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my grandfather david haulbrook

my grandfather was david haulbrook.he was born in oconee county sc.when he was 17 he joined the us army against his grandpairents will.he said he told the army he was 18 because he wanted to serve our country and you had to be 18.well they let him in ,he told me he done some traing at fort moultry sc.he later got staioned at panma south america.he said he stayed there until ww2 broke out.he then got sent to germany.while he was over there he said he was toteing a medical bag into a railroad tunel.he said they fired a german bomb into the tunnel.he told me after the bomb exploed he lost his whole platoon.my grandfather lost all his fingers on one hand and got shot between his legs with gun fire.he said he burried his self in the sand beside the tracks untill his troops rescued him.i think he stayed in a german hospital for a while,then they sent him back to walter reed in washington dc.he stayed there untill he got better.to me his grandson i think he was a real american hero.i just lost him a few years ago to cancer and i miss him everyday.i hope this story will let his memmory live on forever.by ray findley

ray findley
anderson, SC

USS Houston

My grandfather, Howard Eugene Hamilton, was from David, Ky. He was enlisted with the U.S Navy. He was assigned to the USS Houston during WWII. It was bombed and damaged severely by Japanese fighters during a battle in the South Pacific. He had to transfer to another ship due to the USS Houston becoming inoperable. He spent several hours in the pacific ocean before the relief ship arrived. After his military service he spent 44 years in the coal mines of Eastern Kentucky. Black Lung took his life on October 24, 2006 at the age of 81.

Larry E. Hardin
Frankfort, KY

Sharing the message with the troops

My daughter married a Marine Major in the Reserves 12 years ago. He was not a Christian, but as a youngster had wondered about religion and was curious to learn about Christ. The family he grew up in were not and still are not Christians. After Denise and Dave were married, they attended church together, he took classes and he was baptized. Dave has been on two tours of duty to Iraq and took tapes of sermons with him and shared the word with other soldiers. I am sure it brought comfort to those fighting and maybe brought others to Christ. I am proud of his dedication to reach out to those service men and women, to give them hope, and to remind them that not only are they not forgotten by others far away but also by a Lord who stands along side them. Thanks, David Marshall, for sharing the love of Christ that you found with men and women fighting for our freedom in a far away place.

Susan Hupp
Howell, MI

The Song Lives On

He died today. He served yesterday. He was born yesterday, he was my brother yesterday, he loved yesterday, he sang yesterday, he surfed yesterday, he married yesterday, he became a father yesterday, he suffered yesterday, he hurt when his buddies died in his arms yesterday, he cried at his helplessness when the 'copters left, but he died today... this morning...the call said...he's gone...And I said No! he's not gone...as long as anyone lives or loves or cares...no! he's NOT gone! He lives as long as there is a breath in a true loves heart, and mind. And his song? It's a lullaby to his children .....my brother, I miss you!

Jackie
Bonita Springs, FL

S-1963, Caregivers bill signed into law May 5, 2010

I followed this bill in congress from it's beginning to the day it was signed by President Obama. It does provide benefits for caregivers from all service time, however, for those caregivers Prior to Sept. 11, 2001 it is limited to what amounts to a pat on the back. Only those caregivers for injuries suffered since 9/11 receive true benefits...a stipend monthly, medical coverage, respite care etc. When our legislators signed this bill and the President fixed his signature to it they all KNEW and it was stated that if this bill were passed as written it would discriminate against over 56,000 caregivers from other service times. I ask you...how can our own government participate in such discrimination? I, like so many others, gave up a successful business, a college education and the ability to bring a second income into our home while living in a two income economy. Due to confidentiality for over 22 years the VA medical center would tell me when I would call them for assistance in caring for my husband ...you can tell us whatever you want but we will not discuss his case with you, I devised my own treatment plan, taught myself how to watch for cluing behavior and learned to redirect his thinking when he was losing ground. I encouraged him to go to the VA hospital when medications failed to work and continually supported him emotionally,cared for him and his needs. I willingly did this, with no expectation of any help. However, now that the government has recognized that all of these injured Veterans receive life sustaining care from their own family members there was hope for us. I believe the caregivers post 9/11 deserve all the support they get for their dedication to their wounded warrior AND SO DO I.

Anonymous
Phoenix, AZ

Welcome Home Brothers and Sisters

I have people constently ask me 'why do you display all this military paraphernalia now after all these years '? Simple answer..As proud as I was in '70-74' I risked being spit on,being called a' baby killer' or worse.I was actually ashamed to say I am a Vietnam veteran. Thank GOD the American public now supports our brave troops for the heroic jobs they do to keep this great country what it is......A GREAT COUNTRY

john requardt
baltimore, MD

Rex H. Smelser Patriot

My Father, Dr, Rex H. Smelser, always regretted that he was not accepted into the forces when he tried to join, due to physical problems. He was legally blind without his glasses and had damaged his back and neck in three accidents while working in the oilfields as a young man. The Army turned him down flat so he organized events, sang songs, told jokes and sold Liberty Bonds throughout WWII.
Decades later he founded the Avenue of Flags in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Initially, using his own money and contacts, he found a site, arranged for permanent holders to be installed (so the flags could be put up quickly and easily) and stationed himself by the entrance with his list of flags so he could direct visitors to "their" flag. The flags were those from the veterans' funerals and were recorded and properly stored so the right flag could be returned to the right family should it be requested. There were only about 60 flags that first day.
There are now close to a thousand flags in all their glory. It's such a moving display and so beautiful, winding along the paths and through the trees.
My Father died in 1988 but this memorial lives on, thanks to the support of the SAR, the Scouts and soldiers from Fort Polk. His love for and pride in his country, and his respect for those who serve is still there for all to see.
If you are ever in Lake Charles at the right time, you can't miss it. It is worth a trip.
My Father loved his country and I loved my Father. Still do. Miss you Daddy.

Gervaise Smelser-Soeurouge Chin-Lee
London, United Kingdom

Bill Allmon, WWII Air Force B29 Pilot, a true everyday hero

I lived next door to Bill & Lucille for almost 20 years. At his passing they were married almost 70 years, a heroic accomplishment attained by few in our world. During the past 5 years, Bill & I became close friends as his health & vitality eroded as he reached the final stages of a life well lived for the benefit of all humanity. I had the privilege of taking him to his doctors, the VA medical clinic , the bank , and the donut shop which was such a necessary start to his daily routine. For years Bill would hang out with his WWII veteran friends for a short time always remembering to buy several glazed donuts to take home to Lucille. As he reached the final months of his life, Bill still enjoyed his donuts, his See's candy, and his coffee with 3 sugars. On one trip to a doctor's appointment, he told me about a bombing mission he flew in Japan on the day the first atomic bomb was dropped. He said he could see a mushroom cloud about 50 miles away. He added that none of the pilots were briefed about this historic bombing. I was struck with the impact of the atomic bombing on our history since 1945, the year I was born. Since that day and the second atomic bomb dropping in Japan, Americans have fought & many have died for our freedom and that of our allies. Yet we have not used atomic weapons again. Bill has taught me the value of simple acts of kindness to show my appreciation to all veterans. Thanks and Peace to Bill and those who are serving our country.

Lynn A Lacey
Rancho Cordova, CA

I AM A SOLDIER

I Am A Soldier
I wonder if this is going to end.
I hear the footsteps of other soldiers
I see blood every where,
families crying for lost doves.
I want to stop war,
I beg god no more

I AM A SOLDIER
I pretend not hear, the tortured souls
I believe only god can stop this madness
I touch the weapon, which has killed many numbers.
I feel the pain of all colors
I worry most will I be forgiven?
For the things I have done.
I cry at night,
because the forbidden things I have seen.

I AM A SOLDIER
I understand my duty calls, Sir
I am ready to fight for...

I AM A SOLDIER
Isiaih Jerel Booker
Copyright ©2003 Isiaih Jerel Booker

Martha
Anaheim, CA

SPEAKING UP

Psychologists report that among our worst FEARS is 'Speaking in Public'. In the Oscar Winning Script of 'The King's Speech', the English KING envied HITLER'S ability to inspire millions to battle while the King could Not read a Christmas message to his own Subjects. He soon LEARNED to SPEAK forcefully, challenging his Nazi Enemy!

In high school in the Bronx in 1955, I found excuses to avoid speaking in class or even to the Boy Scouts. Instead of wasting my youth, I joined the Navy. Soon I was in Jacksonville, learning a trade: Aircraft Electrician. My newly acquired Education was my ticket to success! Attached to a Squadron of 'Banshee' Jet Fighters for three years, I accumulated responsibilities on the Flight Line, knowing the lives of Pilots and Crews depended on my abilities. Eventually, I earned the Rank of AE2. Among my duties was 'Speaking in Public' to my Shipmates and Officers. Maturity and self confidence, made me more articulate and my new technical skills gave me emotional strength.

Bronx home visits produced admiration from family and friends alike. "This is NOT the same Dennis that joined the Navy a few years ago", they would remark. They were Right too! Upon discharge in 1959, I quickly landed an Airline Job in freezing New York City. The cold winters did Not suit my nature and so I moved to Los Angeles, eventually working as a GM Electrician on Automatic Robots. I especially enjoyed studying, working and Speaking Up for our Union, the UAW. I then Hosted 65 TV programs. Now a Hollywood Screenwriter and retired at 72, 'Speaking' suits me perfectly. Check my Photo and the 65 UAW tapes of Programs I Wrote, Produced and Hosted, even 'Speaking' my own words. Well done, Sailor!

DENNIS DALRYMPLE
VAN NUYS, CA