Comments on: An Inauspicious Anniversary http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/34349/an-inauspicious-anniversary/ Sun, 27 May 2012 07:03:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 By: Katmoon http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/34349/an-inauspicious-anniversary/#comment-1264178 Katmoon Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:27:55 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=34349#comment-1264178 I totally understand this. These are not bizarre thoughts, they are a controlled and understood injury versus the imagined and known horrors for loss of life and limb in war. I totally understand this. These are not bizarre thoughts, they are a controlled and understood injury versus the imagined and known horrors for loss of life and limb in war.

]]> By: Katmoon http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/34349/an-inauspicious-anniversary/#comment-1264177 Katmoon Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:21:18 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=34349#comment-1264177 ~~JustMe~~ and Senneth- thank you, and that strength is greatly appreciated. Please, no tears, and I did not mean to cause that upset. We (Ferd and I) thank you for your prayers and kind thoughts. The best advice I can give in how to be supportive; the next time you see a soldier, buy him/her dinner, a soda, or coffee or simply go up, introduce yourself and just say thank you. I have never known a soldier to turn down respect or appreciation. If their family is with them, they will literally beam because you noticed their soldier. If you are adventuresome, and have the time, there are many projects and groups across the nation, mostly military family driven, to show support. Some of the coolest things I have seen done were by local media who were willing to give up the satellite time for face to face for the soldiers and families. A thank you and a prayer, and please don't forget them. :) ~~JustMe~~ and Senneth- thank you, and that strength is greatly appreciated. Please, no tears, and I did not mean to cause that upset. We (Ferd and I) thank you for your prayers and kind thoughts. The best advice I can give in how to be supportive; the next time you see a soldier, buy him/her dinner, a soda, or coffee or simply go up, introduce yourself and just say thank you. I have never known a soldier to turn down respect or appreciation. If their family is with them, they will literally beam because you noticed their soldier.
If you are adventuresome, and have the time, there are many projects and groups across the nation, mostly military family driven, to show support. Some of the coolest things I have seen done were by local media who were willing to give up the satellite time for face to face for the soldiers and families.

A thank you and a prayer, and please don’t forget them.
:)

]]> By: Katmoon http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/34349/an-inauspicious-anniversary/#comment-1264176 Katmoon Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:11:15 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=34349#comment-1264176 How cute, I love your graphics. Don't have tears, it is ok, and I thank god for NQ, and being able to blow off that steam. We are fine and you know we are both scrappers, yes there are tough times; but honestly staying strong for our soldiers works just like it does when we supported them in college. You love your kids you support them. The hardest part is getting people to understand, that there is this looming heaviness, not only because they are in "known" harms way, but because, it is not talked about openly and support is few and far between. Yet, as I mentioned, we have a good support system here in TN, and the southerners are amazing at their courage and faith and help for military families. As complex as war is, none of us want to lose our child and all of us know the risk. We can oppose the war and support our troops both, which is good common sense for most humans, yet hard to get others to understand, when there is no skin in the game. I have to wonder what will happen now, when more troops are needed. I have said before I think a draft isn't far off, and part of me would hate to see this, and the other part would say it is about time for a shared sacrifice. Difficult problems and even more difficult solutions. Here at NQ people realize this, yet as of this morning while reading Huffpoo(because I insist on knowing what they are up to), all I see is ridiculous remarks made for cleverness sake, with no real thought or feeling to the heart of what matters; that is what drives me nuts, the cavalier attitude of those who will never miss a nights sleep worrying over a soldier. I did ship an artificial tree each deployment, already decorated! At one point the unit had 12. There are many ways people can help and be supportive and I think there is a caution as most folks don't know how to approach military families or what to do. An example is a token of respect for the lost soldiers recently, to the families who lost them. Most people know you cannot get information about those families,(which is correct for their privacy sake). however a letter of condolence can be sent to the specific branch of services casualty section with a cover letter explaining you would like it forwarded to the family, place both in an unsealed envelope, then place that in the sealed envelope you are sending to the casualty office. The reason for the unsealed envelope is to allow for the letter to be read in advance, a precaution, as trust me there are many nuts out there who would say vile things. To check for the names of the fallen soldiers you can go to either of this link from the DOD http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=13028 or the very well maintained site: http://projects.washingtonpost.com/fallen/ For the ARMY The Casualty Office is: Director, Casualty/Memorial Affairs Operation Center US Total Army Personnel Command ATTN: TAPC-PED 2641 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 22331 phone: 703-325-7960 On a higher note, here is another site, which is produced by the AFN, with some of the coolest videos of the troops on a weekly basis sending messages home. http://www.afneurope.net/Home/ArticleDisplayDD/tabid/649/Default.aspx?aid=9567 Hopefully these two links help a bit and do not depress, but keep the human face on our soldiers. How cute, I love your graphics. Don’t have tears, it is ok, and I thank god for NQ, and being able to blow off that steam. We are fine and you know we are both scrappers, yes there are tough times; but honestly staying strong for our soldiers works just like it does when we supported them in college. You love your kids you support them. The hardest part is getting people to understand, that there is this looming heaviness, not only because they are in “known” harms way, but because, it is not talked about openly and support is few and far between. Yet, as I mentioned, we have a good support system here in TN, and the southerners are amazing at their courage and faith and help for military families.
As complex as war is, none of us want to lose our child and all of us know the risk. We can oppose the war and support our troops both, which is good common sense for most humans, yet hard to get others to understand, when there is no skin in the game. I have to wonder what will happen now, when more troops are needed. I have said before I think a draft isn’t far off, and part of me would hate to see this, and the other part would say it is about time for a shared sacrifice. Difficult problems and even more difficult solutions. Here at NQ people realize this, yet as of this morning while reading Huffpoo(because I insist on knowing what they are up to), all I see is ridiculous remarks made for cleverness sake, with no real thought or feeling to the heart of what matters; that is what drives me nuts, the cavalier attitude of those who will never miss a nights sleep worrying over a soldier.
I did ship an artificial tree each deployment, already decorated! At one point the unit had 12.
There are many ways people can help and be supportive and I think there is a caution as most folks don’t know how to approach military families or what to do. An example is a token of respect for the lost soldiers recently, to the families who lost them. Most people know you cannot get information about those families,(which is correct for their privacy sake). however a letter of condolence can be sent to the specific branch of services casualty section with a cover letter explaining you would like it forwarded to the family, place both in an unsealed envelope, then place that in the sealed envelope you are sending to the casualty office. The reason for the unsealed envelope is to allow for the letter to be read in advance, a precaution, as trust me there are many nuts out there who would say vile things. To check for the names of the fallen soldiers you can go to either of this link from the DOD

http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=13028

or the very well maintained site:
http://projects.washingtonpost.com/fallen/

For the ARMY
The Casualty Office is:
Director, Casualty/Memorial Affairs Operation Center
US Total Army Personnel Command
ATTN: TAPC-PED
2641 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22331
phone: 703-325-7960

On a higher note, here is another site, which is produced by the AFN, with some of the coolest videos of the troops on a weekly basis sending messages home.
http://www.afneurope.net/Home/ArticleDisplayDD/tabid/649/Default.aspx?aid=9567

Hopefully these two links help a bit and do not depress, but keep the human face on our soldiers.

]]> By: American Girl in Italy http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/34349/an-inauspicious-anniversary/#comment-1264173 American Girl in Italy Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:19:14 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=34349#comment-1264173 Your Christmas tree comment brought tears to my eyes. You are a good mom. <a href=http://www.thesmilies.com rel="nofollow"><img src=http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/christmas/christmastree.gif border=0/></a> Your Christmas tree comment brought tears to my eyes. You are a good mom.

]]> By: American Girl in Italy http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/34349/an-inauspicious-anniversary/#comment-1264172 American Girl in Italy Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:13:59 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=34349#comment-1264172 Katmoon - For once you (and Ferd) have left me speechless. I can't imagine what you must go through, every day. Sending you a NQ group hug! <a href=http://www.thesmilies.com rel="nofollow"><img src=http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/love/love0028.gif border=0/></a> Thank you. Katmoon – For once you (and Ferd) have left me speechless. I can’t imagine what you must go through, every day.

Sending you a NQ group hug!

Thank you.

]]> By: Senneth http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/34349/an-inauspicious-anniversary/#comment-1264169 Senneth Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:12:42 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=34349#comment-1264169 Katmoon, your post moved me to tears as well. You and Ferd and your family are in my prayers. Thank you both and your children for your sacrifices. Katmoon,
your post moved me to tears as well. You and Ferd and your family are in my prayers. Thank you both and your children for your sacrifices.

]]> By: Senneth http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/34349/an-inauspicious-anniversary/#comment-1264168 Senneth Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:06:56 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=34349#comment-1264168 It is the veteran, the American soldier, who saved my family's lives in the South Pacific by entering WWII. It is the veteran, the American soldier, who saved my family's lives in The Netherlands from the Nazi occupation. I never forget the sacrifices given by the veteran of our wonderful nation. I wish That One understood the greatness of our country but I believe that wish is futile. It is the veteran, the American soldier, who saved my family’s lives in the South Pacific by entering WWII. It is the veteran, the American soldier, who saved my family’s lives in The Netherlands from the Nazi occupation. I never forget the sacrifices given by the veteran of our wonderful nation. I wish That One understood the greatness of our country but I believe that wish is futile.

]]> By: Witzend http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/34349/an-inauspicious-anniversary/#comment-1264107 Witzend Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:56:43 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=34349#comment-1264107 Rev. Amy, I'm beginning to realize that, for every FF on this site, there are several engaging people. A nice way to spend my down time, esp. when I'm just too tired to actually talk. Rev. Amy, I’m beginning to realize that, for every FF on this site, there are several engaging people. A nice way to spend my down time, esp. when I’m just too tired to actually talk.

]]> By: TeakWoodKite http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/34349/an-inauspicious-anniversary/#comment-1264103 TeakWoodKite Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:52:11 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=34349#comment-1264103 Ferd’s mom enlisted in the Australian Army in WWII. Yikes. Ferd’s mom enlisted in the Australian Army in WWII.

Yikes.

]]> By: ~~JustMe~~ http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/34349/an-inauspicious-anniversary/#comment-1264099 ~~JustMe~~ Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:40:40 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=34349#comment-1264099 ((((Katmoon)))))) sending strength your way! ((((Katmoon)))))) sending strength your way!

]]> By: Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/34349/an-inauspicious-anniversary/#comment-1264098 Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:39:44 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=34349#comment-1264098 Katmoon, what a great story abt your son - thanks for the laugh! As for your daughter, it is clear that she, and your son, get that internal strength of character from their totally awesome parents! And WOW abt Ferd's family! A real calvary man, wow! His mom enlisting in Australia! What a fascinating family! Witzend, your story is fascinating, too. I hear you that where you served it was just what was done by everyone, but you know, it's not the same here... I love hearing abt y'all's lives - thank you for sharing them with us. Katmoon, what a great story abt your son – thanks for the laugh!

As for your daughter, it is clear that she, and your son, get that internal strength of character from their totally awesome parents!

And WOW abt Ferd’s family! A real calvary man, wow! His mom enlisting in Australia! What a fascinating family!

Witzend, your story is fascinating, too. I hear you that where you served it was just what was done by everyone, but you know, it’s not the same here…

I love hearing abt y’all’s lives – thank you for sharing them with us.

]]> By: Witzend http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/34349/an-inauspicious-anniversary/#comment-1264080 Witzend Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:35:54 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=34349#comment-1264080 Katmoon, your son's story is priceless and your chat with the enlisting officer tells me you'd fit right in with the women in my family (hear us roar). You may not have worn a uniform, but you're certainly doing more than your share of "service". As I told Rev. Amy, the mystique of the IDF tends to be magnified on this side of the Pond. There, everyone from your local greengrocer to the Prime Minister has served; no one (except a tourist perhaps) would walk up to a soldier to thank him/her for serving. And yet, in a matter of speaking, it's a right of passage we all go through before college. Those who don't usually regret it. As to your daughter, the little I know of her parents tells me she's got the disposition and strength of character to handle herself in any situation. Granted, the military poses a unique set of challenges for women, but those who enter with a clear sense of who they are tend to adjust quickly and do very well. Katmoon, your son’s story is priceless and your chat with the enlisting officer tells me you’d fit right in with the women in my family (hear us roar). You may not have worn a uniform, but you’re certainly doing more than your share of “service”.

As I told Rev. Amy, the mystique of the IDF tends to be magnified on this side of the Pond. There, everyone from your local greengrocer to the Prime Minister has served; no one (except a tourist perhaps) would walk up to a soldier to thank him/her for serving. And yet, in a matter of speaking, it’s a right of passage we all go through before college. Those who don’t usually regret it.

As to your daughter, the little I know of her parents tells me she’s got the disposition and strength of character to handle herself in any situation. Granted, the military poses a unique set of challenges for women, but those who enter with a clear sense of who they are tend to adjust quickly and do very well.

]]> By: Ferd Berfle http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/34349/an-inauspicious-anniversary/#comment-1264043 Ferd Berfle Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:18:45 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=34349#comment-1264043 One of the quotes on the website: "Lieber den Arsch voller Zecken als ein Tag in Wildflecken !" (It's better to have an ass full of ticks than to spend one day at Wildflecken!) One of the quotes on the website:

“Lieber den Arsch voller Zecken als ein Tag in Wildflecken !”

(It’s better to have an ass full of ticks than to spend one day at Wildflecken!)

]]> By: Katmoon http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/34349/an-inauspicious-anniversary/#comment-1264040 Katmoon Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:16:00 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=34349#comment-1264040 God Bless you; what an amazing story. I can see you excited and your Mom just plain overwrought. For our daughter, I'm torn as I know this is what she wants, and therefore I support her. She also has a big brother to help her understand things as best as he can in advance. But the total strangers thing is a scary thought it seems still more for a daughter, in some ways. I am just amazed at your service and that of your family, and also by the similarity of our stories, thank you so much for sharing. I cry at return from deployment, a grateful wail of pure delight, that I am unable to stop, running nose and all. My son was afraid to tell me he had enlisted in person, so he told me by video tape(handed under his bedroom door, and did try to stop me from calling the enlisting officer and inviting him over for a "chat". My son literally hid his face in his shirt when I told the officer I wanted to know who to kill first if anything happened to my son. This officer was gold and smiled a little and said, "son, we don't mess with military moms". Ferd's mom enlisted in the Australian Army in WWII, his father was a U.S. Calvary Officer, on horseback, one of the last, 1n the 1920's. My brothers served as well, and I am the lone ranger never having served. So I "serve" as best I can to any military family and all soldiers, when I can. It is the very least I can do. Wow, IDF, I just can't get over it. Amazing. I Solute you right back, and your loved ones serving as well. God Bless you; what an amazing story. I can see you excited and your Mom just plain overwrought. For our daughter, I’m torn as I know this is what she wants, and therefore I support her. She also has a big brother to help her understand things as best as he can in advance. But the total strangers thing is a scary thought it seems still more for a daughter, in some ways. I am just amazed at your service and that of your family, and also by the similarity of our stories, thank you so much for sharing.

I cry at return from deployment, a grateful wail of pure delight, that I am unable to stop, running nose and all.

My son was afraid to tell me he had enlisted in person, so he told me by video tape(handed under his bedroom door, and did try to stop me from calling the enlisting officer and inviting him over for a “chat”. My son literally hid his face in his shirt when I told the officer I wanted to know who to kill first if anything happened to my son. This officer was gold and smiled a little and said, “son, we don’t mess with military moms”.
Ferd’s mom enlisted in the Australian Army in WWII, his father was a U.S. Calvary Officer, on horseback, one of the last, 1n the 1920′s. My brothers served as well, and I am the lone ranger never having served. So I “serve” as best I can to any military family and all soldiers, when I can. It is the very least I can do.

Wow, IDF, I just can’t get over it. Amazing. I Solute you right back, and your loved ones serving as well.

]]> By: Ferd Berfle http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/34349/an-inauspicious-anniversary/#comment-1264036 Ferd Berfle Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:05:39 +0000 http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/?p=34349#comment-1264036 That is an excellent website. Thousands upon thousands of American soldiers served in Wildflecken, guarding the Fulda Gap from 1946 until it was returned to German control in 1994. That is an excellent website. Thousands upon thousands of American soldiers served in Wildflecken, guarding the Fulda Gap from 1946 until it was returned to German control in 1994.

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