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Post by LBer1568 on May 25, 2015 23:31:43 GMT 9
May the good Lord look over all of our fallen comrades and their loved ones. I found this site for Vietnam lost ones. Sobering. virtualwall.org/Lorin
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Post by LBer1568 on May 25, 2015 23:59:01 GMT 9
After reading my e-mails I saw that I had one from both Senator Brown and Senator Portman from Ohio. They spoke about our fallen brothers-in-arms and how we should honor their memories. Very nice words for our brave men and women who gave their all in service to this great Nation. But after reading the latest news about the increases to Tricare, the reduced benefits to Tricare, the reduction/loss of commissaries, the reworking of retirement system etc I have to ask myself...do they really care about the Military and veterans? The sure sound like it. They talk the talk, but do they really walk the walk? So after careful thought I penned the following and sent to both:
On this somber day we remember our fallen brothers in arms. They gave all for this great Nation.
But there are many more who served our country. I served 23 years in USAF, retiring in 1986.
Everyone seems to want to Honor our lost brothers in arms and all of our veterans on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. But when it comes to Honoring those who served 365 days a year we see a lack of caring.
Many of us older veterans were promised free health care for life. But back in 70's Congress decided that it wasn't a guarantee, just a promise and it went away. Now military members have Tricare and older retiree's have Tricare for Life. Healthcare was free, then they added Tricare charges. Now DoD wants to increase Tricare and reduce benefits. Tricare for Life was free, but now requires Medicare Part B for $104 per month for both myself and wife. At the present time DoD wants to further increase costs for Tricare and charge more for Prescriptions.
But that's not all that DoD and Congress are trying to reduce for Veterans and Military members. The Commissary has long been considered part of "total Pay" for active and retired military members. Many bases are in rural, remote areas and Commissaries have provided food sales to members. But not all bases are remote. But all commissaries are under fire from DoD and Congress as a way to save money. First medical care, then commissaries and now a revamp of retirement system. All to save money so services can spend more money on contract overruns such as F-35. We can also look at VA services and Cost overruns and poor service to veterans.
I agree that we, the US, spend too much and we waste a large portion of it.
So on this Memorial Day look at honoring our Military and Veterans by stopping the erosion of benefits. Why hasn't anyone looked at reducing benefits to the Welfare State? Those millions who do not work and now call their benefits... "entitlements". They claim we owe them and they want more for doing nothing. No one has threatened to reduce their "entitlements".
So if you truly believe you represent Veterans and our Military do something to stop the ever increasing erosion of benefits. maybe you could even change the name to entitlements.
Lorin Berry III, CMSgt (retired) USAF "
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Post by Jim on May 26, 2015 0:40:43 GMT 9
After reading my e-mails I saw that I had one from both Senator Brown and Senator Portman from Ohio. They spoke about our fallen brothers-in-arms and how we should honor their memories. Very nice words for our brave men and women who gave their all in service to this great Nation. But after reading the latest news about the increases to Tricare, the reduced benefits to Tricare, the reduction/loss of commissaries, the reworking of retirement system etc I have to ask myself...do they really care about the Military and veterans? The sure sound like it. They talk the talk, but do they really walk the walk? So after careful thought I penned the following and sent to both: On this somber day we remember our fallen brothers in arms. They gave all for this great Nation. But there are many more who served our country. I served 23 years in USAF, retiring in 1986. Everyone seems to want to Honor our lost brothers in arms and all of our veterans on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. But when it comes to Honoring those who served 365 days a year we see a lack of caring. Many of us older veterans were promised free health care for life. But back in 70's Congress decided that it wasn't a guarantee, just a promise and it went away. Now military members have Tricare and older retiree's have Tricare for Life. Healthcare was free, then they added Tricare charges. Now DoD wants to increase Tricare and reduce benefits. Tricare for Life was free, but now requires Medicare Part B for $104 per month for both myself and wife. At the present time DoD wants to further increase costs for Tricare and charge more for Prescriptions. But that's not all that DoD and Congress are trying to reduce for Veterans and Military members. The Commissary has long been considered part of "total Pay" for active and retired military members. Many bases are in rural, remote areas and Commissaries have provided food sales to members. But not all bases are remote. But all commissaries are under fire from DoD and Congress as a way to save money. First medical care, then commissaries and now a revamp of retirement system. All to save money so services can spend more money on contract overruns such as F-35. We can also look at VA services and Cost overruns and poor service to veterans. I agree that we, the US, spend too much and we waste a large portion of it. So on this Memorial Day look at honoring our Military and Veterans by stopping the erosion of benefits. Why hasn't anyone looked at reducing benefits to the Welfare State? Those millions who do not work and now call their benefits... "entitlements". They claim we owe them and they want more for doing nothing. No one has threatened to reduce their "entitlements". So if you truly believe you represent Veterans and our Military do something to stop the ever increasing erosion of benefits. maybe you could even change the name to entitlements. Lorin Berry III, CMSgt (retired) USAF " SEE YOU GUYS AFTER 1 Jun 2015...... The Old Sarge
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Post by Gene on May 28, 2016 6:10:06 GMT 9
going into the Memorial Day weekend...just bought my paper poppy from a rather distinguished gentleman wearing a VFW hat...
in Flanders Fields the poppies blow,
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky,
The larks, still bravely singing, fly,
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead.
Short days ago,
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved and now we lie,
In Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you, from failing hands, we throw,
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us, who die,
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow,
In Flanders Fields.
God Bless all the Veterans here...
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Post by Tom Dlugosh on May 29, 2016 1:31:13 GMT 9
Going to the Memorial Day service at the VA cemetery in Gustine, CA. My wife's parents are interred there (her father was in the Navy during WWII.) They will be honoring Vietnam Vets. My brother-in-law, who is also going, served in Army in Vietnam. Then we'll be heading down to Castle AFB for open cockpit day. That should be fun.
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Post by Gene on May 29, 2016 1:35:42 GMT 9
sounds great...enjoy the day
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Post by pat perry on May 29, 2016 1:45:49 GMT 9
Going to the Memorial Day service at the VA cemetery in Gustine, CA. My wife's parents are interred there (her father was in the Navy during WWII.) They will be honoring Vietnam Vets. My brother-in-law, who is also going, served in Army in Vietnam. Then we'll be heading down to Castle AFB for open cockpit day. That should be fun. Tom, you will have a good time at CAM. The ceremony for the John Marcotte plaque at the F-106 display will be at 1 pm on Sunday. I just spoke with Bruce Gookin (crew chief) and Lou Pizzarello (MA-1) who will be there with other 456ers. Introduce yourself and have fun!
Pat P.
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Post by Jim on May 29, 2016 2:23:46 GMT 9
Going to the Memorial Day service at the VA cemetery in Gustine, CA. My wife's parents are interred there (her father was in the Navy during WWII.) They will be honoring Vietnam Vets. My brother-in-law, who is also going, served in Army in Vietnam. Then we'll be heading down to Castle AFB for open cockpit day. That should be fun. Tom, you will have a good time at CAM. The ceremony for the John Marcotte plaque at the F-106 display will be at 1 pm on Sunday. I just spoke with Bruce Gookin (crew chief) and Lou Pizzarello (MA-1) who will be there with other 456ers. Introduce yourself and have fun!
Pat P.
Tom, be especially careful around that skinny Italian!!!!!!!!!!! Be sure to meet Ralph, a search well worth the effort to make.........
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Post by pat perry on May 29, 2016 2:59:40 GMT 9
Karl Bossi was our weapons OIC at the 456th FIS in the early 60s. He wrote and published his autobiography "Just Call Me Moose" which include his time at the 456th and a tour in Vietnam as EOD officer.
www.amazon.com/Just-Call-Me-Moose-Growing-ebook/dp/B0089159Q2?ie=UTF8&keywords=Karl%20Bossi&qid=1464457610&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1
Karl's son, Doug Bossi, has become an accomplished musician in California.
Karl Bossi wrote on 5-28-2016: "A video composed by my son. Doug, in CA. Nice job. A tribute to Memorial Day and all the people who gave the utmost. "
Forwarded by Doug: Happy Memorial Day Weekend and thanks for your service Dad! Unknown Soldier lyrics:
Verse 1 Like a million suns I have burned for you Though you never knew….never knew my name
Though I walked thru fire While the bombs did rain Thought I'd never see…never see your face
Pre Chorus Will You remember me Just a lost soldier..Under your feet
Chorus Under Your Feet
Verse 2 When the bullets came And they staked their claim We just held the line….held that line
What a price we paid For the treasures laid For a country full…of fatherless sons
Pre Chorus Will You remember me Like a good soldier..Under your feet
Chorus Under Your Feet Under Your Feet Under Your Feet
Also, here's a demo that Doug did for the Red Plate Magica"T" amplifier which is built in Arizona (Old Sarge country): Doug has other videos of his music on YouTube.
Pat P.
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Post by Jim on May 29, 2016 5:11:01 GMT 9
I remember the BIG Moose from 2010 reunion
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Post by Mark O on May 29, 2016 13:32:13 GMT 9
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Post by Jim on May 30, 2016 2:14:56 GMT 9
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Post by pat perry on May 30, 2016 6:29:26 GMT 9
My USAF vet buddy sent this:
HOW OUR FREEDOMS PAID FOR...
I am sharing this video with many of my family and friends as I'm concerned that many young folks today do not clearly understand the true meaning of "Memorial Day" which dates back to the Civil War era.
This video needs no further explanation! I hope you will feel free to pass is on to all of your family and friends.
One last note, I don't believe you can watch this moving and emotional video without feeling pride and respect for all our military "Past", "Present" and "Future" and yes you may feel a lump in your throat and shed a tear.
Never forget the price paid for our freedom !!!
With Respect,
Tom D.
Pat P.
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Post by oswald on May 30, 2016 6:32:01 GMT 9
My wife just listened to the bagpipes of Amazing Grace and had to comment on how flawless it was. Very nice to hear and pays tribute to all who served. One of her favorite hymns especially when we've been here ten thousand years.
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Post by Jim on May 31, 2016 1:41:09 GMT 9
My wife just listened to the bagpipes of Amazing Grace and had to comment on how flawless it was. Very nice to hear and pays tribute to all who served. One of her favorite hymns especially when we've been here ten thousand years. John Newton wrote that song to convince Great Britain that slavery has to be stopped. Here is its genealogy. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazing_Grace ............ How it became a prominent piece to be played at military funerals, second only to TAPS isn't mentioned, but even if you don't know the words, the music in itself (Britain is the music's title)is haunting and causes one to reflect on what we have done. Strange, also, that 2 American patriotic songs are set to British music- Yankee Doodle Dandy and the Star Spangled Banner...... Perhaps I should have posted this in the Trivia Topic, But I didn't. Today is the day to remember those that gave their lives at places with names like Yorktown, Valley Forge, Ft. MacHenry, Gettysburg, The Alamo (American-Texicans- a strange hyphenation and a prelude to them becoming Americans), San Juan Hill, Verdun, St. Miehel (?) Omaha, Juno, Bastogne, Bataan, Sciliy, Corrigidor, Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, Chosin Reservoir, Pork Chop Hill, Khe San, Granada, Kosovo, and too damned many names unknown to me from Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan. Strange isn't it,that the most prominent Americans rendering the honors to the men, and women who gave all, are the Americans THAT GAVE SOME!!, Yes, I stand as tall as this old arthritic body can and render the most military salute I can, and remembering: “They are dead; but they live in each Patriot’s breast, And their names are engraven on honor’s bright crest.” “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave,” The tired Old Sarge
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Post by Tom Dlugosh on May 31, 2016 2:10:52 GMT 9
Well yesterday was a magnificent day. The ceremony at Santa Nella Veterans Cemetery was very well done. Had the usual speeches, but also had a fly over by a helicopter used in Vietnam and 3 very small prop aircraft that were used as spotters in Vietnam. The tribute to Vietnam vets was well done also. My brother-in-law was impressed. Spent time at my wife's parents grave site. Placed flowers and flags at the head stone. Went on to Castle AFB. It was very hot and my wife was affected by the heat. so we couldn't stay as long as I would have liked. Met Dean Robledo and had a nice chat with him. He maintains the "6" very well. 456 looked great! Missed Ralph, but I had met him some years ago on a visit to open cockpit day and had helped him disassemble a F100 at the San Jose Airport for transport to Castle. It was also on display and looked good (not as good as the "6", but I'm prejudiced.) All-in-all a very nice day.
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Post by Gene on May 31, 2016 3:40:01 GMT 9
great...
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Post by Gene on May 31, 2016 3:44:53 GMT 9
My wife just listened to the bagpipes of Amazing Grace and had to comment on how flawless it was. Very nice to hear and pays tribute to all who served. One of her favorite hymns especially when we've been here ten thousand years. John Newton wrote that song to convince Great Britain that slavery has to be stopped. Here is its genealogy. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazing_Grace ............ How it became a prominent piece to be played at military funerals, second only to TAPS isn't mentioned, but even if you don't know the words, the music in itself (Britain is the music's title)is haunting and causes one to reflect on what we have done. Strange, also, that 2 American patriotic songs are set to British music- Yankee Doodle Dandy and the Star Spangled Banner...... Perhaps I should have posted this in the Trivia Topic, But I didn't. Today is the day to remember those that gave their lives at places with names like Yorktown, Valley Forge, Ft. MacHenry, Gettysburg, The Alamo (American-Texicans- a strange hyphenation and a prelude to them becoming Americans), San Juan Hill, Verdun, St. Miehel (?) Omaha, Juno, Bastogne, Bataan, Sciliy, Corrigidor, Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, Chosin Reservoir, Pork Chop Hill, Khe San, Granada, Kosovo, and too damned many names unknown to me from Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan. Strange isn't it,that the most prominent Americans rendering the honors to the men, and women who gave all, are the Americans THAT GAVE SOME!!, Yes, I stand as tall as this old arthritic body can and render the most military salute I can, and remembering: “They are dead; but they live in each Patriot’s breast, And their names are engraven on honor’s bright crest.” “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave,” The tired Old Sarge
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Post by ma1marv on May 31, 2016 23:15:18 GMT 9
OSwald - I told my wife that if there is anyone present who plays a bagpipe at MY funeral - I WILL come back to haunt her for the rest of her life! I consider myself a pretty accomplished musician and tolerant of many things - BUT - Someone who plays a concoction that resembles and sounds like a person carrying two little pigs in a gunny sack under their arm with both of them squealing their heads off is NOT a musician in any way - shape - or form! NUFF SAID! MArv
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Post by Jim on Jun 1, 2016 0:03:38 GMT 9
OSwald - I told my wife that if there is anyone present who plays a bagpipe at MY funeral - I WILL come back to haunt her for the rest of her life! I consider myself a pretty accomplished musician and tolerant of many things - BUT - Someone who plays a concoction that resembles and sounds like a person carrying two little pigs in a gunny sack under their arm with both of them squealing their heads off is NOT a musician in any way - shape - or form! NUFF SAID! MArv The old man that posted this diatribe is a slush pump player!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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