-
Earth Moving Moments
In order to get from here to there…. People Professionals Plans and Plants In order to meet and greet people life requires one to step out from themselves. Out of the house you go! Step into life, and when it greets you back: smile. It’s a good thing. One walks around with history, purpose and pride. Your history is where you have been… as you go forward. Can’t change it, it is there like a shadow or like a mantle. As long as the sun is going to shine on a new day, you have your history and heritage to walk with you. Now, step up to someone and welcome…
-
One Spiffy WWII Veteran Filled My World With Wonder
There are no perfect words to say to tell you how my father in law, James Kissinger shaped, shimmied, and added sparkle to the life of his family. Not a perfect word… but there is a one that rings in my memory. When he liked an idea, or a new car, or saw that a grandchild made him a homemade card… he would pronounce it Spiffy: meaning, cool, creative, worthy of their talent or just something that put a twinkle in his eye. Your legacy Dad is indeed Spiffy. To us you were and always will be: Salt of the EarthSenior statesman, I see the gleam in my father in…
-
Grandpa, my favorite antagonist
This weekend we will lay to rest my grandfather. James Marion Kissinger, 88, of Lake Placid, Florida, died on January 31, 2013, and is now present with the Lord.Jim was born in Culver, Indiana to James and Cynthia Jane (Anderson) Kissinger on March 15, 1924. He was one of nine children including: Irene (Don) Weimer, Wilbur (Helen) Kissinger, Clifford (Virginia ) Kissinger, Dannie Kissinger, Lloyd (Nancy) Kissinger, Marjorie (Russ) Underwood, Janey (Dean) Cernek, and Karl (Julie) Kissinger. He graduated from Liberty Twp. High School in 1942. He served honorably in the US Army during World War II where he spent a considerable time in England with 685th Engineer Base Equipment…
-
Carrot, Egg or Coffee Bean?
My aunt sent me this small story and said it reminded her of something my grandma would say. She, my gram, was a woman of wise words and wisdom so I couldn’t agree more with my aunt after reading it. We have a lot of struggles in military-life. PCSs and Deployments are the two big ones but we all know there is so much more. So when you hit that brick wall ask yourself, “Am I a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?” If you aren’t sure how to answer that then read on… A young woman went to her grandmother and told her about her life and how things…
-
Military Friends – A Puzzle for Our Civilian Counterparts
Military friends! Sometimes our military lifestyle is a puzzle to our civilian friends and the rest of the nation. We have some opportunities that civilians normally do not receive and we also face challenges and lifestyle issues they may never see. But one thing we have that is “just to die for” is our military friends. We come together from all over the country (and in some cases the world), of all races, ethnic backgrounds, economic and educational levels, different goals and lifestyles and so much more diversity that most Americans ever have the opportunity to experience. I have to admit that this is our (my military spouse, mil brats…
-
Change of Command: Celebrate Parade Rest
Although geese fly in formation, they did not waddle on the parade field at Scott AFB. No goose steps. The left feet hit the turf on the beat of the bass drum. Flights, squadrons, groups and wings presented polished top notched personnel, as always, ready to shine and report to General Welsh, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Our military has a time honored tradition to uphold precision and honor in a way that showcases the challenge of working together. The step by step, in step march of men and women blends the missions the training and the esprit de corps of individual squadrons, groups and wings: they…
-
The Marines Invaded Cleveland
and the people loved them. The people of Cleveland were in for a treat this past week. It was Marine Week! 800 Marines came to town to give the people of northeast Ohio a small taste of “OORAH!” My boys climbed inside an amphibious assault vehicle. They tried on a helmet. They felt the weight of a vest. They climbed up onto the gunner’s turret and sat in the driver’s seat as well. They were amazed that this “tank” could go on land and in water. We watched the Marine Corp Band based out of Quantico perform right outside of Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Indians We sang along to some great music, tapped our foot to the beat and enjoyed the men in uniform behind…
-
Posthumous Silver Star to be presented to the family of U-2 Pilot, Captain Gary Francis Powers on Friday
“Best Father’s Day Present Ever” Capt Gary Powers – See Below for photo creditsWhat does a Silver Star presentation have to do with Father’s Day? To the Power’s family, Friday is a correction to history, a heritage that can be reflected on with pride and a celebration of a father who was a Cold War hero. Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz will present a posthumous decoration to the U-2 pilot who was shot down over the Soviet Union on May 1, 1960. On Wednesday, we spoke with Gary Powers, Jr about the upcoming ceremony and how it had impacted his family during a DoDLive Blogger Roundtable. The…
-
The Heritage of a Military Brat
*E*, 9 years old, came home very excited. “MOM! We have a big project at school and it has to be about our heritage, where we come from. I want to do the country of Iceland!” What is interesting is *E* is about 25% Hungarian, 12.5% Norwegian, a splash of Irish, Danish and French and the rest German. Icelandic? There is none in his blood. But it does run in his veins. I lived in the country of Iceland from 10th grade through 12th grade at the now closed Naval Base in Keflavik. My dad flew helicopters out of the 56th Rescue Squadron with the US Air Force. So when I talk about…
-
Happy Birthday, Kiddo
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11Dad and Josh: Makes me smile 18 years ago a boy was born. He would forever change my life, influencing the mother that I am today, yesterday and tomorrow. He’s a brother! (and he will be again and again)Joshua, Josh, Kiddo. What an amazing young-man he has come to be. A stellar student, a strong athlete, a friend to many, a rock in a sea of turmoil. To say I am a proud mom would be an understatement. I…
