Not everything is negative

Not everything is negative, although perusing (supposed) news Internet sites would have you conclude otherwise.

Apart from punditry replacing journalism, one should not let the so-called news set the tone for the day, because there really is a lot of good happening each and every day all across our fantastic nation.

An example of the good are the missions conducted by the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR).  Known primarily for supporting the funerals of active duty military members or veterans, these missions exemplify good.

Take this morning for example.  Eight folks, seven on motorcycles (including one married couple) came out to honor the passing of a veteran. His military resume was unique, by any standard.  He'd served in the U. S. Navy in WWII and the U. S. Army in Korea.  On this breezy, chilly (by San Diego standards) Monday morning, the PGR gathered to honor this veteran.  In the group of eight members of the all volunteer PGR were a retired Marine, Marine Corps veteran, Army veteran, three Navy veterans, the wife of a Navy veteran, and one gent who never served in the military.  

Each gave of their time this morning to stand for one who stood for us.  No public recognition would be forthcoming.  None of the PGR knew the veteran they were honoring, nor did any of them know any members of the veteran's family.  Yet they gave of their time to ensure he was honored.

At the cemetery, they stood a flag line as his coffin was moved from the hearse to the grave site.  They extended the flag line, standing behind the grave site, with flags flying as the final farewell was offered by a family member.  It was telling, as the two soldier Army Honor Guard presented the folder American Flag to the son of the deceased veteran, that the PGR presented arms, holding aloft the American flags.

This is an example of the good that happens all across our nation each and every day.  But you'd never know it, because the erstwhile media don't care.

That's OK, because the PGR doesn't support these missions several times per week in SoCal for media attention.  We do it because it is the right thing to do.

Not everything is negative.

Here we go

Here we go, with 2019 two weeks old.  It will be a terrific and rewarding year.

Already in the planning stages for multiple vacations, with my bride, family, and friends.  Excitement and purpose for each are invigorating.  A baseball watching trip, road trip on the new Harley-Davidson, family get together for a grand daughter's birthday, and other adventures await.  Even considering Death Valley (during the cool months).

Keeping the spirits up is well aided by deciding not to watch the news.  I'd rather spend time listening to country music with my bride than watch supposed journalists simply offer their opinions.  Leaves one in a much better frame of mind too.  

Joining with fellow veterans supporting Patriot Guard Rider missions continues the valued camaraderie from the years on active duty.  Also maintains the essence of patriotism.

More time cycling and hitting the weights in order to continue a healthy life style are favored portions of the daily routine, as is eating a more balanced and nutritious diet.

Saluting our American flag and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance each morning reinforces my citizenship.

Regular video chats with my brother are uplifting.

Employing old school letter writing to maintain contract with the grand kids helps fulfill the joy of grand parenting.

Yeah, 2019 is starting out very positively.  

I am determined that it will be a grand year, with new adventures creating enduring memories, along with reinforcing core values and beliefs.  

  

The real America

On this Sunday afternoon, an Honor Flight returned to San Diego.  World War II and Korean veterans, including a Woman Marine and former POW, had been to our nation's capital, where they were recognized for their service to our nation.

On this Sunday afternoon, hundreds of real Americans turned out to welcome them.  American flags were enthusiastically and unashamedly waved.  Patriotic music was played.  Red, white, and blue were the dominant colors.

Looking around, what were not seen were football players (or any other professional athletes), elected officials, leftist media, political commentators, leftist pundits, television actors, movie stars, university professors, socialist democrats, social justice warriors, or any of the others working to destroy our nation.  Present were real Americans, proudly packing in to welcome these heroes home.

It is all too tempting to bemoan the state of the country.  And make no mistake, we have some serious problems.  But the real America represented at the San Diego airport today is large in number and strong of conviction.

The real America will stop those who seek to destroy our nation. 

Not a routine Sunday

It was not a routine Sunday evening for the dozen or so  citizens who gathered at the funeral home.

While others were watching football, these patriots came together -- voluntarily -- to escort a fallen Marine to the San Diego Airport for his final airplane ride home to New York.  Shaking hands with the Staff Sergeant serving as Marine Corps Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO), these patriots expressed their condolences at the death of her Marine.

For members of the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR), giving of their time, no matter when, no matter the day, is not at all uncommon.

As volunteers all, they proudly answer the call when missions are announced.  Most are veterans.  Most are bikers.  But not all.  But what each and every man and woman shares are patriotism, unbridled pride of country, and an abiding sense of duty.  Duty to the fallen, whether it is a soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine who died on active duty or a deceased veteran who has honorably served our country.

This evening, six proudly volunteered to serve as pall bearers at the small funeral home in a quiet area of a small town adjacent to San Diego, while the others raised American flags and saluted.  Once they loaded the hearse, they formed up, with many motorcycles flying large American flags.  At the signal, they began their procession down the streets and onto the freeways for the relatively short ride to the airport, where they once again formed up and presented honors as the casket was removed from the hearse.  The pall bearers executed a slow salute, touched the casket, then placed their hands over their hearts in a final gesture of respect.

Even after the air cargo personnel had moved the casket into the warehouse, preparatory to loading it on the aircraft, it seemed the PGR were reluctant to leave their brother-in-arms.  They stood, many still holding their flags, in silent tribute.  Eventually they walked to their motorcycles and departed, one by one.

Not a routine Sunday by any means.  

Americana

Americana

Staging for the Pine Valley Days Parade

Those who would want folks to believe Americana no longer exists are sorely mistaken.  All they need do is visit small town America.

In July alone, two small towns east of San Diego held parades, each of which was filled with American flags, cheering, and respect and love for our country.  No one was forced to come out to these celebrations, because friends and neighbors willingly sought out the events.

Unlike some liberal events, no one was paid to attend.  No activists were bused in from out of town, if not out of state.  No protesters drove all night from San Francisco to disrupt the activities.

Indeed, local people came out to honor a fellow patriot and combat veteran.

Wearing the straw hat in the back seat is Jack, a Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War.

Yeah, Americana is alive and well all across the country, so do not buy into the opinion of some that it is dying out.  Nothing could be farther from the truth. 

Respect

The general and increasing lack of civility in public discourse, by those elected to represent us, broadcast personalities (many masquerading as journalists or entertainers), academics, and organized labor leaders should distress everyone.  Regrettably, this negative phenomenon is aided and abetted by social media, as well as much of the supposed regular media.

Inflammatory, derogatory, and plain nasty comments made in yesteryear were limited by relatively small audiences they could reach.  The world today revels in the negativity being sent literally around the world, which emboldens the commentators.  So civility retreats further and further.  

It is not a matter of free speech, either.  Do not be swayed by those flying the false flag of free speech as justifying their disrespectful, hateful, incendiary language.  Our free speech laws permit such language, but they do not justify it.

Respectfully, intelligently disagreeing with someone or some idea is the essence of our tenets of free speech.  However, the histrionics employed by all too many woefully fail to comport with those tenets.  Alas, there is nothing I can do to dissuade those who abusively and disrespectfully yammer and hammer at others.  There is nothing I can do to persuade them to act civilly and with respect, even when disagreeing.

I can, most assuredly, choose to associate with those who treat one another with respect.  Even when disagreeing about important issues, these with whom I choose to associate would never treat one another without respect.  Respect born of shared beliefs, sacrifices, service, and experiences.

These with whom I choose to associate are American military veterans.  At Patriot Guard Rider missions, for example, topical issues are discussed, at times with divergent views expressed.  Again, even when strongly held opposing views are shared, it is done so with absolute respect.

Once more, our military veterans stand as exemplars for the general population.  They embody RESPECT.       

As 2016 draws to a close

As 2016 draws to a close, family was always number one, including getting together and visits for  Christmas, birthdays, and vacations.  Kids, kids of kids, mother, brother, in-laws, and all. 

But life on two wheels was another major element in the year, providing excitement, riding with fellow veterans, and the annual road trip with my best friend Nick.  This year we road to the Hollister Independence Day Rally.

Some of the time in the saddle was spent supporting our active duty military and veterans with the Patriot Guard Riders.  Riding with fellow veterans, we are determined that our men and women in uniform and veterans will not be forgotten.

Some missions provided honors for either the fallen or a veteran.

 

Other missions joined the joyous celebrations in welcoming home Marines and sailors from deployments. 

On some days it was just the joy of being out on the bike, enjoying the quintessential American biker lifestyle, made easier by living in southern California with its great weather.  But whatever the reason for throwing a leg over the saddle, uppermost is the pride of being an American...an American veteran...a Marine.
 

Looking forward to more miles and smiles in 2017.

 

Let loose the dogs of therapy

Let loose the dogs of therapy

Reading and listening to the reactions across the country since the election is, if nothing else, an interesting and somewhat entertaining exercise. There is certainly rich fodder for articles and posts in the overreactions in some quarters, most notably the left. Strident calls for this and that permeate the reactions, like demands for electors to change their votes to Clinton. Perhaps nowhere else is reaction more absurd and downright silly than on college and university campuses. Let loose the dogs of therapy I say. Fill the crying rooms to the maximum. Provide huggers at every building entrance and exit. Open the gates for protests. Cancel classes and exams. Build entire safe space buildings instead of football stadiums.  

For the most part, conservatives tolerantly stand aside and watch, stifling the urge to rant and rail at the ridiculous. Why? Because conservatives are, by nature, tolerant.

Central to the conservative approach to life is tolerance. As long as others obey the laws, all laws, and respect others, conservatives are tolerant of their personal decisions, actions, and views. Conservatives may not agree with those decisions, actions, and views, but normally remain tolerant of them. It is when others demand conservatives accept, agree with, and even actively support decisions, actions, and views with which they disagree that the fat is in the fire, as the saying goes.

Ironically, in the aftermath of the election liberals and progressives continue demonstrating their lack of tolerance, a hallmark to their approach to life.  Dogmatic statements abound, underscoring the liberal/progressive stance. Intolerance abounds, as they make claim after claim, demand change after change, and attempt to repudiate the election results. So be it. 

But there are times when conservatives must react as liberals cross a bright and shining line.  One such crossing occurred at Amherst College when first the American flag was lowered inappropriately by the campus administration to half-staff after the election.  Then a student took down the flag and burned it.  Then the administration put a flag up, again at half-staff.  Then, in a final insult, decided not to fly the American flag at all.  Such action requires a reaction.

The reaction occurred over the weekend when hundreds of veterans and others protested at the college by bringing and waving hundreds of American flags.

Amherst College President Lash should be ashamed of the message he sends.  He should be fired for insinuating all forms of hate to the American flag, under which millions of men and women have served.  The federal government should immediately place a hold on all federal funding awarded the school (except individual student federal financial aid) until the flag is once again flown at full staff.

If he wants to provide therapy dogs, hugs, crying rooms, safe spaces, and the like, so be it.  I disagree, but will tolerate his actions.

But do not expect me to tolerate the disrespect he shows our American flag.

Giving to their community

As the nation digests the election results, life goes on.  The sun came up on the morning of 9 November and each day since.

One of those days was Saturday 12 November, characteristically sunny and warm in San Diego.  A large group of bikers, many of them veterans, didn't take advantage of the day to go to the beach, play golf, watch college football on TV, or simply laze around the house.  They set out to give back to their community and more.

After breakfast at the El Cajon Harley Davidson dealership, they rode in four groups to the Miramar National Cemetery, where they stopped to honor those laid to rest there.

Their next stop was the Marine Corps Reserve Center & Headquarters of the 4th Tank Battalion, where the bikers dropped off the hundreds of toys they had collected for the Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots Program.  A small dent in the overall goal of 58,000 toys for children in the San Diego region, but a dent nonetheless.

Before returning to the Harley dealership for lunch, at the request of Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant Castillo, the bikers did a surprise slow ride by the home of the father of a fallen Marine.  By their action, the bikers were saying to this Gold Star family that the loss of their son and their sacrifice are not forgotten.

Unlike some who were protesting the election results in parts of the country, these bikers, veterans, and patriots came together for a purpose bigger than themselves, giving back to the community and a Gold Star parent.

National health care

For those advocating a "single payer" or national health care system to replace Obamacare, they should read this piece from the Washington Post about the Veterans Health Administration, the largest health care system in the nation.

Do we really want something so inefficient?

The Veterans Health Administration is a mature system, with hundreds of treatment locations around the nation, employing thousands of heath care personnel.  If, with all these resources, the government can not provide timely and quality care to a small percentage of the population, there is no reason whatsoever to believe the government will be able to provide timely and quality care to more than 300,000,000 citizens.

Big government is not the answer.  
 

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.         

Honoring the fallen

  
Chief Petty Officer Finan arrived in San Diego this morning and it was an honor to serve as an escort with my brothers from the Patriot Guard Riders.

KIA in Iraq, the explosive ordnance disposal specialist was transported from the airport to the Bankers Hill area of San Diego.  As the procession made its way along Harbor Drive, we could see members of the Coast Guard saluting.  On each street corner on 5th Avenue in Bankers Hill and Hillcrest, there were uniformed members of the Navy saluting as the procession passed.  Throughout, law enforcement provided traffic control and escorts, with the fire department prominent in the procession.

In addition to the military salutes, civilians lined the street, some waving American flags and some with their hands over their hearts.

Here is a short video from Channel 10 San Diego.

Picture of CPO Finan, overhead picture of procession (by Faris Tanyos), and video obtained from Channel 10 San Diego website.

Copyright Scripps Media

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.   

At onetime I thought disagreeing with things was natural as one ages.

At onetime I thought disagreeing with things was natural as one ages.  For example, my parents weren't too crazy about the music, style of clothes, and other manifestations of our generation.  As I am confident their parents weren't thrilled about similar things in their youth.  So differences between generations seem normal.

Be as that may be, however, it is clear the issues we now face are far more than generational.  Our entire belief system is being attacked on multiple fronts by multiple means.  This cultural war is being waged by politicians and activists seemingly bent upon taking down the country.  Belatedly in my view, the heartland is rising up in anger against demands falsely labeled as tolerance for difference.  

It is not enough for some to plead for tolerance for the secular lifestyle, they demand that all must accept and support it.  It is not enough to ask for acceptance of Muslims, they demand that we yield to their views and cast out our Christian beliefs.  It is not enough to seek workplace equality for females, they demand preference and lowered standards, while demanding we demean masculinity.  It is not enough to seek an end to racial bias, they now demand racial preferences, racially segregated housing on college campuses, and even reparations.  It is not enough to seek solutions to the immigration problems, they demand rights reserved for citizens be accorded illegal immigrants. 

Flying under this false flag of tolerance, they are actively demanding social and cultural changes.  And since they can't make wholesale changes for the entire country, they have found one element within our nation in which they can make these social and cultural changes at will, a stroke of the pen.  Executive fiat without care or consideration of the impact.  

Most disturbing to me and fellow veterans is a particularly dangerous manifestation of these demands for social and cultural changes.  The current administration, like Bill Clinton's, uses the military as their own social science laboratory.  Hating the integrity, sacrifice, honesty, honor, courage, and commitment of the men and women in uniform, Obama and Clinton have forced changes by edict upon the military, changes that have nothing to do with combat preparedness or readiness.  They are intent upon social and cultural policies that do away with what is needed to succeed in combat.  

Concurrently they reduced budgets, selected for senior flag officers many sycophants who join in degrading  the military, failed to gain Congressional approval for war, enacted failed national security policies, appeased our adversaries, squandered crucial resources, and used men and women in uniform as potted plants for photo ops.  Flying under the false flag of tolerance, they brought in others of their ilk to shove this crap down the throats of the uniformed forces.

And because the progressives have not been able to squelch the rising voices from the conservative heartland, they continue to force the military to yield to their increasing demands, breaking faith with those who serve.  Sadly, tragically it is not too surprising, since less than one half of one percent of the nation serves in uniform and the progressives are not in this group of patriots.  

The disdain in which Obama and Clinton hold the military is well known and unquestioned.  They and their fellow  progressives, liberals, left, Democrats, media, or whatever label best fits are actually the most intolerant group in our country.  Hence the vitriol surrounding the election, as the starkly different choices are magnified in the heartland of America.      
 

We must depart the path set upon by Obama in particular.  We must turn back by repeal, cancellation, legislation, repudiation, and other action the injurious policies and actions of the past seven plus years.  I truly believe the majority of Americans understand this.  The big question is whether they will turn out in significant numbers to vote.  Sadly, Trump's words and actions work against getting the high conservative voter turnout necessary to deny Clinton the presidency.

Profoundly telling, in conversations with fellow retired senior leaders, to a man they have expressed that we could not serve in today's military.  We'd either be jailed for speaking our minds or simply depart rather than force upon the youth of our nation the perverted social and cultural policies demanded by POTUS and his cronies, who are simultaneously weakening our military to dangerously low levels.

Disagreeing with the actions of the current administration is not based upon generational differences.  It is based upon injurious actions being forced upon the military under the false rubric of pursuing tolerance.  

Only a high voter turnout can turn the tide.  

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.          

   

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.