HELLO...
WELCOME TO THE HOSPITALITY ROOM
What would you like to drink? Coffee, Soda,
ahhhh... I know, a BEER
:)
Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrree ---------------> ya
go 
"BEAR" THIS BUD'S FOR YOU
:) ----->
By way of introduction, I'd like to tell you a little about my connection to all this. You, ladies and gents, served your time during the War, in air, on land and sea. While I served my time
during the War, as did many Americans, watching the war unfold and come to an end, on TV (CNN). With the daily concerns for ALL of you, as well as for my two sons, who where also there.
One on land, the other at sea.When the war was over, I had a compelling urge to visit the Wall.. I did. After having had that experience and reading notes from other veterans laid at the wall, I returned home to hear my
son and others returning home from the Gulf War, where sick. As the death toll climbs, I can envision another memorial being erected for this so called "100 Hour War ".My dedication is renewed by each phone call I get from a Gulf War Vet who asks me: "Can you give me any information about this illness? I have this rash and am so tired all the time and
losing my hair. I'm only 25 years old." THIS is the driving force that keeps me involved.My platform stands on mutual respect and honesty. I want to help inform and support you ALL as best I can, to help accomplish our mutual goal.
To gather information, gain support and push for a cure.
To understand a little better, I'd like to share with you my visit to The Wall..
This was my first visit but most definitely, not my last...... No words can truly explain what takes place, both emotionally and mentally when one visits the wall.. The Wall is a dark granite stone, supposedly a piece of solid matter.. However, this stone is different. To me, it is alive. It feels, it hurts, it cries, it heals, it comforts.. It almost has a mystical aura to it.. Upon coming into sight of it, one can feel being enveloped by it, being drawn into it.. I am getting the goose bumps and a warmth pouring over me, feeling, even as I am writing this. To me The Wall is alive. Filled with the many souls of those who "GAVE THEIR ALL"... Souls who feel restless, because so many are still unaccounted for.. And as each new memorial goes up in this area, it becomes more of a place within a place.Almost like being in a time zone.. The statues seem to come alive, and interact with our feelings. The statues so lifelike. I can remember visiting the Korean Memorial, and it was an overcast day and drizzling. As I gazed up at the face of one of the statues, I almost felt like he was going to give me his poncho.. so life like they are. Or perhaps it is just what happens to one there.. You go back in time. Somehow, the present outside world doesn't exist while there. And amidst the pain, and emotions you feel, the one feeling that dominates is a 'safe' feeling. It's like feeling your in a "safety net". They surround the perimeter and it's like they watch and guard you. Still doing their job, even now......
God Bless our men and woman, past, present, and future!
THE WALL
Funny, my father was Army, and I vaguely remember a picture of him in his uniform, but never any talk militarily or war stories. So no input. Then during the Vietnam Time I was traveling in an Ethnic circle of friends who where not involved with Vietnam. There again no input. My husband was Army, met him after he was out . Would not talk about service or Nam or anything having to do with military. That part stayed Shut behind locked doors for many years. Again no input. Then two of my sons signed up with the Marine Corp and then came the Gulf War. Now I had enough in put to last me the rest of my life.
My husband suffered silently as we watched the war unfold on TV. Day by Day, minute by minute. One son was aboard a ship and the other was on land . We had to watch everything . One was going in first thru the mine fields. My whole family was a mess. Then it was over. Our sons where among the fortunate ones who returned home and we felt a sense of relief. Our country supported the troops and my husband started to feel good again and started to talk militarily. He dug out some of his ribbons and I made a case for them. After some 20 years. He finally was opening up. I knew then, I wanted to go to the WALL. I don't know why or what I expected to see there. But something was driving me on. As my husband said, I was becoming obsessed with this thing about seeing "The WALL".
We took our two younger children and headed for DC. Well, I don't think anyone can explain the WALL. I truly believe it is alive with so many feelings and emotions. The only words that come to mind is " an awesome experience". I no sooner got there and could not believe the length of it. It seemed to go on, and on. I could not stop crying and as I am writing this tears are falling on the keyboard. My husband checked for some buddies while I cried and cried. Mental images intermixing with the Gulf War and the faces so young I'd seen on the TV and the stories I had heard about how our service people where treated when they came back from Nam. How stupid can people be. Don't they know the service is a job ( a very important one at that ) and further more one with the highest price to pay . Not to get pay but to Pay out. Your life. And yet knowing this these people still do the job ( and well I might add).
Until then the Wall numbers don't mean a thing but when you see names after names, going on endlessly, it has an impact. I know it has changed my life.
When the boys came home from desert storm I had a victory party that 4th of July. Only it wasn't just for my boys. We invited the Nam Vets we knew in the area as well as some of our friends who where also in Nam and it was a victory party for all Vets. I went out and bought flags for each branch of the service and they carried them along with hats I had made up with their units and they ALL marched in the Parade. The town wanted our sons in the parade well they got more than just our sons. They got the sons from Nam as well. We didn't know anyone from the Korean era or they would have been there as well. After the parade, they and their family came back for a Bar-B-que and fireworks. It was the one time I really felt 4th of July celebrated correctly. Now I carry a sticky pad and pen in my purse and car. When I see a Nam or Korean bumper sticker I simply write a thank you and stick it under their windshield wiper. My family thinks I'm nuts . Sometimes, I'll be driving and see a parked car with a nam or Pow bumper sticker, and I'll have to back up or park and get out . But I'll be dammed, if I'm going to let a vet get by without him knowing someone cares, and is grateful for the job he or she has done.
Too many things taken for granted. Including the job the service people do. A small price to pay for our freedom, which they supply and keep on supplying. All this from a visit to the WALL. Having gone from no input to nonstop input. Yes, you can say the WALL has affected me and I'm glad it did. I am very PROUD of ALL Vets who have served our country. And who are still serving. A great BIG thank you for mine and my family's freedom.
A Grateful American
DStormMom
Others Share their Visits to "The WALL"
Links to other Websites of and about " The Wall "
Feel free to post your thoughts or feelings or even share your visit to the Wall.
Send to me, care of the VetCenter......
What great words those are:
"Work for Honor and Justice
and to make the World a better
place for those that
follow"
And it was GREAT meeting you in person,
as well as an unexpected but delightful surprise.
Thank you and yes, we ALL need to keep up with the events surrounding us.
Or we become puppets of those that wish to lead us around..
We also need to keep updated to the goings on within our family and
help support and assist where we can. THAT is what families do.
< http://www.sat.net/~laser1/index.htm >
WE bring them into this world, WE also need to help and protect them.
I want to repeat that number to call again here... To report any any information
regarding a lost child, call 1-800-THE-LOST.
The VA is starting to revamp and change things to accomadate female vets now,
but they also need to educate themselves as to the "differant" problems
females face vs male vets.
So nice to see you stop by. Yes, I remember the note I wrote you..
Keep up the good work, you are in my prayers.
Hope things are going well for you. Stop in anytime..
Next time stay for some coffee.
Geecher ... Welcome Home!! YOU ARE SO RIGHT!!! We cannot remain silent! It certainly looks like it is a repeat
of the same treatment the Nam Vets received, as well as those before Nam.. HOW can people sleep at night with all this going on..
Don't they know that it indirectly affects everyone? Don't they realize, if they remain silent, than perhaps it will affect their children?
Look at all those that remained silent after Nam.. NOW, it is affecting their children.. MAYBE, had people spoke out then and helped fight for
the Nam Vets, our Gulf Vets would not have had to face the ordeal they and their families face now.
People WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE!!!
What a lovely surprise and indeed a pleasure having you stop in for a quick visit.
Dean was doing fine, when I left him... I think he needed some wind down time
after his rather lengthy trek to DC.. Thank you again for dropping by.
My best to Erika....
Thank you for stopping by. I am so sorry to hear about your family. There are others
also who are in the same situation. It frustrates me so, to see our government NOT
try to take more immediate measures to help our troops and their families..
In my heart I feel they have to know of a way that would stabilize this all. I don't
fully believe they can "cure" it at this point as I don't think they really now all they
are dealing with.. But I firmly believe they DO in fact have some idea, and know
of some way that could at least stabilize what ails our troops. Although, the longer
treating the ailment goes, the harder it will be to even stabilize it..
As they did with the Vietnam Vets, they are now repeating with the Gulf Vets.
Welcome.. and THANK YOU BOTH for your support and help
with Last Patrol 's March to DC.. It was good meeting you both in person...
Dr. Goss
.. Thank
YOU and Welcome..
We appreciate all you are doing in trying to bring the
TRUTH out about
Gulf War Illness. I hope you and your wife are doing
well. Many thanks
for all you have done to help our Desert
Stormers.
Glad you have jumped on board and participating. We need fresh outlooks and
differant perspectives sometimes. Glad for any new ideas and thoughts..
Thanks for stopping by.
Well, now, grand-daddy, I know the feeling well.. :)))
Many thanks to YOU for all you do, in helping those with PTSD. That is
one area of late that is really laying heavy on my heart. We need more
avenues available, to help PTSD victims.. This is an area that I feel
has not been dealt with yet in the capacity that.
Bless you and thank you in helping these little ones ..
It is not easy and Jonathan needs you there for him. I pray the Lord will give
you the strength to continue on as at times I know it can be draining as well
as frustrating.. We are here if you need us..
Thank you for stopping by
I got to get myself out that way.. That's got to be the heart of
"Country Music"... Can you tell, I looooove good ole Country Music.
Sort of expresses the feelings of the soul within.
My thanks to you for your help with relaying of information..
The 4th Moving Wall ReUnion in Melbourne, WAS INDEED,
"one hell of an event".
It was my first, but rest assure, it won't be my last!!
Welcome Idaho... Glad to know I am not the only Java addict.. :)
Thank you for sharing your feelings Deb, in " A Spouse is a Soldier Too ".
I have heard those words echoed many times by many spouses.. You are not
alone and I hope other spouses will come forth to share their feelings as well.
Semper Fi!!
Semper Fi
Terry ... and Welcome Home!!
Sure hope your right about the help, Terry... We ALL could use it now
especially..
With all this coming forward in the media now, it can only help not just
the
Desert Storm Vets but ALL veterans.. as they are parallel problems..
UURRAAHHHH!!! Always a pleasure chatting with you..
Glad to see the "problem" got fixed.. And my best to the Lady...
(((((((((((((((( hugs to ya both ))))))))))))))))
Calleen..
Thanks for stopping by, and Welcome...
Hope you had a chance to stop in and visit with other Significant
Others/Spouses..
I am hoping by sharing and exchanging of information, if nothing else perhaps
we can
all learnto live with some of this , and hopefully be able to function in
are daily routines.
Hope you found some of the information here of help..
I don't know how I by-passed your entry.. but I did.. I am so sorry and do
apologize.. It was one of the first at the beginning of this year, maybe too much
Egg Nog for me.. Geesh, can't take me anywhere, anymore.. :)
I was cataloging files and lo and behold there yours was.... Please forgive me..
It is a bit out of sequence but I have added it and will put it in order after a few days...
"in one sense or another", true words, indeed my friend
Fraid you have the thanks backward, my friend..
It is "WE " Americans, that should be thanking YOU Vets..
and thanks for the offer, I just may take you up on it.. :)
Whoaa...4 SUGARS????? ....... My dear, that is hypersville.. :)
But as you wish.. Here you are 4 sugars and no cream......
Glad to have you stop in.. Hope you will visit often
Bill.. so glad you stopped in to visit.. Some mighty wise words there my friend...well worth repeating..
"Keep on, keeping on, never give up. A few have always been able to overcome the many, down thru the ages. Be proud of your character because it is the only thing you take with you.
No one leaves a forwarding address, but we do not have to nurture where we are going. However, when we take care of our character, we will know where we are going, and do not have to judge where anyone else is going. What others do to us only matters as far how we learn to handle the situation. Learn your lessons well, be proud of your character, develop full confidence in yourself. Get up everyday, take a look in the mirror and fight to the end. Do your best, forget about what anyone has ever done to you, or whatever you have done for anyone else, and go forward with joy that you came, you did your best and always will, under any and all circumstances. The Vengeance is left to a far greater power, where everything is settled in the end, and thank God that we do not have to worry about that part."
Michael Martin & Doc Holiday / The last Patrol,
have played a very BIG ROLE
as leaders, in giving many Veteran's the motivation and will to get involved
again.
It just takes believing in oneself.. And if you don't, people like Mike and
Doc,
let you know, THEY DO!!
Now I like those words.. pretty simple, but yet so powerful..
"Great Journies begin with the first step"
Brrrr... good thing you have each other to yourselves keep warm.
That is another place I have often wanted to visit.. I hear it is a
beautiful spot despite the cold.
Boy oh boy, look out, cause I think the Marines have landed :))
HELLO TIM... and your quite welcome. No, No, No, No, No...
NOT sorrow Tim.. Definitely NOT sorrow. More like Proudness.. Remember when you'd bring home a good report card or test grade and Mom couldn't wait to show everyone? Something like that.. I want others to see and understand the other side to a Military Person.. They are not all like some would like to paint a picture as. And for others to understand WHY some may well be that way. Not thru their own doing but due to conditioning AND conditions themselves. Why are some Veterans, so angry or bitter? Here they can read first hand.. hear in veterans own words.. and perhaps begin to understand and get educated.. Maybe even DO something about it, rather than just read.. For the veteran as well as family members to all get together, hash it out.. discuss things.. see the other side of the coin, rather than a screaming match at home, sometime not even understanding how it all blew up in the first place..
My other reason was for Veterans themselves.. to have a place to "express", "release", "share" and "exchange" and of course keep updated on things within the veteran community... Maybe even make some new friends along the way... I feel it is needed to cross that bridge of separation.. different vet eras, different wars, etc.. A veteran is a veteran, a war is a war.. the only differences would be in some of the experiences one had in the different wars, different eras... Yes, technology has changed, but your basic training still is the same, your ideals, reasons, and beliefs are still the same... and one can only learn and "profit" from those that have travelled a that same road before us... if one takes the time to listen... That's what we all do as parents.. we try to not let our children make the same mistakes we did.. We hope we can make life a little bit better and easier for them, by avoiding the mistakes we made.
Definitely NOT sorrow, although I admit, I do feel sad many times.. only because, I feel so much going on, should not have been, should not be now, and hopeful, will not be in the future.. DSM
the Coastguard Song.. How about it George? Can you help me out?
Sorry where are my manners, got so excited I forgot to welcome you..
WELCOME Aboard, GEORGE!
And your soooooo right, when you say, "This is one great family."
Because that is what we are... FAMILY!!!
(((((((((((((((( hugging my family ))))))))))))))))
Read a moving article the other day you might want to read also..
HELLO Rob... So glad you stopped in .. WELCOME
A BIG HELLO and WELCOME to
you Woody
Dave - "Welcome Home"
Walk TALL & PROUD.. You've EARNED that right!
Karl - ((((((( hugs )))))))
Here's your coffee, my friend. 1 sugar, and little
milk
Thanks for stopping by Karl, I will be talking with
ya.
Tim.....
WELCOME
Thank you for your kind words,
and yes your right..
The key is in " KEEPING THE FAITH
"
Yes, that first visit to the WALL issomething no-one ever forgets..
And though we all think, it will not affect us, it does. Read Jessica's letter
regarding her visit to the Wall and her husband, Michael's story,
who is a Desert Storm Vet..
Thank You, Jessica, Michael, Chris and all those working
so hard to make
"Operation Thunderstorm" a
success...
{{{{{{{{{ hugs }}}}}}}}}
and felt somewhat of a connection with my father, who also served in WWII.
I sure will stop by to "check out Firebase Freedoms homepage"
Get the coffee on girl!!
It sure is a "moving up in the computer world" deal for me..
Remember when I struggled with the "no hard drive" PC?...
Boy, you guys sure did have patience putting up with
my slow responses during that time... < G >
So glad you stopped by to visit.. And sure have heard about the March..
It is the talk of the Vet Community.. Kinda exciting, you know.
Brothers and Sisters coming together... UNITED..
It sure is gonna be one heck of a Memorial Week-End this year..
BTW- Congratulations are in order on the 10th Anniversary to the
"Melbourne Reunion" and "Rolling Thunder"
Will check that out, thank you kind sir..
You have been added to list and look forward to chatting with you..
I will be sending you e-mail regarding chat sessions..
So glad you stopped by.. I hope you will be stopping by more often.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you......for all your input AND for your watchful eye.
Please keep us updated to the happenings within your area.. And I couldn't
agree more with your statement... "If the government can't afford to take
care of men and women who served in a war zone, they shouldn't send
them into "harms way" in the first place." ......
So very true, my friend, so very true..
Welcome... first time visitor, sure hope it won't be your last.. :))
You mentioned, surviving PTSD..Maybe we could get you to share some of
your experiences you've found helpful in dealing with PTSD for the benefit of the
"newbies" that now are going thru it.. I think PTSD in a way is sometimes harder
to handle than a visible wound.. At least when visible, we can "see"what it is exactly
that we need to repair.. However, in the case of PTSD, I don't think there is a band-aid big
enough to cover the wound. But we can apply antiseptics to clean it out so that it
can heal better..
"We Honor ALL Vets, and Serve where we can"
This is what we need Sir.. the uniting and banning together of ALL vets..
If we can ALL work together, as ONE, then maybe we will get those answers so
many vets from ALL vet era's are waiting for...
Back to Back - United
My, My .. so many ole friends stopping by. Thank you for sharing your story.
I hope others will read it and see that they are not alone.. That many others
are going thru similar situations as they are..
Say hi to Dean and give em a hug for me.. :)
It has been my pleasure to work with you guys.. And it was indeed a pleasant surprise
to meet your son. I know how hard you and Barb have been working this issue and my thanks to you both for
your persistence in searching for answers.. On behalf of all the other veterans you have helped I thank you..
And by the way Bill ... a belated WELCOME HOME to YOU my friend..
With out the help from you guys in paving the way for the "newbies", I don't
think we would have gotten to the point we have in the time we did...
" Rich "..
So sorry, didn't mean to skip over you. Guess, I am getting a bit drifty lately.. :)
Appreciate your words, as I am sure the Nam Vets do as well..
Glad you stopped by Sailor.. you wouldn't happen to have any words of wisdom
I could pass onto my youngest, would you? Read my posting to Mark below..
I am just lost here as to how to advise him, regarding Navy.. I sure am learning
more and more tho, regarding this branch.. They are more involved than ....
just a ship at sea...
Keep me posted...
Hi Mike.. Welcome.
I think the whole medical profession got
thrown into a whirlwind when the GW Troops came home
:))
Thanks Mike for stopping by..
The Last Patrol and "OPERATION THUNDER STORM"
has been posted on the Announcement Board...
Welcome Murphy...
I couldn't agree with you more...
BETH ... dear, dear Beth.. You REALLY are
a "Florence Nightingale".
I was really "ailing" here with those forms, till you
gave me the "Rx"
and WOW did that ever work GREAT!!!! THANK YOU
...
{{{{{{{{{{ Beth }}}}}}}}}}}
Greetings Mark... Thanks for stopping
by....
than that of a service person on land.. My younger son is kinda thinking on it..
He only hears about Army and Marine Corp life here (from his Dad and brothers),
so he has nothing to really go by.. And no way, he could handle flying,
so that kinda rules AF out..
Just would like him to better understand all options available,
know what I mean..
Jeff... a big OORAH to you my friend.. Say hi to your folks for me...
Hello
Kevin.. Welcome Neighbor.. With all the
Canadians I'm meeting,
I think I had better get over there and see what it is like... :)
Kinda feel like I
know a bit about it all ready. Always wanted to visit Canada.. Besides, it
would
give me a chance to see my little "cyberspace" grandson, who by now, is not
so
little any more.. Hey, Luc, has he asked you for the car keys yet??
(hehehehe)
So glad you stopped by..
Here's hoping the New Year brings GOOD things your way, my friend..
Thanks for stopping in and saying hello...
Welcome TANKERTED.... Glad you stopped by..
I'd like you to say hi to Marguerite. Think you both have much to contribute
to the conversations in the Significant Others Room....
I enjoyed talking with you and don't worry about climbing on the "Soap Box"..
I "ve been known to climb up there myself from time to time.. :)
Steve, a Happy New Year to you..
Thanks for the "pep talk" .. As the commercial goes, " I needed that " :))
so glad you stopped by.
Welcome,
Marguerite.. So glad you visited.. Enjoyed our chat via phone..
I hope you will visit often and add your comments. We need to hear
more from the
Spouses and Significant Others.. Help support one another. My regards
to hubby
and Happy "Healthy" New Year to you both....
ATTENTION: "Cheryl E"
I recently tried to send you e-mail but it came back to me.. PLEASE contact me.
So glad you stopped by Cheryl, and I hope you will be a frequent visitor to the VetCenter.
Glad to have you visit, DocStrait
Semper Fi
You know, sometimes, someone else can put into words,
what we may be feeling
within ourselves, but can't seem to express.. A wonderful lady friend to
many veterans,
wrote a beautiful tribute to Veterans. She graciously agreed to share it
here with you all.
It applies to not only to the veteran, but their loved ones as
well..
Thank you Deanna for your
"touching" words.. The Other
Walls.
June ...
WELCOME ABOARD!!
Glad to have you stop in and yes, Luc is quite a guy :))
Tina... HELLOOOOOOOO
:)) Long time Girl... Glad ya stopped by...
I was contacted by a man who informed me of such and then we spoke by phone..
More information will be forthcoming. In the meantime, read about it in the latest
Announcements Section...
Welcome aboard CANADA
A big Hello Luc.. to you , Sandi and that cute little bundle of yours Mathew
and to all our Canadian neighbors..
Hello Eileen ... {{{{{{{ hugs }}}}}}}
So glad you stopped in.. It has been a while since we chatted.
Please give my best to Bev.. Geez, now with the Holidays coming and all,
time will even be more limited.. Arghhh :)
Oh hey, did I tell ya, got a wedding thrown in there as well, first week of December.
My kids always seem to plan things around the most hectic times of the year.. Oh Well..
Guess, we will muddle through somehow..
You take care and regards to Ron..
Greetings Bob......
Yes, I also share some of your feelings.. Having had two sons that where over
in the Gulf. One who also is not doing as well as he should be for a young person
Some mornings barely able to get out of bed due to joint pains. And in part not
being able to sleep. It is hard to stand by feeling helpless, not knowing what to do,
or where to direct them. I keep asking myself, when does it end?
Afternoon Mike....
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts as well as your experience.
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