realized it, but my niece gave me a gift that hard day that as been a grace more than once since.  When services reach that point, and emotions build, I will turn to that memory and find some peace and a reminder that humor is not just the best medicine, it is also one heck of a good shield.  May any of you who need it, now or at any time, use that during dark times to drive back that which surrounds. 

LW

Five Student Veterans You Should Meet

Posted By Laughing_Wolf

I usually try to keep the day job separated from my work here, but sometimes it is a true pleasure to mix them.  It would be very much appreciated if you could take the time to go meet five student veterans at Purdue.  This is a good group, from a former Army medic working on a Ph.D. in special education (let the Army jokes begin!) to a SEAL who is a walk-on to the Purdue football team.  Please go check them out, and let me know what you think of what we did.  BTW, there should be an archive coming soon of the previous five-students profiles. 

LW 

getting an early start on Veteran's Day...

ReMIND.org & Stand Up For Heroes

Posted By Laughing_Wolf Last Wednesday, I had the honor to attend the third annual Stand Up For Heroes gala in New York.  A fundraiser for the Bob Woodruff Foundation/ReMIND.org, it brings together a variety of people to raise money for our wounded.  Not only that, but the first three rows at The Town Hall theatre (where the phrase "not a bad seat in the house" was coined) were given over to some of those wounded in the last year and their families. 

Brian Williams of NBC was the MC, and the acts, well, let's see:  Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen, Louis CK, Stephen Colbert, and Lisa Lampanelli were the highlights.  Jon Stewart, along with the First Lady and President G. H. Bush, sent a video presentation for the evening.  All the performers, and I include Brian Williams in that category, were good.  Williams has a very dry sense of humor, and the decency to keep the audience informed of what was happening in a certain world series game...  Louis CK was good, and Colbert (in his camo suit) got off some really good lines, my favorite was his discussion of Gen. Odierno as Shreck, and how soft the generals hands were and about how he gave Colbet a full Brazilian to go with the haircut.  I will also admit that Lisa Lampanelli has never been a favorite of mine, but her equal opportunity picking upon was well done, and I (and others) just about fell out of our seats over her gay Navy routine.  The best line was "that's why the Navy uses powdered soap, it takes longer to pick up." 

The goal was to raise money, and they did.  A company promised to match any and all donations made that night up to $150,000.00, and given that I think they raised more than the $150k based on pledges, I suspect they cleared well over $300,000.00 on that alone.  In addition, Bruce Springsteen presented the guitar he played in his last set for auction, and it was bought by actress Mariska Hargitay for $50,000.00.  The victory dance she did when Bruce handed her the guitar (possibly in/on her seat) was worth the price of admission. 

Two things need to be noted here.  First, ReMIND.org gives most of the money it raises to other charities, grassroots organizations that are already doing the work with the wounded.  They are not trying to reinvent the wheel.  Second, they -- like Valour-IT -- are in doing a fundraiser centered on Veteran's Day.  If you are of a mind to, they are looking to get people to donate $11.11 on Veteran's Day.  It's a good cause and I've donated to them before myself. 

While it was a quick trip, I did get to do a couple of other things.  Rich Lowe and his wife were kind enough to offer me the hospitality of their home, and it was a pleasure to get to peruse his library a bit and to view the excellent collection of military miniatures and impressive dioramas there.  Richard was also kind enough to buy me an excellent lunch at the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station (Blue Point Oysters with anchovy butter) before I walked over to the U.S.S. New York for a visit.   I want to thank the Navy for letting me aboard, and the Marines for an excellent visit/tour/instruction session.  It was a true pleasure to spend time with such a good group, and to be able to present a Soldiers' Angels "May We Never Forget" coin to a ship that has "Never Forget" as its motto. 

Don't forget, if you can, give a bit to ReMIND.org and there is still a chance to get my head shaved if Team Army gets extremely lucky.  Come on, you want to see me bald...

LW

Really General Casey?

Posted By Laughing_Wolf

Start with a horrific act of murder -- and that is what happened, murder -- and a lot of confusion.  Rule to remember is that the initial reports are always wrong, especially when dealing with national mainstream media.  The locals did better, but they too were dealing with the fog. 

Mix in a typical dose of immediate denial of terrorism by the Federal Government, well before any basic facts are known.  Typical, and has been the playbook since 9/12 (and one that needs to be dropped).

Add to it a mainstream media determined to push PTSD, and when that couldn't be done they come up with PTSD by proxy.  Yes, such a thing can exist, but it is rare and not terribly well documented at that from what I can find.  Yet, you wouldn't know that from most coverage. 

Add in yet more from the mainstream media pushing the pistol used as a "cop killer" despite the fact there appear to be no documented cases of an officer even being wounded with one, much less killed.  The officers at Ft. Hood appear to be the first ever shot -- thankfully, they did not prove the lie by dying. 

Then we have a Commander-in-Chief who gives an address to the nation, and is so tone deaf and more such that he places the tragedy at the last.  This is a bit of politics, as it allowed the President to showcase what he saw as the more important item first, and ensured that the networks would not cut away from same.  That this also increased airtime/facetime is just a bonus from the White House point-of-view.  A President who did not go to Dover with no photo ops (word is all families declined coverage), and has yet to go to Ft. Hood, and also couldn't be bothered to attend the celebrations of the fall of the wall that every other major and minor world leader is attending. 

Continue the celebrity-like coverage of the traitor and giving far less coverage to the victims.  The people who helped others.  The ones who ran to the sound of guns instead of away.  The ones who died and the ones who lived get a mere fraction of the rationalizing, apologizing, and excusive (well, it ought to be a word) coverage given a sorry sack.  Watch the so-called experts twisting themselves into pretzels to avoid the obvious, even to the point of saying there is no clear evidence -- despite eye witness accounts -- that the killer said anything, much less Allahu Akbar. 

Blow in a raft of warnings against backlash against Muslims from the President on down.  Yep, I remember the horrific backlash in the days right after 9-11, when the Amish death wagons rolled into Muslim neighborhoods and what happened to those poor souls taken into the Presbyterian churches...  Oh, wait, that's right, very little happened in those days.  This reaction of our so-called elite says far more about them and what they might do than it does about the population at large... 

Now add the final ingredient:  A General of the Army who says that losing diversity would be a greater loss than 13 dead and 29 wounded. 

And you wonder why no one was willing to step forward and make a formal complaint or notice about a killer who was very open about who and what he was?  You wonder why no one pushed the obvious investigations, from the FBI on? 

I had more, but right now, just am not sure it is worth it.  No leader, civilian or military, is going to own up to their responsibility and all have just shown how much they truly think of those who serve in our military.  Disgusted doesn't begin to cover my feelings, and I truly fear what is to come, for if we are not willing to deal fairly and evenly with all, then we have already lost all.  Failure to face facts and deal realistically means more and true horrors to come. 

For the terminally stupid out there, I am NOT advocating discrimination.  On the contrary, I am pointing out the reverse discrimination -- and rampant PC idiocy -- that allowed this horrific event to take place.  Or, do you think that if this had been someone with Savage or Beck book to their name that our great and mighty media would not be shouting about the right wing terrorist as loudly as they could?

LW