It was the summer of 1965. My first company command, the 615th MP Company, was assigned to Viet Nam. We were not sure where specifically, because that would not be divulged until the troop ship was almost to our destination. At the appointed time I was informed it would be Cam Ranh Bay. That was a seaport location and we would be providing physical security. OK, that will work. We can do that.
A day later we were informed that our assignment was changed. Now we were assigned to the Saigon area. We were to be attached to the 716th MP Battalion. And, that brings me to the primary topic for this issue. Our duties would include the usual routine police work as well as physical security.
At that time the US Navy was responsible for the security of the area of operation (AO). The battalion was given the duties of securing the various important sites. These included supply sites and billeting sites for US forces. Each of the billeting sites had one or two US MPs and a Vietnamese policeman. Every effort was made to make it difficult for attackers to make entrance and do damage.
The naval commander at the time ordered that the men on the security posts at the billets could only be armed with shotguns and .45 caliber side arms. His rationalization was that he didn’t want the VC to think we were afraid of them. At least, that was the story that was going around at the time.
Unfortunately, the VC didn’t get the message, or maybe they did. Anyway, the VC maintained their weaponry. Primarily AK-47s. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that there is an advantage here for the guy who has the biggest “stick”.
That is the situation Captain Chet Lee and his troops faced on April 1, 1966 when the VC chose to attack the Victoria Hotel. There is no doubt in my mind that the troops at the hotel did their best to protect the hotel. I am equally sure that Chet gave his last true measure of devotion when he turned around to provide reinforcements to his troops.
When you’re outgunned you’re outgunned. All to assuage the ego of a person who hadn’t the foggiest notion of what his decision would bring.
Chet, thanks for the time I had to get to know you. Thank you for the example you set. We love you man.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Monday, May 29, 2006
It is Memorial Day....
and I am reminded of some of my comrades-in-arms. The first one who comes to mind is Captain Chet Lee. As you will learn from this link, Chet was well thought of. He was an officer who truly cared about the men he was responsible for and to. I held him in high esteem when we served together and to this day as well. To para-phrase Zane Gray,"Chet, you'll do to ride the river with."
He always put the need of the troops first.
As I recall, the story at the time went something like this. He had stopped by the Victoria hotel to check on the security post and had moved on. He had hardly gotten more than a couple blocks away when he hear gunfire. He directed the driver to return to the Victoria. He and his driver were only armed with their .45 caliber sidearms. The guard at the front door only had a shotgun. The VC sapper team were armed with AK 47's when they attacked. This did not stop Chet. He continued on and was met with overwhelming firepower. He paid the ultimate price to take care of his troops.
The reason for the disparity of weaponry is another story. Who knows it may be the next war story. Stay tuned.
He always put the need of the troops first.
As I recall, the story at the time went something like this. He had stopped by the Victoria hotel to check on the security post and had moved on. He had hardly gotten more than a couple blocks away when he hear gunfire. He directed the driver to return to the Victoria. He and his driver were only armed with their .45 caliber sidearms. The guard at the front door only had a shotgun. The VC sapper team were armed with AK 47's when they attacked. This did not stop Chet. He continued on and was met with overwhelming firepower. He paid the ultimate price to take care of his troops.
The reason for the disparity of weaponry is another story. Who knows it may be the next war story. Stay tuned.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Never Argue with a Woman
One morning the husband returns after several hours of fishing and decides to take a nap. Although not familiar with the lake, the wife decides to take the boat out. She motors out a short distance, anchors, and reads her book.
Along comes a Game Warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside the woman and says, "Good morning, Ma'am. What are you doing?"
"Reading a book," she replies, (thinking, "Isn't that obvious?")
"You're in a Restricted Fishing Area," he informs her.
"I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing. I'm reading."
"Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up."
"If you do that, I'll have to charge you with sexua l assault," says the woman.
"But I haven't even touched you," says the game warden.
"That's true, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment."
"Have a nice day ma'am," and he left.
MORAL: Never argue with a woman who reads. It's likely she can also think.
Send this to four women/girls who are thinkers. If you receive this, you know you're intelligent.
Along comes a Game Warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside the woman and says, "Good morning, Ma'am. What are you doing?"
"Reading a book," she replies, (thinking, "Isn't that obvious?")
"You're in a Restricted Fishing Area," he informs her.
"I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing. I'm reading."
"Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up."
"If you do that, I'll have to charge you with sexua l assault," says the woman.
"But I haven't even touched you," says the game warden.
"That's true, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment."
"Have a nice day ma'am," and he left.
MORAL: Never argue with a woman who reads. It's likely she can also think.
Send this to four women/girls who are thinkers. If you receive this, you know you're intelligent.
"A Woman"
"Be very careful if you make a woman cry, because God counts her tears.
The woman came out of a man's rib.
Not from his feet to be walked on.
Not from his head to be superior, but from the side to be equal.
Under the arm to be protected and next to the heart to be loved."
Pass this on to all exceptional women that you know... and to men so they can be reminded of the value of a woman.
Patio Photo Slide Show Update
Check out this site to see the latest addition to the patio remodeling photos.
We are pleased that the job is finally completed. I will probably add more photos to this set when I have more space.
Enjoy!
We are pleased that the job is finally completed. I will probably add more photos to this set when I have more space.
Enjoy!
Coffee, crosswords and contentment.
This morning the sun was bright, the temperature was delightful, and the breeze was light. Maryann indicated that she would be having her coffee on the patio. She has been looking forward to the day when she would be able to do so. Today was the day.
We both had our coffee and newspaper reading on the patio. It was so enjoyable that we also had lunch there too. Who wouldn’t want to do so in these surrounding? Particularly when the garden fairy is watching over everything.
I did not stop the world and get off
It has been about 48 hours since the cable was cut. No internet. Not TV. We didn’t get to NOT watch American Idol. How have we managed to survive? Thank goodness for conversation, music, reading and crossword puzzles. (Oh, btw, the patio got finished. Photos will be appearing shortly. Please be patient.)
That is why we were without the cable and internet connection. For some weird reason the electric, telephone and cable connections are all on the West side of the house, the side with the least distance to the property boundary line. We have lived here for about 15 years and during that time the phone line has been cut at least once and the cable line, well this makes the fifth time.
The funny part about it is that the workers all knew about the wiring and had uncovered the cable line. They were working around it. They were extremely careful. It wasn’t until the boss came on the scene that the problem began. He was carrying some plants and didn’t see a hole. He stepped in, lost his balance, stepped back to catch himself and SNAP, a split cable.
If you ever want to see someone wracked with guilt and extremely apologetic, this chap is a good example. Being klutzy is the only thing he has going against him. Well, that, and he didn’t get some of the details written into the contract. But besides that, his design for the plantings was superb. It has been since March 6th when the first work was begun. The only thing we were not here to see put in was the fence. Other than that, it has gone reasonably smoothly. It is amazing what a sense of humor can do when a cable is cut or the fence arrives and is the wrong color. Oh, and it didn’t have the correct latching mechanism. I think I did mention something about attention to detail.
#175
That is why we were without the cable and internet connection. For some weird reason the electric, telephone and cable connections are all on the West side of the house, the side with the least distance to the property boundary line. We have lived here for about 15 years and during that time the phone line has been cut at least once and the cable line, well this makes the fifth time.
The funny part about it is that the workers all knew about the wiring and had uncovered the cable line. They were working around it. They were extremely careful. It wasn’t until the boss came on the scene that the problem began. He was carrying some plants and didn’t see a hole. He stepped in, lost his balance, stepped back to catch himself and SNAP, a split cable.
If you ever want to see someone wracked with guilt and extremely apologetic, this chap is a good example. Being klutzy is the only thing he has going against him. Well, that, and he didn’t get some of the details written into the contract. But besides that, his design for the plantings was superb. It has been since March 6th when the first work was begun. The only thing we were not here to see put in was the fence. Other than that, it has gone reasonably smoothly. It is amazing what a sense of humor can do when a cable is cut or the fence arrives and is the wrong color. Oh, and it didn’t have the correct latching mechanism. I think I did mention something about attention to detail.
#175
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Planting day
Around 0845 this AM the first load of plants arrived. About a half hour later the planting crew and the rest of the materials/plants arrived. The work is underway and they are making great progress.
I have been taking photos during the planting and will post some here and on Flickr when the job is done. Probably by tomorrow.
So, keep checking back.
I have been taking photos during the planting and will post some here and on Flickr when the job is done. Probably by tomorrow.
So, keep checking back.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Fence Photos at.....
this site. The last two photos are the latest of the bronze fence. This is a marvelous slideshow, if I do say so myself. LOL
The planting will begin on Tuesday, weather permitting. Photos to follow.
Enjoy.
Of course if you don't want to see the entire 16 slide show, then here you are:
The planting will begin on Tuesday, weather permitting. Photos to follow.
Enjoy.
Of course if you don't want to see the entire 16 slide show, then here you are:
Friday, May 19, 2006
Monday, May 15, 2006
Notes from on the road
It has been almost a week since we left home. We have been doing so much since we arrived that I have not had time to post anything. Today, I am alone and have time to read and write blogs. I just wanted to say a few things about how the trip was going.
As usual, took two days to get to Maryann's niece's home in Pennsylvania. We came in to spend Mother's day with Maryann's mother, Margaret. In June I will go to El Paso to spend some time with my mother, Jane.
Margaret is residing in a nursing home. Unfortunately, she can no longer care for herself. One of the most devastating things to witness is the onset of dementia. Margaret doesn't always recognize us, but has been able to remember who we are most of the time we are with her. Her mobility is also limited, but with the wheel chair she is able to get around the floor. It is amazing to watch her and the other residents moving around. They are quite good about not running into each other or tipping over.
The weather was sunny enough last Thursday that we could take out onto the grounds for some fresh Spring air. She was able to comment about the plants and how well the grounds were being kept. She still wonders where her late husband is. We have learned to deflect that question by saying we haven't seen him lately. Usually, once she has asked the question, her mind goes onto something else. It is not in her best interest to remind him that he died more than 20 years ago. To do so would be quite cruel. She would begin grieving all over again.
In spite of her mental and physical condition, Margaret maintains her wonderful sense of humor and her ready smile. I have come to know and love her as much as my own mother. It saddens me to see her in her present condition. I relish the times we did have together where she would share stories about her life on the farm and how she could drive a combine. You have to realize she is just about 5'3". She has worked all of her life, even as a child. She married young and raised two daughters. Next week she will celebrate her 96th birthday. While she told me once she won't live forever, I believe she is definitely in it for the long haul.
Margaret, I love you and wish you the best even though you will never see this.
As usual, took two days to get to Maryann's niece's home in Pennsylvania. We came in to spend Mother's day with Maryann's mother, Margaret. In June I will go to El Paso to spend some time with my mother, Jane.
Margaret is residing in a nursing home. Unfortunately, she can no longer care for herself. One of the most devastating things to witness is the onset of dementia. Margaret doesn't always recognize us, but has been able to remember who we are most of the time we are with her. Her mobility is also limited, but with the wheel chair she is able to get around the floor. It is amazing to watch her and the other residents moving around. They are quite good about not running into each other or tipping over.
The weather was sunny enough last Thursday that we could take out onto the grounds for some fresh Spring air. She was able to comment about the plants and how well the grounds were being kept. She still wonders where her late husband is. We have learned to deflect that question by saying we haven't seen him lately. Usually, once she has asked the question, her mind goes onto something else. It is not in her best interest to remind him that he died more than 20 years ago. To do so would be quite cruel. She would begin grieving all over again.
In spite of her mental and physical condition, Margaret maintains her wonderful sense of humor and her ready smile. I have come to know and love her as much as my own mother. It saddens me to see her in her present condition. I relish the times we did have together where she would share stories about her life on the farm and how she could drive a combine. You have to realize she is just about 5'3". She has worked all of her life, even as a child. She married young and raised two daughters. Next week she will celebrate her 96th birthday. While she told me once she won't live forever, I believe she is definitely in it for the long haul.
Margaret, I love you and wish you the best even though you will never see this.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Another Take on an Interesting Site
In response to bronxbt's comment I have decided to use the great guru google to track down blockers. Ask google to search for "plowshare" and you will receive links to 146,000 sites with that information in it. I selected the second link, beginners to plowshare! I then decided to go to the very first posting and stopped at this one crackers. I have not finished reading it yet but thought you might want to look into it. Have fun. I suspect crackers is.
An interesting site
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Note from a Honda fan
Read the info first, then watch the clip. There is a link at the end.
And you thought those people that set up roomfuls of dominos to knock over were amazing. There are no computer graphics or digital tricks in the film. Everything you see really happened in real time exactly as you see it.
The film took 606 takes. On the first 605 takes, something, usually very minor, didn't work. They would then have to set the whole thing up again. The crew spent weeks shooting night and day. By the time it was over, they were ready to change professions.
The film cost six million dollars and took three months to complete including full engineering of the sequence. In addition, it's two minutes long so every time Honda airs the film on British television, they're shelling out enough dough to keep any one of us in clover for a lifetime.
However, it is fast becoming the most downloaded advertisement in Internet history. Honda executives figure the ad will soon pay for itself simply in "free viewings" (Honda isn't paying a dime to have you watch this commercial!).
When the ad was pitched to senior executives, they signed off on it immediately without any hesitation - including the costs.
There are six and only six hand-made Honda Accords in the world. To the horror of Honda engineers, the filmmakers disassembled two of them to make the film. Everything you see in the film (aside from the walls, floor, ramp, and complete Honda Accord) is parts from those two cars.
The voiceover is Garrison Keillor. When the ad was shown to Honda executives, they liked it and commented on how amazing computer graphics have gotten. They fell off their chairs when they found out it was for real.
Oh, and about those funky windshield wipers. On the new Accords, the windshield wipers have water sensors and are designed tod to start doing their thing automatically as soon as they become wet.
Click on this Link to see the show.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Monday, May 01, 2006
Music that brings tears to my eyes
My guess is that you have heard songs that have moved you very deeply. Every once in a while I hear music that does, in fact, bring me to tears. Right now there are two that fit into that category:
That's the Way Love Goes by Merle Haggard in the album Legendary Country Singers
My Father's Eyes by Eric Clapton in the album Clapton Chronicles: The Best Of Eric Clapton
I am not sure what it is about them that contributes to that reaction in me. I am just glad that I can have that experience.
In the Haggard song not only do the words affect me, but there is a particular guitar riff that blows me away.
With the Clapton piece it is the words that do me in.
They are truly spiritual responses for me. I hope you are fortunate to have such experiences. Let me know what moves you, if you have a notion to do so.
That's the Way Love Goes by Merle Haggard in the album Legendary Country Singers
My Father's Eyes by Eric Clapton in the album Clapton Chronicles: The Best Of Eric Clapton
I am not sure what it is about them that contributes to that reaction in me. I am just glad that I can have that experience.
In the Haggard song not only do the words affect me, but there is a particular guitar riff that blows me away.
With the Clapton piece it is the words that do me in.
They are truly spiritual responses for me. I hope you are fortunate to have such experiences. Let me know what moves you, if you have a notion to do so.
Patio Remodeling
There is a photo set on flickr showing the patio remodeling. There will be other photos added as the job progresses. We are waiting for the right color of fence to come in. With a little luck it will be here mid month.
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