Memorial Day hits some deeper than others

| May 29, 2012

  I didn’t want to let this story get away from me so I will post it after Memorial Day. Taylor had a few friends over this weekend and they enjoyed the sunshine, played football in the rain, cooled off in the pool and watched a couple movies. Brenda and I are thankful our kids […]

From Predator Drones to Swarms of Nano Quadrotors

| February 1, 2012

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Remembering the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor

| December 7, 2011

Today is the day Americans remember those who served and were killed during the Empire of Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 – a somber day for 2403 lives cut short.  In a statement, President Obama proclaimed Wednesday "National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day" and reflected on those who rose to the occasion. He […]

WVU marching band salutes the U.S. Armed Forces

| December 2, 2011

I may not be a fan of West Virginia University football … but I have no problem applauding their marching band. As a Cincinnati Bearcats and an Ohio State fan … I say “nicely done, WVU.” (thanks for the link Suzanne)

Recognizing two special veterans today – a wonderful son

| November 11, 2011

My son made his father proud today by recognizing Veterans Day 11/11/11 in this way  … he posted a nice note to his Facebook page.

Our military, energy efficiency and alternative fuels

| August 15, 2011

I’m archiving a bit from Jackalyne Pfannenstiel’s letter to the WSJ editor that was in the paper this past weekend which reflects my point of view when it comes to alternatives and efficiency in the U.S. military. Most of us know that all branches of the armed forces are making strides to lessen their dependency on […]

The U.S. Navy’s Carrier F-14s have been retired for 5 years

| August 13, 2011

Every once in a while I look at the right hand column of my blog to see what interested me in previous years. I noticed The Navy catapults the last F-14 Tomcat post from back in the summer of 2006. Has it been 5 years?

Sea trials to begin for China’s first aircraft carrier

| August 10, 2011

Perhaps China adding their first aircraft carrier is just a sign of the times, but I see the modernization of China’s military as an unsettling long term move; call me distrustful considering their original statements and China’s questionable authoritarian government’s history.  A Chinese company purchased the empty hull of a carrier called the Varyag from […]

Vintage flying WWII B-17 goes down in northern Illinois

| June 13, 2011

It was a good day for pilot and passengers aboard the flying historic WWII bomber Liberty Belle (LibertyBelleFoundation.org), but not so good for those who have devoted their lives to the restoration and preservation of flying history. From the crash video above, all were lucky to be out with their lives, but the damage to […]

Book: We Were Pirates by Robert Schultz and James Shell

| June 12, 2011

Enjoying a World War II audio narrative and reading about the book We Were Pirates.  It is a book that help us understand the life of WWII American submariners, particularly Torpedoman Robert Hunt and his point of view. He shared his memories and his collection of photos and documents from his service aboard the USS […]

Memorial Day 2011 – Remembering …

| May 30, 2011

I’m remembering the honor trip I took with my father and brother to Washington DC with WWII and Korea veterans last year this Memorial Day weekend. I hope you all enjoy a safe holiday and remember those who died protecting and defending our freedoms and this great nation. I’m including a little video below from […]

SEAL Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper

| May 5, 2011

With the fascination of Seal Team Six’s operation in taking down Osama bin Laden, the timing of former Seal Team Six member’s Howard Wasdin’s new book couldn’t be better. He was interviewed by WSJ’s Lee Hawkins after the successful mission in Pakistan on Sunday and offers a little bit of detail one what it takes […]

Archive: Libya targeted by coalition air strikes

| March 21, 2011

The  air assault on Libya on Saturday March 19th came as no surprise as the dictator Muammar el-Qaddafi continued to send his hired mercenaries into areas held by the rebels seeking freedom. The motivated, but under equipped rebels, are at a decided disadvantage when it comes to combatting Qaddafi’s military aircraft, tanks and heavy artillery; […]

Honoring, thanking and thinking of our veterans

| November 11, 2010

While contemplating how to best comment on Veterans Day this year, I’ve decided that I would detour my trip home tonight and stop in to thank my dad in person for his service in Korea. Although in the past he generally avoided even acknowledging it, in recent years he and his fellow veterans have become […]

Algae-based biodiesel is being tested on a Navy gunboat

| November 8, 2010

The US military continues to move forward with renewable alternatives to petroleum. The latest being the a 49-foot naval gunboat testing a algae-based biodiesel in Norfolk, Virginia. (See Green Investing article from Green Chip Stocks) Algae Biodiesel Filling U.S. Naval Tanks Last week, a 49-foot naval gunboat was the first to test-drive algae-based fuel as […]

Artist Kaziah Hancock’s gift to those who gave the most

| October 14, 2010

When it comes to using artistic gifts and talents for others, Kaziah Hancock is, as Bill O’Reilly would say, a patriot. She is an artist from Utah who tireless donates her artistic endeavors to those who have given their life for their country. According to this video, she lives humbly on a goat farm and […]

Honor Flights: Great job American Airlines

| September 13, 2010

The American Airlines video brought back the memory of our “bus” Honor trip to Washington DC earlier this year. Great to know they support our heroes in this way. Thank to AA as well for their appearance at EAA Airventure and getting Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band to and from his tribute shows […]

Why would Christians purposely put troops at additional risk?

| September 7, 2010

When I heard about a radical church protesting at US soldiers funerals 4 or 5 years ago (Westboro Baptist Church), it pained me having to think about families having to endure such cruelty. I wondered, “just what they were hoping to accomplish by this action?” Now, another radical church called Dove World Outreach Center in […]

Coalition troops continue their mission in Afghanistan

| July 2, 2010

Let’s not forget those who continue to serve in Afghanistan … be they our troops or those from coalition countries. As I watched this video posted in , it is a reminder just how dangerous a job they do for us. Thank you. A BRITISH soldier sprawls in the dust with his face bloodied after […]

Honoring those who served their country

| May 21, 2010

By the time this posts to the blog, I should be heading to Washington DC assisting about 50 World War II and Korea veterans on a trip to visit to memorials built in their honor. The three day weekend will be a chance for me to listen to them share their thoughts on serving our […]

Cinco de Mayo – few celebrating know why they do

| May 5, 2010

As the population of the United States continues to expand, particularly with those of Mexican ancestry, Cinco de Mayo celebrations are becoming more and more popular in all parts of the United States. Not a single American I asked knew why May 5th has become such a popular day of celebration for all Americans (me […]

Memorial Day – Arlington Memorial Cemetery

| May 26, 2008

Although I’m not rewriting my Memorial Day post (frustrated that it has been lost after I posted Sunday night — grrr), I will include the 11 minute clip from CBS telling the history of Arlington Memorial Cemetery. On Monday, President Bush paid tribute to America’s service personnel who died in service to their country at […]

USAF retires the F-117 Nighthawk tomorrow

| April 21, 2008

The USAF officially retires the F-117 Nighthawk on April 22, 2008 with the final 4 planes making their last flights. The stealth fighter began its service in 1981 as a first of its kind aircraft that could eliminate several targets on one mission. It night flying stealthiness proved its worth in operation “Just Cause” in […]

VIDEO: “Lone Survivor” by Marcus Luttrell

| July 13, 2007

I’ve written previously about a book I’ve just finished reading and wanted to include a more recent interview available on the Internet. His thoughts on the fatal decision that cost the lives of his SEAL team are shared as well as a few of his personal ‘opinions’ regarding the War on Terror. The book Lone […]

Book: Lone Survivor – by Marcus Luttrell

| June 27, 2007

I’m getting ahead of myself by mentioning a book that I haven’t finished reading yet, but “Lone Survivor” is perhaps the best read of the year. The incredible true account of the author Marcus Luttrell helps one appreciate what incredible men serve in the United States special forces — particularly those included in Operation Redwing. […]

USAF Master Sergeant comments on Iraq photo

| November 27, 2006

Master Sergeant John Gebhart was interviewed in reference to a photo of him holding a Iraqi baby on a morning television news show. According to Sergeant Gebhart, his photo had been singled out and for some reason circulated around by email. Although we don’t see many like this on the evening news, Gebhart said from […]

What my son did over his summer vacation

| July 12, 2006

Here’s a “what I did over my summer vacation” summer camp type story … only it wasn’t me. (my life is a bit dull in comparison to my teenage son) 🙂 My high school son was privileged to go on a military oriented leadership camp this summer up in the Green Mountains of Vermont. This […]

The Ultimate Sacrifice

| April 16, 2006

The weather here in Cincinnati has take a sudden switch to summer this past week as both the temperature and humidity are as if it were July or August. As I left the VA Hospital complex in Dayton, Ohio I decided to drive the slowly through the cemetery and take the long way back to […]

December 7th: What didn’t we learn?

| December 7, 2005

It happened a lifetime ago, but “it is a day that will live in infamy.” December 7, 1941 was the day a surprise attack was made against our country by the empire of Japan. We remember this day but unfortunately did not learn the lesson. Most of us were not alive to remember the heart […]

A rare interview with Neil Armstrong, “First Man”

| November 11, 2005

For many baby boomers, “The Eagle has landed” and “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” (click for audio) were monumental audio moments that recall American success and rekindle proud memories of the Apollo space program. Practically every American alive and countless millions around the world held their breath and watched as […]

WWII body sent to Hawaii for ID

| October 25, 2005

Interesting story: A body believed to be that of a World War II airman, found frozen in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California was found by recreational climbers. The spotted a body with an Army uniform still attached to a world war two parachute. On Monday the body was sent to Hickam Air Force Base […]

The Boys of Pointe du Hoc

| September 12, 2005

The Boys of Point du Hoc, by Douglas Brinkley has masterfully honored Lt. Col. James Earl Rudder and his 225 U.S. Army Rangers for their June 6, 1944 D-Day climb and the man who honored them 40 years later. Their undertaking is beyond thinking as they scaled the 100 foot cliffs while the enemy sprayed […]

President Bush addresses troops and nation

| June 29, 2005

The President of the United States addressed the nation on Tuesday night (June 28, 2005) and outlined the continuing War on Terror. (right-click and save-as this MP3 audio to listen) The polite and respectful Airbourne Army troops at Fort Bragg, NC hosted their commander in chief and listened intently to the accurate review and complementary […]

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
My Desultory Blog