General Petraeus on the military today

By Terry Orr

(Sharing an interesting and insightful email)

Some may agree and some may disagree with the General’s comments but there is a lot of truth in this article.

General Petraeus on the military today.

 Thanks to my fellow veterans:

 I remember the day I found out I got into West Point. My mom actually showed up in the hallway of my high school and waited for me to get out of class.

She was bawling her eyes out and apologizing that she had opened up my admission letter. She wasn't crying because it had been her dream for me to go there. She was crying because she knew how hard I'd worked to get in, how much I wanted to attend, and how much I wanted to be an infantry officer.

I was going to get that opportunity. That same day two of my teachers took me aside and essentially told me the following:

"David, you're a smart guy. You don't have to join the military. You should go to college, instead."

I could easily write a theme defending West Point and the military as I did that day, explaining that USMA is an elite institution, that separate from that it is actually statistically much harder to enlist in the military than it is to get admitted to college, that serving the nation is a challenge that all able-bodied men should at least consider for a host of reasons, but I won't.

What I will say is that when a 16 year-old kid is being told that attending West Point is going to be bad for his future then there is a dangerous disconnect in America, and entirely too many Americans have no idea what kind of burdens our military is bearing.

 In World War II, 11.2% of the nation served in four (4) years.

 During the Vietnam era, 4.3% served in twelve (12) years.

 Since 2001, only 0.45% of our population has served in the Global War on Terror.

 These are unbelievable statistics. Over time, fewer and fewer people have shouldered more and more of the burden and it is only getting worse.

Our troops were sent to war in Iraq by a Congress consisting of 10% veterans with only one person having a child in the military. Taxes did not increase to pay for the war. War bonds were not sold. Gas was not regulated. In fact, the average citizen was asked to sacrifice nothing, and has sacrificed nothing unless they have chosen to out of the goodness of their hearts.

 The only people who have sacrificed are the veterans and their families. The volunteers. The people who swore an oath to defend this nation. You stand there, deployment after deployment and fight on.

You've lost relationships, spent years of your lives in extreme conditions, years apart from kids you'll never get back, and beaten your body in a way that even professional athletes don't understand.

Then you come home to a nation that doesn't understand. They don't understand suffering. They don't understand sacrifice.

They don't understand why we fight for them. They don't understand that bad people exist. They look at you like you're a machine - like something is wrong with you. You are the misguided one - not them.

When you get out, you sit in the college classrooms with political science teachers that discount your opinions on Iraq and Afghanistan because YOU WERE THERE and can't understand the macro issues they gathered from books, because of your bias.

You watch TV shows where every vet has PTSD and the violent strain at that.

Your Congress is debating your benefits, your retirement, and your pay, while they ask you to do more.  But the amazing thing about you is that you all know this. You know your country will never pay back what you've given up. You know that the populace at large will never truly understand or appreciate what you have done for them.

Hell, you know that in some circles, you will be thought as less than normal for having worn the uniform.  But you do it anyway.

 You do what the greatest men and women of this country have done since 1775.

YOU SERVED.  Just that decision alone makes you part of an elite group.

"Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few." -Winston Churchill-

Thank you to the 11.2% and 4.3% who have served and thanks to the 0.45% who continue to serve our Nation.

General David Petraeus

West Point Class 1974

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world.  But the U.S. ARMED FORCES don't have that problem."

Steve M. Kurtz, retired

The Meaning of the Flag-Draped Coffin

By Terry Orr

(Another wonderful email to share)

What a wonderful lesson this was for me. I do not recall ever being taught this in school. The Meaning of the Flag-Draped Coffin" All Americans should be given this lesson. Those who think that America is an arrogant nation should really reconsider that thought. Our founding fathers used GOD's word and teachings to establish our Great Nation and I think it's high time Americans get re-educated about this Nation's history. Pass it along and be proud of the country we live in, and even more proud of those who serve to protect our 'GOD-GIVEN' rights and freedoms. I hope you take the time to read this ... To understand what the flag draped coffin really means ... Here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and widowers:

Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?

 Have you ever noticed that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world. 

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 'Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.'

The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day. 

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded. 

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born. 

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their Nations motto, 'In God We Trust.'

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.

Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is referred to as the symbol of ' Liberty and Freedom.'

MAYBE THE SUPREME COURT SHOULD READ THIS EXPLANATION BEFORE THEY RENDER THEIR DECISION ON THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. FORWARD IT; MAYBE SOMEONE WITH THE NECESSARY POWER, OR POLITICAL AND FINANCIAL INFLUENCE, WILL GET IT TO THEM.IN THE MEANTIME, MAY GOD PROTECT US ALWAYS.ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

If you agree, Pass it along to others

If not, hit delete

Our Soldiers have preserved your right to make this choice!

Celebrating Armed Forces Day

(Google Image) 

By Akindman

On August 31, 1949, Louis Johnson, who was the United States’ Secretary of Defense, announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The event stemmed from the armed forces’ unification under one department – the Department of Defense. The Army, Navy and Air Force leagues adopted the newly formed day. The Marine Corps League declined to drop support for Marine Corps Day but supports Armed Forces Day too.

(Google Image)

The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated on Saturday, May 20, 1950. The theme for that day was “Teamed for Defense”, which expressed the unification of all military forces under one government department. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the day was designed to expand public understanding of what type of job was performed and the role of the military in civilian life.

(Google Image)

Armed Forces Day was a day for the military to show "state-of-the-art" equipment to Americans. It was also a day to honor and acknowledge Americans in the armed forces. Parades, open houses, receptions and air shows were held at the inaugural Armed Forces Day.  Armed Forces Day is still celebrated nationwide today and is part of Armed Forces Week.

(Google Image)

Locally in the greater Washington, DC Metro area Andrews Air Force Base will host the celebration highlighted with various air shows this weekend.

(Google Image)

Armed Forces Day 2011

We have often heard that a picture is worth a thousand words. Today, I am going to let these pictures do the talking.

This is a day to salute sharply to all of the men and women in all branches of the service who protect our country and you. 

They can be called upon at a moment's notice to perform a risky and perilous mission for freedom and country. 

They train diligently both physically and mentally so they will be prepared to prevail in any mission they face.





Just how did it all begin? Well, each branch of the military had their own day of celebration. But, on August 31, 1949 then Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of Armed Forces Day. President Harry Truman also announced the holiday in a presidential proclamation on February 20, 1950. 

All branches of the military were asked to celebrate on this day and they complied on the first Armed Forces Day which was held the following year on May 20, 1950 (the third Saturday of the month).

Read this again - please.

Thank you for all you do!

This week on Keeping it Simple - May 16, 2011

Sunday evening ..

I just posted the second of three articles by Vivian Takafuji titled ‘Arthritis – Time to Take Control.  It is another excellent read and we sincerely hope your enjoy it and part one.  Part three will be posted later this week along with additional information regarding the Arthritis Walk this coming Saturday, May 21, 2011 on the National Mall.  Vivian plans to be there as well.

Topics we are working on and intend to post this week are:

•  Hepatitis Awareness.   (Diane has prepared this article.) Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver.  There are 3 main types of Hepatitis, A, which is airborne, B, which is blood borne, and C (formally known as Non A-Non B) There are a few more or less common types, D E F and G.

• Lyme disease Awareness.  (Diane did the research and prepared this article.)  Now that the winter months are behind us, people are getting outside more, playing, hiking, camping, and spending time enjoying nature.  One of the hazards to being outside is being in contact with bugs and insects.  While most of these are completely harmless, some carry disease or cause infections.  Today I want you to be aware of the nasty little critter the tick.

• National Waiters and Waitresses Day.  One near and dear to my heart, as I frequently eat out and enjoy their company and friendships.  For the most part, they are hardworking, solid individuals; many are college students trying to get ahead in life.

• Bike Week.  While I no longer bike (and my healthcare supporters wish I did) beyond being a great exercise, it is a nice way to get to and from work (providing there are safe routes).

• Armed Forces Day. On the heels of CBS multi-part interview with Defense Secretary Robert Gates.   Simply a day to salute sharply to all of the men and women in all branches of the service who protect our country and you. They can be called upon at a moment's notice to perform a risky and perilous mission for freedom and country.

There is a strong possibility there more...

Thanks for all those folks who visited Keeping it Simple and we hope more will join in stopping by, reading our material and leaving your comments.

Our family cruise was wonderful!  We will repeat taking another cruise in the next couple of years.

Wishing all a wonderful week