Random Numbers... Again

215

RIP, Sergeant

The Associated Press is reporting that the remains of Sergeant Keith Matthew Maupin have been found.

First reported missing, then missing-captured, then-Private First Class has been gone since 09 April 2004 after his unit was ambushed.

His parents were notified Sunday that his remains had been identified.

While a video had been shown years ago of a Soldier being executed, it was not conclusively identified as Maupin at the time, and the Army had continued searching for him.

Rest in peace, Sergeant.

Cutting Hair for Cancer

Ellicia had contemplated and tried wigs, but made the choice to embrace her baldness once she lost her hair. Which is good, I think, cause she had one sexy head.

However, many women do not feel that comfortable... nor do they have to. There are organizations out there that collect donated hair to make real human hair wigs for women who lose their natural locks to cancer or more accurately, the treatment of it.

Tonight, the daughter of one of my closest friends donated her hair. And ladies, she's preparing to get married and still had her hair cut off!

Proud of her...

And if you're interested in donating your hair, then please click here.

Freedom Never Cries

I saw this video, and it's beautiful... Everyone who clicks to view it, $1 is donated to Operation HomeFront.

The man behind the counter in the video is Fred Ferguson, a Medal of Honor recipient.

The singer is John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting...

Please watch.

Thomas' Order of Birth

As I continue to clean and sort through boxes and crates, I found something appropriate as Thomas' third (oh my, how'd he get so old!) Birthday approaches.

The Army can have a wonderful sense of humor sometimes.

(And to you eagle-eyed readers... what's Army paperwork without typos...)

E's Senate Proclamation

In September, 2006, after we'd returned home to Germany and received our devastating news, I contacted Senator Jim DeMint's office to tell E's story and to ask if perhaps his office could do something special for her. The office staff had already become familiar with our family from our summertime visit to Washington, DC.

E & I were certainly impressed, and honored, to receive in our mail a package from the United States Senate later that month.

The Office of Senator Jim DeMint

Proclamation Honoring E S of the City of Summerville

Whereas, the City of Summerville has been home to numerous citizens who have given their lives to the betterment of society; and

Whereas, E S (nee Tyler) was born in Summerville the second day of May, 1967, to Mrs. Gloria Annette Sweat Tyler; and

Whereas, E S spent her formative years in Summerville, attended the College of Charleston, and earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology; and

Whereas, E S pursued a Master's degree in Early Education at the College of Charleston; and,

Whereas, E S wed W R S, Jr; and,

Whereas, E S deserves praise for her role as a devoted Army wife and loving mother to K S (sic), M S, and T S;

Now, Therefore, I, Senator Jim DeMint, am honored to recognize E S as one of Summerville's distinguished natives, who has represented the City of Summerville, South Carolina to the United States of America and the Global community.

Dated this 22nd day of September 20006.

(signed)
Jim DeMint
United States Senator

These documents, especially the personal letter from him to us, will certainly be something for the children to treasure in later years. It meant a lot to E when it arrived, as she never imagined herself as being honored for anything, as she was just doing what she was supposed to do, what she wanted to do.

Thank you, Sen. DeMint.

Random Number 4

224.5

Ellicia's Artwork #4

(a self-portrait)

Ellicia's Artwork #3

Ellicia's Artwork #2

Ellicia's Artwork #1

I've been making remarkable progress going through boxes. Something I'd avoided for... well, a long, long time. Boxes had been piled high in rooms... and I've been terrifed to open any of them.

Now, I am doing just that.

And today, I was rewarded with an unexpected surprise.

I found Ellicia's water colors.

A Beautiful Star Spangled Rendition

I wish embedding hadn't been disabled (poor choice)... so, please click over to here to watch some very talented young girls.

'Nuff said.

Gray Eagles

I had the pleasure of seeing Mustangs at the Gathering of Mustangs and Legends.

I'd encourage you to go to this site (I wish they let me embed the video here) and watch a very touching video about a Mustang pilot being reunited with his restored aircraft.

Gray Eagles

An Incredible THANK YOU

Thank you to Kevin, Gregg, and Bruce for doing this. Imagine my surprise when it popped into my email box...

Take a look: Pundit Review Radio

I've never heard my words read back to me... and to hear it like this... honestly, I just curled up into a ball for a bit. I am so honored to have been Ellicia's husband and partner, even for the short time we were together. She taught me so much - about what's important, how to live, and how to face the future even when it's a future that is very frightening.

Thank you, Pundit Review... thank you.

Talk About Being Enthusiastic!

This kid is VERY enthusiastic about his baptism... hehehe Wouldn't it be something to see this in person?

Not Waiting Until Veteran's Day

Sometimes, we just can't say "Thank You" enough. I urge you to click below and see those who've gone before.

And next time you see a vet, please... let them know you appreciate what they did... back then.

Please Click Here

Breast Cancer Walk Update

So far, we've raised $790 in Ellicia's name for the Avon Breast Cancer walk. That's 44% of my goal of $1800!

Thank you ALL so much for your generous support...

And now, An Amusing Interlude

One of my favorite songs... I've loved it's wit and cleverness for years....

And it gives such a wonderful example of Murphy's Law...

Enjoy: