"Where were you seven years ago?" is the theme of day based off of an email several of us have received.
I covered this last year and it's still my answer. "8:46 AM"
The Chief has his here.
The Armorer has his here.
The Phibian has his here.
CDR Salamander's post has a YouTube clip from "9/11"the documentary by Jules and Gedeon Naudet. I consider it the best of all the films on the subject of 9/11. The Naudet brothers were in that spot at that time, I find to be an extrordinary circumstance. This is one film I think everyone should watch.
Steeljaw Scribe has his here.
ArmyWife ToddlerMom tells us "Time has not helped....".
I'll add more throughout the day as I see them, but for now I am going to watch the Pentagon Channel coverage.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
So, I Took A Pregnancy Test
LOL
That's how I said it on the phone to my mother too.
Fun for shock value.
After I filled out all the Revlimid paperwork in the doctor's office Monday I thought I was all set. It bordered on the ridiculous. I had to place my initials in at least 11 different boxes, mostly having to do with pregnancy. I had to promise not to get pregnant on this medication. Not to share my medication with anyone who could be or get pregnant. Not nurse while on this medication. I had to promise that if I were to engage in heterosexual intercourse, I would use a primary and a secondary method of birth control. It went on and on.
Then I got back to the office and they called - I needed to get back in there for a pregnancy test. It's not good enough for me to say I am not pregnant. The manufacturer will not ship the Revlimid until they get a negative blood test result.
I went this morning and when I got to the office Rachael and Nic had left a little present on my chair. A little baby "onsie" wrapped in baby shower paper.
Ha. Ha.
That's how I said it on the phone to my mother too.
Fun for shock value.
After I filled out all the Revlimid paperwork in the doctor's office Monday I thought I was all set. It bordered on the ridiculous. I had to place my initials in at least 11 different boxes, mostly having to do with pregnancy. I had to promise not to get pregnant on this medication. Not to share my medication with anyone who could be or get pregnant. Not nurse while on this medication. I had to promise that if I were to engage in heterosexual intercourse, I would use a primary and a secondary method of birth control. It went on and on.
Then I got back to the office and they called - I needed to get back in there for a pregnancy test. It's not good enough for me to say I am not pregnant. The manufacturer will not ship the Revlimid until they get a negative blood test result.
I went this morning and when I got to the office Rachael and Nic had left a little present on my chair. A little baby "onsie" wrapped in baby shower paper.
Ha. Ha.
MoH Sailor Who Rescued 15 Airmen Dies
From The Navy Times
MoH sailor who rescued 15 airmen dies
By Jon Gambrell - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Sep 10, 2008 6:48:01 EDT
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Nathan Green Gordon, a former Arkansas lieutenant governor whose under-fire rescue of 15 downed airmen in World War II earned him the Medal of Honor, has died. He was 92.
Gordon died Monday night at the University of Arkansas for Medical Science hospital in Little Rock while being treated for pneumonia and other ailments, nephew Allen Gordon said. Though becoming forgetful with age, Gordon continued to charm and debate the news with those who spoke with him, his nephew said.
Family members said Gordon didn’t speak much about his service as a Navy pilot during World War II, fighting across the Pacific Theater in a Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat, a large plane no faster than a high-powered automobile. However, until his final days, he would tell anyone who asked about the rescue mission in the Bismarck Sea that brought him national acclaim, his nephew said.
“He would always tear up,” Allen Gordon said.
Read the rest here.
MoH sailor who rescued 15 airmen dies
By Jon Gambrell - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Sep 10, 2008 6:48:01 EDT
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Nathan Green Gordon, a former Arkansas lieutenant governor whose under-fire rescue of 15 downed airmen in World War II earned him the Medal of Honor, has died. He was 92.
Gordon died Monday night at the University of Arkansas for Medical Science hospital in Little Rock while being treated for pneumonia and other ailments, nephew Allen Gordon said. Though becoming forgetful with age, Gordon continued to charm and debate the news with those who spoke with him, his nephew said.
Family members said Gordon didn’t speak much about his service as a Navy pilot during World War II, fighting across the Pacific Theater in a Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat, a large plane no faster than a high-powered automobile. However, until his final days, he would tell anyone who asked about the rescue mission in the Bismarck Sea that brought him national acclaim, his nephew said.
“He would always tear up,” Allen Gordon said.
Read the rest here.
This Day In Navy History
One hundred and ninty-five years ago.
Dear General,
We have met the enemy and they are ours. Two ships, two brigs, one schooner and one sloop.
Yours with great respect and esteem,
O.H. Perry
Oliver Hazard Perry's immortal dispatch to Major General William Henry Harrison after the Battle of Lake Erie, 10 September 1813.
Reservist's science talent lights safer way in Iraq
From today's Boston Globe
Reservist's science talent lights safer way in Iraq
By Peter Schworm
Globe Staff / September 10, 2008
For seven months, Marine Sergeant Jason Cox patrolled near Fallujah, Iraq, from the turret of a Humvee, a gunner for a squad whose greatest fear was the unseen. Roadside bombs were the gravest threat, and often went undetected until it was too late.
So Cox, a graduate student in chemistry at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, put his scientific background to the test, designing a groundbreaking device that used infrared imaging to detect improvised explosives from a safer distance. With the help of other members of his unit, Cox worked during his few off-hours to modify existing thermal-imaging equipment to identify specific light characteristics, then tested the technique on patrols.
Able to identify remotely detonated devices from more than 200 yards, Cox's system proved an immediate success and marked a critical advance against the bombs. Cox's research, conducted during his tour in 2006, has now spurred the Marines to purchase new detection technology that incorporates Cox's findings.
Cox, a five-year reservist in the Marine Corps and a Worcester resident, was recently honored for his work with the US Navy and Marine Co rps Achievement Medal. The award recognizes Cox's "initiative, perseverance, and total dedication to duty," which honored "the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."
Read the rest here.
BZ Sgt. Cox!
Reservist's science talent lights safer way in Iraq
By Peter Schworm
Globe Staff / September 10, 2008
For seven months, Marine Sergeant Jason Cox patrolled near Fallujah, Iraq, from the turret of a Humvee, a gunner for a squad whose greatest fear was the unseen. Roadside bombs were the gravest threat, and often went undetected until it was too late.
So Cox, a graduate student in chemistry at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, put his scientific background to the test, designing a groundbreaking device that used infrared imaging to detect improvised explosives from a safer distance. With the help of other members of his unit, Cox worked during his few off-hours to modify existing thermal-imaging equipment to identify specific light characteristics, then tested the technique on patrols.
Able to identify remotely detonated devices from more than 200 yards, Cox's system proved an immediate success and marked a critical advance against the bombs. Cox's research, conducted during his tour in 2006, has now spurred the Marines to purchase new detection technology that incorporates Cox's findings.
Cox, a five-year reservist in the Marine Corps and a Worcester resident, was recently honored for his work with the US Navy and Marine Co rps Achievement Medal. The award recognizes Cox's "initiative, perseverance, and total dedication to duty," which honored "the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."
Read the rest here.
BZ Sgt. Cox!
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
2008 Milbloggies
I am feeling lazy, so I will just cut and paste the post from the Castle.
2008 Milbloggies
September 8, 2008 Permalink Comments (0) TrackBacks (0)
They're finally here!
This is the nomination phase, and it's very brief.
All nominations must be submitted online through Milblogging.com by 11:59 pm EST on Wednesday, September 10th, 2008.
You have to be registered at milblogging.com, but it's relatively painless and for a good cause.
NOTE: registrations are apparently being activated by hand, so get yours in ASAP so that you can nominate/vote.Here are some of my favorite nominations that don't always get the attention they deserve in these kinds of contests (linked at milblogging.com)
Kaboom (yes, it's defunct, but it was a great milblog and it falls within the competition dates)
Big Tobacco
Information Dissemination
The Destroyermen
The Gun Line
Threatswatch
SpouseBUZZ
Soldiers' Angels Germany (not placed in the correct category. Nominate here).
***********************************
OK, that was from The Castle
I myself can't reveal who I voted for because like any good mother, I have no favorites. Especially in the Navy category. Several of my Navy Coterie were nominated.
I am in the "Military supporter" category, but there are other, more worthy candidates.
2008 Milbloggies
September 8, 2008 Permalink Comments (0) TrackBacks (0)
They're finally here!
This is the nomination phase, and it's very brief.
All nominations must be submitted online through Milblogging.com by 11:59 pm EST on Wednesday, September 10th, 2008.
You have to be registered at milblogging.com, but it's relatively painless and for a good cause.
NOTE: registrations are apparently being activated by hand, so get yours in ASAP so that you can nominate/vote.Here are some of my favorite nominations that don't always get the attention they deserve in these kinds of contests (linked at milblogging.com)
Kaboom (yes, it's defunct, but it was a great milblog and it falls within the competition dates)
Big Tobacco
Information Dissemination
The Destroyermen
The Gun Line
Threatswatch
SpouseBUZZ
Soldiers' Angels Germany (not placed in the correct category. Nominate here).
***********************************
OK, that was from The Castle
I myself can't reveal who I voted for because like any good mother, I have no favorites. Especially in the Navy category. Several of my Navy Coterie were nominated.
I am in the "Military supporter" category, but there are other, more worthy candidates.
I Watch This Every Day
This was posted on YouTube on August 27, 2008. 13 days ago.
The Chief emailed it to the Castle denizens on Friday the 5th. I believe at that time the number of "views" was in the hundreds. I, in turn, emailed it to 80% of my Yahoo email address book. Many people replied that they had seen it in other forums such as Free Republic.
I also posted it here.
Kat posted it at the Castle.
Last night around this time, the number of views had hit 1,166,172. Tonight it's 1,931,007.
Watch it again.
The Chief emailed it to the Castle denizens on Friday the 5th. I believe at that time the number of "views" was in the hundreds. I, in turn, emailed it to 80% of my Yahoo email address book. Many people replied that they had seen it in other forums such as Free Republic.
I also posted it here.
Kat posted it at the Castle.
Last night around this time, the number of views had hit 1,166,172. Tonight it's 1,931,007.
Watch it again.
I'm Going To Lose My Mind
Randi Rhodes better pray she never crosses my path. I would rip her head right the fuck off her shoulders.
TRULY SICK
Rhodes Claims McCain Was 'Well-Treated' In Vietnam
*** EXCLUSIVE TO THE RADIO EQUALIZER ***
Quick, what's the most disgusting potential way to attack the McCain-Palin presidential ticket? After two weeks of conspiring to destroy Sarah Palin and her family, often through dishonest means, what could be worse than what we've already seen, right?
Well, if you thought the left side of talk radio and the blogosphere had sunk to fresh lows with that smear strategy, it's now clear they haven't even scratched the surface.
Enter syndicated libtalker Randi Rhodes, known for her previous unhinged skits, public spills, obscene rants and wild accusations.
Known as a particularly strident supporter of Barack Obama, Rhodes seems to think even John McCain's six year period of torture at the hands of the North Vietnamese is fair game. In fact, Randi has turned it into a game, one of POW denial.
All for the greater good, right?
RHODES: Of course he (McCain) became very friendly with the Vietnamese. They called him the Prince. He was well treated actually. And he was well treated because he traded these propaganda interviews for good treatment. So look, it's a horrible story anyway you cut it, anyway you look at it, any way you you you deal with it.
TRULY SICK
Rhodes Claims McCain Was 'Well-Treated' In Vietnam
*** EXCLUSIVE TO THE RADIO EQUALIZER ***
Quick, what's the most disgusting potential way to attack the McCain-Palin presidential ticket? After two weeks of conspiring to destroy Sarah Palin and her family, often through dishonest means, what could be worse than what we've already seen, right?
Well, if you thought the left side of talk radio and the blogosphere had sunk to fresh lows with that smear strategy, it's now clear they haven't even scratched the surface.
Enter syndicated libtalker Randi Rhodes, known for her previous unhinged skits, public spills, obscene rants and wild accusations.
Known as a particularly strident supporter of Barack Obama, Rhodes seems to think even John McCain's six year period of torture at the hands of the North Vietnamese is fair game. In fact, Randi has turned it into a game, one of POW denial.
All for the greater good, right?
During the first hour of Friday's Randi Rhodes Show, she had this to say about McCain's sacrifices during the Vietnam War (clip follows immediately thereafter):
RHODES: Of course he (McCain) became very friendly with the Vietnamese. They called him the Prince. He was well treated actually. And he was well treated because he traded these propaganda interviews for good treatment. So look, it's a horrible story anyway you cut it, anyway you look at it, any way you you you deal with it.
But, it's not the story Fred Thompson told. Nor is it the story Rudy Giuliani told. Nor is it the story Sarah Palin told. Nor is it the story anybody. Cindy McCain knew to limit herself to 'I think what my husband did in Vietnam was heroic' because she knows the truth too.
*************************************************
What. The. Fuck!
BTW - I know there are people like Bruce who think these attacks only help the Republicans.....but jeez, Bruce what if my effin' head explodes? Didja think of that?
Monday, September 08, 2008
It's Just Neighborliness
It's not socialism.
It's not income redistribution.
It's "neighborliness". LOL! "Neighborliness! Go to 5:50 of this cut and listen as Obama explains it to you.
LOL!
Hey Obama. It's money, not a cup of sugar.
It's not income redistribution.
It's "neighborliness". LOL! "Neighborliness! Go to 5:50 of this cut and listen as Obama explains it to you.
LOL!
Hey Obama. It's money, not a cup of sugar.
I Have Been Pretty Useless At Work Today
And now, when I should be buckling down and settling in for a long night at my desk......I am shutting down programs.
I am screwing at 5pm.
On the dot.
1700 hours exactly.
I am going to the beach.
I am screwing at 5pm.
On the dot.
1700 hours exactly.
I am going to the beach.
The Funny Things That Make Something Real
Years ago shortly after Jen was diagnosed with M.S., my boss and very good friend, Bette worried how I would react hearing the diagnosis tossed around in casual conversation. After all, it's a medical equipment company. We have patients with M.S. who are quite disabled.
I was fine until the first time I found myself filling out some paperwork for an electric wheelchair for an M.S. patient. The woman and I had been talking for a while, I was quite familiar with her diagnosis and situation. Then I had to write the ICD-9 code. ICD-9 codes are to the medical world what the Dewey decimal system is to a library.
I looked it up in my book and filled in 340. My hand shook (lol, yes, more than normal).
I had forgotten all about that until I was filling out the Revlimid paperwork.
There it was, 203.00 Which my mind immediately translated to "Multiple myeloma without mention out remission".
Yeah, in my world, that's as real as it gets.
I was fine until the first time I found myself filling out some paperwork for an electric wheelchair for an M.S. patient. The woman and I had been talking for a while, I was quite familiar with her diagnosis and situation. Then I had to write the ICD-9 code. ICD-9 codes are to the medical world what the Dewey decimal system is to a library.
I looked it up in my book and filled in 340. My hand shook (lol, yes, more than normal).
I had forgotten all about that until I was filling out the Revlimid paperwork.
There it was, 203.00 Which my mind immediately translated to "Multiple myeloma without mention out remission".
Yeah, in my world, that's as real as it gets.
Another Thought on the Olbermann/Matthews Ouster
So MSNBC has demoted this pair of idiots from their spots as anchor as noted here. I first speculated that MSNBC was responding to their outrageous partisanship as illustrated here.
But Michael Graham has a theory that holds more water. He thinks that MSNBC isn't so much trying to regain their journalistic integrity as stop them from damaging Obama further. Graham stated that anyone who really wants to help Obama would lock Olbermann and Matthews in a closet until after the election.
After all, MSNBC replaced them with David Gregory......not exactly Edward R. Murrow.
But Michael Graham has a theory that holds more water. He thinks that MSNBC isn't so much trying to regain their journalistic integrity as stop them from damaging Obama further. Graham stated that anyone who really wants to help Obama would lock Olbermann and Matthews in a closet until after the election.
After all, MSNBC replaced them with David Gregory......not exactly Edward R. Murrow.
Blogging Can Get You In Trouble
Libel lawsuit filed against Cape blogger
By Stephanie Ebbert
Globe Staff / September 8, 2008
The libel case was based, appropriately enough, on the dredging of dirt - or sand, at least.
A Cape Cod Today blogger last spring accused the people opposed to dredging Barnstable Harbor of not-in-my-backyard politicking. Naming their names - and using one off-color description - blogger Peter Robbins told his readers exactly whom to blame if their boats ran aground this summer.
Now the leading opponent is suing Robbins for libel, an increasingly common charge against bloggers. Robbins's lawyer counters that his free speech is at stake.
Read the rest here.
By Stephanie Ebbert
Globe Staff / September 8, 2008
The libel case was based, appropriately enough, on the dredging of dirt - or sand, at least.
A Cape Cod Today blogger last spring accused the people opposed to dredging Barnstable Harbor of not-in-my-backyard politicking. Naming their names - and using one off-color description - blogger Peter Robbins told his readers exactly whom to blame if their boats ran aground this summer.
Now the leading opponent is suing Robbins for libel, an increasingly common charge against bloggers. Robbins's lawyer counters that his free speech is at stake.
Read the rest here.
In Case It Was Lost In All The Applause
"Fight for what's right for our country.
Fight for the ideals and character of a free people.
Fight for our children's future.
Fight for justice and opportunity for all.
Stand up to defend our country from its enemies.
Stand up for each other; for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America.
Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight. Nothing is inevitable here. We're Americans, and we never give up. We never quit.
We never hide from history. We make history"
Fight for the ideals and character of a free people.
Fight for our children's future.
Fight for justice and opportunity for all.
Stand up to defend our country from its enemies.
Stand up for each other; for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America.
Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight. Nothing is inevitable here. We're Americans, and we never give up. We never quit.
We never hide from history. We make history"
Senator John McCain
Acceptance speech - Republican National Convention
September 4. 2008
**********************
h/t Ron V. from my email
******************************
I heard one pundit say that his speech was nearly Churchillian..........I'll second that.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
SB, Start Here
Jen's BFF, SB, checks in sporadically and I don't want him to miss this one if time is short.
SB, your BFF says she knows you are the best!
This post will stay on top and new stuff will come in below until I am sure he has seen it.
Who Would Have Thought.......
SB, your BFF says she knows you are the best!
This post will stay on top and new stuff will come in below until I am sure he has seen it.
Who Would Have Thought.......
So, I Gave This Some Thought
I tried to digest it.
Not fly off the handle.
But, it turns out, my first reaction is still where I am.
Keith Olbermann is a asshat.
I missed the RNC video tribute to 9/11 when it was live. Then I was reading about the Convention and somebody wrote about Keith Olbermann apologizing about something. It caught my eye because I can't imagine a circumstance that would cause that overbearing, puffed up buffoon to see himself for the asshat he is. So I followed the link and I saw this
So, I thought "Holy Cow! What did they show????"
I went to the YouTube Channel for the Convention and called up the video. It's called "9/11:The Day The World Stood Still"
My initial thought was that the video was well done and Olbermann was overblown as usual. Then after a bit I thought that Olbermann was more than overblown he was being a jackass. I got angry - where did he get off? Who did he think he was to presume to apologize for John McCain? After all, this was his convention. Who was Olbermann to presume to speak for much less apologize for John McCain. Olbermann is not fit to speak of or to John McCain, never mind apologize for John McCain.
I was going to post about it. But I wanted to think about it. So I did. I put it aside and went about my weekend.
Today I did dishes and laundry. I listened to some of the morning talk shows. I went to breakfast with Jen. I came home and washed windows and floors. I posted about that other asshat, "Big Ketchup" Kerry. I did more laundry and sorted through some of my personal stuff. Then I went to the beach and to swim and read. Once home.....more cleaning.
Then I sat down and watched "United 93".
I have thought about this enough.
Olbermann is an asshat.
Not fly off the handle.
But, it turns out, my first reaction is still where I am.
Keith Olbermann is a asshat.
I missed the RNC video tribute to 9/11 when it was live. Then I was reading about the Convention and somebody wrote about Keith Olbermann apologizing about something. It caught my eye because I can't imagine a circumstance that would cause that overbearing, puffed up buffoon to see himself for the asshat he is. So I followed the link and I saw this
So, I thought "Holy Cow! What did they show????"
I went to the YouTube Channel for the Convention and called up the video. It's called "9/11:The Day The World Stood Still"
My initial thought was that the video was well done and Olbermann was overblown as usual. Then after a bit I thought that Olbermann was more than overblown he was being a jackass. I got angry - where did he get off? Who did he think he was to presume to apologize for John McCain? After all, this was his convention. Who was Olbermann to presume to speak for much less apologize for John McCain. Olbermann is not fit to speak of or to John McCain, never mind apologize for John McCain.
I was going to post about it. But I wanted to think about it. So I did. I put it aside and went about my weekend.
Today I did dishes and laundry. I listened to some of the morning talk shows. I went to breakfast with Jen. I came home and washed windows and floors. I posted about that other asshat, "Big Ketchup" Kerry. I did more laundry and sorted through some of my personal stuff. Then I went to the beach and to swim and read. Once home.....more cleaning.
Then I sat down and watched "United 93".
I have thought about this enough.
Olbermann is an asshat.
John Kerry vs. Ed O'Reilly
My favorite part was when Kerry tossed out that discredited chestnut about how he prepared for the vote to go into Iraq .
O'Reilly berated him for not having read the National Intelligence Estimate (which always blew me away).
Kerry replied "Let me just say, I did something better than read it.......I actually met with the CIA teams. I actually went to the Pentagon and sat with the leader of National Intelligence at the Pentagon. I looked at the photographs. I asked them 'What that building is? What does it represent? How do you know this? How do you know that?" I took the time. I think I was the only United States Senator, I went to New York, met with the entire national security council......."
Too bad that the Washington Times said in 2004 that no one on the security council acknowledges that it happened that way, lol.
The O'Reilly beat him over the head with Bob Schrum "Wah! Bob does this vote in going into Iraq make me look Presidential?" LOL
Other links and reports
Keller at Large blog
Hub Politics
NECN
WBZ
O'Reilly berated him for not having read the National Intelligence Estimate (which always blew me away).
Kerry replied "Let me just say, I did something better than read it.......I actually met with the CIA teams. I actually went to the Pentagon and sat with the leader of National Intelligence at the Pentagon. I looked at the photographs. I asked them 'What that building is? What does it represent? How do you know this? How do you know that?" I took the time. I think I was the only United States Senator, I went to New York, met with the entire national security council......."
Too bad that the Washington Times said in 2004 that no one on the security council acknowledges that it happened that way, lol.
The O'Reilly beat him over the head with Bob Schrum "Wah! Bob does this vote in going into Iraq make me look Presidential?" LOL
Other links and reports
Keller at Large blog
Hub Politics
NECN
WBZ
Navy SEAL PO1 Joshua Harris Killed in Action Afghanistan
Harris found his calling in the military
Family recalls soldier who died in combat
BY HEATHER J. SMITHThe Dispatch
Evelyn and Sam Harris had the courage to teach their children they could do anything they set their will to. The parents accepted that danger accompanied such hopes but planted that philosophy regardless.
Family recalls soldier who died in combat
BY HEATHER J. SMITHThe Dispatch
Evelyn and Sam Harris had the courage to teach their children they could do anything they set their will to. The parents accepted that danger accompanied such hopes but planted that philosophy regardless.
Their son, Special Warfare Officer First Class (SEAL) Josh Harris, drowned Saturday. The Navy SEAL died while conducting a combat river crossing in Afghanistan. His body was found downstream later.
Sam and Evelyn and their other children, Ranchor and Kiki, sat recalling Josh at the family's home Wednesday afternoon. Their grief was plain, but memory sparked smiles and the occasional laughter. Though they lost a loved one, they take consolation that he found his passion and reason once among soldiers who shared his dedication.
Evelyn said where their other children took passing interest in their rural home, Josh reveled in it. His boyhood was steeped in afternoons spent traversing grassy fields surrounding the house, tending horses or timidly befriending the family cows. His desire to explore his world was unhindered. Sam and Evelyn remarked they never remember a time Josh was not a bottomless well of physical energy.
"He was very athletic from the beginning. During field days at school, he'd win every race," Evelyn said. "And not because he didn't face competition, because he did. He just wanted to win, so he did it."
His enthusiasm for academics was not as strong, and though far from a bad student, Evelyn said he doodled in his notebook to escape the classroom. Errant doodling during class became a skill, as did his abilities on the football field. If Josh was interested in it, he challenged himself to become fluent.
It paid off. After graduating from Lexington Senior High School in 1990, he was offered a football scholarship to Davidson College.
"That was so amazing because he did not like school at all. Then again, he was brilliant. He could do anything he set his mind to, if he'd just decide to," she said.
Once college recruiters secured Josh for Davidson's team, they asked about possible majors. After a little thought, Evelyn said Josh asked to see their art building.
"These people were thinking, wait a minute, you're here to play football, and you want to see the art building?" Evelyn said. "I imagine they found that a bit unexpected."
A shoulder injury eventually ended his football career but doubled his dedication to academics.
"That's when he really learned how to study - or learned how to learn," his mother said.
His graduation in 1994 with a studio art degree didn't transition him into a job that truly gave him the purpose he wanted. Unsuited for the grind of a desk job, he did contract work in Davidson County, then moved to New York City.
His twin sister, Kiki, preceded him there to develop her acting career. Josh hoped the same for his art. They shared a tiny, overpriced apartment, hardly big enough for one person.
"You could stand in the kitchen, spread your arms and touch parallel walls," Sam said.
Evelyn laughed, adding, "Oh, it was tiny. You couldn't open the refrigerator door while standing in the kitchen."
It was a single bedroom, Kiki recalls. She claimed the bed for six months while Josh was relegated to the couch pull-out. The proximity and a shared mission to forge a reputation in the big city generated more than hundreds of inside jokes and frustration with the world. At 27, when Josh explained his plan to join the SEALs, Kiki knew better than to dismiss it.
"He just put his mind to it, and I knew nothing would stop him," Kiki said. "Nothing would stop him. Nothing was going to stand between him and this goal."
The rest of Josh's family put aside their worries when they saw that same dedication.
"He told me he'd been thinking about it a long time," Sam said. "I don't think he could have ever been content with a regular 9-to-5 job, and I think he knew that, too. At first, I wasn't sure if that's what he really wanted to do, but after talking about it, I knew it was, and I supported him 100 percent."
Cut-off age to join the SEALs is 29. Josh's first attempt at acceptance into the training program was unsuccessful, Evelyn said. He came close to the passing the program's rigorous screening. To even be eligible, applicants must swim 500 yards, do 42 push-ups, 50 sit-ups, six pull-ups and run a mile and a half in heavy boots in under two hours.
Instead of giving up, Josh moved back to North Carolina and trained under the guidance of a local Navy recruiter. Despite edging close to the age limit, he secured a waiver and, in 2000, joined the U.S. Navy and began some of the world's most rigorous military training.
Many recruits don't make it past BUD/S training. Two weeks of preparation precedes intensive conditioning, affectionately referred to as "hell week." Recruits work out continuously on four hours of sleep. They do tactical drills, run in the mud, carry boats through wet sand, swim until exhaustion and are expected to do more. Little wonder SEALs training has a 67 percent dropout rate.
Parachutist, reconnaissance scout, special warfare sniper, diving training and a long line of other training sessions followed, but Josh excelled at each. Instead of faltering under the demands, he shined. Ranchor said it was the first time his brother felt requirements matched his level of dedication.
"He blossomed. I always knew he was a smart guy, but I never knew he had the mind to grasp the technical and strategic aspects of everything he did," Ranchor said.
Josh more than blossomed. Serving with SEAL Team 10, he earned a Bronze Star during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He joined the Naval Special Warfare Development Group and was assigned to the tactical development and evaluation squadron. Though he never told his family, he was highly decorated. Ranchor said when anyone mentioned a new medal Josh earned, he was quick to mention his whole platoon deserved accolades.
"Josh was a patriot," Ranchor said. "He was not in this for him. He did this for the guys, it was for mom and dad, it was for Lexington, it was for the United States."
And though he found direction, he never wandered too far from his family.
"Whether it was an anniversary or birthday, even if he were in the blackest place in the earth, you'd open the door, and there'd be flowers," Sam said.
The pall of grief surrounds the house, and Sam, Evelyn, Ranchor and Kiki lean on the stream of family and friends offering support. But the greatest comfort they lean on, Sam summed up, was something Josh would say each time he was sent into combat.
"Each time he was shipped out, he'd tell me, 'Dad, I'm in a business that's dangerous. If something happens to me, remember, I'm doing what I was always meant to do.'"
Heather J. Smith can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 228 or at hetherj.smith@the-dispatch.com.
His enthusiasm for academics was not as strong, and though far from a bad student, Evelyn said he doodled in his notebook to escape the classroom. Errant doodling during class became a skill, as did his abilities on the football field. If Josh was interested in it, he challenged himself to become fluent.
It paid off. After graduating from Lexington Senior High School in 1990, he was offered a football scholarship to Davidson College.
"That was so amazing because he did not like school at all. Then again, he was brilliant. He could do anything he set his mind to, if he'd just decide to," she said.
Once college recruiters secured Josh for Davidson's team, they asked about possible majors. After a little thought, Evelyn said Josh asked to see their art building.
"These people were thinking, wait a minute, you're here to play football, and you want to see the art building?" Evelyn said. "I imagine they found that a bit unexpected."
A shoulder injury eventually ended his football career but doubled his dedication to academics.
"That's when he really learned how to study - or learned how to learn," his mother said.
His graduation in 1994 with a studio art degree didn't transition him into a job that truly gave him the purpose he wanted. Unsuited for the grind of a desk job, he did contract work in Davidson County, then moved to New York City.
His twin sister, Kiki, preceded him there to develop her acting career. Josh hoped the same for his art. They shared a tiny, overpriced apartment, hardly big enough for one person.
"You could stand in the kitchen, spread your arms and touch parallel walls," Sam said.
Evelyn laughed, adding, "Oh, it was tiny. You couldn't open the refrigerator door while standing in the kitchen."
It was a single bedroom, Kiki recalls. She claimed the bed for six months while Josh was relegated to the couch pull-out. The proximity and a shared mission to forge a reputation in the big city generated more than hundreds of inside jokes and frustration with the world. At 27, when Josh explained his plan to join the SEALs, Kiki knew better than to dismiss it.
"He just put his mind to it, and I knew nothing would stop him," Kiki said. "Nothing would stop him. Nothing was going to stand between him and this goal."
The rest of Josh's family put aside their worries when they saw that same dedication.
"He told me he'd been thinking about it a long time," Sam said. "I don't think he could have ever been content with a regular 9-to-5 job, and I think he knew that, too. At first, I wasn't sure if that's what he really wanted to do, but after talking about it, I knew it was, and I supported him 100 percent."
Cut-off age to join the SEALs is 29. Josh's first attempt at acceptance into the training program was unsuccessful, Evelyn said. He came close to the passing the program's rigorous screening. To even be eligible, applicants must swim 500 yards, do 42 push-ups, 50 sit-ups, six pull-ups and run a mile and a half in heavy boots in under two hours.
Instead of giving up, Josh moved back to North Carolina and trained under the guidance of a local Navy recruiter. Despite edging close to the age limit, he secured a waiver and, in 2000, joined the U.S. Navy and began some of the world's most rigorous military training.
Many recruits don't make it past BUD/S training. Two weeks of preparation precedes intensive conditioning, affectionately referred to as "hell week." Recruits work out continuously on four hours of sleep. They do tactical drills, run in the mud, carry boats through wet sand, swim until exhaustion and are expected to do more. Little wonder SEALs training has a 67 percent dropout rate.
Parachutist, reconnaissance scout, special warfare sniper, diving training and a long line of other training sessions followed, but Josh excelled at each. Instead of faltering under the demands, he shined. Ranchor said it was the first time his brother felt requirements matched his level of dedication.
"He blossomed. I always knew he was a smart guy, but I never knew he had the mind to grasp the technical and strategic aspects of everything he did," Ranchor said.
Josh more than blossomed. Serving with SEAL Team 10, he earned a Bronze Star during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He joined the Naval Special Warfare Development Group and was assigned to the tactical development and evaluation squadron. Though he never told his family, he was highly decorated. Ranchor said when anyone mentioned a new medal Josh earned, he was quick to mention his whole platoon deserved accolades.
"Josh was a patriot," Ranchor said. "He was not in this for him. He did this for the guys, it was for mom and dad, it was for Lexington, it was for the United States."
And though he found direction, he never wandered too far from his family.
"Whether it was an anniversary or birthday, even if he were in the blackest place in the earth, you'd open the door, and there'd be flowers," Sam said.
The pall of grief surrounds the house, and Sam, Evelyn, Ranchor and Kiki lean on the stream of family and friends offering support. But the greatest comfort they lean on, Sam summed up, was something Josh would say each time he was sent into combat.
"Each time he was shipped out, he'd tell me, 'Dad, I'm in a business that's dangerous. If something happens to me, remember, I'm doing what I was always meant to do.'"
Heather J. Smith can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 228 or at hetherj.smith@the-dispatch.com.
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