Member Section => Politics & RKBA => Topic started by: Teresa Heilevang on February 25, 2008, 09:14:03 PM
Title: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: Teresa Heilevang on February 25, 2008, 09:14:03 PM
We lost a young man here in our town 2 days ago who was fighting in Iraq. He leaves a young wife and 3 little kids. This was posted for him on his memorial page. (It's a grabber) :'(
May we not ever forget our brave men and women who have forever fought for our country.
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: Hazcat on February 25, 2008, 10:20:06 PM
God bless his family and this country for the abundance of HEROES we have!
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: tombogan03884 on February 26, 2008, 03:14:08 AM
All my Uncles served in WWII, my Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease caused by the concussion of mortar shells when he was earning his Silver Star Medal as a Marine Machine gun Section Leader in Korea, a guy I knew growing up carries shrapnel from Vietnam, several of my NCO's in the Marines (77-80) had served in Vietnam, a Friend of mine contracted Hepatitis (infected by transfusion) after being wounded in the first Gulf War, and we also had at least one young man from this area (Laconia NH) killed serving with 10th Mountain Infantry in Iraq this time around. Every Saturday we have 2-6 left over hippies holding a "Peace Vigil" downtown, my routine often requires me to go past them. As a student of history they infuriate me to the point where I once confronted one of them about a sign they display that reads "War is not the answer" I pointed out that war certainly answered Hitler. As a Veteran, Friend, acquaintance and relative of Veterans, I would really like to Taser these a*&holes, repeatedly. However I recently had an epiphany (religious revelation) these peace activists are a genuine, living, oxymoron. They are exercising their first amendment rights to protest the injustice of war. HOWEVER, they only have that right because of the sacrifices made by other, better, braver, more public spirited people, IN WAR. If they were TRULY going to reject war and the spoils of war then they would surrender their right to free speech. The truth of the matter is that they are not protesting WAR, They are actually protesting their own cowardice and inadequacy by trying to demean Men and Women who have, through their own sacrifice, showed themselves to be better people than the "peace activists" could ever hope to be.
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: jnevis on February 26, 2008, 04:33:00 AM
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
George Orwell
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: jaybet on February 26, 2008, 06:05:25 AM
AMEN!
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: Gunnutz13 on February 26, 2008, 08:29:14 AM
Yea, Marshal'ette...the price of freedom is paid for by the blood of patriots.
My wife ( SgtMaj US ARMY retired ) and I are involved with a great organization that helps wounded heroes through charitable events and donations...Operation First Response
http://www.operationfirstresponse.org
From their website, here is a small part of their mission statement:
It is our sincerest hope to educate Americans across the nation to the needs our wounded are facing, we believe with all our hearts that by giving them the respect and honor rightfully due them we will be able to give them the hope of a promising future.
In doing this we will ensure that all that have worn the "Uniform" will be an instant reminder to all Americans that a Hero stands before us...one of courage, strength and love for their country and whether their injuries are visible or not...
We will never forget... all gave some and some gave all!
If you can donate time, resources...or cash...to help a wounded HERO...please consider this organization...as it is but a small way of showing our warfighters that we appreciate their sacrifices...
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: CurrieS103 on February 26, 2008, 09:27:02 AM
Matthew 5:9
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: 2HOW on February 26, 2008, 10:18:28 AM
TOUJOURS PRET
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: tombogan03884 on February 26, 2008, 12:36:28 PM
? Mark Twain said bad things about people who sprinke their writing with foriegn words and phrases. ::)
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: Ronald38 on February 26, 2008, 02:22:09 PM
Thank God we have been fortunate to see a few good men and women willing to stand and fight for what is right. If we ever do not have these fighters we are doomed. God Bless them all. Ron
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: tombogan03884 on February 26, 2008, 04:29:07 PM
And EVERY single one of them is a volunteer. They make America proud.
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: CurrieS103 on February 26, 2008, 04:42:20 PM
Mr. Clemons may have had a point but in this case... 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment Toujours Prêt (Always Ready)
Oh, OK, The latin version is the boy scout motto. But far more apropriate for Cavalry. By the way, the quote was fairly long from "A Tramp Abroad" I just read a couple of weeks ago.
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: Teresa Heilevang on February 27, 2008, 08:46:58 PM
Just going to add this.. it was sent to me tonight..
WIFE'S REQUEST
I was sitting alone in one of those loud, casual steak houses that you find all over the country. You know the type--a bucket of peanuts on every table, shells littering the floor, and a bunch of perky college kids racing around with long neck beers and sizzling platters.
Taking a sip of my iced tea, I studied the crowd over the rim of my glass. My gaze lingered on a group enjoying their meal. They wore no uniform to identify their branch of service, but they were definitely "military:" clean shaven, cropped haircut, and that "squared away" look that comes with pride.
Smiling sadly, I glanced across my table to the empty seat where my husband usually sat. It had only been a few months since we sat in this very booth, talking about his upcoming deployment to the Middle East . That was when he made me promise to get a sitter for the kids, come back to this restaurant once a month and treat myself to a nice steak. In turn he would treasure the thought of me being here, thinking about him until he returned home.
I fingered the little flag pin I constantly wear and wondered where he was at this very moment. Was he safe and warm? Was his cold any better? Were my letters getting through to him?
As I pondered these thoughts, high pitched female voices from the next booth broke into my thoughts. "I don't know what Bush is thinking about. Invading Iraq . You'd think that man would learn from his old man's mistakes. Good Lord. What an idiot! I can't believe he is even in office. You do know, he stole the election."
I cut into my steak and tried to ignore them as they began an endless tirade running down our president.
I thought about the last night I spent with my husband, as he prepared to deploy. He had just returned from getting his smallpox and anthrax shots. The image of him standing in our kitchen packing his gas mask still gives me chills.
Once again the women's voices invaded my thoughts.
"It's all about oil, you know. Our soldiers will go in and rape and steal all the oil they can in the name of 'freedom'. Hmmm! I wonder how many innocent people they'll kill without giving it a thought. It's pure greed, you know."
My chest tightened as I stared at my wedding ring. I could still see how handsome my husband looked in his "mess dress" the day he slipped it on my finger I wondered what he was wearing now. Probably his desert uniform, affectionately dubbed "coffee stains" with a heavy bulletproof vest over it.
"You know, we should just leave Iraq alone. I don't think they are hiding any weapons. In fact, I bet it's all a big act just to increase the president's popularity. That's all it is, padding the military budget at the expense of our social security and education. And, you know what else? We're just asking for another 9-11. I can't say when it happens again that we didn't deserve it."
Their words brought to mind the war protesters I had watched gathering outside our base. Did no one even appreciate the sacrifice of brave men and women, who leave their homes and family to ensure our freedom? Do they even know what "freedom" is?
I glanced at the table where the young men were sitting, and saw their courageous faces change. They had stopped eating and looked at each other dejectedly, listening to the women talking.
"Well, I, for one, think it's just deplorable to invade Iraq , and I am certainly sick of our tax dollars going to train professional baby-killers we call a military."
Professional baby-killers. I thought about what a wonderful father my husband is, and of how long it would be before he would see our children again.
That's it! Indignation rose up inside me. Normally reserved, pride in my husband gave me a brassy boldness I never realized I had. Tonight one voice will answer on behalf of our military, and let her pride in our troops be known.
Sliding out of my booth, I walked around to the adjoining booth and placed my hands flat on their table. Lowering myself to eye level with them, smiling I said, "I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. You see, I'm sitting here trying to enjoy my dinner alone. And, do you know why? Because my husband, whom I love with all my heart, is halfway around the world defending your right to say rotten things about him."
"Yes, you have the right to your opinion, and what you think is none of my business. However, what you say in public is something else, and I will not sit by and listen to you ridicule MY country, MY president, MY husband, and all the other fine American men and women who put their lives on the line, just so you can have the "freedom" to complain. Freedom is an expensive commodity, ladies. Don't let your actions cheapen it."
I must have been louder than I meant to be, because the manager came over to inquire if everything was all right
"Yes, thank you," I replied.
Then, turning back to the women, I said, "Enjoy the rest of your meal."
As I returned to my booth applause broke out. I was embarrassed for making a scene, and went back to my half eaten steak. The women picked up their check and scurried away.
After finishing my meal, and while waiting for my check, the manager returned with a huge apple cobbler ala mode. "Compliments of those soldiers," he said. He also smiled and said the ladies tried to pay for my dinner, but that another couple had beaten them to it.
When I asked who, the manager said they had already left, but that the gentleman was a veteran, and wanted to take care of the wife of "one of our boys."
With a lump in my throat, I gratefully turned to the soldiers and thanked them for the cobbler. Grinning from ear to ear, they came over and surrounded the booth.
"We just wanted to thank you, ma'am. You know we can't get into confrontations with civilians, so we appreciate what you did."
As I drove home, for the first time since my husband's deployment, I didn't feel quite so alone. My heart was filled with the warmth of the other diners who stopped by my table, to relate how they, too, were proud of my husband, and would keep him in their prayers.
I knew their flags would fly a little higher the next day. Perhaps they would look for more tangible ways to show their pride in our country, and the military that protect her. And maybe, just maybe, the two women who were railing against our country would pause for a minute to appreciate all the freedom America offers, and the price it pays to maintain its freedom.
As for me, I have learned that one voice CAN make a difference.
Maybe the next time protesters gather outside the gates of the base where I live, I will proudly stand on the opposite side with a sign of my own. It will simply say, "Thank You!"
To those who fought for our nation, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
GOD BLESS AMERICA !
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: Hazcat on February 27, 2008, 09:14:10 PM
We all need to take a stand. I am sure most if not all on this board do but maybe we need to be just a little louder about it.
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: cookie62 on February 27, 2008, 09:48:38 PM
I have 2 sons in the military now. One is in the guard, he is a ROTC instructor. His unit was recently called up, he is trying to get deployed with them (wants to be with his buddies) even though he doesn't have to go. I'm not real keen on him going, but I won't try to talk him out of it. The other one is regular army (Airborne). He is home now waiting for a med board (medical discharge), because of a rare disease he got while over seas. His wife is about to give us our 6th grandchild (grandson ;D) any day now. He will never recover, there is no cure. I am proud of both of them for their service to our country, and ALL Americans. I just wish every freedom loving American could look through mine or my wifes eyes, and feel the pride and pain we go through on a daily basis. I'm not telling this story to get sympathy from anyone, I just want everyone to know how proud of them we are. And how much we love them, and all the men and women of the armed services.
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: RGJOHNS on February 27, 2008, 10:08:31 PM
;D My son is over there and i could not be prouder of him. Everytime that I enter a restaurant if I see some of our troops in there i try and stop by the table and thank them for what they do. I have picked up some of their meal's sometimes just a round of drinks depending on the size of the group. my way to tell them thank you!
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: wisconsin on February 27, 2008, 10:53:20 PM
May GOD keep them safe.
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: Teresa Heilevang on February 27, 2008, 11:41:44 PM
Thank you both for sharing that about your boys... :-*
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: CurrieS103 on February 28, 2008, 05:20:54 AM
Please thank them for their service. It is not an easy thing they do...but they do it for all of us.
Turkey, '92, '93 Saudi Arabia, '95 '97, '98 Kuwait, '99
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: Teresa Heilevang on February 29, 2008, 12:39:40 AM
I'm mad.. I'm sick to my stomach.. have to get this off my chest.
Tomorrow we bury the fallen soldier here in Howard. His funeral is in Fredonia Ks. ( about 35 miles form here.).then they will transport his body here for a graveside service.
Just got this tonight.. Now THIS is enough for me to think seriously about taking it for the team and putting my redneck woman's size 8 boot right in the pocket....making it where he will be singing soprano for awhile.. >:( This is one sick SOB.. surprised someone hasn't "put a cap in his ass".
I am furious! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fred Phelps and his family will picket the funeral of Sgt. Bryant Mackey in Fredonia from 9:15 to 10 a.m. Friday. The Fredonia Chamber of Commerce is requesting that everyone in the community come out and line the street to show support for the grieving family, and for this American soldier who died on our behalf.
We can do the same here in Howard when the procession arrives, although I really doubt that the creeps will come to Elk County.
If you can stand it, here is the website that confirms the plans announced by the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka.
http://www.godhatesfags.com/
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: tombogan03884 on February 29, 2008, 12:49:48 AM
That son of a bitch needs his ass kicked and to hell with what the law says. Same with flag burners, and after their beating if the local cops have any ba#$s they will arrest HIM for inciting a riot.
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: Teresa Heilevang on February 29, 2008, 01:01:26 AM
Our local law here is kinda on the redneck side. I doubt he would get much "protection".. I hope he doesn't show. I really AM afraid I might pop him in the chops. I get a bit out of control sometimes on things like this. >:( The ONLY reason I wouldn't walk straight up to him is out of respect for the soldiers family.. To cause more ruckus at a funeral site might not be in the best of taste.. ((But I can't be trusted and I will promise nothing to no one where this ass-wipe is concerned. ))
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: tombogan03884 on February 29, 2008, 01:05:54 AM
Some states have passed laws about disturbing funerals because of this low life, is Ks. one? These scum always attract the media, I'll be watching , and cheering for you.
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: Teresa Heilevang on March 07, 2008, 09:41:38 AM
I made this video of Bryant's last ride...and it is up in our video section of the Elk County site. Since you all were kind enough to allow me to vent to you about the Phelps guy.., I wanted to share this with you. It was so hard for me to do this.. :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: Hazcat on March 07, 2008, 10:07:05 AM
Teresa,
That was magnificent. If our heroes have to fall they should be passed to God with all of the honor and respect we can muster.
Can't comment more now cause I gotta get a fresh cup of coffee..this one tastes salty.
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: DDMac on March 07, 2008, 02:36:33 PM
Whew! I'm with you, Haz. Thank you, Teresa. Mac.
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: MikeBjerum on March 07, 2008, 03:02:33 PM
Was that the Patriot Guard in the video?
We have used them at funerals here, and they do a wonderful job of insulating the families from "nuts." They are organized and trained to do the things that need to be done in a very respective way.
If anyone wants to know more about them, needs their help, or wishes to support the Guard, their web site is www.patriotguard.org
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: Teresa Heilevang on March 07, 2008, 04:58:52 PM
Thanks for the kind words.. and yes it was the patriot guard.. There was over 300 of them that day. Quite emotional to see.
And Fred Phelps DID show up at the funeral with his little screaming group of hate mongers and the Patriot Guards totally surrounded them in a circle, touching shoulders.. with their backs to them waving their huge flags. I guess you couldn't even see them. And the cops turned a deaf ear and blind eye, Needless to say they didn't stay long nor follow the procession to Howard ( 35 miles )
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: Pathfinder on March 07, 2008, 07:34:58 PM
May God bless this brave young man, keep him secure in His arms.
May God grant peace to his family and friends who still miss him, and always will.
And God bless you, Teresa, for sharing this with us all.
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: jnevis on March 07, 2008, 09:03:24 PM
Thank you Teresa for sharing that with us. My wife and I are prior service and have many friends (more like family) deployed. I was in a command that transported wounded warriors from Walter Reed home to recover and it was humbling to talk with them and hear about how much they felt we were doing the right thing and needed to complete what we were doing. People like Phelps, Code Pink, and the Berkeley CA City Council should be ashamed of themselves and proud that someone is willing to do that for them.
SSG Mackey.. We have the watch, stand relieved.
Title: Re: Heaven was needing a hero..
Post by: tombogan03884 on March 08, 2008, 01:25:53 AM
These a&$holes are giving "aid and comfort" to our enemies. "OH," these lowlifes say, "we're exercising our first amendment rights, if you don't like what we're saying you must be a (pick one or more) Nazi, fascist,racist, bigot, war monger, baby killer, homophobic, oppressive, (worst of all) Conservative extremist." It seems they only embrace the "diversity" that agrees with their socialist agenda. What they don't seem to grasp is that, A) That first amendment they rely on was brought to them by the very means, and people they are protesting. Free speech, along with the right to LIFE liberty and the pursuit of happiness (14th amendment) were gained by American Patriots killing English soldiers in a WAR for control of OUR lives. (something the nanny staters should think about, it may explain their drive for more and more ineffective "anti crime" gun control laws), 2) The first amendment has NEVER been interpreted as legitimizing TREASON, "Willfully giving aid and comfort to the ENEMY during wartime".