May the Blessings of Christmas Be with You

Christmas Day. For me, it is a time of reflecting, a time of remembrance, a time of sorrow, and a time of joy. It really is about the Blessings. The first gift of Christmas was the Blessing of Love. Should we be wise enough to see them, large and small, the blessings that we receive throughout our lives are ones that we grasp and hold onto - the people we have loved, the people we have lost, the joys we have shared, the trials we have endured, the guidance we have received, the kindnesses received and given, are all about love.

Christmas comes twice in our home. The first Christmas is marked by the early December mailing deadlines that we have for packages and cards for our friends who are deployed. We shop, we wrap, we pack, we write. We fill out customs forms. We look for just the right thing to brighten the day of our friends. We send them off with love.

The second Christmas comes today. We prepare for it much the same way. We shop, we wrap, often we pack, we write. We look for just the right thing to brighten the day of our family and friends. We send them off with love.

Today, we will sit around the tree and open the gifts that have been given to us. But, what is in the package does not mean as much as the fact that someone shopped, wrapped, packed and sent off with love a gift for us. Or, that someone took time to write us a card. Under the tree is a box from Kansas. I don't know what is in it, but I do know who it is from. A young soldier we supported last year. I don't care what is in the box. What matters is that he sent us his love. It's arrival was a huge surprise. The box could be empty and it would mean just as much. Christmas Eve morning - early, very early, it was still dark - the phone rang, and another young soldier was calling to say, "I'm back from Iraq!" These gifts are the ones that we cherish most - the acknowledgement that we have made a positive influence on someone else - it doesn't get much better than that! We receive them with love.

Throughout the days of Christmas, we have been blessed to receive so many kindnesses. We have been given the gifts of confidences - sharing joys and sorrows, requests for prayers, prayers offered to us, friendships - old ones celebrated and new ones made.

In my life, I have learned a great many things. But, the most important thing I have learned is the joy of giving and graciousness of receiving. If these things are done with love, it doesn't matter what is in the box, because the blessing is the gift of love.

We have been blessed, truly blessed. As God blessed us with his Son, He blesses us still with the love that He encourages us to give and receive. Our wish for you ~ May the Blessings of Christmas be with You!!!

Christmas Bells

CHRISTMAS BELLS

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old, familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet

The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along

The unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till, ringing, singing on its way

The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime,

A chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth

The cannon thundered in the South,

And with the sound

The Carols drowned

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;

'There is no peace on earth,' I said;

'For hate is strong,

And mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!'

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

'God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!

The Wrong shall fail,

The Right prevail,

With peace on earth, good-will to men!'

Special Gifts for Christmas

Christmas Gifts from my blogger friends:

Maryannaville has a list of priceless gifts that are free.

Gawfer has a story of Christmas I have never read before, but it will stay in my heart forever.

A Rose By Any Other Name has another beautiful story of kindness, giving and faith.

Bear Creek Ledger has a beautiful story about a visit to a Veteran's Cemetery.

Fight the Good Fight has some great Christmas photos up.

A Soldiers Perspective has a wonderful recorded Christmas message.

Mike's America has a beautiful picture of the Capitol Christmas tree.

Yankeemom has posted a great poem.

My Weekly Thoughts sends us to a VERY FUNNY link

Gunz Up sends us to a link for a magnificent interactive Christmas card.

Thank you all for sharing the joys and charms of Christmas!

And, thank you for the friendship that comes through blogging.

NORAD Santa

Thank you to CPL M at www.soldiersperspective.com

HO HO HO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

REINDEER QUIZ

You Are Rudolph

Sweet and shy, you tend to be happiest when you're making someone else happy. Why You're Naughty: You sometimes stick that nose where it doesn't belong Why You're Nice: Christmas would be a sad affair without you!

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

However you decorate your part of the world this time of year,

we wish you a very Merry Christmas!!

Christmas in the Sandbox

Christmas in the Sandbox

The weather this year has already been unkind to some travelers. People are not going to get to their destinations... families may not be together... presents may not be delivered on time. For those that do get where they want to be, they may be dreading the family foibles. All in all, there will be a great deal of fretting and anger about something that is out of our control.

While we are feeling sorry for ourselves, we need to stop and think about the fine young men and women who are deployed around the globe - many in harm's way. They will not be sharing Christmas with their families. They will not have a Christmas morning as we know it or the Christmas dinner with family and friends. But, unlike the rest of us, they will find a way to celebrate the day and the meaning of Christmas with the make shift Christmas trees, decorations cut out of cardboard, and Santa traveling in a flak jacket. They will attend the candlelight ceremonies. They will sing. They will pray. They will share their care packages with one another. They will be true to the meaning of the day.

God Bless You All on Christmas and Always.

The pictures are from my own collection sent by our adopted kids and from the military web sites. I hope you enjoy.

Minnesota Soldier Rings the Bell in Iraq

"Thank you for visiting my Red Kettle Page! Please help me reach my goal (or surpass it!) in support of The Salvation Army by making an online gift today... I have supported the Salvation Army in the past by ringing the bells during the holiday season and would really like to do so again this year; unfortunately online is my only means of doing so as I am currently deployed to the Middle East (and will be throughout the holiday season). I'd really appreciate even the smallest donation.

Thanks so much- have a wonderful holiday season!"

~SGT Lacy Marie Hennessy

Lacy's Kettle - click here to donate

****************************************


SGT Lacy Hennessy - a Minnesota National Guard Soldier (The Redbulls) now serving in Iraq - has a tradition of ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. "We always had fun with it, singing carols and being goofy. I love to see generous people throwing even some change in the kettle, because it all adds up," said Sgt Hennessy in an email. This year she is doing her bell ringing virtually. Can you click the link and add to her kettle? She has set a goal of $4,000 and is almost there!

I do admire her generosity and determination!
The Salvation Army is our Christmas Charity and this year, our contribution is going in Lacy's Kettle.

Remember - Honor - Teach

Remember - Honor - Teach

Remember the Fallen

Honor Those Who Serve

Teach Our Children the Value of Freedom

2006 will mark the 15th anniversary of holiday wreaths being sent from the State of Maine to Arlington National Cemetery. Each year the folks at Worcester Wreath Company make and decorate wreaths that will adorn over 5000 headstones of our Nation’s fallen heroes - in what has become an annual event coordinated with the Cemetery Administration and the Maine State Society. This year, wreaths have been sent to over 230 State and National Cemeteries and Veterans monuments across the country. They get youth groups involved in the wreath laying so that they will learn about those who have sacrificed so much for the freedom of our country.

Merrill Worcester explains the Wreaths Across America Project:
"Our goal is to expand the recognition of those who serve our country, both past, present, and future, as well as their families who deserve our support. Without the sacrifices of our veterans, there would be no opportunity to enjoy the freedoms, the life we live today."



The Patriot Guard Riders provided the honor escort from Harrington, Maine to Arlington, Virginia. The touching story of their journey and pictures of the wreath layings can be seen on their site.

Please watch the video below to see the touching story of Wreaths Across America.

Arlington Wreath Project

The moving story of the Wreath Project

Wednesday Hero ~ SGT Roy A Wood

Sgt. Roy A. Wood
47 years old from Alva, Florida
ODA 2092, Company C, 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
January 26, 2005



Sgt. Roy A. Wood, a Special Forces medical sergeant, was fatally injured when the vehicle he was riding in was involved in a traffic accident near Kabul, Afghanistan, during a return convoy from Qalat to Bagram Air Base.

His 24-year military career with the Army Reserve and Army National Guard was distinguished and unique. After receiving a commission as a second lieutenant in 1979, he was first assigned to the Army Reserve’s 421st Quartermaster Company (Light Airdrop Supply).

While assigned to the 421st, he received training as a quartermaster officer, a parachute rigger, and participated in both basic airborne and jumpmaster courses.

In January 1982, he left the 421st to begin an association with U.S. Army Special Forces that would last until, and beyond, his death.

His first SF assignment was to the Army Reserve's 11th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Meade, Md., where he served in the 3rd Battalion’s Company A as the detachment executive officer for Operational Detachment-A 1175.

In May 1983, he became Detachment Commander for ODA 1175 after returning from the Special Forces Detachment Officer Qualification Course.

In October 1984, he left ODA 1175 to become the Company Logistics Officer.

He served in a variety of positions at the 11th SFG over the next 11 years, including operations officer and support company commander.

After four years at USSOCOM, he served a year with the Army Reserve’s 73rd Field Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla., before switching from the Reserve to the Army National Guard and renewing his association with Special Forces.

He was assigned to 3rd Bn., 20th SFG in December 2001, where he served for a year as the Battalion Surgeon, supervising medical coverage of three Special Forces companies and one support company.

In December 2002, he resigned his commission to become a Special Forces medical sergeant on Operational Detachment-A 2092, Co. C, 3rd Bn., 20th SFG.

He, with ODA 2092, was mobilized in July 2003 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

At the time of his death, he was pending appointment as a Special Forces warrant officer, a position in which he would have served his team as an assistant detachment commander.

During his service, he received the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Achievement Medal with Silver Hourglass device, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Basic Parachutist badge, the Parachute Rigger badge, the Ranger tab and the Special Forces tab.

Sgt. Roy Wood leaves behind a wife and two children.

These brave men and women have given their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Have Every Right To Dream Heroic Dreams.

Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes,

They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. If you would like to participate in honoring the brave men and women who serve this great country, you can find out how by clicking here.

Blogs Partcipating In Wednesday Hero

Right-Wing & Right Minded
Hooah Wife & Friends
Yankee Mom
Bear Creek Ledger
Mail Call! Supporting The Troops
Yeah, Right, Whatever
CrosSwords
Gazing At The Flag
Gawfer
Ohio Military Reserve
DeMediacratic Nation
My Point
A Day In The Life Of.....
Blue Star Chronicles
Prying1
Pet's Garden Blog
Pictures From My World
Freedom, GUNZ, Glory and EBYJO
Gunz Up
Say No To Politically Correct B.S.
Did You Ever Get The Feeling
A Rose By Any Other Name
My Weekly Thoughts
Rightwing Guy
Trying My Best To Support The Troops
American And Proud
Maryannaville
Not Ready For My Burqua
Perry Nelson's Website
A Fresh Start
Right On!
Echo9er
Befuddled
Potpourri
Conservative Cowboy
Petrus
Pettifog
Tanker Brothers
Chicagoray
Gop3
ArmyNGntcfamily
Soldiers' Angels New York
My Republican Blog

US Military Gives Christmas Joy to America!!

Each year the United States Military is quietly involved in sending Christmas joy to many Americans. There are big programs and small programs. There are national programs and local programs. But, all of these efforts are just one more way that the military shows its love and care for America. Three of these programs are listed below.

Track Santa with NORAD

Santa Visits NORAD before his flight!! NORAD has been tracking Santa since 1955. Each year, NORAD has a Santa Cam where you can watch Santa's flight around the world. In addition to Chrsitmas Eve tracking, there are games, music, maps, a Christmas countdown clock (Is it Christmas yet???), and you can email Santa!!!
Visit NORAD Tracks Santa!

Toys For Tots

Toys for Tots is a national program to collect toys for children who otherwise might not have much of a Christmas. It began in 1947. Toys for Tots operates, not only in the United States, but in countries where Marines are stationed. This year, we sent Toys for Tots to Baghdad and Okinawa, as well as our local drive. You can find a drop-off point or donate here for Toys for Tots.

Santa's Mailbag

This is a program operated out of Eielson Air Force Base, where children can send a letter to Santa and receive a letter back from Santa Claus, postmarked from the North Pole. This program has been going on for more than 50 years. The volunteer members from the combat weather flight read the letters and respond. Last year, they sent over 4,000 letters. You can read more about the program here.

Send letters, stamps, and donations to
"Santa's Mailbag"
354th OSS/OSW
2827 Flightline Ave, Suite 100B
Eielsan AFB AK 99708-1520

Merry Christmas!!!

Own a Piece of History AND Support Our Troops

Own a Piece of History

AND Support Our Troops!!!

These amazing shadow boxes are available for purchase from Products for Good. To see larger and detailed pictures, please go to their website. Lee Greenwood is their national spokesman.

Basra Orphanage (top)

Iraqis helping restore British cemetery (bottom)

In spring 2003, US and British Soldiers charged to secure Basra, came upon 70,000 pounds of brilliant, uncirculated coins that Saddam Hussein had decommissioned at the end of the gulf war. The coins were sold in a coin auction in London. The proceeds helped an orphanage in Basra and to restore the British cemetery there - both of which had been decimated by Saddam.




After passing through several hands, the coins were acquired by Products for Good. They were placed in these patriotic shadow boxes with 1 coin, 2 coins or 4 coins. In the spirit of doing good, these shadowboxes are assembled by hand at Cleveland Vocational Industries. CVI is a facility which provides work opportunities to those who are usually unable to work in a traditional role.


25% of the sales (before expenses) are immediately sent to programs which assist our wounded troops and their families and the families of our fallen troops - Salue America's Heroes, Operation Family Fund, TAPS, Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund, Fallen Patriot Fund.

We treasure our shadowbox - as it is symbolic of our history and our desire to help our troops. It is the perfect gift for many on your list.

Order now and get 10% Off by using the code FRIEND in the coupon box. Order by December 19th, 1 pm EST and get it in time for Christmas.

www.productsforgood.com

Merry Christmas, My Friend

"Merry Christmas, My Friend"
By Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give,
And to see just who in this home did live.

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
A sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen,
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more,
So I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I'd just read,
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan,
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
Owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
Because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice.
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,
My life is my God, my country, my Corps."

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still,
I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill.

So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
And covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
With eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.

Although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
And for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.
I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.

But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
Said "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day, all's secure."
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas, my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.

****************************

Please see the beautiful video tribute of this poem in the next post down. This poem has been refered to as "A Soldier's Silent Night", but is presented as originally written here.

James M. Schmidt wrote this poem back in 1986 while a Lance Corporal stationed in Washington, D.C., serving as Battalion Counter Sniper at the Marine Barracks 8th & I under Commandant P.X. Kelly and Battalion Commander D.J. Myers [in 1986].

Schmidt hung this poem on the door of the Gym in the BEQ. When Colonel Myers came upon it, he read it and immediately had copies sent to each department at the Barracks and promptly dismissed the entire Battalion early for Christmas leave. The poem was placed that day in the Marine Corps Gazette, distributed worldwide, and later submitted to Leatherneck Magazine.

Schmidt's original version, entitled "Merry Christmas, My Friend," was published in Leatherneck (Magazine of the Marines) in December 1991, "Gyrene Gyngles," Page 79. As Leatherneck wrote of the poem's author in 2003:

"Merry Christmas, My Friend" has been a holiday favorite among 'leatherneckphiles' for nearly the time it takes to complete a Marine Corps career. Few, however, know who wrote it and when. Former Corporal James M. Schmidt, stationed at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., pounded it out 17 years ago on a typewriter while awaiting the commanding officer's Christmas holiday decorations inspection . . . while other leathernecks strung lights for the Barracks' annual Christmas decoration contest, Schmidt contributed his poem to his section."

After leaving the Corps, Schmidt earned a law degree and now serves as an entertainment attorney in Los Angeles and is director of operations for a security consulting firm.

A Soldier's Silent Night

Hat Tip to CJ and Terri

Sgt Brennan C Gibson ~ Farewell and Walk with God

Sgt Brennan C Gibson

Died December 10, 2006

Baghdad, Iraq

Army Sgt Brennan C Gibson, 26, died December 10, 2006, when a roadside bomb detonated and destroyed the Humvee he was in. Also killed were Spc. Philip C Ford, 21, of Freeport, Texas and Spc. Shawn M. Murphy, 24, of Fort Bragg, NC. They were traveling on the outskirts of Baghdad. The were members of the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Sgt. Gibson attended Thurston High School and graduated in 2003 from Oregon State University with a bachelor of science in art, with a special focus on graphic design. He met his wife Corrina while they were students at OSU. Their first child, Kaden, was born just before he deployed to Iraq.

"He loved being a soldier, and he was a good one. If there was a kid that you'd want representing us out there, it was Brennan Gibson," a family friend said.

He is survivied by his wife and child and his parents, John and Linda Gibson of Springfield, Oregon.

CPL Billy B. Farris ~ Farewell and Walk with God

Cpl. Billy B. Farris

Died December 3, 2006

Taji, Iraq

Cpl Billy B. Farris, age 20, died December 3, 2006 when an explosive device detonated near his vehicle while he was conducting escort operations in search of the downed pilot Maj. Troy L. Gilbert. He was a Stryker Infantryman, a reconnaissance scout, from Fort Lewis, Washington, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division.

Cpl. Farris was from Bapchule, Arizona, on the Gila River Indian Reservation just south of Phoenix. He attended his last two years of high school in Oregon at the Chemawa Indian School in Salem and enlisted in the Army after graduation.

He is survived by a son, 11-month old Kaiden who lives with his mother in Alaska, his parents, two brothers and a sister.

"He died for a purpose. You have to live for a good reason and die for a good one, like Billy did," said Chemawa School staff member Sarah Pigsley.

Photo by Thomas Patterson Statesman Journal

A tribal honor guard carries flags during a memorial service at Chemawa Indian School. The flags represent the Chemawa Indian School, tribal communities and the United States.

Marathon in Iraq ~ Providing Comfort

Marathoners in Iraq

Raise $23,000

to Help Families of Fallen

On December 10, troops participated in the Iraq version of the Honolulu Marathon. Many were from the 25th Infantry Division which is deployed from Hawaii.

They ran the 26.2 miles while participating in a fundraiser for TAPS-Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. Many were running on behalf of one of the many Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country.

For many of the runners, the chance to honor a faller service member was the most meaningful part of participating in the marathon.

"Just to honor someone's memory means a lot," said 1st Lt Clayton O. Carpenter of 3-25 Aviation, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. He ran in memory of Capt. Blake Russell, who was killed in Baghdad earlier this year.

"I think it is a great thing to do to remember the survivors. You know, people give their lives every day and I think it's a great thing to do just to show that you care," said 1st Lt Tracy L. Gordon, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion Headquarters Company, 82nd Airborne Division. Gordon ran in memory of Staff Sgt Todd E Nunes, who was killed in Kirkuk, Iraq in 2004.

"What an honor to our family," Norma Melo wrote in a letter to Staff Sgt Jaime Pieniazek, who ran for her husband, Staff Sgt Julian S Melo, who was killed in Mosul in 2004. "TAPS has helped our family in so many way that I cannot begin to tell you the felling of family that is given to survivors."

TAPS assists the survivors with peer support, counseling, education, and has camps for the children to assist them.

Where else would you see troops in a combat zone taking time and energy to work towards a charitable goal? This is a great country, with a great military!!!

A list of the runners and the fallen comrades they represented is here.

For more information about TAPS, please visit their web site.

Women Medics in Combat

SPC Jamie L Jameson (top)

SPC Iris G Almazan (bottom)

In the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, two of the medics are women - the only women in the unit of over 350 members.

SPC Jamie L Jameson, of Palm Springs, California, has been in the Army for six years and this is her second deployment. SPC Iris G Almazan is also from southern California. These two medics have been given an opportunity that is unusual for women to have - they have the opportunity to go out and walk side by side in combat with their brothers-in-arms.

"Not a lot of females get this chance, but we have earned our keep here. It feels good to know that we are part of the team now and that we have earned their trust," said Jameson.

These two Paratroopers go out on missions on pretty much a daily basis and are considered one of the team by the team they are attached to.

These are two women who took the hard turn in their careers, and have found the rewards and fulfillments that come with those choices.

Medics are often the quiet heroes in warfare. They put their lives on the line to save their comrades. Their jobs are difficult. They are to be admired.... and thanked!

For more information about these medics, click here.