When others slack off or moan and groan

 

When others slack off or moan and groan, three phenomenal Americans tirelessly worked in supporting the Marine Corps Reserves Program in San Diego.  From left to right, retired Marine Mike Harris, Sheryl Kerstiens of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, and Staff Sergeant (now Gunnery Sergeant) Jeff Cantu of the USMCR 4th Medical Battalion.

Countless hours expended in absolute dedication from these three folks produced the largest Toys for Tots event in the San Diego region.  More than 1,000 toys and $17,500 were donated because of their superior efforts. 

Military funeral

On 20 November 2018, Sergeant Millard Odom, United States Marine Corps was laid to rest in Miramar National Cemetery.

Part of what made this mission extraordinary is that it was exactly 75 years ago to the day that he was killed in action during World War II in the battle for Tarawa.

Supporting the funeral were members of the Patriot Guard Riders.

I had the distinct and solemn honor of presenting mementos to Sergeant Odom's surviving sister.

Also extraordinary was that Medal of Honor recipient John Baca presented the folded flag.  Here is the citation accompanying the presentation of the Medal.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Baca, Company D, distinguished himself while serving on a recoilless rifle team during a night ambush mission A platoon from his company was sent to investigate the detonation of an automatic ambush device forward of his unit's main position and soon came under intense enemy fire from concealed positions along the trail. Hearing the heavy firing from the platoon position and realizing that his recoilless rifle team could assist the members of the besieged patrol, Sp4c. Baca led his team through the hail of enemy fire to a firing position within the patrol's defensive perimeter. As they prepared to engage the enemy, a fragmentation grenade was thrown into the midst of the patrol. Fully aware of the danger to his comrades, Sp4c. Baca unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his own safety, covered the grenade with his steel helmet and fell on it as the grenade exploded, thereby absorbing the lethal fragments and concussion with his body. His gallant action and total disregard for his personal well-being directly saved 8 men from certain serious injury or death. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Sp4c. Baca, at the risk of his life, are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Contrasts

Dictionary.com defines contrast, in part, as "to compare in order to show unlikeness or differences; note the opposite natures, purposes, etc."

What took place a week ago in El Cajon and Del Mar, California displayed a strong contrast between what some people might believe or assume about those who ride motorcycles; bikers, if you will.   It is likely many average Americans think of bikers in the image of Marlon Brando in The Wild One,

   

or so called gangs of today.  Leather, chrome, Harleys, loud pipes, denim, patches, and on and on.  But that is where the contrast comes into play.

On November 19, bikers came together to give to the community.  Specifically, the San Diego community via the U. S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots Program.  

Beginning with registering and staging at El Cajon Harley-Davidson, they rode to the Del Mar Race Track, joining with track patrons to ultimately provide an estimated 2,300 toys and $8,600 in cash donations to the Marine Corps Reserves 4th Tank Battalion, so that some children in the San Diego region will have a piece of Christmas this year.

Hundreds turned out for this most worthy of causes.

If that isn't a contrast, I don't know what is.

San Diego's Largest Toys for Tots Event

Four days until the Toys for Tots Ride on 19 November.  Help support the Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program and make a difference this Christmas.  

You do not have to be a biker to join in.  Go to the Stretch Run Gate at the Del Mar Race Track, where each individual donating a new, unwrapped toy will receive free admission.  Gates open at 11:00 AM.  Join us in the Red Star Cafe and for $10 donation for Toys for Tots, come on in and buy some tickets for the opportunity drawing benefiting Toys for Tots.  The drawing starts at 11:30 and runs most of the day.  More than 80 prizes.  And check out the silent auction.

If you are a biker, register at El Cajon Harley-Davidson that morning and join the group Ride from El Cajon to the Del Mar Racetrack.  Or just head to the track, make your way to the Red Star Cafe, and register there (gates open at 11:00).

For more details, go the website.

Toys for Tots Ride

Gearing up for the largest Toys for Tots event in the San Diego region, the 4th Annual El Cajon Harley Owners Group Toys for Tots Ride on 19 November.

El Cajon Harley-Davidson to the Del Mar racetrack.

Should be awesome.  Check it out here.

Marine Corps Birthday

Tomorrow is the Marine Corps birthday, a special day for all of us. As this picture shows, many deploy and are deployed around the world. What caught my attention in the picture, taken when the PGR welcomed home Marines from deployment, is the #10 in the lower right hand corner of the window. As we raise our glasses to celebrate the birth of our Corps, let us also remember fellow Marines are going in harm's way.

34 years ago

34 years ago, terrorists attacked the Marines in Beirut. 

Among those killed in the blast was Major William "Bill" Winter, USMC, with whom I had served at Marine Barracks United Kingdom. 

Last spoke with him at Camp Lejeune a few weeks before the MAU shipped out. 

RIP brother and Semper Fidelis.

Another day, another funeral

Middle of the month.  Middle of the week.  Early afternoon on a typically sunny day in San Diego.  Just another day, with another military funeral.  This time at the Miramar National Cemetery, adjacent to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

The breeze was up, as usual, causing flags to flutter.

Soon the family arrived with their Marine Corps veteran, escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR).  Awaiting them at the Commitment Shelter were the members of the Marine Corps Honor Detail, including a Marine bugler.

At the shelter, as the hearse pulled up, the PGR stood a flag line, coming to Attention and Presenting Arms as the casket was moved into position by the Marines.  The pastor spoke eloquently.  The family and friends of this departed Marine veteran nodded and offered some, "Amens."  His daughter stood and offered her appreciation in a shaky voice, speaking of her "Daddy" and playing song "I Will Always Love You" in his honor.

Military Honors were presented, earned by this Marine by his honorable and faithful service to his nation.  All stood while the rifle salute was fired.  The veterans and active duty military saluted and and PGR raised their flags to the Present Arms while Taps was played.  Eyes welled with tears and it mattered not that some had never met this Marine.  One of the PGR leaders explained the symbolism of every element of the military honors, from the 13 folds of the flag, the three rifle volleys, and the playing taps.  With the permission of the family, the PGR members offered one last Present Arms.  As each member departed, he placed his hand on the casket, offering a final prayer or thought.  For me, it was, "Semper Fidelis, brother." 

If you had been there and looked around, one aspect should have been obvious.  Race and ethnicity do not matter to those who came to help honor this Marine.  The Marines resplendent in their Dress Blues were there in a duty status.  The older, grayer bikers from the PGR were there as volunteers.  An African American Marine Corps veteran was honored by "old white guys" and a Filipino-American on motorcycles, led by an Asian American.  

All those there, regardless of race or ethnicity or age, were helping a nation recognize one of its warriors and his race mattered not.  

Were that it was the same throughout our society.    

 

2017 Toys for Tots

For all my biker brothers and Marine comrades, let me plant the seed for the 2017 Toys for Tots Run hosted by the El Cajon Harley Owners Group (HOG) on 19 November. 

The goal this year is 5,000 toys.

Check out the website for more info.

https://o6rider.wixsite.com/elcajonhogtoys4tots

One angry Marine

The Gunny told me there are two simple rules for being a Marine.  Rule Number 1: never let a fellow down.  Rule Number 2: don't forget Rule Number 1.

Learning recently of the scandalous behavior of a few who call themselves Marine caused my stomach to turn and my jaw to tighten.  Absolutely maddening!  Infuriating!  Disgusting!

An essential element, perhaps THE essential element of being a Marine is accepting, believing, and embodying that "once a Marine, always a Marine."  Earning this title bestows upon the recipient a moral responsibility to all Marines - past, present, and future.  Not only when in uniform or on active duty, but every moment of every day from that point forward.  This moral responsibility transcends time and place, carrying with it an obligation cherished and shared by those few who have earned it.

The title Marine means vastly more than those who have never earned the eagle, globe, and anchor can ever know.  That is evident when meeting Marine veterans, of any era.  They earnestly believe there are no former Marines, because once a Marine, always a Marine.  So when one Marine tarnishes the reputation of our Corps, it hurts all Marines.  That shared responsibility to one another critical to combat teamwork permeates all aspects of our lives.

So I sit here, mad as hell at the individuals who belittled their fellow Marines.  Who acted without respect for fellow warriors.  Who cheapened the title Marine.  Even 15 years after retiring, reading of the disgraceful actions causes my blood to boil.  How dare they do this?  They have brought discredit upon me and my fellow Marines. 

In today's tumultuous world, the citizens of our nation have consistently stated they hold the military, in general, and their Marine Corps specifically in the highest esteem.  Actions by some have threatened that esteem.  But I also want to believe the nation knows with certainty that its Corps of Marines will not stand by idly, but will aggressively and assuredly attack this matter.

This is the message explicitly stated in CMC's video.  Implicitly, he told those involved that they will soon no longer be Marines.

One picture

This one picture speaks to the bond of Marine Corps camaraderie.

Semper Fidelis

Veterans Day 2016 approaches

Veterans Day 2016 approaches.  

On 1 November, veterans came together to honor the latest serviceman killed in Iraq, Chief Petty Officer Jason Finan, United States Navy.  

Noting the flying American flags, cannot help but think of the controversial act of kneeling during the National Anthem.

Those choosing this form of public protest most likely have no military experience, personal or family, and do not understand the impact on veterans.  Though this veteran and those with whom I associate are incensed by the disrespectful act, we also (to a man) recognize and defend the right of the protestors to do so.  It is one of the rights we, not they, served to support and defend.

November is also the month of the Military Family.  Military families serve, often times without public recognition for their sacrifices, in ways most Americans do not understand.  As less that one-half of one percent serve on active duty, the relative numbers of military families are very small.  Yet their sacrifices are far out of proportion to their numbers.  Ask the wife who gives birth to her first child, while her husband is overseas, as did my wife over four decades ago.  Ask the wife who receives the news of her husband's death in some far flung place, as did the wife of CPO Finan.  Ask the children who do not see their fathers for months or years during their upbringing, as the servicemen are deployed around the world and at sea.  Ask the family of the E-2 struggling to make ends meet on a level of pay that meets HUD definition of low income.  So as Veterans Day approaches, let us also keep our military families in mind. 

As November 11 approaches, it follows two key dates.  Election Day on 8 November and the Marine Corps Birthday on 10 November.  One date marks a particularly ugly chapter in our nation's history.  The other marks the birth of the world's greatest fighting force.  One date conjures up disturbing images, memories, and scenes of disrespectful, deceitful, corrupt, illegal, selfish, unethical, and insulting pursuit of the presidency.  The other conjures up admirable images, memories, and scenes of sacrifice, heroism, service, and patriotism.

On this Veterans Day, in particular, the nation should pause for a moment to recognize the contributions our veterans made while in uniform and then out of uniform once they returned to broader society.  They continue to serve, young and old, in all sectors of our country.  They came home from World War II and Iraq and Afghanistan to become role models for their fellow citizens.

God bless our veterans and military families.         

33 years ago

It has been 33 years since the terrorist attack known as the Beirut Bombing took the lives of 241 American servicemen, 220 Marines, 18 sailors, and three soldiers on 23 October 1983.  (58 French peacekeepers were also killed in a separate bombing.) 

On that Sunday morning in North Carolina, I was assigned to the personal staff of the Commanding General 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing in Havelock, North Carolina.  Walking into the house after my morning run, I saw my wife's anguished face.  She explained that there had been an attack in Beirut and that lots of Marines were dead.

While watching the TV for reports, I called the Chief of Staff, Colonel Bateman, to check in.  Two reasons motivated the call.  Our Commanding General, Major General Keith Smith, and his wife Shirley had a son in Beirut, Captain Vinnie Smith.  And I did not know if we would be called out for some action, since Battalion Landing Team One Eight (BLT 1/8) and its parent command the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit (24th MAU) had been sourced from the II Marine Amphibious Force (II MEF) in North Carolina.  Colonel Bateman had no immediate orders, so I joined countless others in waiting and praying.

In the hours, days, and weeks to come, the extent of the tragedy became known.  It seemed most of us had some direct connection to the casualties, such as Major Bill Winter, with whom I had served on barracks duty in the late 70s.  That spring, while down at Camp Lejeune for training, I had briefly met with Bill, prior to the 24th MAU shipping out.  Captain Vinnie Smith, our Commanding General's son, was one of the last KIA identified some time after the attack.

A pall hung over the headquarters and the entire region.  Not long after, the medevac fights began arriving at the air station, from where some of the wounded were subsequently transported by surface means to Camp Lejeune.  President Reagan flew down for the memorial service at Camp Lejeune, which took place on a miserable, rainy day.  Funerals were scheduled and held.  Military families came together to support those impacted by the attack.

In one extraordinary display of respect and leadership, Bill Winter's widow received exceptional support from the Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO), the Marine tasked with supporting the family in the event of a Marine's death on active duty.  Usually it is an assignment given to an officer from the Marine's unit, normally a relatively junior officer.  Years later I learned that Bill's and my Commanding Officer from our tour at Marine Barracks United Kingdom, in 1983 a Colonel at MCRD Parris Island, had himself assigned as the CACO.  Absolutely extraordinary and an example of exceptional leadership by a hardened combat veteran who had been presented the Medal of Honor for valor in Vietnam, James E. Livingston, who went on to retire as a Major General.

Now, decades and several wars later, monuments have been built, remembrance ceremonies have been held, and tears are shed at the memory and thoughts of all those young lives lost in that terrorist attack.

Now retired from the Marine Corps, I reflect on 23 October each year about what could have been.  The rules of engagement for the sentries that fateful day were that no magazines were inserted into their weapons.  In the context of today's world, it would not happen.  I think of the tactics employed in Iraq and Afghanistan to thwart vehicle borne bombs.  What if these tactics and rules of engagement were in place that Sunday? 

Though muscular talk flowed from Washington DC and Vice President Bush when he visited Beirut on 26 October, no retaliatory attack was undertaken.  Ironically, in view of what has transpired in the intervening years and the current threats we face, the suicide bomber has been possibly identified as an Iranian member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, likely with Hezbollah involvement.

Despite loud declarations that America "would not be cowed by terrorists" and would remain, in February 1984 President Reagan ordered the withdrawal of American forces.

For this gray beard, it appears our adversaries learned all too well that the American will to respond to the attack was weak.  Kill enough Americans and they will depart.  In 1983 it was 241 dead Americans that led to our departure from Lebanon.  In 1993, it was 19 dead Americans that led to our departure from Somalia.  Two different presidents from two different political parties, with the same results.

This changed somewhat in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but underlying problems remain.

If unwilling to use all of our military capabilities swiftly, violently, and without hesitation to destroy our enemies, then do not send our men and women in harm's way.  Do not construct rules of engagement that restrict our ability and capacity to win.  Do not deploy our forces into combat without a declaration of war, which can only be made by Congress.  (The oft employed Authorization for the Use of Military Force [AUMF] is woefully inadequate.  The AUMF also lead to "I voted for it, before I voted against" stances by politicians.)

And, if someone dares to attack our military in peacetime, respond immediately with overwhelming force to destroy those who would do us harm, plus their supporters.  No speeches.  No Rose Garden posturing.  No Congressional press events.  No focus group discussions.  No junior NSC staffer calling field commanders.  No days or weeks of floating ideas anonymously to the media.  Have plans and authorities in place for each of our combatant commanders, enabling them to immediately respond to any and all attacks.

Otherwise, the lessons of the past 33 years will have been lost and the deaths of all our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines in the past three plus decades will have been for naught. 

        


     

Military tradition

 
Around this time of year, several military related events (US Navy birthday, US Marine Corps birthday, Veterans Day) evoke traditional actions and ceremonies.

Tradition is something civilians, in general, do not understand.  And the current group of progressives, in particular, can not comprehend the importance of tradition.  

For members of the military and veterans, our institutional beliefs make us great, as they set the tone for all who serve.  We were trained in the histories and traditions of our services, not to indoctrinate, but to ensure we understood the responsibility we undertook to safeguard the valor, memories, victories, and sacrifices of those who went before us.

Our traditions help reinforce the belief and imperative of sacrifice, of putting the welfare of our nation, service, unit, mission, and comrades above self.  Never let a fellow Marine down!

The current crop of progressives routinely attack the military and its traditions; like the absolute importance of the American Flag.  Where they can, they seek to force change in our traditions.  For example, doing away with Navy enlisted ratings. 

It is another all too sad reminder of Obama's, Clinton's, and their crowd's disdain for our military .  Tragically, it also provides insight into the world that would follow a Clinton election.  Infamous for her demands that military uniforms be kept out of sight when she was FLOTUS, one can only speculate what steps she might undertake as POTUS. 

Fortunately, we stand above HRC and her kind.  They can not appreciate that which they don't understand, as the reasons for their lack of understanding are simple.  They put self above all else.  They seek personal power, influence, and financial wealth.  They seek to destroy those institutions built upon long histories of tradition, sacrifice, and service to the nation, because these long serving institutions threaten their self-serving objectives.  They disparage those among us who willingly join to serve the nation, to embrace the traditions we learn, while understanding to do so may lead to the ultimate sacrifice.

As we celebrate, remember, and mourn, our traditions stand strong.  No politician without military experience will ever be able to understand this.   

Marine Corps General pleads guilty

As reported elsewhere, retired Marine Corps General James Cartwright pleaded guilty to a felony for action he undertook while on active duty.  This can result in imprisonment for five years, though the report indicates a plea bargain for six months confinement has been proposed.

As a consequence, Cartwright deserves to have his retirement rank and benefits reduced.  General officers are not above the law and when found guilty of breaking the law while on active duty, there must be military unique consequences.

In this case, reduction of retired rank from general (four stars) to colonel is warranted.  Together with the reduction in retired rank, retired pay would be reduced from that of a four star (O-10) to colonel (O-6).

These consequences are most appropriate.

SecDef and SecNav are called upon to swiftly undertake these actions, so when Cartwright walks out of prison, he does so as a retired colonel. 

Take the opportunity to learn

Much is being said and written this weekend about actions instigated by a professional football player choosing to protest by not standing during the playing of the National Anthem.  

He definitely has a right to protest.

But I wonder if he's taken time or opportunity to learn about what the flag means to so many Americans?  And the impact of his protest on these Americans?

Maybe he'd learn something if he visited Miramar National Cemetery.  Particularly during a military funeral.

Or visit Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Or attend a military funeral in small town USA.

Or talk with the family of a Marine who has deployed multiple times overseas.  (In the lower right corner of the pick-up truck rear window, it reads, "Deploy #10," meaning this Marine was returning from his tenth deployment.)  Like the vast majority of Americans, Ms. Kaepernick can't comprehend what a military deployment means and its impact.)

 

Or maybe he could join in welcoming home a Marine Corps unit from an overseas deployment.

Maybe Mr. Kaepernick could learn something of the value of the symbol of our nation at one of these locations or events.


Stipulating there is indisputably much to be done in the area of racial and ethnic relations, I nevertheless disagree with the form of his protest.  But it is unimportant and inconsequential if I agree or disagree.  However, it would be positive for forms of protests to be carefully considered beforehand, which may not have been the case.  

It is my sensing Kaepernick's upbringing and formative years of his youth were focused not on patriotism, but on developing and honing God given physical talents and athletic skills in pursuit of that NFL contract.  Good for him, living the American dream.  If this sensing is correct, he should not be blamed or criticized for his ignorance of the enormous feeling of disrespect created by the form of his protest.

Sadly, those who have and are serving our nation may miss his message in their outrage to its form.

To help him understand, there are opportunities to learn.  Reach out, visit a military cemetery, attend a military funeral, attend a welcome home ceremony for a military unit, talk with a veteran (I'd volunteer in an instant), read some history.  
Take the opportunity to learn so your protest can be put in context.

With my comrades, we served so to protect the rights of all Americans, including the right of free speech, upon which the ability to protest is built.  We may not agree with that free speech, but we proudly served to ensure the right for all Americans.

And we proudly wave the American flag.  

  

A military unit returns from deployment

As most of the nation enjoyed the first Saturday after Labor Day, I joined nearly two dozen fellow Patriot Guard Riders in supporting the homecoming celebration for VMM-166 (Rein), a Marine Corps squadron based on the V-22 Osprey aircraft.

Once we'd lined up the bikes outside the wire near the squadron's hanger at MCAS Miramar in San Diego, we walked through an enormous crowd awaiting the return of their warriors.  We had the privilege of standing our flag line in front of the temporary railing holding in the wives, husbands, children, parents, brothers, sisters, and friends gathered there.  Speaking with one lady, she emphatically told me I'd better not block her view of her "little boy."  Smiling, I offered he's no longer a little boy.

Looking at the crowd, the ladies were dressed to the T.  The children were carrying signs for their dads.  Fathers looked a little relieved.  And moms appeared to be on the verge of tears.  

We set our line, rehearsed the commands, and stood ready.  While waiting, several Marine F/A-18 aircraft took off, which is always inspiring.

Pretty soon the distinctive sound, the thumping rhythmic beating of the air, told of approaching rotary wing aircraft.  Then, overhead above the hanger could be seen four CH-53 aircraft, as they banked and entered the landing pattern.  They were followed by two groups of MV-22s, in flights of six and four aircraft.  

The crowd was cheering wildly as we came to attention and raised our American flags to Present Arms.  The cheering continued as our flags flowed in the wind.  

No one, REPEAT, no one took a knee here.

Once all the aircraft had landed, they taxied to their spots, with perfect Marine Corps precision, in front of the hanger.  On command, all aircraft simultaneously shut down their engines, leaving just the whines of the APUs filling the air that had moments before pulsed with the sound of large rotor blades.

With obviously well planned and ingrained military cadence, the aircrew and passengers from the lead aircraft, piloted by the unit Commanding Officer, marched in line to a point approximately 50 meters in front of the hanger, here they stood at Attention.  Then, will typical military precision, the crews and passengers from every other aircraft formed up and marched down to join the lead crew.  The formation started from the aircraft furthest from the hanger and as it passed each successive aircraft, another line of crew and passengers joined in, so the formation grew in size as it approached the hanger.

Finally, the large formation marched up and took its place behind the initial line of Marines.  Standing at attention, the Sergeant Major then turned about and reported the unit was formed to the CO.  He took command and in turn faced about and reported the unit to the Commanding General, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

VMM-166 (Rein) had officially returned from deployment.  

After the CG departed, the CO then turned about and dismissed the command.  This was the highlight of the day, as Marines broke towards the hanger and the families and friends broke out of the hanger in their search for loved ones.

We stood aside, our mission complete.  I, for one, simply watched the reunions.  Mere words can not adequately describe the unabashed joy seen on the faces around me.  

Since less than one-half of one percent of the nation serves in our military, the overwhelming majority of the country has absolutely no idea how important this day was to the hundreds of Marines, sailors, and their families and friends.  Nor does the majority of the country take time to truly appreciate the sacrifices these men and women and their families make, day in, day out.

For this retired gray beard, being a small part of welcoming home VMM-166 was simply an outstanding way to spend some time this sunny Saturday. 

Footnote: Perhaps if Kaepernick had been standing with us today, he would appreciate why the American flag means so much.          

   

Valor

Recent reports that Irene Martin of the Department of Homeland Security is to receive an award for valor is an affront to our men and women in law enforcement, fire fighting, and the military.

From other reports, it is learned she actually blocked law enforcement officers performing their duties in the aftermath of the San Bernardino attack.

To see real heroes, here are photos of those who displayed actual valor in the performance of their duties.

Law enforcement

Fire fighters

Military

The actions of the Department of Homeland Security in this case are shameful.

Veterans from different eras

Military veterans from different eras have and are pursuing a virtually identical past time - motorcycling.

The warriors who came home from World War II, purchased bikes, and grouped together are not a lot different from those from the nation's recent wars who have followed suit.

They prefer to associate with those who share similar experiences, as well as unbounded patriotism.

The wording on t-shirt worn by one young vet captures it well.  "If my patriotism offends you, your lack of a spine offends me." 

The camaraderie they learned and depended upon while in uniform is found in their biker clubs of today.  

Along with the aforementioned camaraderie and patriotism, like their forefathers they believe in integrity, honesty, hard work, earning your way through life, straight talk, the Second Amendment, brotherhood, directness, freedom, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, standing for the National Anthem, saluting the American flag, honoring the fallen, and having a good time together.

Even though from different generations decades apart, the two groups of veterans are amazingly alike.  And we certainly need more of them.