....and how I miss Mama Kelley.
His post today "I know you don't need a shoulder to cry on..." was about someone I didn't know. But his words touched me -
...but if T needs to take a nap, or change to a dry shirt, you can use mine for a while.
I'm still not over the loss of my mother. It's a pain that fades to an ache, but it's still there - and will pop up at the silliest times, for the silliest reasons.
But then you realize that that's good. It's how they stay with us, impishly popping out of our memory to surprise us. On their terms, not ours. They are our 'rents after all. They have that right.
And it makes you smile. Mebbe a little wet around the edges of the eyes, but still, you're smiling.
So I wrote in the comments -
When I was 11 we moved one street over to live with my grandmother. My grandfather had been gone for a few years and she was struggling to hang onto the house. My parents and my grandmother decided we would move in with her and we would rent out our own house. This worked out with very few hiccups until my grandmother passes in January of 1999. So, as you can imagine, she was a great influence in my life.
My sisters and I speak of her and quote her so often that frequently people think she is still alive.
My parents came down to the family cottage for their two weeks recently. I stopped in the store to pick up my mother's favorite candy. My hand was on a bag of snack size Milky Ways to pop in the freezer for Mama Kelley before I remembered.....
And yes, my smile was a little wet around the edges.
Thanks John.
Friday, July 31, 2009
John Quincy Adams On Twitter?
From the Beehive, the official blog of the Massachusetts Historical Society
To Russia With Tweets
By Jeremy Dibbell
Back in late May I wrote a post here titled "Was JQA a Tweeter?," in which I noted a visitor's observation of the similarities between John Quincy Adams' line-a-day diary entries and the micro-blog posts produced on Twitter. Well, that got the wheels spinning here at MHS, and when we realized that JQA begins a long series of line-a-day entries on 5 August 1809 as he departs on his voyage to Russia (where he would serve as the first American ambassador), we decided some opportunities are just too good to pass up.
Read the rest here.
Follow @JQAdams_MHS on Twitter
H/T Bostonist - thanks! I love this story.
To Russia With Tweets
By Jeremy Dibbell
Back in late May I wrote a post here titled "Was JQA a Tweeter?," in which I noted a visitor's observation of the similarities between John Quincy Adams' line-a-day diary entries and the micro-blog posts produced on Twitter. Well, that got the wheels spinning here at MHS, and when we realized that JQA begins a long series of line-a-day entries on 5 August 1809 as he departs on his voyage to Russia (where he would serve as the first American ambassador), we decided some opportunities are just too good to pass up.
Read the rest here.
Follow @JQAdams_MHS on Twitter
H/T Bostonist - thanks! I love this story.
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
AW1 Tim commented on a similar post at the Phibian's place - "Leadership by Example". Or lack thereof. 
This pic is everywhere on the 'Net. But the best commentary with it so far is in an article at The American Thinker by Thomas Lifson.
Sergeant Crowley, the sole class act in this trio, helps the handicapped Professor Gates down the stairs, while Barack Obama, heedless of the infirmities of his friend and fellow victim of self-defined racial profiling, strides ahead on his own. So who is compassionate? And who is so self-involved and arrogant that he is oblivious?
Are You Keeping Up?
Solomon Islands Campaign Blog Project
The Solomons Campaign: Geographical and Political Background
The Solomons Campaign: Status of the United States Fleet and Plans After Midway
The Imperial Japanese Navy after Midway
The Solomon Islands Campaign: Prelude to the Series
The Solomons Campaign: WATCHTOWER — Why Guadalcanal?
The Solomons Campaign: Geographical and Political Background
The Solomons Campaign: Status of the United States Fleet and Plans After Midway
The Imperial Japanese Navy after Midway
The Solomon Islands Campaign: Prelude to the Series
The Solomons Campaign: WATCHTOWER — Why Guadalcanal?
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
John Finn & Co
090725-N-2832L-092 SAN DIEGO (July 25, 2009) Retired Navy Lt. John Finn, sitting at bottom right, celebrates his 100th birthday with other Medal of Honor recipients at Naval Air Station North Island. Finn, the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient, was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Dec. 7, 1941 Japanese attack on attack on Pearl Harbor. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mike Leporati/Released)Fág an bealach
Navy Christens New Guided Missile Destroyer Jason Dunham
Story Number: NNS090729-04
Release Date: 7/29/2009 5:36:00 AM
From Department of Defense
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy will christen the newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Jason Dunham, Aug. 1, 2009, during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony at Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine.
Designated DDG 109, the new destroyer honors Cpl. Jason L. Dunham, the first Marine awarded the Medal of Honor for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Dunham was born in Scio, N.Y., Nov. 10, 1981, sharing the same birthday as the U.S. Marine Corps.
On April 14, 2004, Dunham's squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission in Karabilah, Iraq, when his battalion commander's convoy was ambushed. When Dunham's squad approached to provide fire support, an Iraqi insurgent leapt out of a vehicle and attacked Dunham. As Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the ground, he noticed that the enemy fighter had a grenade in his hand and immediately alerted his fellow Marines. When the enemy dropped the live grenade, Dunham took off his Kevlar helmet, covered the grenade, and threw himself on top to smother the blast. In an ultimate selfless act of courage, in which he was mortally wounded, he saved the lives of two fellow Marines.
Retired Gen. Michael W. Hagee, former commandant of the U. S. Marine Corps, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Debra Dunham will serve as sponsor of the ship named for her late son. In accordance with Navy tradition, she will break a bottle of champagne across the ship's bow and christen the ship.
Jason Dunham, the 59th Arleigh Burke class destroyer, will be able to conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. Jason Dunham will be capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously and contains a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime warfare in keeping with "A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower," the new maritime strategy that postures the sea services to apply maritime power to protect U.S. vital interests in an increasingly interconnected and uncertain world.
Cmdr. M. Scott Sciretta, born in South Amboy, N.J., is the prospective commanding officer of the ship and will lead the crew of 276 officers and enlisted personnel. The 9,200-ton Jason Dunham is being built by Bath Iron Works, a General Dynamics company. The ship is 509 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 59 feet, and a navigational draft of 31 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots
Story Number: NNS090729-04
Release Date: 7/29/2009 5:36:00 AM
From Department of Defense
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy will christen the newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Jason Dunham, Aug. 1, 2009, during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony at Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine.
Designated DDG 109, the new destroyer honors Cpl. Jason L. Dunham, the first Marine awarded the Medal of Honor for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Dunham was born in Scio, N.Y., Nov. 10, 1981, sharing the same birthday as the U.S. Marine Corps.
On April 14, 2004, Dunham's squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission in Karabilah, Iraq, when his battalion commander's convoy was ambushed. When Dunham's squad approached to provide fire support, an Iraqi insurgent leapt out of a vehicle and attacked Dunham. As Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the ground, he noticed that the enemy fighter had a grenade in his hand and immediately alerted his fellow Marines. When the enemy dropped the live grenade, Dunham took off his Kevlar helmet, covered the grenade, and threw himself on top to smother the blast. In an ultimate selfless act of courage, in which he was mortally wounded, he saved the lives of two fellow Marines.
Retired Gen. Michael W. Hagee, former commandant of the U. S. Marine Corps, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Debra Dunham will serve as sponsor of the ship named for her late son. In accordance with Navy tradition, she will break a bottle of champagne across the ship's bow and christen the ship.
Jason Dunham, the 59th Arleigh Burke class destroyer, will be able to conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. Jason Dunham will be capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously and contains a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime warfare in keeping with "A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower," the new maritime strategy that postures the sea services to apply maritime power to protect U.S. vital interests in an increasingly interconnected and uncertain world.
Cmdr. M. Scott Sciretta, born in South Amboy, N.J., is the prospective commanding officer of the ship and will lead the crew of 276 officers and enlisted personnel. The 9,200-ton Jason Dunham is being built by Bath Iron Works, a General Dynamics company. The ship is 509 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 59 feet, and a navigational draft of 31 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots
Monday, July 27, 2009
Divide and Conquer
CDR Bullard was presented with a beautiful framed lithograph from the Mess
Limited edition lithograph depicting USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides") at a dramatic moment in the 20 February 1815 battle between the American frigate and British men-of-war Cyane and Levant when she delivered withering raking fire into the latter's stern, wrecking her steering.
Read more about Capture of Cyane and Levant, 1815
Limited edition lithograph depicting USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides") at a dramatic moment in the 20 February 1815 battle between the American frigate and British men-of-war Cyane and Levant when she delivered withering raking fire into the latter's stern, wrecking her steering.Read more about Capture of Cyane and Levant, 1815
Then There Was A Detour
So I make the ceremony.
I attend the reception.
I get a shell!!!!!
Then I go home and make it to work for a few hours, right?
Wrong.
I am carrying around my shell and my certificate. Cradling it like a baby. Completely floored.
I get to my car and I carefully place it on the seat beside me. I call Jen and announce "I have a shell!!" She responds "Like a sea shell?" We laugh. She is alluding to the fact that when CDR Bullard first suggested a "shell" as a gift for CDR Junge we had no idea what he was talking about. I told her and she said "Like a sea shell?" We laughed it made no sense. Then she Googled "Constitution" and "shell". One of the hits was an item from the USS Constitution Museum store. I read it and we discussed it, but it didn't make sense. Then Jen's BFF, SB called and we asked him and he explained it was a 40 mm, 200 gram saluting shell that had been fired on the ship, stuffed with oak from the decks and sealed with a command coin.
So Jen knew what it was this time around and was very happy for me.
I made it all the way to the gas tanks before I noticed it.
My gift for CDR Bullard was still on the seat beside me. LOL! I was so besotted with my shell that I was all the way in Dorchester. So I got off the highway and turned around.
Back on Memorial Day weekend I attended Max Kennedy's discussion on his book "Danger's Hour" and I got an autographed copy for CDR Bullard. I worried for a little bit that he might not be impressed. But then he said something to me on Twitter or SailorBob, I forget where about being jealous that he didn't make it to the lecture. SB said that clearly I had made a good choice.
I had also popped into College Hype and picked up Townie T-shirts for his kids and "All Roads Lead to Charlestown" T-shirts for himself and his wife. He told me that CDR Gillen had given him a Townie pin.
So, poor CDR Bullard finally finishes up with his long emotional day (which was preceded by several days of prep) and goes home to decompress.....and I turn up again like a bad penny.
I was ready to leave it with Sarah, but she called him to the front hall to see it for himself.
I am really going to miss them.
I attend the reception.
I get a shell!!!!!
Then I go home and make it to work for a few hours, right?
Wrong.
I am carrying around my shell and my certificate. Cradling it like a baby. Completely floored.
I get to my car and I carefully place it on the seat beside me. I call Jen and announce "I have a shell!!" She responds "Like a sea shell?" We laugh. She is alluding to the fact that when CDR Bullard first suggested a "shell" as a gift for CDR Junge we had no idea what he was talking about. I told her and she said "Like a sea shell?" We laughed it made no sense. Then she Googled "Constitution" and "shell". One of the hits was an item from the USS Constitution Museum store. I read it and we discussed it, but it didn't make sense. Then Jen's BFF, SB called and we asked him and he explained it was a 40 mm, 200 gram saluting shell that had been fired on the ship, stuffed with oak from the decks and sealed with a command coin.
So Jen knew what it was this time around and was very happy for me.
I made it all the way to the gas tanks before I noticed it.
My gift for CDR Bullard was still on the seat beside me. LOL! I was so besotted with my shell that I was all the way in Dorchester. So I got off the highway and turned around.
Back on Memorial Day weekend I attended Max Kennedy's discussion on his book "Danger's Hour" and I got an autographed copy for CDR Bullard. I worried for a little bit that he might not be impressed. But then he said something to me on Twitter or SailorBob, I forget where about being jealous that he didn't make it to the lecture. SB said that clearly I had made a good choice.
I had also popped into College Hype and picked up Townie T-shirts for his kids and "All Roads Lead to Charlestown" T-shirts for himself and his wife. He told me that CDR Gillen had given him a Townie pin.
So, poor CDR Bullard finally finishes up with his long emotional day (which was preceded by several days of prep) and goes home to decompress.....and I turn up again like a bad penny.
I was ready to leave it with Sarah, but she called him to the front hall to see it for himself.
I am really going to miss them.
There's No Crying In the Navy!
At least that's what CDR Bullard said when he scolded me. And he was backed up by his partner in crime, that troublemaker, CDR O'Malley.
Ok, so up to the reception we all go. All million of us....ok, I'm exaggerating but there was a real crush of humanity up there. I grabbed a soda and talked to everyone I knew and lots of people I didn't. Eleanor Samuels of the Navy League. Dr. Momentum, CDR Bullard's cousin - one of my favorite libs. CDR Gillen, USN (ret), 59th in command of USS Constitution - a fellow Townie. Major General Carter fo the MA National Guard who I did know because of a friend of his. there was also a young officer who was there because CDR had been his first XO. We discussed social media briefly. I also got a few minutes to talk to Mrs. Bullard.
I was introduced to CDR Cooper and his wife. I told them that it was nice to be introduced this way. After all, it's soooooo much easier than what I had to do to meet CDR Bullard. LOL I said "That part in his remarks where he said he was glad he didn't run away....that option was actually on the table." I was going to explain who I was when CDR Cooper said he has read this blog. I NEVER know what to say when people tell me that. I know what I want to say is "This is complete nonsense! What are you doing here!"
I said to CDR O'Malley "Can you introduce me to VADM Locklear?" He laughed and said "Maggie, I can't introduce you to people I don't know." I told him "That's fine, follow me over and I'll introduce you. It's what I do." Just then CDR Bullard came up and took me over to meet the Admiral. I shook his hand "Hi, I'm Maggie, do you know my friend ADM Harvey." I didn't catch the response because people started laughing. Anyway, we had a pleasant exchange and the Admiral showed off the one or two words he can say like a Bostonian thanks to his wife's careful tutelage.
So, now, the part where I was scolded.......
Go read this really quick.
Back? Ok, well I was standing next to CDR O'Malley when CDR Bullard came up to him with a shell like CDR Junge's.
Then he turned and handed one to me. With a certificate.
I looked at him. I looked at the shell. I looked at him.
That's when he scolded me. "There's no crying in the Navy!"
USS Constitution Change of Command
So Friday I got up at 0500 in order to be on time! You know you are important when I will give up sleep for you. Even with some tie up in the Liberty Tunnel, I was there before the official party...barely, whew!
They had a tent set up near the ship with seats for more than a hundred people. I walked to the back edge to peer inside and hopefully spot and empty seat. A young Sailor came up to me "Excuse me ma'am. You look familiar." as she looked at me quizically. I laughed and responded that it was probably because I attend all these functions. She nodded and had me follow her in and I was seated in the 3rd row directly behind CDR Cooper's family.
I was barely settled when the official party arrived. But that counts as "on time" and that's all that matters.
CDR Bullard's XO LCDR Savage was master of ceremonies. The official party was piped through the sideboys. VADM Locklear, director, Navy Staff was the official speaker. Retired RDML DeLoach was there representing Naval history & Heritage Command. Then CDRs Bullard & Cooper in period uniforms.
We stood for the National Anthem and invocation. CDR Bullard stepped up briefly to introduce VADM Locklear who started off explaining his Boston connections....his wife is from the North End!
Then CDR Bullard got up to speak. It was a really good speech about how meaningful this past two years has been for him. He spoke glowingly of the 70 Sailors he had under his command. I was most touched when he acknowledged the sacrifices his wife and family made while he commanded Old Ironsides.
Of course, the most shocking part was when he gave a shout-out to some troublemaker who waylaid him at the Bunker Hill Parade. LOL Seriously, I was mentioned in the remarks.
CDR Cooper spoke briefly, following the 4 "ups" as he called them - showing up, stand up, something else and then shut up. Even though he was brief, he was funny. That's good, humor will get you through a lot.
Then came the reading of the official orders. CDR Bullard's voice caught a little and he had to take a moment. Then, the 70th in command was relieved.
I found this vid on YouTube. It's only 7 minutes long. The person who posted it said his battery ran out. If anyone has more, please let me know.
They had a tent set up near the ship with seats for more than a hundred people. I walked to the back edge to peer inside and hopefully spot and empty seat. A young Sailor came up to me "Excuse me ma'am. You look familiar." as she looked at me quizically. I laughed and responded that it was probably because I attend all these functions. She nodded and had me follow her in and I was seated in the 3rd row directly behind CDR Cooper's family.
I was barely settled when the official party arrived. But that counts as "on time" and that's all that matters.
CDR Bullard's XO LCDR Savage was master of ceremonies. The official party was piped through the sideboys. VADM Locklear, director, Navy Staff was the official speaker. Retired RDML DeLoach was there representing Naval history & Heritage Command. Then CDRs Bullard & Cooper in period uniforms.
We stood for the National Anthem and invocation. CDR Bullard stepped up briefly to introduce VADM Locklear who started off explaining his Boston connections....his wife is from the North End!
Then CDR Bullard got up to speak. It was a really good speech about how meaningful this past two years has been for him. He spoke glowingly of the 70 Sailors he had under his command. I was most touched when he acknowledged the sacrifices his wife and family made while he commanded Old Ironsides.
Of course, the most shocking part was when he gave a shout-out to some troublemaker who waylaid him at the Bunker Hill Parade. LOL Seriously, I was mentioned in the remarks.
CDR Cooper spoke briefly, following the 4 "ups" as he called them - showing up, stand up, something else and then shut up. Even though he was brief, he was funny. That's good, humor will get you through a lot.
Then came the reading of the official orders. CDR Bullard's voice caught a little and he had to take a moment. Then, the 70th in command was relieved.
I found this vid on YouTube. It's only 7 minutes long. The person who posted it said his battery ran out. If anyone has more, please let me know.
So, Who Is this BostonMaggie Anyway?
When I started this nonsense back in October of 2005 - after two abortive attempts - I guarded my identity. You know, it's the Internets and the Internets is a scary place.
But as time has passed and I have met more and more of my "imaginary" friends my alias has caused some confusion.
Certainly, I am always over explaining things when I do some Navy thing and I'm asked who I am. What should I say? My real name? My blog name? What if I need to show ID? What if I explain it all and sound like Rainman?
And then there is the whole picture nonsense. For a while it was a bowl of M&Ms. Then it was the back of my head as I stood with my friend Mr. Andi listening to the Armorer (BTW - the fabulous Andi and my friend Mr. Andi are coming to Boston & I am sooooo excited!). Then it was the pic from the Milblog shoot-out.
I chose BostonMaggie for a name because Maggie was a high school nickname. When I was young, St Francis held a May Procession each spring. The nuns would chose a first grader to play Mary, the Mother of God. In May, 1966 I was selected. Fast forward to 1978 and I was explaining this to some friends, when Mark burst out with "Mary, the Mother of GOD!!! More like Mary Magdalene!" And thus, I was Maggie. (Can you see why my parents abhor this nickname?) When I was first surfing the 'net I used Maggie because it was familiar. Besides, wouldn't you be disappointed if I didn't have an alias at the ready....it suits me.
So Friday, driving home from USS Constitution's Change of Command, I decided to write this post.
So....here I am. My name is Diane....but you can still call me Maggie. (Oh, and I am cheating, this is a pre-chemotherapy pic)
But as time has passed and I have met more and more of my "imaginary" friends my alias has caused some confusion.
Certainly, I am always over explaining things when I do some Navy thing and I'm asked who I am. What should I say? My real name? My blog name? What if I need to show ID? What if I explain it all and sound like Rainman?
And then there is the whole picture nonsense. For a while it was a bowl of M&Ms. Then it was the back of my head as I stood with my friend Mr. Andi listening to the Armorer (BTW - the fabulous Andi and my friend Mr. Andi are coming to Boston & I am sooooo excited!). Then it was the pic from the Milblog shoot-out.
I chose BostonMaggie for a name because Maggie was a high school nickname. When I was young, St Francis held a May Procession each spring. The nuns would chose a first grader to play Mary, the Mother of God. In May, 1966 I was selected. Fast forward to 1978 and I was explaining this to some friends, when Mark burst out with "Mary, the Mother of GOD!!! More like Mary Magdalene!" And thus, I was Maggie. (Can you see why my parents abhor this nickname?) When I was first surfing the 'net I used Maggie because it was familiar. Besides, wouldn't you be disappointed if I didn't have an alias at the ready....it suits me.
So Friday, driving home from USS Constitution's Change of Command, I decided to write this post.
So....here I am. My name is Diane....but you can still call me Maggie. (Oh, and I am cheating, this is a pre-chemotherapy pic)
Saturday, July 25, 2009
OK, I Lied
I proimised there would be posts about CDR Bullard's change of command ceremony here today.
I've lied.
My father, brother, sister and brother-in-law showed up to finish my bedroom-closet remodel.
Sorry, I'd be grounded if I stayed here typing to all of you while they worked.
Meanwhile -
I won't leave you bored. We have Medal of honor stuff. Yesterday I had the pleasure of saying hello again to CAPT Thomas Hudner, USN (ret.), MOH recipient. CAPT Hudner was gracious enough to pretend he remembered me. So let's focus there.
We are in the run up to the 2009 Commit to Courage Medal of Honor Convention in chicago in 51 days. Visit their website here. Follow them on Facebook & Twitter.
Here is a link to the Medal of Honor post at the Castle of Argghhh!!! for 24 JUL. I'm sure he'll have today's up soon.
OK, ok, I hve to go.
I've lied.
My father, brother, sister and brother-in-law showed up to finish my bedroom-closet remodel.
Sorry, I'd be grounded if I stayed here typing to all of you while they worked.
Meanwhile -
I won't leave you bored. We have Medal of honor stuff. Yesterday I had the pleasure of saying hello again to CAPT Thomas Hudner, USN (ret.), MOH recipient. CAPT Hudner was gracious enough to pretend he remembered me. So let's focus there.
We are in the run up to the 2009 Commit to Courage Medal of Honor Convention in chicago in 51 days. Visit their website here. Follow them on Facebook & Twitter.
Here is a link to the Medal of Honor post at the Castle of Argghhh!!! for 24 JUL. I'm sure he'll have today's up soon.
OK, ok, I hve to go.
Friday, July 24, 2009
I Don't Know Where To Start
I have just had the most excellent day.
There are so many things I want to post, but I've got to be honest....I'm beat. I was up at 0500 because that was the only way to be sure I would be where I needed to be. Add in the fact that I had to skip pain meds because of all the driving (and wanting to sound coherent), everything on me hurts!
I'm home, I took a shower and I am going to drag my butt up to the cottage and have my mother feed me dinner.
But tomorrow, there will be tales.
For tonight I will leave you with this, my friend ADM Harvey started a blog.
New U.S. Fleet Forces Command Blog
There are so many things I want to post, but I've got to be honest....I'm beat. I was up at 0500 because that was the only way to be sure I would be where I needed to be. Add in the fact that I had to skip pain meds because of all the driving (and wanting to sound coherent), everything on me hurts!
I'm home, I took a shower and I am going to drag my butt up to the cottage and have my mother feed me dinner.
But tomorrow, there will be tales.
For tonight I will leave you with this, my friend ADM Harvey started a blog.
New U.S. Fleet Forces Command Blog
Congratulations, CDR Bullard!
When Blogger posts this for me at 1000 24 JUN 2009, I will be aboard Old Ironsides for the Change of Command ceremony in which CDR Timothy Cooper will relieve CDR William A Bullard III.CDR Bullard has done a great job as CO of USS Constitution and I will miss him terribly.
So when you don't see me on Twitter, or commenting somewhere or bothering you with email.....you will know it's because I am surrounded by Sailors.........and not thinking of any of you!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Happy 100th Birthday LT John Finn, USN, MOH
Happy Birthday shout-out from USS Stennis. Click here for Hi-Res.
090624-N-9928E-193 GULF OF ALASKA (June 24, 2009) Weapons department personnel spell out "John Finn" on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) to commemorate the 100th birthday of Medal of Honor recipient Naval Aviation Ordnanceman John Finn. John C. Stennis is participating in Northern Edge 2009, a joint exercise focusing on detecting and tracking units at sea, in the air and on land. (U.S. Navy photo illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Josue L. Escobosa/Released)
090624-N-9928E-193 GULF OF ALASKA (June 24, 2009) Weapons department personnel spell out "John Finn" on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) to commemorate the 100th birthday of Medal of Honor recipient Naval Aviation Ordnanceman John Finn. John C. Stennis is participating in Northern Edge 2009, a joint exercise focusing on detecting and tracking units at sea, in the air and on land. (U.S. Navy photo illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Josue L. Escobosa/Released)
LT John Finn was born in Los Angeles CA July 23, 1909.
He was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions on December 7, 1941
Here are some links
From PBS "American Valor"
From the Quarterdeck
From the Home of Heroes
From the MCPON's Facebook page
Last month from Chandlers Watch
World War II Hero John Finn Meets Metal of Honor
From Andrew Briebart's Big Hollywood
Gold Star Mom Angelia Phillips: Happy 100th Birthday Mr. John Finn
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Congratulations Phib!
Five years of the Salamander 
I can not thank him enough for the laughs I have had over there. But more importantly, the insights his blog has provided.
In the post, CDR S lists people who have influenced/helped him. Every blogger has such a list and he is high up on mine.
I enjoy what blogging about the Navy has brought me......later this week for example, I will be front and center at the Change of Command for Old Ironsides. I don't have to crash, I was invited....in writing. These wonderful things I have, are due in large part to other Navy bloggers like Phib.
He was also very helpful and supportive in the run up to my little deployment on Kearsarge.
Lastly, he has always been very gracious about my email blasts that usually start with "I want...."; "I Need......"; or "Help me......"
Congratulations on five years.
My Sisters Have To Work Sooooo Hard
My sisters have to work soooo hard pounding my ego back down.
This kinda thing doesn't help -
Klout.net says;
BostonMaggie is a persona
You have built a personal brand around your identity. There is a good chance that you work in social media or marketing but you might even be famous in real life. Being a persona is not just about having a ton of followers, to make it to the top right corner you need to engage with your audience. Make no mistake about it though, when you talk people listen.
My Klout score was 65 and you can view it here.
It also says that I am possibly influenced by my fav Tweeps @navynews and @flynavy.....hmmmmm, you think, lol!
I can see Grace & Jen rolling their eyes now!
But really, it's not all in my head. Last Friday my cousin Chrissie was visiting a friend in Panama City. This friend is a Navy Chief who has family in Charlestown. The Chief had to stop by work - the Navy's Experimental Diving Unit and pick something up. Chrissy tagged along. She asked the Chief if she could get a T-shirt for her cousin who was a Navy fan. Another person in the office noticed Chrissie's unmistakable Boston accent and asked if she knew BostonMaggie. How funny is that? Chrissie had to establish the truth of her claim to be my cousin by citing a story about herself in the blog. The Chrissie bag. Then I start getting Twipics (which I can't blog because Chrissie wasn't ready to be photographed) and updates on her tour of the Experimental Diving Unit!!!!
Later when they returned to the Chief's home and told their respective husbands about this, the Chief's spouse - also a Navy Chief - told Chrissie that of course he knew who I was. He said he didn't read blogs, but "BostonMaggie knows people, she gets invited on ships and everything." I interrupted Chrissie and asked "Is my friend Billy (Chrissie's husband, who is the GREATEST guy) impressed with this story?" She laughed and said yes.
Well that's all that matters.
Twitter makes the world smaller.....and boosts my ego to ridiculous proportions.
This kinda thing doesn't help -
Klout.net says;
BostonMaggie is a persona
You have built a personal brand around your identity. There is a good chance that you work in social media or marketing but you might even be famous in real life. Being a persona is not just about having a ton of followers, to make it to the top right corner you need to engage with your audience. Make no mistake about it though, when you talk people listen.
My Klout score was 65 and you can view it here.
It also says that I am possibly influenced by my fav Tweeps @navynews and @flynavy.....hmmmmm, you think, lol!
I can see Grace & Jen rolling their eyes now!
But really, it's not all in my head. Last Friday my cousin Chrissie was visiting a friend in Panama City. This friend is a Navy Chief who has family in Charlestown. The Chief had to stop by work - the Navy's Experimental Diving Unit and pick something up. Chrissy tagged along. She asked the Chief if she could get a T-shirt for her cousin who was a Navy fan. Another person in the office noticed Chrissie's unmistakable Boston accent and asked if she knew BostonMaggie. How funny is that? Chrissie had to establish the truth of her claim to be my cousin by citing a story about herself in the blog. The Chrissie bag. Then I start getting Twipics (which I can't blog because Chrissie wasn't ready to be photographed) and updates on her tour of the Experimental Diving Unit!!!!
Later when they returned to the Chief's home and told their respective husbands about this, the Chief's spouse - also a Navy Chief - told Chrissie that of course he knew who I was. He said he didn't read blogs, but "BostonMaggie knows people, she gets invited on ships and everything." I interrupted Chrissie and asked "Is my friend Billy (Chrissie's husband, who is the GREATEST guy) impressed with this story?" She laughed and said yes.
Well that's all that matters.
Twitter makes the world smaller.....and boosts my ego to ridiculous proportions.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Crab Cakes, Glenn Beck, Jeopardy
Carnac the Magnificent would tell you "What are three things that Maggie enjoyed tonight with her parents & Jen!"
And he would be right.
Jen & I joined our parents at the cottage for crab cakes, lobster bisque (they ate bisque, not me), salad & asiago cheese bread.
I read some more of "Two Ocean War" - which I will be reading ffffooooooorrrrreeeevvvveeerrrr - it's 3,000 pages and I am on page 4 - well, maybe that's a slight exaggeration. They watched my mother's fav "Wheel of Fortune". If I can't be near a computer when I read Navy non-fiction, it helps to have my father nearby as reference material. I couldn't be out on the porch because of the heavy rain. Bummer.
In Jeopardy I had an excellent night. But then again, categories included Harry Truman and Latin, it would have been inexcusable not to do well.
After Jeopardy, Jen pops on O'Reilly. He had on Glen Beck who was talking about NBCC CEO Harry Alford vs. Sen Boxer. They ran a vid (link here) of Beck enjoying dessert while he watches. When you follow the link, go full screen so you can watch Beck eating pudding and making faces in the lower right hand corner, like a crazy little gnome. Beck said something to O'Reilly about putting on a little Barry White and it being conservative porn. But we aren't sure because we were laughing too hard at him.
And he would be right.
Jen & I joined our parents at the cottage for crab cakes, lobster bisque (they ate bisque, not me), salad & asiago cheese bread.
I read some more of "Two Ocean War" - which I will be reading ffffooooooorrrrreeeevvvveeerrrr - it's 3,000 pages and I am on page 4 - well, maybe that's a slight exaggeration. They watched my mother's fav "Wheel of Fortune". If I can't be near a computer when I read Navy non-fiction, it helps to have my father nearby as reference material. I couldn't be out on the porch because of the heavy rain. Bummer.
In Jeopardy I had an excellent night. But then again, categories included Harry Truman and Latin, it would have been inexcusable not to do well.
After Jeopardy, Jen pops on O'Reilly. He had on Glen Beck who was talking about NBCC CEO Harry Alford vs. Sen Boxer. They ran a vid (link here) of Beck enjoying dessert while he watches. When you follow the link, go full screen so you can watch Beck eating pudding and making faces in the lower right hand corner, like a crazy little gnome. Beck said something to O'Reilly about putting on a little Barry White and it being conservative porn. But we aren't sure because we were laughing too hard at him.
From The Very Entertaining Marc Lynch
Marc Lynch at Foreign Policy puts up a fabulous piece on the world of rap. I don't use the word "world" lightly. It's a whole culture. Marc relates everything we use to discuss foreign policy - hegemony, hard power, soft power, strategy to the rap world. It is highly amusing even if you don't like rap music.
Jay-Z vs the Game: Lessons for the American Primacy Debate
I possibly enjoyed it more because I am somewhat familiar with the players. I can still remember when 50 cent's "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" album came out. One of Frankie's friends saw it in the car and said "Hey, you have the new 50 Cent?" and Frankie said "No, it's my mother's." LOL
Don't care for rap? It's still a good piece.
If this is how Lynch wastes time.....keep it up!
Jay-Z vs the Game: Lessons for the American Primacy Debate
I possibly enjoyed it more because I am somewhat familiar with the players. I can still remember when 50 cent's "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" album came out. One of Frankie's friends saw it in the car and said "Hey, you have the new 50 Cent?" and Frankie said "No, it's my mother's." LOL
Don't care for rap? It's still a good piece.
If this is how Lynch wastes time.....keep it up!
I Know there Are Two Sides To Every Story
But certainly the Borough administration of East Berlin, PA doesn't seem very bright.
Tucker's "patriotic" banner might violate borough zoning ordinance.
By TIM STONESIFER
For The Evening Sun
Posted: 07/16/2009 01:00:00 AM EDT
By TIM STONESIFER
For The Evening Sun
Posted: 07/16/2009 01:00:00 AM EDT
Bernie Tucker of Tucker Industrial Liquid Coatings, 407 North Ave., said Tuesday a letter he received from East Berlin zoning officer Robert Thaeler dated June 16 instructing him to remove a large, patriotic banner will go unanswered and unheeded - as will all similar future correspondence.
Thaeler's letter said Tucker had 30 days to remove the banner, which shows an American soldier posed in front of a military vehicle in Iraq. And though his 30 days expires today, Tucker said his sign isn't going anywhere.
"That sign was given as an award to my staff for getting vehicles ready to go to Iraq," he said. "You'll have to drag me away in handcuffs, because that sign will never come down."
The Borough's response?
But Borough Council President David Richards said the borough's past complaints about Tucker's business have been legitimate, and the sign is another example of Tucker's unwillingness to follow the rules.
It goes on to cite a DEP problem that was legit, but never a health hazard.
Now one of two things is true here -
Either, the Borough is pestering this guy and they've taken it one step too far since apparently the sign isn't visible from the road and the citizens support Tucker's banner (the Mayor says he supports it & he is receiving favorable phone calls).
Or, they have a legit beef with Tucker and he is a wily business man who skirts the rules and flouts regulations. If that is the case, they have just handed Tucker a cudgel to beat them with. No one ever looks good when they go the "Take that oversize flag/patriotic banner or sign down". Anytime a ruling body goes that route they look petty and power hungry.
Either way, it appears that the Borough's elected/appointed leaders aren't very smart. They either are petty and small-minded or they gave Tucker the means to make them look petty and small-minded.
Uncle Jimbo Makes Me Crazy! But God I Love Him!
He addresses all the speculation on the US Serviceman who was captured in Af'stan.
Time for a cup of STFU on captured soldier
I have not discussed it here or on Twitter. I like facts with my discussion (unless it's what I do when I win the lottery - then idle speculation is yummy!)
My favorite part -
Boy it's good to know that we have Ralph out there supervising patrols and making sure there are no breaks in contact i.e. people lagging behind. Hey dipshit, the fact that we have a term like "break in contact" means that it happens. Who the hell is Ralph to call this kid a liar from a TV studio in the US.
Rock on Uncle J!
Time for a cup of STFU on captured soldier
I have not discussed it here or on Twitter. I like facts with my discussion (unless it's what I do when I win the lottery - then idle speculation is yummy!)
My favorite part -
Boy it's good to know that we have Ralph out there supervising patrols and making sure there are no breaks in contact i.e. people lagging behind. Hey dipshit, the fact that we have a term like "break in contact" means that it happens. Who the hell is Ralph to call this kid a liar from a TV studio in the US.
Rock on Uncle J!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Army INNN SSSPPPPAAAACCCEE
Army Astronaut Col. Tim Kopra Trains for Space Mission
You can also friend/fan COL Korpa on FaceBook here
You can also friend/fan COL Korpa on FaceBook here
Friday, July 17, 2009
Mama Kelley Always Said....
....not to speak ill of the dead. But she also told me to be nice, and you know you're glad I didn't take that advice!
So Cronkite is dead. Just in time for the weekend. Great, the whole weekend wasted on lionizing "Uncle Walter".
Ugh. I am pre-emptively peeved. They haven't really gotten rolling yet, but I know I will suffer listening to all the crap about "The most trusted man in America"
My Dad was a "Huntley-Brinkley Report" man.
I know I can't write anything coherent about him myself. It would just look like this "#^%^%# FFFF @#$% F Asshat %^^$^ Clown".
So I will instead refer you to this December 18, 2006 post from the fabulous Neo-Neocon.
Tet, Cronkite, opinion journalism, and a changing press: Part I ("to tell a conflicted people a higher truth")
And this one from December 21, 2006
Tet, Cronkite, opinion journalism, and a changing press: Part II (changing the course of history)
So Cronkite is dead. Just in time for the weekend. Great, the whole weekend wasted on lionizing "Uncle Walter".
Ugh. I am pre-emptively peeved. They haven't really gotten rolling yet, but I know I will suffer listening to all the crap about "The most trusted man in America"
My Dad was a "Huntley-Brinkley Report" man.
I know I can't write anything coherent about him myself. It would just look like this "#^%^%# FFFF @#$% F Asshat %^^$^ Clown".
So I will instead refer you to this December 18, 2006 post from the fabulous Neo-Neocon.
Tet, Cronkite, opinion journalism, and a changing press: Part I ("to tell a conflicted people a higher truth")
And this one from December 21, 2006
Tet, Cronkite, opinion journalism, and a changing press: Part II (changing the course of history)
Fair Winds & Following Seas, Dennis Condon
Dennis Condon was many things, a Townie, a veteran of the United States Navy during World War II, a teacher at the "Eddies", an FBI special agent and a retired Mass State Police Commissioner.
Mr. Condon was also someone my mother had a crush on when she was young. We sat on the porch after dinner and she relayed the news wistfully. She told us a story about my grandmother revealing the crush during her time working in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Mama Kelley waitressed in the Officer's Club. Apparently SA Condon and his partner would eat in the O Club. Mama would tease them because Condon's parttner was over six foot tall and she said he couldn't be "undercover" he was too noticable.
There is another half remembered story about someone that SA Condon interviewed. The suspect was also a Townie and he was accused of embezzling, but no one could figure out how he did it. Condon went in to try to talk or trick him into confessing. He asked the suspect "How did you do it?" and the reply was "Well, you were my math teacher."
This is the obit. It's kinda dry when you consider that according to my mother every girl in Charlestown was in love with him. She also said that he made a difference in a lot of student's lives because he didn't let bullies get away with anything.
CONDON, Dennis M. Former Special Agent FBI and Ret. Massachusetts State Police Commissioner. Of Waltham and native of Charlestown, July 13, 2009. Husband of Lillian M. (McNamara) Condon. Father of Dennis M. Condon Jr. (Ret. FBI S.A.) and his wife, Joyce, of Alexandria, VA, Janet Condon of Waltham, Mary Elizabeth Hardiman and her husband, James, of Waltham, Lt. James F. Condon (MSP) and his wife, MSP Trooper Katie Walsh Condon of Townsend, Matthew G. Condon of Somerville, Elaine M. Gill (Ret. Detective Lt. MSP) and her husband, Capt. Kenneth Gill (MSP) of West Newbury and the late Jeanne M. Condon. Grandfather of Dennis M. Condon III and his wife, Brooke, Patrick and Michael Condon, all of Alexandria, VA, Katherine and Sean Hoar of Waltham, Grace and Caroline Condon of Townsend, Ryan and Benjamin Gill of West Newbury; Great-grandfather to Luca Lombardi Condon of Alexandria, VA; Brother of Marie O'Connor and her husband, Richard, of Charlestown and the late Ruth Thompson, Lucy McCarthy, Ann Baldwin, Margaret Sullivan, Daniel and William Condon. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Family and friends will honor and remember Dennis' life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), WALTHAM on Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m. and again at 8:45 a.m. on Friday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Francis de Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill Street, Charlestown, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Arlington. Retired Special Agent Federal Bureau of Investigation (1951-1977); Former Massachusetts State Police Commissioner and Undersecretary of Public Safety. Late Navy Veteran World War II. The Condon family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Cary Akins and Dr. Roman DeSanctis at the Mass General Hospital for more than 27 years of clincial expertise and friendship. Memorial donations may be made to the Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program, 780 Albany Street · Boston MA 02118. For complete obituary, guest book and directions please visit www.joycefuneralhome.com
Mr. Condon was also someone my mother had a crush on when she was young. We sat on the porch after dinner and she relayed the news wistfully. She told us a story about my grandmother revealing the crush during her time working in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Mama Kelley waitressed in the Officer's Club. Apparently SA Condon and his partner would eat in the O Club. Mama would tease them because Condon's parttner was over six foot tall and she said he couldn't be "undercover" he was too noticable.
There is another half remembered story about someone that SA Condon interviewed. The suspect was also a Townie and he was accused of embezzling, but no one could figure out how he did it. Condon went in to try to talk or trick him into confessing. He asked the suspect "How did you do it?" and the reply was "Well, you were my math teacher."
This is the obit. It's kinda dry when you consider that according to my mother every girl in Charlestown was in love with him. She also said that he made a difference in a lot of student's lives because he didn't let bullies get away with anything.
CONDON, Dennis M. Former Special Agent FBI and Ret. Massachusetts State Police Commissioner. Of Waltham and native of Charlestown, July 13, 2009. Husband of Lillian M. (McNamara) Condon. Father of Dennis M. Condon Jr. (Ret. FBI S.A.) and his wife, Joyce, of Alexandria, VA, Janet Condon of Waltham, Mary Elizabeth Hardiman and her husband, James, of Waltham, Lt. James F. Condon (MSP) and his wife, MSP Trooper Katie Walsh Condon of Townsend, Matthew G. Condon of Somerville, Elaine M. Gill (Ret. Detective Lt. MSP) and her husband, Capt. Kenneth Gill (MSP) of West Newbury and the late Jeanne M. Condon. Grandfather of Dennis M. Condon III and his wife, Brooke, Patrick and Michael Condon, all of Alexandria, VA, Katherine and Sean Hoar of Waltham, Grace and Caroline Condon of Townsend, Ryan and Benjamin Gill of West Newbury; Great-grandfather to Luca Lombardi Condon of Alexandria, VA; Brother of Marie O'Connor and her husband, Richard, of Charlestown and the late Ruth Thompson, Lucy McCarthy, Ann Baldwin, Margaret Sullivan, Daniel and William Condon. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Family and friends will honor and remember Dennis' life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), WALTHAM on Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m. and again at 8:45 a.m. on Friday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Francis de Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill Street, Charlestown, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Arlington. Retired Special Agent Federal Bureau of Investigation (1951-1977); Former Massachusetts State Police Commissioner and Undersecretary of Public Safety. Late Navy Veteran World War II. The Condon family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Cary Akins and Dr. Roman DeSanctis at the Mass General Hospital for more than 27 years of clincial expertise and friendship. Memorial donations may be made to the Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program, 780 Albany Street · Boston MA 02118. For complete obituary, guest book and directions please visit www.joycefuneralhome.com
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Do You Think.....
....my friend ADM Keating is reading along with The Solomons Campaign Blog Project?
I know he is pretty busy -
HONOLULU, Hawaii (July 15, 2009) - Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, greets Emperor Akihito, Emperor of Japan, during a visit to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The Emperor and his wife, Empress Michiko, here being greeted by Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle, paid homage to those interred at the cemetary by laying a wreath. More than 50,000 service men and women are interred at the cemetery. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. LuCelia Ball) 090715-F-2507B-174
But you know, we're only two posts in - he could catch up!
Just scroll down (and pay no attention to that Army General I'm fawning over) for links
Status of the United States Fleet and Plans After Midway
Ok, here we go. Are you ready? This is the Internet version of a summer best seller/book club. All the cool kids are doing it. Come on! You know you want to!
You should be ready. You should have read this so you are up to speed.
The Solomons Campaign: Status of the United States Fleet and Plans After Midway
By Steeljawscribe, on July 16th, 2009
This week marks the first of our Guest Bloggers for the Solomons Campaign blog project. The author is no stranger to this or several other milblogs – he is AT1(AW) Charles H. Berlemann, Jr. Hailing from the VAQ community, Charles is a student of naval history, particularly, naval aviation history and we have kept a long correspondence with him. When the Solomons Project came along he was one of the very first volunteers, offering to provide a snapshot of period of contrasts. The US had won an astounding victory at Midway, but even as the survivors of that epic battle returned to Pearl Harbor they were met with the lingering stench of bunker oil and dredged bottom mud. The ruins of the Arizona, Oklahoma and others of the once proud battle line stood as mute witness to the attack six months previous. And the question on everyone’s mind…now what?Presented for your edification, AT1(AW) Berlemann’s post – “Status of the United States Fleet and Plans After Midway” — SJS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The link takes you to Steeljaw Scribe. This series is also being crossposted on the USNI's blog.
You should be ready. You should have read this so you are up to speed.
The Solomons Campaign: Status of the United States Fleet and Plans After Midway
By Steeljawscribe, on July 16th, 2009
This week marks the first of our Guest Bloggers for the Solomons Campaign blog project. The author is no stranger to this or several other milblogs – he is AT1(AW) Charles H. Berlemann, Jr. Hailing from the VAQ community, Charles is a student of naval history, particularly, naval aviation history and we have kept a long correspondence with him. When the Solomons Project came along he was one of the very first volunteers, offering to provide a snapshot of period of contrasts. The US had won an astounding victory at Midway, but even as the survivors of that epic battle returned to Pearl Harbor they were met with the lingering stench of bunker oil and dredged bottom mud. The ruins of the Arizona, Oklahoma and others of the once proud battle line stood as mute witness to the attack six months previous. And the question on everyone’s mind…now what?Presented for your edification, AT1(AW) Berlemann’s post – “Status of the United States Fleet and Plans After Midway” — SJS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The link takes you to Steeljaw Scribe. This series is also being crossposted on the USNI's blog.
Thank You SECDEF Gates
Thanks for your common sense.
Pentagon Says No to Ban on War Zone Smoking Despite Study
Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell says troops already are under enough stress and making enough sacrifices from fighting the two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Damn skippy!
Pentagon Says No to Ban on War Zone Smoking Despite Study
Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell says troops already are under enough stress and making enough sacrifices from fighting the two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Damn skippy!
Didja Eva Wonder About Navy Boot Camp?
Well here's a YouTube vid giving you a behind the scenes tour.
The United States Navy maintains a YouTube channel with many other interesting vids , you should subscribe, I do!
The United States Navy maintains a YouTube channel with many other interesting vids , you should subscribe, I do!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Our WWII Sweep Across The Pacific Begins
All this summer the Naval Blogosphere will be blogging and discussing WWII in the Pacific Theater
Start here with Steeljaw Scribe (also crossposted at USNI Blog)
The Solomons Campaign: Geographical and Political Background
Be sure to read the comments as well.
This is an ongoing project and we will keep you up-to-date with links here, on Twitter and on Facebook.
I find this to be a very interesting period in our Nation's history.
ADM Halsey would have loved me!
Start here with Steeljaw Scribe (also crossposted at USNI Blog)
The Solomons Campaign: Geographical and Political Background
Be sure to read the comments as well.
This is an ongoing project and we will keep you up-to-date with links here, on Twitter and on Facebook.
I find this to be a very interesting period in our Nation's history.
ADM Halsey would have loved me!
Does Foreign Aid Need A Stiffer Backbone?
From Foreign Policy magazine's "Passport"
Does foreign aid need a stiffer backbone?
If you follow the link above it's Foreign Policy's commentary on this article, linked below.
Development in Dangerous Places
Does foreign aid need a stiffer backbone?
If you follow the link above it's Foreign Policy's commentary on this article, linked below.
Development in Dangerous Places
Genie Sued By Saudi Family
Seriously?
Genie sued by Saudi family
Tue, 07/14/2009 - 4:17pm
Forget Aladdin's friendly blue sidekick--a Saudi family has actually sued a genie for theft and harassment. After living in the same house for 15 years, the family recently became aware of the intruder:
Read the rest here.
Genie sued by Saudi family
Tue, 07/14/2009 - 4:17pm
Forget Aladdin's friendly blue sidekick--a Saudi family has actually sued a genie for theft and harassment. After living in the same house for 15 years, the family recently became aware of the intruder:
Read the rest here.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance Action Alert
So, Beth....my favorite farmer (ok, the only one I know) is asking us to help spread the word on this.
Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance Action Alert
07/09/2009
Food Safety Bill Heads to Committee Hearing
As we alerted you last month, a food safety bill -- HR 2749 -- is moving through Congress. The bill will be heard by the House Agriculture Committee on Thursday, July 16. If your State has a Representative on the Committee, please call TODAY to urge them to support amendments to address the most damaging provisions of the bill.Some of the key problems with the bill:
A food facility—defined as any establishment that manufactures, processes, packs, or holds food—would have to register and pay an annual $500 fee. Although farms are exempt, the agency has defined “farm” narrowly, and people making foods such as jam, cheese, or canned vegetables for local markets would be required to register and pay the fee. This could drive start-up and small producers out of business during difficult economic times. The fee is the same whether you are a small, local producer or a Heinz factory.
Facilities are also subject to extensive recordkeeping and paperwork requirements that could bury them in red tape without improving food safety.
The FDA is authorized to regulate how farms grow, harvest, pack, sort, transport and hold raw produce and crops. The agency's track record shows that this is likely to lead to regulations based on the practices of huge, industrial facilities, and that will be impractical and counterproductive for small, diversified farms.
SUGGESTED AMENDMENTS:
Establish a sliding scale for fees based on gross income, with an exemption for small facilities.
Limit the bill to food being shipped interstate, and explicitly exempt all farms and food processors who are selling only intrastate.
Exempt all farms and food processors who are selling directly to consumers.
The industrial food safety system does need to be reformed. But a bill that harms small and local producers is not the answer! Help protect both farmers and our food supply by calling today!
Click here for a list of who to call.
Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance Action Alert
07/09/2009
Food Safety Bill Heads to Committee Hearing
As we alerted you last month, a food safety bill -- HR 2749 -- is moving through Congress. The bill will be heard by the House Agriculture Committee on Thursday, July 16. If your State has a Representative on the Committee, please call TODAY to urge them to support amendments to address the most damaging provisions of the bill.Some of the key problems with the bill:
A food facility—defined as any establishment that manufactures, processes, packs, or holds food—would have to register and pay an annual $500 fee. Although farms are exempt, the agency has defined “farm” narrowly, and people making foods such as jam, cheese, or canned vegetables for local markets would be required to register and pay the fee. This could drive start-up and small producers out of business during difficult economic times. The fee is the same whether you are a small, local producer or a Heinz factory.
Facilities are also subject to extensive recordkeeping and paperwork requirements that could bury them in red tape without improving food safety.
The FDA is authorized to regulate how farms grow, harvest, pack, sort, transport and hold raw produce and crops. The agency's track record shows that this is likely to lead to regulations based on the practices of huge, industrial facilities, and that will be impractical and counterproductive for small, diversified farms.
SUGGESTED AMENDMENTS:
Establish a sliding scale for fees based on gross income, with an exemption for small facilities.
Limit the bill to food being shipped interstate, and explicitly exempt all farms and food processors who are selling only intrastate.
Exempt all farms and food processors who are selling directly to consumers.
The industrial food safety system does need to be reformed. But a bill that harms small and local producers is not the answer! Help protect both farmers and our food supply by calling today!
Click here for a list of who to call.
Monday, July 13, 2009
My Parents Are At The Cottage
I love their vacations almost as much as I love my own.
I was sitting on the front porch, reading. Just like every summer of my life. The sun was dipping low behind the trees on Cole.
The last of the sunlight played across the pages of my book. The breeze was blowing my hair. My parents were inside with Jen - Grace shows up Thursday.
Sometimes you can go home again.....for a little while.
I was sitting on the front porch, reading. Just like every summer of my life. The sun was dipping low behind the trees on Cole.
The last of the sunlight played across the pages of my book. The breeze was blowing my hair. My parents were inside with Jen - Grace shows up Thursday.
Sometimes you can go home again.....for a little while.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Adventures In Party Crashing
So Friday I got an email from a Navy Tweep "I'm going to be in Boston in August. Can we meet up and say 'Hi'?" Well of course! We pick a date and time and I say "You're on the calendar!"
See? That's how it's supposed to work!
Schippert didn't get the memo.
I randomly see this Tweet on Friday - "Driving wife's Outback to Boston. Have friends there but no time to meet, play. Good thing wife's friends are cool though. Day wd suck worse"
I respond "HEY!!! SCHIPPERT! You are coming to Boston?" Followed by "I am calling for support here - @Steve_Schippert is coming to Boston - make him find time for a drink with me"
And I called him names.
So, he came back and gave me a location. Good thing for him!
Then he reminds me "If you see me, remember to walk backwards so I can recognize you by your hair!" He was being a wish guy about my pic here & avatar on Twitter.....we've met.
So this evening I went up to his friend's house and walked in on their party "Hi, I'm Maggie....I'm crashing your party!"
Everyone was very friendly and gracious about letting me barge in on what was clearly an "inner circle" event.
After spending about an hour, I took my leave....with an even higher opinion of Schippert. You're judged by the company you keep buddy and you made out pretty well tonight.
See? That's how it's supposed to work!
Schippert didn't get the memo.
I randomly see this Tweet on Friday - "Driving wife's Outback to Boston. Have friends there but no time to meet, play. Good thing wife's friends are cool though. Day wd suck worse"
I respond "HEY!!! SCHIPPERT! You are coming to Boston?" Followed by "I am calling for support here - @Steve_Schippert is coming to Boston - make him find time for a drink with me"
And I called him names.
So, he came back and gave me a location. Good thing for him!
Then he reminds me "If you see me, remember to walk backwards so I can recognize you by your hair!" He was being a wish guy about my pic here & avatar on Twitter.....we've met.
So this evening I went up to his friend's house and walked in on their party "Hi, I'm Maggie....I'm crashing your party!"
Everyone was very friendly and gracious about letting me barge in on what was clearly an "inner circle" event.
After spending about an hour, I took my leave....with an even higher opinion of Schippert. You're judged by the company you keep buddy and you made out pretty well tonight.
A Soldier's Story: Gen. Rick Lynch and the Toll of Two Wars
data="http://www.thenewsroom.com/mash/swf/cube.swf?a=V3742580&m=723917">
Princess Crabby's favorite Army guy, LT Gen Rick Lynch wants you to show up at Fort Hood for a "hoot and a holler" with your Army.
LT Gen Lynch has opened up Fort Hood to more interaction with the puclic. He did the same when he was stationed at Fort Stewart.
*cough cough* is anyone in Newport listening? You know sometimes there are things happening there that a certain blogger might be interested in seeing......
Princess Crabby's favorite Army guy, LT Gen Rick Lynch wants you to show up at Fort Hood for a "hoot and a holler" with your Army.
LT Gen Lynch has opened up Fort Hood to more interaction with the puclic. He did the same when he was stationed at Fort Stewart.
*cough cough* is anyone in Newport listening? You know sometimes there are things happening there that a certain blogger might be interested in seeing......
Happy Birthday, 'Zilla!
The one in the middle is the Chief....such a ham.
Happy Birthday and be safe.
Anyone who wants to leave well wishes for Princess Crabby's Grand Vizier can pop over the the Castle of Argghhh!!! and comment in this delicious post.
Official Message Traffic
So over on Facebook.....some Army guy made a movie reference which I did not immediately get.
"Why Shea, does this mean we're not friends anymore? You know, if I thought you weren't my friend, I don't think I could bear it."
I got the second one from a helpful commenter
"I'm your huckleberry....and I think Shea and Maggie maybe didn't get your joke - probably because they were not forced to watch that movie as many times as I was :^)"
Ahhh, "Tombstone". But then Army guy says
"How could you be forced to watch that movie? It is by far the best western movie made since John Wayne died."
OK, now let's all just calm down. One should not be invoking "John Wayne" at the drop of a hat. We all know he is Princess Crabby's greatest cinematic love.
So Army Guy sends
OPERATIONAL IMMEDIATE: GODNAVBLOGSTRIFOR
Command directed to go watch Tombstone
Strong Message Follows
KILDAR 6
END MESSAGE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OK, well it's finally summer here - sunny and beautiful.
I have a party to crash today (my cousin in hosting a cookout for her husband's family and he was bemoaning the lack of our side's fun - so Jen & I are crashing it)
There is still the LE Eithne to try and visit.
This is the beginning of my parent's time at the cottage, so I have to hang there on the porch and *be*.
Hopefully I get to run into Steve Schippert during his Boston visit.
But otherwise, I'll get to it as soon as possible.
v/r GODNAVBLOGSTRIFOR
"Why Shea, does this mean we're not friends anymore? You know, if I thought you weren't my friend, I don't think I could bear it."
I got the second one from a helpful commenter
"I'm your huckleberry....and I think Shea and Maggie maybe didn't get your joke - probably because they were not forced to watch that movie as many times as I was :^)"
Ahhh, "Tombstone". But then Army guy says
"How could you be forced to watch that movie? It is by far the best western movie made since John Wayne died."
OK, now let's all just calm down. One should not be invoking "John Wayne" at the drop of a hat. We all know he is Princess Crabby's greatest cinematic love.
So Army Guy sends
OPERATIONAL IMMEDIATE: GODNAVBLOGSTRIFOR
Command directed to go watch Tombstone
Strong Message Follows
KILDAR 6
END MESSAGE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OK, well it's finally summer here - sunny and beautiful.
I have a party to crash today (my cousin in hosting a cookout for her husband's family and he was bemoaning the lack of our side's fun - so Jen & I are crashing it)
There is still the LE Eithne to try and visit.
This is the beginning of my parent's time at the cottage, so I have to hang there on the porch and *be*.
Hopefully I get to run into Steve Schippert during his Boston visit.
But otherwise, I'll get to it as soon as possible.
v/r GODNAVBLOGSTRIFOR
Friday, July 10, 2009
A Drug Deal In Front of My House
Jen's fridge was broke last week. She has a prescription that needs to be refrigerated. So it was in my fridge. Her fridge is fixed, but we forgot about her stuff until now when she needs it.
She texts "Are you home? Can I swing by?"
I text "Yes, can you bring me a can of Coke?"
She rolls up and hands me a can and a baggie "This is the saddest drug deal ever. Here, I made cookies."
Psych!!!!
I came out on top on this one. Jen makes great cookies! Only our mother's are better.
~~~~~~~~~~~
That rotten SB!
We were on the phone and I was recapping my day (he said he wanted to forget his) and I finished with this story.
Then I said "Where is my reward for waiting patiently for you to call?"
He replied "You got cookies."
"But they were for taking care of Jen's stuff! You can't ride Jen's coattails!"
He laughed. Bastid. He didn't even have to say it. We both know - of course he can ride her coattails.
~~~~~~~~
Rotten Jen
Jen sends me a text, ripping me for "letting" her watch "Knowing". I liked it, she didn't. She said I'll have to say ten novenas fin order God to forgive me for "making" her watch it. "I can't find that gun I held to your head. Can you check the seat cushions?" then I sent a text explaining that her BFF was trying to ride her coattails.
I got back one word "Ungrateful!"
She texts "Are you home? Can I swing by?"
I text "Yes, can you bring me a can of Coke?"
She rolls up and hands me a can and a baggie "This is the saddest drug deal ever. Here, I made cookies."
Psych!!!!
I came out on top on this one. Jen makes great cookies! Only our mother's are better.
~~~~~~~~~~~
That rotten SB!
We were on the phone and I was recapping my day (he said he wanted to forget his) and I finished with this story.
Then I said "Where is my reward for waiting patiently for you to call?"
He replied "You got cookies."
"But they were for taking care of Jen's stuff! You can't ride Jen's coattails!"
He laughed. Bastid. He didn't even have to say it. We both know - of course he can ride her coattails.
~~~~~~~~
Rotten Jen
Jen sends me a text, ripping me for "letting" her watch "Knowing". I liked it, she didn't. She said I'll have to say ten novenas fin order God to forgive me for "making" her watch it. "I can't find that gun I held to your head. Can you check the seat cushions?" then I sent a text explaining that her BFF was trying to ride her coattails.
I got back one word "Ungrateful!"
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Free "Fun Fridays" for the Entire Summer!
Free "Fun Fridays" for the Entire Summer!
Free Admission to some of Massachusetts’ most treasured resources
Underwritten by the Highland Street Foundation
The Free Friday for July 10th is the John F Kennedy Museum off of (or as we say here "offa") Morrissey Boulevard at Columbia Point in Dorchester.
Tomorrow the weather in Boston will be perfect! 74 & sunny. Columbia Point juts out into Boston Harbor. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it here.
Between this and SailBoston - tomorrow is the day to hit the city. See the museum have your picnic, then head on up to the Charlestown Navy Yard and see USCG Cutter Eagle, Picton Castle & Bluenose II and the flagship of the Irish Navy - LE Eithne. They are visiting my favs USS Constitution & USS Cassin Young.
Free Admission to some of Massachusetts’ most treasured resources
Underwritten by the Highland Street Foundation
The Free Friday for July 10th is the John F Kennedy Museum off of (or as we say here "offa") Morrissey Boulevard at Columbia Point in Dorchester.
Tomorrow the weather in Boston will be perfect! 74 & sunny. Columbia Point juts out into Boston Harbor. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it here.
Between this and SailBoston - tomorrow is the day to hit the city. See the museum have your picnic, then head on up to the Charlestown Navy Yard and see USCG Cutter Eagle, Picton Castle & Bluenose II and the flagship of the Irish Navy - LE Eithne. They are visiting my favs USS Constitution & USS Cassin Young.
Pics of Coasties Having Fun.....
...doing things that you couldn't pay me to do!
These and all the other pics are from Lynn. Thanks Lynn!!
These and all the other pics are from Lynn. Thanks Lynn!!The Coast Guard Cutter Eagle
I promised pics and here they are!
Thank you to Lynn of 4Elements who was aboard to visit her nephew who is stationed aboard Eagle.
Our approach aboard the USCGC Pendant (WYTL 65608).
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Thank you CDR LaBrec & LT Braesch USCG Public Affairs
And thank you Eric C. Jones, Captain, USCG Commanding Officer, USCGC Eagle who was there to greet us as we came aboard.
I had the best time!
It was beautiful.
I promise there will be pics. There were several people taking pics and I made friends! You know me, if there is a way to ride someone else's coattails, I'll find it.
I got up at 0530 with a plan to leave by 0600. Sadly, that plan did not include a shower.
So there will be a better post and pics later.
For now.....I'll repeat my Tweets. Sent a few from the ship;
"Just transfered from Pendent to another boat in preparation to board USCG Barque Eagle"
"On board USCG Eagle. Whew! Some people made a point of making the leap unassisted. Not me! I gladly took the hand extended!"
"I came across with many people who have family who are crew members. I also met someone who was with the Coast Guard Foundation. "
"As Eagle's crew prepares to get underway, I am watching them hose down the anchor. We are discussing what might be drawn up from the bottom"
"I say that I might not want to know. One of Eagle's crew assures me that the quality of Boston Harbor is much improved in recent years."
"USGS Eagle is gliding across Boston Harbor. It is completely different from USS Kearsarge. No vibration."
"We are approaching George's Island - Boston shrouded in heavy mist just beyond. USGC Eagle"
"I left barely an hour ago & didn't actually leave Boston Harbor - but as USCG Eagle brings me in sight of the Bunker Hill Monument...."
"Someone please DM me. what is the ship P31"
(and Twitter comes through from @chucksimmins @FBL1 @NavyCS & @coastie79 - the answer was the Irish Navy's flagship LE Eithne)
"Chuck you rock! Irish Navy Eithne. Thanks"
"@NavyCS do you think I can BS my way aboard P31 Eithne?"
(which sadly I was not able to do - tours begi at 4 pm. If I hadn't skipped showering I would have goe to my parent's house and napped until 4 pm - but I was wiped and stinky)
"USCG Eagle is securing behind Old Ironsides. People are lined up on the pier, waiting to come aboard. There were a few rain drops but...."
"Sadly, the Irish Navy did not *KNOW* who I was. LOL I was unable to BS, cajole, beg my way aboard. Tours started at 1600. Boo!"
"Thank you CDR Ron LaBrec & LT Connie Braesch of U.S. Coast Guard Public Affairs for arranging my fabulous morning aboard USCG Eagle"
OK, off to shower and sleep for a bit.
Meanwhile, here are links to SailBoston -
I had the best time!
It was beautiful.
I promise there will be pics. There were several people taking pics and I made friends! You know me, if there is a way to ride someone else's coattails, I'll find it.
I got up at 0530 with a plan to leave by 0600. Sadly, that plan did not include a shower.
So there will be a better post and pics later.
For now.....I'll repeat my Tweets. Sent a few from the ship;
"Just transfered from Pendent to another boat in preparation to board USCG Barque Eagle"
"On board USCG Eagle. Whew! Some people made a point of making the leap unassisted. Not me! I gladly took the hand extended!"
"I came across with many people who have family who are crew members. I also met someone who was with the Coast Guard Foundation. "
"As Eagle's crew prepares to get underway, I am watching them hose down the anchor. We are discussing what might be drawn up from the bottom"
"I say that I might not want to know. One of Eagle's crew assures me that the quality of Boston Harbor is much improved in recent years."
"USGS Eagle is gliding across Boston Harbor. It is completely different from USS Kearsarge. No vibration."
"We are approaching George's Island - Boston shrouded in heavy mist just beyond. USGC Eagle"
"I left barely an hour ago & didn't actually leave Boston Harbor - but as USCG Eagle brings me in sight of the Bunker Hill Monument...."
"Someone please DM me. what is the ship P31"
(and Twitter comes through from @chucksimmins @FBL1 @NavyCS & @coastie79 - the answer was the Irish Navy's flagship LE Eithne)
"Chuck you rock! Irish Navy Eithne. Thanks"
"@NavyCS do you think I can BS my way aboard P31 Eithne?"
(which sadly I was not able to do - tours begi at 4 pm. If I hadn't skipped showering I would have goe to my parent's house and napped until 4 pm - but I was wiped and stinky)
"USCG Eagle is securing behind Old Ironsides. People are lined up on the pier, waiting to come aboard. There were a few rain drops but...."
"Sadly, the Irish Navy did not *KNOW* who I was. LOL I was unable to BS, cajole, beg my way aboard. Tours started at 1600. Boo!"
"Thank you CDR Ron LaBrec & LT Connie Braesch of U.S. Coast Guard Public Affairs for arranging my fabulous morning aboard USCG Eagle"
OK, off to shower and sleep for a bit.
Meanwhile, here are links to SailBoston -
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
My Wednesday
....will start aboard the Coast Guard's tall ship, Barque Eagle. Aren't you jealous!
Thanks to everyone who made this invitation possible, especially CDR Ron LaBrec who passed along my name after we met in DC during my Pentagon adventure.
BOSTON - The Coast Guard Cutter Eagle sits at its anchorage outside of Boston Harbor Tuesday, July 7, 2009, in anticipation of the Sail Boston 2009 tall ships event. The Eagle is a 295-foot barque based in New London, Conn., and is used to train future Coast Guard officers. (Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Lauren Jorgensen)
BOSTON - The Coast Guard Cutter Eagle sits at its anchorage outside of Boston Harbor Tuesday, July 7, 2009, in anticipation of the Sail Boston 2009 tall ships event. The Eagle is a 295-foot barque based in New London, Conn., and is used to train future Coast Guard officers. (Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Lauren Jorgensen)
BOSTON - (Left to right) The Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, its small boat and the Coast Guard Cutter Sanibel sit at the Eagle's anchorage outside of Boston Harbor Tuesday, July 7, 2009, in anticipation of the Sail Boston 2009 tall ships event. The Eagle is a 295-foot barque based in New London, Conn., and is used to train future Coast Guard officers. (Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Lauren Jorgensen)
~~~~~~~~~
Thanks to everyone who made this invitation possible, especially CDR Ron LaBrec who passed along my name after we met in DC during my Pentagon adventure.
BOSTON - The Coast Guard Cutter Eagle sits at its anchorage outside of Boston Harbor Tuesday, July 7, 2009, in anticipation of the Sail Boston 2009 tall ships event. The Eagle is a 295-foot barque based in New London, Conn., and is used to train future Coast Guard officers. (Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Lauren Jorgensen)
BOSTON - The Coast Guard Cutter Eagle sits at its anchorage outside of Boston Harbor Tuesday, July 7, 2009, in anticipation of the Sail Boston 2009 tall ships event. The Eagle is a 295-foot barque based in New London, Conn., and is used to train future Coast Guard officers. (Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Lauren Jorgensen)
BOSTON - (Left to right) The Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, its small boat and the Coast Guard Cutter Sanibel sit at the Eagle's anchorage outside of Boston Harbor Tuesday, July 7, 2009, in anticipation of the Sail Boston 2009 tall ships event. The Eagle is a 295-foot barque based in New London, Conn., and is used to train future Coast Guard officers. (Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Lauren Jorgensen)~~~~~~~~~
All pics and more stories are available on the Coast Guard's website.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Navy Week At Fenway
Friday night at Fenway
090703-N-8110K-062 BOSTON, Mass. (July 3, 2009) The Navy Operational Support Center-Quincy color guard presents colors while a group of boy scouts hold a large flag during the playing of the national anthem by U.S. Navy Band Northeast Jazz ensemble prior to a Boston Red Sox vs. Seattle Mariners game. The Fenway Park event took place during Boston Navy Week, one of 21 Navy Weeks planned across America in 2009. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Dave Kaylor/Released)
Sunday, July 05, 2009
The Highlight of The Sunset Parade
Tonight I was in the Charlestown Navy Yard for the Sunset Parade with the officers and crew of USS Constitution.
There was a reviewing stand and next to it, reserved seating. I got the front row and three of the four marching bands performed right in front of my spot.....excellent!
Afterwards I was talking to people I know and teasing Commander Bullard's son about the treat I brought. Commander Bullard called to me to come over and meet the gentleman he was standing with.
CAPT Thomas Hudner, USN (ret.), MOH recipient
I was completely tongue-tied. I think. Because I don't remember a single thing I said.
It was my absolute honor, sir.
It was the highlight of my evening.
Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Thomas J. Hudner, USN Is congratulated by Mrs. Daisy P. Brown, widow of Ensign Jesse L. Brown, after he received the Medal of Honor from President Truman at the White House, 13 April 1951.LtJG Hudner was awarded the medal for attempting to rescue Ensign Brown, who had been shot down by enemy fire near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, on 4 December 1950. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives
There was a reviewing stand and next to it, reserved seating. I got the front row and three of the four marching bands performed right in front of my spot.....excellent!
Afterwards I was talking to people I know and teasing Commander Bullard's son about the treat I brought. Commander Bullard called to me to come over and meet the gentleman he was standing with.
CAPT Thomas Hudner, USN (ret.), MOH recipient
I was completely tongue-tied. I think. Because I don't remember a single thing I said.
It was my absolute honor, sir.
It was the highlight of my evening.
Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Thomas J. Hudner, USN Is congratulated by Mrs. Daisy P. Brown, widow of Ensign Jesse L. Brown, after he received the Medal of Honor from President Truman at the White House, 13 April 1951.LtJG Hudner was awarded the medal for attempting to rescue Ensign Brown, who had been shot down by enemy fire near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, on 4 December 1950. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Navy Week - Day 6, July 5th
It's Navy Week in Boston
Today is the wrap up....your last chance!
Here is the full schedule.
Sunday, July 5th, 2009
10:00 a.m. to 5:50 p.m.
USS Constitution Public Visiting
Location: Charlestown Navy Yard
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Chowderfest
Location: City Hall Plaza
2:00 p.m.
USS Constitution Boarding Pike and Gun Drills
Location: Charlestown Navy Yard
4:00 p.m.
USS Constitution Boarding Pike and Gun Drills
Location: Charlestown Navy Yard
4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Navy Band Northeast Concert
Location: Faneuil Hall Marketplace
6:45p.m.
Sunset Parade.
Captain Shane Murphy, First Mate of the Maersk Alabama, will be honored by the Navy
Location: Charlestown Navy Yard
Today is the wrap up....your last chance!
Here is the full schedule.
Sunday, July 5th, 2009
10:00 a.m. to 5:50 p.m.
USS Constitution Public Visiting
Location: Charlestown Navy Yard
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Chowderfest
Location: City Hall Plaza
2:00 p.m.
USS Constitution Boarding Pike and Gun Drills
Location: Charlestown Navy Yard
4:00 p.m.
USS Constitution Boarding Pike and Gun Drills
Location: Charlestown Navy Yard
4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Navy Band Northeast Concert
Location: Faneuil Hall Marketplace
6:45p.m.
Sunset Parade.
Captain Shane Murphy, First Mate of the Maersk Alabama, will be honored by the Navy
Location: Charlestown Navy Yard
Navy Week - Day 5 Saturday, July 4th
Saturday, July 4th, 2009
Day 5 of Boston's Navy Week
All events are listed here.
9:00 a.m.
Flag Raising CeremonyLocation: City Hall Plaza
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
ParadeLocation: City Hall Plaza
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
USS Constitution Turnaround Cruise
Location: Charlestown Navy Yard
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Navy FA-18 Flight Simulator / SuburbanLocation: City Hall Plaza
2:30 p.m. to 5:50 p.m.
USS Constitution Public Visiting
Location: Charlestown Navy Yard
8:00 p.m.Color Guard from USS Constitution presents colors for the national anthem at theBoston Pops July 4th celebration at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade
Location: Esplanade, Hatch Shell, David G. Mugar Storrow Drive
Day 5 of Boston's Navy Week
All events are listed here.
9:00 a.m.
Flag Raising CeremonyLocation: City Hall Plaza
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
ParadeLocation: City Hall Plaza
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
USS Constitution Turnaround Cruise
Location: Charlestown Navy Yard
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Navy FA-18 Flight Simulator / SuburbanLocation: City Hall Plaza
2:30 p.m. to 5:50 p.m.
USS Constitution Public Visiting
Location: Charlestown Navy Yard
8:00 p.m.Color Guard from USS Constitution presents colors for the national anthem at theBoston Pops July 4th celebration at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade
Location: Esplanade, Hatch Shell, David G. Mugar Storrow Drive
Thursday, July 02, 2009
A Partially Successful Mission
As you know it's Navy Week here in Boston. I haven't made it any events yet. They've generally been held during my work hours. But tonight's event -
"8:00 p.m.
Northeast Navy Showband Concert, Trum Field, Broadway, Somerville.
Vice Admiral McCoy to speak briefly. Navy Medal of Honor recipients Captains Tom Kelley and Tom Hudner will be attending.
Location: Trum Field Somerville"
- seemed an easy enough to get to.
My Dad used to take Jen to Trum Field when she was young so he could watch games. It was there that she acquired her love of Lyndell's almond discs. Lyndell's is right up the street. So that was the plan - 8 pm in Somerville.
I got an email today -
"Tonight's event has been shifted to the Somerville High Auditorium, 81 Highland Ave., Somerville"
Great! Good to have intel, right?
So I was a few minutes late getting there. LOL! Somerville High wasn't where I thought it was exactly (you know, as a Townie my Somerville escapades are limited to conferences at Tufts, wakes in Powder House Square, picking up pastries at Lyndells, etc). But I found it and after all, I'm always late.
I walk in and people are leaving. I am confused. I ask someone - "Did I miss it?" No I was assured, plenty more to see, this is intermission.
I walk down the center aisle. The Navy NorthEast Showband was packing up and they had a DJ playing WWII top Ten hits. People were dancing in front of the stage. I see a little knot of people off to the side. There's the mayor...some people shaking hands...and....some Sailors! LOL
I go up and greet LCDR Paul Brawley who's been keeping me in the loop with all the Navy week events. He's a Somerville native. Graduated from Somerville High in 1973.
I got to meet VADM McCoy and his wife (who I liked immediately). We could only talk for a few moments because their group was leaving. I was kidding about a mutual acquaintance who makes his own beer and Mrs. McCoy mentioned that Sam Adam's was popular in her family. I told her we'd have to get her a tour of the brewery and she'd be a rockstar in her family, lol.
VADM McCoy teased that he hoped I'd blog something nice about Navy Week (seriously? LOL! Who is more of a Navy girl than BostonMaggie!!!) Still, how cool was the bribe involved?!
"8:00 p.m.
Northeast Navy Showband Concert, Trum Field, Broadway, Somerville.
Vice Admiral McCoy to speak briefly. Navy Medal of Honor recipients Captains Tom Kelley and Tom Hudner will be attending.
Location: Trum Field Somerville"
- seemed an easy enough to get to.
My Dad used to take Jen to Trum Field when she was young so he could watch games. It was there that she acquired her love of Lyndell's almond discs. Lyndell's is right up the street. So that was the plan - 8 pm in Somerville.
I got an email today -
"Tonight's event has been shifted to the Somerville High Auditorium, 81 Highland Ave., Somerville"
Great! Good to have intel, right?
So I was a few minutes late getting there. LOL! Somerville High wasn't where I thought it was exactly (you know, as a Townie my Somerville escapades are limited to conferences at Tufts, wakes in Powder House Square, picking up pastries at Lyndells, etc). But I found it and after all, I'm always late.
I walk in and people are leaving. I am confused. I ask someone - "Did I miss it?" No I was assured, plenty more to see, this is intermission.
I walk down the center aisle. The Navy NorthEast Showband was packing up and they had a DJ playing WWII top Ten hits. People were dancing in front of the stage. I see a little knot of people off to the side. There's the mayor...some people shaking hands...and....some Sailors! LOL
I go up and greet LCDR Paul Brawley who's been keeping me in the loop with all the Navy week events. He's a Somerville native. Graduated from Somerville High in 1973.
I got to meet VADM McCoy and his wife (who I liked immediately). We could only talk for a few moments because their group was leaving. I was kidding about a mutual acquaintance who makes his own beer and Mrs. McCoy mentioned that Sam Adam's was popular in her family. I told her we'd have to get her a tour of the brewery and she'd be a rockstar in her family, lol.
VADM McCoy teased that he hoped I'd blog something nice about Navy Week (seriously? LOL! Who is more of a Navy girl than BostonMaggie!!!) Still, how cool was the bribe involved?!
Seriously, I was touched to receive the coin. Thank you, sir.
So, I did stay and I was glad I did. Once things started up again, Mayor Joseph Curtatone got up and said a few words and then introduced - The USO Liberty Bells! They were so cute in their little costumes. Then they started to sing and they were really good.
After the show I was waiting for the chance to ask some questions when the Mayor turned and thanked me for coming. I told him I had a great time. I asked if CAPTs Kelley and Hudner had showed up. He said that CAPT Hudner hadn't made it and CAPT Kelley had left earlier. He made me very sorry that I had missed the Navy band when he raved about their performance.
That's when I found out that this thing started at 6:45 pm..........seriously, the schedule said 8 pm. Look!
Classic Maggie, huh?
Navy Week - Day 4 Friday, July 3rd
Day 4 of Boston Navy Week
All events are listed here
Friday, July 3rd, 2009
10:00 a.m. to 5:50 p.m.
USS Constitution, Charlestown Navy Yard - free public tours
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
F/A18 Flight Simulator and Chevy Suburban - City Hall Plaza
1:00 p.m.
Vice Admiral Kevin McCoy to present a lecture at the Museum of Science
2 p.m.
USS Constitution, Charlestown Navy Yard-boarding pike and gun drills
4 p.m.
USS Constitution, Charlestown Navy Yard-boarding pike and gun drills
7:00 p.m.
Color Guard from the Navy Operational Support Center-Quincy will present colors for the national anthem at Fenway Park for the Red Sox game.
All events are listed here
Friday, July 3rd, 2009
10:00 a.m. to 5:50 p.m.
USS Constitution, Charlestown Navy Yard - free public tours
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
F/A18 Flight Simulator and Chevy Suburban - City Hall Plaza
1:00 p.m.
Vice Admiral Kevin McCoy to present a lecture at the Museum of Science
2 p.m.
USS Constitution, Charlestown Navy Yard-boarding pike and gun drills
4 p.m.
USS Constitution, Charlestown Navy Yard-boarding pike and gun drills
7:00 p.m.
Color Guard from the Navy Operational Support Center-Quincy will present colors for the national anthem at Fenway Park for the Red Sox game.