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Post by Jim on May 28, 2019 2:27:49 GMT 9
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Post by Gene on May 28, 2019 2:38:58 GMT 9
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Post by Jim on Jun 1, 2019 0:46:59 GMT 9
Air Force Unveils Statue at Pope Posthumously Honoring MSgt. John Chapman The Air Force on May 30 commemorated MSgt. John Chapman, the first airman to receive the Medal of Honor for actions since the Vietnam War, with a life-size statue and replica of the award at a squadron where airmen entering his career field train. “It is particularly impactful that John’s legacy is standing guard over the future of our combat control community; a community I consider to be family,” Chapman’s widow, Valerie Nessel, said in a release. “I hope John’s dedication and sacrifice continue to inspire the next generation of heroes who are answering the call to serve and protect our nation.” The statue is located at the Benini Heritage Center at the 352nd Air Force Special Warfare Training Squadron at Pope Army Airfield, N.C. The squadron conducts entry-level training for combat controllers and special tactics officers. Chapman, a combat controller, was the first special tactics airman to receive the Medal of Honor. “John was a teammate of mine when he was killed and my very first friend to be killed in action,” squadron commander Maj. Michael Bain said in a release. “I can’t think of a better display, within our museum, that will motivate future special warfare airmen to complete any task in front of them, at home or overseas.” —Brian Eve
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Post by Jim on Jul 4, 2019 11:28:54 GMT 9
Celebrate our Country's birthday Remember the signers Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid. Remember: freedom is never free! Fly your flag!
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