I hope everyone had a grand Christmas.
Mine was pretty good. Went to a friend's house the night before and helped build a trainset for his little girl who loves Thomas the Tank Engine. Doing that while drinking beer and not making too much noise was kinda fun.
Then watching her open gifts the next morning was fantastic. Needless to say, mu Christmas spirit was found. My soon to be ex wife came over and we hung out, ate dinner then went to the Hockey game together, where she shot my tshirt gun while I drove the Hummer on the ice in between periods ( I do that every game, too much fun).
So all in all a good day. I will have to do a year in review for a next post which covers Recruiting and personal, since they often overlap.
2008 was a good year overall, had a couple bumps, but who's doesn't right.
I enjoyed this Christmas, and I look forward to many more.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Where's my Christmas spirit?
I wish I could tell you, though I forced a little upon myself today. Recruiting has been a little tough for me this month, only got in one and working a few more that require more work than I though (waivers).
My wife moved out a couple months ago, which of course has me preoccupied. Though we still communicate regularly even though we are getting divorced, something I really don't want to do, but she refuses to go to counseling. I think she needs it as she has unresolved issues from her family. 14 years down the drain (not really, we had a lot of great times).
I was sick all last week, which of course doesn't help. I just can't find that Christmas spirit this year. I guess because I know I will spend it alone with my kitty. I have been invited to several places for Christmas, I have really thoughtful friends, but I do not wish to intrude on their family time. I would go to my sister's in NC, but I am working a marketing event for recruiting Christmas night. Lets be clear, that is my choice, Recruiting is not making me do it. Since I had no plans, I decided I would do it. It is our local minor league hockey team we sponsor that I help set up. I love it and have gotten to know allot of the regulars there. Especially the special events coordinator that I have the hots for. Since it looks like my wife and I will not get back together, I may ask her out, though she is 15 years younger, maybe she'll say yes. She pays allot of attention to me when I am around her. (that makes her 24 by the way)
Back to Christmas, I did put up a small tree, hung a few garland around the fireplace, put up my and my kitty's stockings, and put a couple things out on the dining room table. I am not a humbug, but since I do not have any kids, I guess it is harder for me to get excited. Does anyone else have the same issue?
I am not stressing on the job yet, though it does keep me busier lately. I had 3 interviews set up in which my first two no showed, such is life in recruiting. I have a few people in my "funnel" so it will all work out in the end. I may have had the most enlistments in my area last FY, but off to a slower start this FY. Lets see if I can catch up.
I want to be in the Christmas spirit! I want to feel all giddy inside like I used to about the Holidays. maybe something will kick me in the head.
I can rant on, but there is no use.
I do hope that all who read this do have a happy holiday season, weather you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas or whatever. Spend time with those you love, and be joyful. But remember the troops serving overseas. I have only spent two Christmases overseas when I was younger, boy did it make one homesick.
My wife moved out a couple months ago, which of course has me preoccupied. Though we still communicate regularly even though we are getting divorced, something I really don't want to do, but she refuses to go to counseling. I think she needs it as she has unresolved issues from her family. 14 years down the drain (not really, we had a lot of great times).
I was sick all last week, which of course doesn't help. I just can't find that Christmas spirit this year. I guess because I know I will spend it alone with my kitty. I have been invited to several places for Christmas, I have really thoughtful friends, but I do not wish to intrude on their family time. I would go to my sister's in NC, but I am working a marketing event for recruiting Christmas night. Lets be clear, that is my choice, Recruiting is not making me do it. Since I had no plans, I decided I would do it. It is our local minor league hockey team we sponsor that I help set up. I love it and have gotten to know allot of the regulars there. Especially the special events coordinator that I have the hots for. Since it looks like my wife and I will not get back together, I may ask her out, though she is 15 years younger, maybe she'll say yes. She pays allot of attention to me when I am around her. (that makes her 24 by the way)
Back to Christmas, I did put up a small tree, hung a few garland around the fireplace, put up my and my kitty's stockings, and put a couple things out on the dining room table. I am not a humbug, but since I do not have any kids, I guess it is harder for me to get excited. Does anyone else have the same issue?
I am not stressing on the job yet, though it does keep me busier lately. I had 3 interviews set up in which my first two no showed, such is life in recruiting. I have a few people in my "funnel" so it will all work out in the end. I may have had the most enlistments in my area last FY, but off to a slower start this FY. Lets see if I can catch up.
I want to be in the Christmas spirit! I want to feel all giddy inside like I used to about the Holidays. maybe something will kick me in the head.
I can rant on, but there is no use.
I do hope that all who read this do have a happy holiday season, weather you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas or whatever. Spend time with those you love, and be joyful. But remember the troops serving overseas. I have only spent two Christmases overseas when I was younger, boy did it make one homesick.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Doing more with less
That's what we usually do in the military, more with less. But now we have reached an all time BS level in recruiting. Last year, our state was #1 in Guard recruiting in 5 of 6 categories. We rocked!! But when you succeed, you pay the price. They expect even more this FY.
Our mission has increased 26% over last year, that about 350 more recruits. But our budget has gotten cut by 47%. Now I am not saying it cannot be done, but dammit, when they take away half of our assistants (drivers, runners) and reduce marketing budget (less events, print ads etc), they expect us to increase numbers. If I have to spend more time prospecting instead of processing recruits, I am wasting valuable time. Processing recruits nowadays takes a long time. Getting background checks, gathering documents they lost, getting transcripts etc. Its can be time consuming, especially if they need waivers. All four of my current recruits need some type of waiver. Two for traffic tickets and 2 for minor law violations.
We already have issues for finding jobs, they are all taken. I have plenty of fuelers, cooks and truck drivers, but if they want almost anything else, It is hard to find a position. When we recruit, we fill positions within the state, not just any old job you want, like in the Active Army. They can get any job they want, they just keep saying they wont join until they get it. If qualified, they usually get it.
Now I was the top recruiter in my area last year, by one enlistment, so the pressure is on for me to perform again. While I did over produce, I would like to take more leave this FY. I took 12 days leave last year. I have 65 on the books right now. I need to burn some and take more vacation. It's time I did my job and took care of me.
Do more with less....yes sir, yes sir...three bags full.
Our mission has increased 26% over last year, that about 350 more recruits. But our budget has gotten cut by 47%. Now I am not saying it cannot be done, but dammit, when they take away half of our assistants (drivers, runners) and reduce marketing budget (less events, print ads etc), they expect us to increase numbers. If I have to spend more time prospecting instead of processing recruits, I am wasting valuable time. Processing recruits nowadays takes a long time. Getting background checks, gathering documents they lost, getting transcripts etc. Its can be time consuming, especially if they need waivers. All four of my current recruits need some type of waiver. Two for traffic tickets and 2 for minor law violations.
We already have issues for finding jobs, they are all taken. I have plenty of fuelers, cooks and truck drivers, but if they want almost anything else, It is hard to find a position. When we recruit, we fill positions within the state, not just any old job you want, like in the Active Army. They can get any job they want, they just keep saying they wont join until they get it. If qualified, they usually get it.
Now I was the top recruiter in my area last year, by one enlistment, so the pressure is on for me to perform again. While I did over produce, I would like to take more leave this FY. I took 12 days leave last year. I have 65 on the books right now. I need to burn some and take more vacation. It's time I did my job and took care of me.
Do more with less....yes sir, yes sir...three bags full.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Great Tri care news
I found out some great info on Tri Care Reserve Select. In case you don't know, reservists and National Guardsmen can get basically the same coverage as Tricare standard and extra at a fee. When the program was introduced in 2005, the fees were $81 for an individual and $251 for family coverage.
But now the coverage has been reduced...by alot. While the old costs were affordable compared to most others in the market, the prices are now MUCH more affordable. New costs are $47.51 for an individual and $180.17 for a family.
WOW!!!
Apparently the general accounting office noticed the premiums were too high compared to actual costs and recommended the changed. So int he 2009 Defense authorization act, the premiums were lowered and go into effect Jan 1. There are no provision for refund of past premiums. Which is fine. So now more soldiers and their families will be able to afford the coverage, and still have money in their one weekend check.
With the economy the way it is, more people will see the military as a source of income and livelihood, and some of these benefits sure make the pot sweeter.
Recruiting will be tad easier if these trends continue.
BTW, I plan on blogging more regularly. I hope I can continue like I want.
But now the coverage has been reduced...by alot. While the old costs were affordable compared to most others in the market, the prices are now MUCH more affordable. New costs are $47.51 for an individual and $180.17 for a family.
WOW!!!
Apparently the general accounting office noticed the premiums were too high compared to actual costs and recommended the changed. So int he 2009 Defense authorization act, the premiums were lowered and go into effect Jan 1. There are no provision for refund of past premiums. Which is fine. So now more soldiers and their families will be able to afford the coverage, and still have money in their one weekend check.
With the economy the way it is, more people will see the military as a source of income and livelihood, and some of these benefits sure make the pot sweeter.
Recruiting will be tad easier if these trends continue.
BTW, I plan on blogging more regularly. I hope I can continue like I want.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Another Solider Loss
A short but sad story.
We have a unit that has been getting ready for a mission in Afghanistan for the past 45 days at Ft Pickett. They were given a week off of leave before shipping to Camp Shelby yesterday for train up. Leave started last Sunday.
SPC Petty, an Iraq war veteran, was riding his motorcycle running here and there, probably saying his final goodbyes, or just running errands, when he ran into the back of a tractor trailer. He was married two weeks prior.
My point of this is that you never know when your time is up. I am sure his family was worried about his upcoming mission in the mountains of Afghanistan rooting out the Taliban on the Pakistani border. They never thought he would be killed on a week's leave just a few miles from home.
His funeral was yesterday, the day the unit had a Farewell ceremony. He will not make the mission, maybe because God has another mission for him.
God speed, SPC Petty.
We have a unit that has been getting ready for a mission in Afghanistan for the past 45 days at Ft Pickett. They were given a week off of leave before shipping to Camp Shelby yesterday for train up. Leave started last Sunday.
SPC Petty, an Iraq war veteran, was riding his motorcycle running here and there, probably saying his final goodbyes, or just running errands, when he ran into the back of a tractor trailer. He was married two weeks prior.
My point of this is that you never know when your time is up. I am sure his family was worried about his upcoming mission in the mountains of Afghanistan rooting out the Taliban on the Pakistani border. They never thought he would be killed on a week's leave just a few miles from home.
His funeral was yesterday, the day the unit had a Farewell ceremony. He will not make the mission, maybe because God has another mission for him.
God speed, SPC Petty.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Untimely Death
Last night, a good friend's daughter was involved in a tragic accident near her college campus. She was 18 years old and a freshman at the college. The driver was drunk. She is on live support with no chance of coming back. She was ejected from the vehicle at 10:20 last night. The driver and passenger are ok. Her spinal cord was seperated from her brain.
They are keeping her alive long enough (hopefully) so her dad, who is serving in Afghanastan, can come home to say goodbye to his little girl.
This makes me angry because someone else's disregard for life has killed a beuatiful young lady who was just beginning her life. I hope the guy they killed her, doesn't think of coming to the funeral. I don't think I can keep her Army dad from killing him. Sarah will be missed I am sure, I don't know how her mom will make it. her only saving grace is her other daughter, who is like 4.
Please, talk to your kids often about drunk driving and getting in the car when someone is drunk. Talk to them until you are blue in the face and are a pain in the ass.
Be with the Angels, Sarah, be with the Angels.
They are keeping her alive long enough (hopefully) so her dad, who is serving in Afghanastan, can come home to say goodbye to his little girl.
This makes me angry because someone else's disregard for life has killed a beuatiful young lady who was just beginning her life. I hope the guy they killed her, doesn't think of coming to the funeral. I don't think I can keep her Army dad from killing him. Sarah will be missed I am sure, I don't know how her mom will make it. her only saving grace is her other daughter, who is like 4.
Please, talk to your kids often about drunk driving and getting in the car when someone is drunk. Talk to them until you are blue in the face and are a pain in the ass.
Be with the Angels, Sarah, be with the Angels.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Support our troops??
Maybe I am reading way too much into this. Let me first say, I am disappointed in our selction for president this time around. I do not think either major candidate will lead our country in the direction I think it needs.
Now to my point. I spent the last ten days manning a booth at times at out state fair. As usual, lots of people come by, shake my hand and thank me for what I do and what I stand for. Then, one of my office partners told me to pay attention to who shakes our hands. As the night wore on, I did notice something. People wearing Mccain stickers, or carrying McCain signs stopped, said Hi and shook my hand. Lots of people wearing no political stickers shook my hands.
You know where this is going, right?
Not ONE, I say again, not ONE person carrying an Obama sign, wearing ans Obama sticker, came by and shook my hand,or my office partners hand over a ten day period.
WTF??
I guess the Obama supporters don't support troops. yes, they stopped by the table and helped themselves to my goodies, and then carried on. Some said hi, but most did not.
Now I am not saying that every Obama supporter does not support troops, I know many if not most do ( I would hope). But this does, however, give me reservations about Obama supporters. Is part of the "change" is not to support the troops anymore?
I am just asking. Of course this was not a scientific research, based solely upon the observations by me and and office mate over a ten day period.
Now to my point. I spent the last ten days manning a booth at times at out state fair. As usual, lots of people come by, shake my hand and thank me for what I do and what I stand for. Then, one of my office partners told me to pay attention to who shakes our hands. As the night wore on, I did notice something. People wearing Mccain stickers, or carrying McCain signs stopped, said Hi and shook my hand. Lots of people wearing no political stickers shook my hands.
You know where this is going, right?
Not ONE, I say again, not ONE person carrying an Obama sign, wearing ans Obama sticker, came by and shook my hand,or my office partners hand over a ten day period.
WTF??
I guess the Obama supporters don't support troops. yes, they stopped by the table and helped themselves to my goodies, and then carried on. Some said hi, but most did not.
Now I am not saying that every Obama supporter does not support troops, I know many if not most do ( I would hope). But this does, however, give me reservations about Obama supporters. Is part of the "change" is not to support the troops anymore?
I am just asking. Of course this was not a scientific research, based solely upon the observations by me and and office mate over a ten day period.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Where does the year go?
Ok, so I know I suck for not writing more, not that I have anyone that reads this. So here we are with two weeks left in the FY for recruiting and I finally take vacation. I was done with mission in July, but still put in one a month so I wont roll a donut, I just hate not looking like I earned my paycheck. Second year in a row where we are doing so well recruiting, they are begging us to slow down to we don’t go over a 103% strength, that’s the limit congress has set on the Guard. So they get waivers and do nothing with them, they make it so only those with 50 or above on the ASVAB can enlist, and encourage us to take leave, which I have. So today I started 10 days of vacation, what will I do with myself? Spend some time with my new girlfriend? Play lots and lots of Call of Duty 4? Lots of Golfing? The answer is …yes, yes and yes. And while at it, look for my next recruit.
Take for instance, this Friday I am going with my JROTC class to an air show practice in Virginia Beach. Then next Friday, taking a Howitzer to their HS football game and fire it when the home team scores. It’s a country school, only the cows will be startled.
I will work a little on my next big marketing thing, I just got the word that we got the contract signed to sponsor, I mean advertise at the local minor league hockey team. Which is a great way to get us known out there, since we get overshadowed by the Army base.
Race weekend was fun, lots of Dale Jr stuff was given out, and I got to watch the race from a corporate suite, thanks to a recruit’s father who wanted someway to say thanks for taking care of his son. Much nicer than in the stands.
I will end up top recruiter in my area, and probably #7 or 8 in the state. Not bad for a slug like me. My secret? Have fun, do fun stuff and be myself. I show what the Guard is by living the Army values and being PART OF THE COMMUNITY. It works for me. I am now even working on being a substitute in my main school about once every other week. How is that to build credibility? The principal was all for it.
Ok, I will try to do more, but no promises. Next year will hopefully be a lot more fun. I know it will. My mission is less, because we did so well last two years, we are kinda full. Wish the Army had that issue. We can make our standards higher and get better quality than quantity. Go figure.
Take for instance, this Friday I am going with my JROTC class to an air show practice in Virginia Beach. Then next Friday, taking a Howitzer to their HS football game and fire it when the home team scores. It’s a country school, only the cows will be startled.
I will work a little on my next big marketing thing, I just got the word that we got the contract signed to sponsor, I mean advertise at the local minor league hockey team. Which is a great way to get us known out there, since we get overshadowed by the Army base.
Race weekend was fun, lots of Dale Jr stuff was given out, and I got to watch the race from a corporate suite, thanks to a recruit’s father who wanted someway to say thanks for taking care of his son. Much nicer than in the stands.
I will end up top recruiter in my area, and probably #7 or 8 in the state. Not bad for a slug like me. My secret? Have fun, do fun stuff and be myself. I show what the Guard is by living the Army values and being PART OF THE COMMUNITY. It works for me. I am now even working on being a substitute in my main school about once every other week. How is that to build credibility? The principal was all for it.
Ok, I will try to do more, but no promises. Next year will hopefully be a lot more fun. I know it will. My mission is less, because we did so well last two years, we are kinda full. Wish the Army had that issue. We can make our standards higher and get better quality than quantity. Go figure.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Alaska... words can't describe.
All I have to say is ..WOW. Alaska was so beautiful and awesome. The cruise was great, the hike to the glacier was fun. Nothing negative to say about this trip. Yes, it cost me a month's salary, but it was awesome.
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Click the pic for more pictures. Some are taken in Seattle, since thats where our cruise started. I HIGHLY recommend going to Alaska if you ever have a chance. Plan well and know what you want to do.
Have fun, I did.
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Click the pic for more pictures. Some are taken in Seattle, since thats where our cruise started. I HIGHLY recommend going to Alaska if you ever have a chance. Plan well and know what you want to do.
Have fun, I did.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Off...to a far away land
Don't mean to brag, but I will. Off to a cruise to Alaska today. I promise to tell you if it was worth it plunking down a months salary on this vacation. I am also taking my mother for her 60th Bday, and its my wife's and I 14th wedding anniversery.
Take care, I promise to post pics of that darn global warming. Goal.. Me sunbathing on a glacier. LOL
Take care, I promise to post pics of that darn global warming. Goal.. Me sunbathing on a glacier. LOL
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
A very Ignorant Major
I got told a little story from one of my JROTC instructors today. Apperently I am not in the US Army. Lets see, it says US Army on my uniform, Army on my ID card, I have a US Army motor vehicle operator card, I just recieved another US Army good conduct medal last August and I have abide by US Army regulations.
The conversation started because a Active Army recruiter was going to bring a rock wall to a school event, and since he didn't have anyone to help him ( really, they just aren't supporting him) I offered myself and my aid to help him out, since it was going to benefit the studnets we support. He was told that was a no go and that we could not operate their vehicles. So my JROTC instructor called the major and asked him to explain why USAREC (the recruiting command) could not support this event. After giving a alot of excuses, the instructor said that we could help out with transport etc. His response was something along the line of, "Well, they aren't Army" When the instructor assured him we were, he said something along the line of " Well, you know, the real Army".
WTF!!!
I dare him to go overseas and tell that to one of the thousands of Guard troops who are out there fighting and dying in Iraq that they are not the real Army. Anyone who wears ACU's are in the Army. Yes, I am active Guard, but I am a US Army Soldier who is proud to serve.
God forbid I ever meet this Major, I might have to give him a copy of the Army values: Loyalty, Duty, RESPECT ( hmm he missed that one) selfless service, honesty, integrity and personal courage (he might need that last one, hehe).
The conversation started because a Active Army recruiter was going to bring a rock wall to a school event, and since he didn't have anyone to help him ( really, they just aren't supporting him) I offered myself and my aid to help him out, since it was going to benefit the studnets we support. He was told that was a no go and that we could not operate their vehicles. So my JROTC instructor called the major and asked him to explain why USAREC (the recruiting command) could not support this event. After giving a alot of excuses, the instructor said that we could help out with transport etc. His response was something along the line of, "Well, they aren't Army" When the instructor assured him we were, he said something along the line of " Well, you know, the real Army".
WTF!!!
I dare him to go overseas and tell that to one of the thousands of Guard troops who are out there fighting and dying in Iraq that they are not the real Army. Anyone who wears ACU's are in the Army. Yes, I am active Guard, but I am a US Army Soldier who is proud to serve.
God forbid I ever meet this Major, I might have to give him a copy of the Army values: Loyalty, Duty, RESPECT ( hmm he missed that one) selfless service, honesty, integrity and personal courage (he might need that last one, hehe).
Proud Moment as a recruiter
Today was on of those proud days I have as a recruiter. My prime high school had its Spring awards today and I was asked to recognize those that joined that Guard and are off to college. The principal wanted me showcase the college money during the presentation. He is a big supporter of myself and what the Guard has to offer. Anyways, one by one I called down my seven Seniors who are Guard soldiers, talked about their job, their money for college ( GI bills and tuition assistance), and bonuses. The least college money was $57,000 and the most was $70,000. The student body cheered them like they were superstars on the sports teams.
It made me proud that these students joined our team and are all bound for college. In 5 years a few will be Second Lieutenants and I will be saluting them. After the ceremony, many other students were coming up to them and myself asking how can they get the same thing. Hopefully that means I will be busy this summer enlisting more soldiers. God knows I need the help, I rolled my first donut in along time last month, but already rolled 2 this month, so I need two more still. I will be on leave for 10 days this month (going to Alaska) so that decreases my operating days. But I will prevail, I usually do as long as I retain a positive attitude.
It made me proud that these students joined our team and are all bound for college. In 5 years a few will be Second Lieutenants and I will be saluting them. After the ceremony, many other students were coming up to them and myself asking how can they get the same thing. Hopefully that means I will be busy this summer enlisting more soldiers. God knows I need the help, I rolled my first donut in along time last month, but already rolled 2 this month, so I need two more still. I will be on leave for 10 days this month (going to Alaska) so that decreases my operating days. But I will prevail, I usually do as long as I retain a positive attitude.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Boy, I can be such an ass.
I bet you don't hear that from too many senior NCO's, but I am here to tell you, I can and lately have been one. While I may often see this a little, it takes a real friend to point it out to you.
My problem is, I call it like I see it in nmy office. While I am not the supervisor, I am senior to most in there and the other E-7 doesn't exactly ooze leadership. He's a great guy and I love him like a brother, but like I said I call it like it is. I put my nose where I shouldn't. Most of the time, my concern is legit, but I need to let my office mates do their own thing and if they struggle, they canhandle it.
I hate time wasters at work, and ineffeciency, which are main reasons why I get on the other NCO's in my office, but it is not my place to correct them with the exception that I am a senior NCO, a leader in the office, and I just have certain expectations. the problem is, in the National Guard recruiting, we are too lax, and get away with too much. However, we also out recruit the US Army and our state leads the nation. However, I know my office can do better than we do.
It is a delema on my part. I want to help, but will no longer unless I am asked. Even then, I will probably send them to the other E7 for assistance, let him lead for a bit. There is alot more to this story, but I don't want to bore you.
Point is, even though one is technically profeciant, and is often the problem solver, don't offer to solve issues unless directly asked or it is directly your responsibility. God I miss leading and taking care of soldiers, maybe thats my issue.
Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I need to get back into it. It will help me thru my days. Recruiting overall is going well, and I have stories to share, so I shall start sharing them.
Thanks for reading, expect more often.
My problem is, I call it like I see it in nmy office. While I am not the supervisor, I am senior to most in there and the other E-7 doesn't exactly ooze leadership. He's a great guy and I love him like a brother, but like I said I call it like it is. I put my nose where I shouldn't. Most of the time, my concern is legit, but I need to let my office mates do their own thing and if they struggle, they canhandle it.
I hate time wasters at work, and ineffeciency, which are main reasons why I get on the other NCO's in my office, but it is not my place to correct them with the exception that I am a senior NCO, a leader in the office, and I just have certain expectations. the problem is, in the National Guard recruiting, we are too lax, and get away with too much. However, we also out recruit the US Army and our state leads the nation. However, I know my office can do better than we do.
It is a delema on my part. I want to help, but will no longer unless I am asked. Even then, I will probably send them to the other E7 for assistance, let him lead for a bit. There is alot more to this story, but I don't want to bore you.
Point is, even though one is technically profeciant, and is often the problem solver, don't offer to solve issues unless directly asked or it is directly your responsibility. God I miss leading and taking care of soldiers, maybe thats my issue.
Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I need to get back into it. It will help me thru my days. Recruiting overall is going well, and I have stories to share, so I shall start sharing them.
Thanks for reading, expect more often.
Monday, March 10, 2008
RIP Ruth, You'll be missed
I am writing about Ruth. Ruth was a member of my American Legion Post. She was wheelchair bound and she was a hero to many. She was an Army Nurse during WW2. here is her story.
Ruth Motter Puryear volunteered for military service in 1943.
Three days into the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II, Army Lt. Ruth Motter Puryear went running down the ramp of a transport pointed at Omaha Beach and sank into water over her head.
Two soldiers came to the aid of the petite Army nurse. With one on either side holding her out of the water, she made it safely to shore, where she scooped up a handful of sand that became a cherished memento, said her daughter, Robin G. Puryear of Atlanta.
Mrs. Puryear, who also would serve in the Battle of the Bulge and be among the first Army nurses to enter the Buchenwald concentration camp in Germany, died Friday in a veterans hospice facility.
She will be honored Sunday at a funeral at 2 p.m. at the Huguenot Chapel of Woody Funeral Homes, 1020 Huguenot Road. Burial will be at Dale Memorial Park.
The 96-year-old native of Hanover, Pa., graduated from the Garfield Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Washington after an aunt advised her to learn to do something in which she could take care of herself.
On the return leg of a cross-country trip, she saw Robert Mason Puryear plowing behind a mule near his Boydton home. They married in 1937 and moved to Richmond.
They volunteered on the same day for military service in 1943. He left for the Pacific with the Navy. She sailed for England with the Army Nurse Corps.
After coming ashore in France on June 9, 1944, Mrs. Puryear served with the 107th Evacuation Hospital, which followed the Allied advance toward Germany.
By Dec. 10, her unit had set up their tents at Clervaux, Belgium. On the night of Dec. 16, she and a tentmate were readying themselves for the camp's holiday party. As they chatted across the blanket-walls dividing the unit's toilet facilities on the edge of the camp, Mrs. Puryear suddenly shushed her companion. She could hear voices -- voices speaking in German, her daughter said.
"We've got to get out of here!" she told her tentmate. They ran back into camp to find that the party had evolved into an emergency evacuation. The Battle of the Bulge had begun.
"We left everything," Mrs. Puryear recalled in a 1994 Richmond Times-Dispatch interview. "All our clothes, our supplies. We just had on what we had on and left. We left everything except our patients."
In subzero weather, they loaded 400 wounded onto trucks -- 12 to 14 to a truck -- and to the tops of Jeeps, her daughter said.
At one point, they set up their hospital in a French ch?teau.
"They set up the morgue on the lawn. They put planks on the steps and drove their Jeeps into the grand hall. The ballroom was the operating room," her daughter said. "My mother said she was hanging IVs and plasma bottles on the horns of the animal heads mounted on the wall."
During another stop, a 7-year-old boy wounded by shrapnel in his shoulder was brought to their unit. The surgeon said they'd have to amputate his arm, "but my mother got in the surgeon's face with her bandage scissors and said, 'Don't you dare cut off his arm. He'll need it to rebuild his country,'" her daughter said. The grown-up boy and Mrs. Puryear had a joyful reunion in 1986.
Horror was in store on April 22, 1945, as she was among the first Army nurses to enter Buchenwald concentration camp in Germany.
"I shall always remember the heaps of dead bodies lying near the crematorium, the bodies were skin and bones, many had black and blue marks and broken bones where they had been beaten," she wrote in a unit history. She was mortified to see children's bodies stacked like firewood, her daughter said.
"Even more horrible . . . was the sight of the 'living skeletons' that we saw in rat-infested buildings. They [the prisoners] were all too weak to walk . . . some were children 5 to 15 years old," she wrote.
After the war, she worked as a civilian nurse until she retired in 1973. Spurred by the memory of unwanted children stacked high at Buchenwald, she and her husband decided to adopt "a child that nobody wanted" -- her daughter, Robin.
Her husband died in 1967.
For about 10 years, beginning in the 1980s, Mrs. Puryear accepted invitations to speak about her experiences. As time went on, her focus shifted from talks about life as a World War II nurse to bearing testimony to the reality of the Holocaust.
I didn't realize how much of a hero she was until about a year ago. I knew she was an Army Nurse but never knew of her exploits until she told me to sit and she told me about the concentration camp.
Ruthie.... you will be missed. I am sorry I missed your funeral.
Ruth Motter Puryear volunteered for military service in 1943.
Three days into the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II, Army Lt. Ruth Motter Puryear went running down the ramp of a transport pointed at Omaha Beach and sank into water over her head.
Two soldiers came to the aid of the petite Army nurse. With one on either side holding her out of the water, she made it safely to shore, where she scooped up a handful of sand that became a cherished memento, said her daughter, Robin G. Puryear of Atlanta.
Mrs. Puryear, who also would serve in the Battle of the Bulge and be among the first Army nurses to enter the Buchenwald concentration camp in Germany, died Friday in a veterans hospice facility.
She will be honored Sunday at a funeral at 2 p.m. at the Huguenot Chapel of Woody Funeral Homes, 1020 Huguenot Road. Burial will be at Dale Memorial Park.
The 96-year-old native of Hanover, Pa., graduated from the Garfield Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Washington after an aunt advised her to learn to do something in which she could take care of herself.
On the return leg of a cross-country trip, she saw Robert Mason Puryear plowing behind a mule near his Boydton home. They married in 1937 and moved to Richmond.
They volunteered on the same day for military service in 1943. He left for the Pacific with the Navy. She sailed for England with the Army Nurse Corps.
After coming ashore in France on June 9, 1944, Mrs. Puryear served with the 107th Evacuation Hospital, which followed the Allied advance toward Germany.
By Dec. 10, her unit had set up their tents at Clervaux, Belgium. On the night of Dec. 16, she and a tentmate were readying themselves for the camp's holiday party. As they chatted across the blanket-walls dividing the unit's toilet facilities on the edge of the camp, Mrs. Puryear suddenly shushed her companion. She could hear voices -- voices speaking in German, her daughter said.
"We've got to get out of here!" she told her tentmate. They ran back into camp to find that the party had evolved into an emergency evacuation. The Battle of the Bulge had begun.
"We left everything," Mrs. Puryear recalled in a 1994 Richmond Times-Dispatch interview. "All our clothes, our supplies. We just had on what we had on and left. We left everything except our patients."
In subzero weather, they loaded 400 wounded onto trucks -- 12 to 14 to a truck -- and to the tops of Jeeps, her daughter said.
At one point, they set up their hospital in a French ch?teau.
"They set up the morgue on the lawn. They put planks on the steps and drove their Jeeps into the grand hall. The ballroom was the operating room," her daughter said. "My mother said she was hanging IVs and plasma bottles on the horns of the animal heads mounted on the wall."
During another stop, a 7-year-old boy wounded by shrapnel in his shoulder was brought to their unit. The surgeon said they'd have to amputate his arm, "but my mother got in the surgeon's face with her bandage scissors and said, 'Don't you dare cut off his arm. He'll need it to rebuild his country,'" her daughter said. The grown-up boy and Mrs. Puryear had a joyful reunion in 1986.
Horror was in store on April 22, 1945, as she was among the first Army nurses to enter Buchenwald concentration camp in Germany.
"I shall always remember the heaps of dead bodies lying near the crematorium, the bodies were skin and bones, many had black and blue marks and broken bones where they had been beaten," she wrote in a unit history. She was mortified to see children's bodies stacked like firewood, her daughter said.
"Even more horrible . . . was the sight of the 'living skeletons' that we saw in rat-infested buildings. They [the prisoners] were all too weak to walk . . . some were children 5 to 15 years old," she wrote.
After the war, she worked as a civilian nurse until she retired in 1973. Spurred by the memory of unwanted children stacked high at Buchenwald, she and her husband decided to adopt "a child that nobody wanted" -- her daughter, Robin.
Her husband died in 1967.
For about 10 years, beginning in the 1980s, Mrs. Puryear accepted invitations to speak about her experiences. As time went on, her focus shifted from talks about life as a World War II nurse to bearing testimony to the reality of the Holocaust.
I didn't realize how much of a hero she was until about a year ago. I knew she was an Army Nurse but never knew of her exploits until she told me to sit and she told me about the concentration camp.
Ruthie.... you will be missed. I am sorry I missed your funeral.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Family Treasure
I recently got handed down to me various family artifacts. Among them was my great grandfather's Great War stuff. He enlisted with the 38th INF Div in Indiana in December 1916. He was a medic and arrived in France one week before the war ended. So while he saw no action, he did endure struggles of the times and the occupation after. I know as soldier how we complain while traveling during a deployment, but back then, they would go 2-3 days without food rations. They would live off what they carried which was often not much. My great grandfather Vance, kept a diary during his time. I also got all the letters and postcards he traded with his fiance/wife. They married while he was training at Camp Shelby, Miss during a time she visited. The letters were never hot and steamy, they were very formal and talked about everyday stuff. They wrote at least three times a week.
The documents of Vance's I got were awesome. It included a letter from Gen Pershing, who was Commander of the American forces, a letter from King George, and original morning reports. The letters were copies of the day, but are still awesome, as I have never seen them before. I also got his complete uniform except for the "drill sgt" style hat they wore of the day. I did get his helmet, jacket , real leather leggings, and his dog tags. I put alot of the stuff in a shadow box for display in my home. I have a military wall of all in my family who has served in the military of past. I am the only one of my generation of family (both sides) in the military. How sad is that?
Anyways, here is a linktr>
SGT Vance Lewis WW1
The documents of Vance's I got were awesome. It included a letter from Gen Pershing, who was Commander of the American forces, a letter from King George, and original morning reports. The letters were copies of the day, but are still awesome, as I have never seen them before. I also got his complete uniform except for the "drill sgt" style hat they wore of the day. I did get his helmet, jacket , real leather leggings, and his dog tags. I put alot of the stuff in a shadow box for display in my home. I have a military wall of all in my family who has served in the military of past. I am the only one of my generation of family (both sides) in the military. How sad is that?
Anyways, here is a linktr>
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