A Rare Experience!

Langley AFB is hosting its AirPower Over Hampton Roads airshow on 21 and 22 June.

Disappointingly, the Thunderbirds will not be performing due to a scheduling conflict.

So, there will be a stand-in.

A Team that hasn't performed in America in 15 years…

The Royal Air Force Red Arrows are coming to perform.  This will be a rare, and special treat.  I cannot WAIT!!!!

Read more here...

A Nice Big Jump!

A recent $100 donation from Paul H. has pushed us to 87% with only $230 left to go!

Getting Much Closer!

Twelve days until I walk...

Current tally is at 82%!

Only $330 more needed to reach the fund raising goal/minimum before the deadline. We can do it...

Bit by Bit... We Help Fight This Disease

We're getting there... $390 to go... We can DO THIS!!! I'm ready to walk... Please help...

Getting Close!

19 days to go... We're at 76% with $1360 raised... $440 to go...

All of your help so far... is immensely appreciated! Thank you so, so much...

Please Click Here

Random Random Numbers

211.

Avon Fundraising Update

So far, we're now at $1,310... or 73% of my goal of $1800.

Ok, yes, I'd like to exceed the goal... I'd like to blow it away... be stunned by how much over the goal we made it...

But, at the moment, I'll be happy to meet the goal.

We're getting there.

Thank you to the Ladies of SpouseBUZZ

Tonight, Melinda and Rachelle of SpouseBUZZ hosted me on their internet radio show.

I must admit to being a tad bit nervous as I do not often get to speak in public, but it was a pleasure to talk with these wonderful ladies.

They put me at ease, and we were soon discussing all sorts of topics, ranging from the history of the cancer journey and to be able to discuss the upcoming Walk (see the post at the top of the page).

I encourage everyone to be tested... it's never too early. Remember, we always think life's tragedies will happen to Other People, but someone has to be that other person. Please, get tested. Testing is one of the best defenses against cancer. Even if you don't have any history in your family (Ellicia didn't), it can happen to you. And if it does, it is NOT the end of the world... just the beginning of another journey in your life.

Together, we can beat cancer. One day, it will be nothing more than just another sign of the Zodiac.


Click HERE to listen to the show... My segment is in the second half.

A Tad Bit Amusing

I'm a fan of "The Drew Carey Show". It's my sense of humor... suitably offbeat, I suppose.

One item I've always enjoyed is the way they would incorporate musical numbers into the show. The opening sequences might vary, or there'd be a dance number in the middle.

I'm not usually one for musicals, but the choreography was always impressive.

While I'm sure at least one of my readers would like me to include "Cleveland Rocks", but I will include their take on "5 O'Clock World". I guarantee you you'll never hear it the same way again.

A Wonderful Song...

I first heard this from one of my roommates in the barracks in Illesheim. He'd play this just a tad bit repeatedly...

Anyway, as much as I don't like "screaming" music... this one only barely has it, but otherwise has melodic themes and lyrics which intrigue me.

And is pretty special.

So, I encourage you to take a listen...

My Deep Thanks... and Let's Keep Going!

So far, we stand at $1,110!!! Only $690 more to go...

I can't thank you all enough for what you've donated... We can DO IT!!!

Please scroll up to find the links to donate... We can DO THIS!!!

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