RER
HCI Forum Board Member
"Democracy & Freedom"
Posts: 2,462
|
Post by RER on Sept 11, 2008 23:04:49 GMT -5
American Military Readers of the World On this day of September 11, 2008 we want to thank all active and reserve military members for their service and dedication to our country, and its freedom. Thank you for serving and dedicating your lives; and we appreciate all you do that most people don’t truly understand. You have placed in your lives a proud time period that you will never forget and remember in the most positive way. God Bless, all of you that serve. We are aware at this Columbus Historical Board that many of you former Columbus Indiana folks read these boards. You may be on land, overseas or on one of our naval vessels, but we think and pray for your safety. We only hope that this history board provides a comfort of relief and satisfaction as you watch over the security of our great country. Signed: A Retired Military Person of Pride
|
|
jdhinkle
HCI Forum Board Member
LITTLE HINK
Posts: 330
|
Post by jdhinkle on Sept 12, 2008 9:53:33 GMT -5
ALTHOUGH I WAS NOT ABLE TO SERVE I AM IN FULL AGREEMENT WITH RER. HE PUT IT SO WELL I WOULD ADD MY THANKS AS WELL TO ALL WHO SERVE AND HAVE SERVED. American Military Readers of the World On this day of September 11, 2008 we want to thank all active and reserve military members for their service and dedication to our country, and its freedom. Thank you for serving and dedicating your lives; and we appreciate all you do that most people don’t truly understand. You have placed in your lives a proud time period that you will never forget and remember in the most positive way. God Bless, all of you that serve. We are aware at this Columbus Historical Board that many of you former Columbus Indiana folks read these boards. You may be on land, overseas or on one of our naval vessels, but we think and pray for your safety. We only hope that this history board provides a comfort of relief and satisfaction as you watch over the security of our great country. Signed: A Retired Military Person of Pride
|
|
Babs
HCI Forum Board Member
Posts: 589
|
Post by Babs on Sept 12, 2008 11:24:05 GMT -5
For lack of a better place I will post my comments in this section. If either David or Richard think it belongs someplace else, please feel free to move it.
My husband and I have just returned from a short trip out West to attend a USAF reunion of the group known as the B66-Destroyers. (All who attended had at one time or another flown in the B-66, RB-66 or similar planes or were spouses or family members.) It was a great reunion and we had a wonderful trip.
What I want to relate to you is something that happened to us one morning when we, along with another couple, went out for breakfast at Village Inn in Colorado Springs, CO. As the four of us sat enjoying our coffee, and waiting for our meal to be served, we were joking and laughing and just having a good time, when the waitress approached us and gave us some news.
It seems the lady who sat in the next booth had overheard our conversations, realized both of the men were "retired servicemen" and as she left, she had paid for our meals. Needless to say all four of us were flabbergasted, never having something like this happen to any of us before. I've heard of someone doing something similar for a man in uniform but for someone to do this for the "oldtimers" just floored each of us. We asked her "Are you joking?" and she said "Oh no, she left money for all your meals this a.m." This lady is a regular at this particular restaurant and from what I saw of her meal, I would say someone who might work the late shift as she was having more of a lunch than a breakfast. She was probably in her late 50's or early 60's and who knows maybe had a son or daughter serving in the armed services right now or even lost her husband or a brother in the service of our country. Whatever, it was sure a shock to each of us and she left with just a quick wave as she exited the door of the restaurant. She didn't stay around long enough for any of us to get to her, to shake her hand or say a proper thank you. We did ask the waitress to be sure and tell her we all said "thank you" when she came the next day and to tell her that she made our day!
What a change from how the men were treated when they returned from VietNam where many were spit upon and jeered as they walked through airports, etc. Now it does seem that there are some out there who do respect and feel proud of what our men and women in the military are doing to protect and keep us safe. God Bless them all!
I think RER hit the nail on the head, walk up to a service man or woman, shake their hand and tell them you are proud of what they do to allow us all to sleep safe and comfortable in our own bed each night. You never know, just that kind few words and the firm handshake might mean the whole world to that individual. I know for sure it will put a big smile on their face!
|
|
RER
HCI Forum Board Member
"Democracy & Freedom"
Posts: 2,462
|
Post by RER on Sept 12, 2008 11:58:55 GMT -5
What a wonderful story Babs told about the lady paying the bill at the restaurant. As she said the lady may have been a proud military mother or wife that understands the love of the military life and its closeness. As I expressed to Babs yesterday, my wife and I have many times in airports and restaurants walked up to all branches of the service members, and put our hands out for the “respect and admiration shake.” When we do this it provides not only an instant sensational experience to the soldier, sailor or airman; but an inner self feeling of pride also. It doesn’t cost anything and it leaves a wealth of pride to both parties exchanging a simple handshake that will be imbedded in the person’s minds for a longtime. We never get embarrassed by giving a pat on the back, smile or positive comment to all military members. With the handshake a short comment of “We are proud for what you do” goes miles.
|
|
Babs
HCI Forum Board Member
Posts: 589
|
Post by Babs on Sept 27, 2008 17:07:06 GMT -5
A follow up to post #22. This is an email I just received. It made me cry like a baby. *
Subject: An Unforgettable Flight
----
This story was copied from a magazine called 'Renewed & Ready' and what a story it is. Written by Beverly Brass, as told to her by Denny Kukich of Wood Dale , Illinois .
I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought. I fly frequently, and I always look for an opportunity to share Jesus with someone. I wondered who it might be this time because there were empty seats all around me. Not much of a chance to talk to anyone. Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. 'This is more like it! OK, Lord, which one will it be? Who needs to hear about you?' I decided to start a conversation.
Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me. ' Chicago --to Great Lakes Base. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Iraq .' After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached Chicago , and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time. As I reached for my wallet, I overheard soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to Chicago .' His friend agreed.
I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I was hungry, but could not bring myself to eat in front of them. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq . It's almost like you are doing it for him.' Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated.
I Forgot About Me!
Overwhelmed by her emotional response, I returned to my seat. She asked, 'Which do you like best--beef or chicken?' 'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. 'This is your thanks.' Now I felt guilty--I had dinner and the soldiers had only a sack lunch.
After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.
Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, an said, 'I want to shake your hand.' Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.
Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.
When we landed in Chicago I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!
Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.' Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little.....
************************************************************************
This is what it's all about people! Thank your fellow man for what he has done to protect and keep you safe! What an email! :-)
|
|
RER
HCI Forum Board Member
"Democracy & Freedom"
Posts: 2,462
|
Post by RER on Oct 21, 2008 13:37:08 GMT -5
"Honoring Those Who Served & Your Country With A Salute"The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008Salutes: All over our earth and on the moon a salute shows respect and honor. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 was changed in May of this year. It now stipulates the below for all levels of citizens & people whom have served or are serving their country. "The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment to allow un-uniformed service members, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag. The amendment does not address saluting the flag during the playing of the national anthem, pledge of allegiance, honors (i.e. Taps), or any other saluting situations." Citizens normally place their right hand over the heart for honoring and paying respect to our country. This procedure has not changed. Source: Congressional National Defense Authorization Act of the year 2008.
|
|
RER
HCI Forum Board Member
"Democracy & Freedom"
Posts: 2,462
|
Post by RER on Nov 10, 2008 10:06:04 GMT -5
November 11, 2008 A Salute To All VeteransSince 1919 our veterans have been honoredBrief: It was first incorporated as by President Wilson as Armistice Day in 1919. Other countries today also still recognize November 11th as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in honor of the Armistice treaty which ended WWI. It was in 1938 that Armistice Day was enacted as an official American holiday. After WWII, citizens felt that the veterans of all wars should be recognized; not just those of WWI. During1954 Congress changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
|
|
|
Post by guest on Nov 10, 2008 18:14:03 GMT -5
just wants says thanks for whom have servered and to the ones whom are serving today for our country.we can never say enugh thanks to all of our sevice men an women.so while we are reading this or what ever we are doing .we need to take a moment and say a prayer.they deserve all we can say an do for them.
|
|
Babs
HCI Forum Board Member
Posts: 589
|
Post by Babs on Nov 10, 2008 18:50:16 GMT -5
Thanks Bob, for the tribute to all our military brothers and sisters on this upcoming Veteran's Day. A very fine tribute to one and all and so right that we take a moment and stop and thank our service men and women for all they do to protect us. Not just those who gave "the ultimate sacrifice" but also to the ones who still serve and protect.
God Bless each and every service member whether they are here in the USA or wherever they might be.
|
|
RER
HCI Forum Board Member
"Democracy & Freedom"
Posts: 2,462
|
Post by RER on Sept 22, 2009 12:37:38 GMT -5
Before & After The Civil War Military Members Have Had A Unique VocabularyComment: Here is a list of words and meanings since at least the Civil War. The words highlighted in yellow indicate that they are still utilized today in the American Armed Forces worldwide. There are many more words since those early days that are still utilized in conversations today. Additionally, the military is famous for using acronyms in most written and verbal conversations of the past and today. If you have been in the military or a family member of a former military person, then you will recognize some of these very old words used. There have been hundreds of newer words, and acronyms added to the above short list since the beginning of military time. Here are a few more that can be added to a more modern vocabulary since the beginning. You can add your own words to the list with a post to this thread. It would be interesting to see other inputs from all branches of service (Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard). Each branch of service has their own unique words and meanings, that the other branches don't use and recognize. Short list of words and acronyms:Chow- Food the troops eat. The military has tried to delete this word. Chow Hall- Facility the troops eat at. The military has tried to change this word to dining hall, but many still call it the Chow Hall. AWOL- Absent without leave (not approved to be gone) Leave- Authorized absence or vacation etc. Bailout- Getting out of the Army, or Air Force GI- Government Issue SOS- Dried beef with gravy (smile) on toast CO-Commanding Officer or Commissioned Officer NCO- Non-commissioned Officer MRE- Meals ready to eat (packaged) C-Rations- Meals packaged K-Rations- Meals packaged Weapon- Any rifle, bombs, aircraft, or warfare items, tanks etc. Fly-boys- The Army & Marines love to call the Air Force this Swabby- Members of the Navy called by other branch members Grunts- Members of the Marines called by other branch members Ground Pounders- Ground troops called by other branch of service members Jeep- Young newly serving member in some branches of service KP- Kitchen police or cleaning up the chow hall and all the pots, pans and plates etc. Note: There are hundreds more that are used and you can add too the list. I hope you enjoyed a historical trip on the military vocabulary of long ago and today. ______________________________________ Source of yellowed words: The Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum (an Indiana War Memorial Museum)
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2009 13:22:02 GMT -5
Bob........been awhile, but I remember SOS, not the distress signal, and we usually didn't say it with a smile ....... ;D
|
|
RER
HCI Forum Board Member
"Democracy & Freedom"
Posts: 2,462
|
Post by RER on Sept 22, 2009 13:31:30 GMT -5
Ha, ha, ha.............George I see you caught it, but I couldn't say it. I fix SOS at home at least once a month. When my kids were growing up they got attached to SOS. When they come home at times I fix a batch and they still love eating the stuff like I do. Thanks for the catch and smiles. I only get "distressed" if I can't have my SOS. By the way they still have SOS in the Chow Halls I am told.
My favorite is two slices of toast, with lots of SOS on top, then put two eggs over easy on top of that, and feast out.
|
|
nancs
HCI Forum Board Member
Posts: 948
|
Post by nancs on Sept 22, 2009 17:15:04 GMT -5
Ha, ha, ha.............George I see you caught it, but I couldn't say it. I fix SOS at home at least once a month. When my kids were growing up they got attached to SOS. When they come home at times I fix a batch and they still love eating the stuff like I do. Thanks for the catch and smiles. I only get "distressed" if I can't have my SOS. By the way they still have SOS in the Chow Halls I am told. My favorite is two slices of toast, with lots of SOS on top, then put two eggs over easy on top of that, and feast out. Okay, I have to enter this discussion, as it was one that 'I started at home' this past Saturday---------and a part of the discussion sort of had some trivia thoughts within, that I had debated about posting. In a nearby city, east of Disneyland (Orange, CA) the original downtown remains and is fairly well preserved. There is a drug store there, a very popular place, that has been there as long as I can remember--------over 50 years, and in reality, dates back to something like 1899. It can be researched on the internet, Watson Drug Store. This drug store---------has a lunch counter, like the ones we remember, with a few booths, and some sidewalk dining. The other half is the drug store part----------with much of the 'old time stuff' available------------I noted---------Black Jack, Clove and Beeman's gum, Clark candy bars, and AbbaZabba. Just a really neat atmosphere of 'days gone by.' (It was in a movie with Tom Hanks, maybe, 'Things That You Do,' or something like that.) On Saturday, we stopped there for breakfast----------On the menu----SOS and/or SOB. the 'S' was toast which I had, the 'B' was biscuit. Not having a military background, am believing this SOS was of that variety, as my mom made it with dried beef as RER mentioned. Will admit my mom's version with dried beef was better. This is just 'a for what it's worth,' post. Nanc
|
|
RER
HCI Forum Board Member
"Democracy & Freedom"
Posts: 2,462
|
Post by RER on Sept 22, 2009 17:24:33 GMT -5
Nanc said:
A double, triple laugh here Nanc on the SOB. That is really a neat little twist by the owners with all that old military acronym change. SO on a biscuit instead of a shingle. That is a good addition that the GIs need, to put in their vocabulary. Thanks Nanc that was a cute story and I'll have two SOBs with a glass of milk.
|
|
|
Post by guest on Sept 22, 2009 18:06:40 GMT -5
:'(some families were lucky back when to get sos a sob for anymeal.That was something to eat no matter what.It is still good today
|
|
nancs
HCI Forum Board Member
Posts: 948
|
Post by nancs on Sept 22, 2009 18:16:01 GMT -5
:'(some families were lucky back when to get sos a sob for anymeal.That was something to eat no matter what.It is still good today Guest, a really true statement---------as we discussed some of that on Saturday-----------how our moms made the food stretch, and I'm sure that SOS was one that my mom used. I never thought of it that way as a kid, it was just good. It was a real treat, on a hot summer day, for my mom to decide to fix 'a boiled ham sandwich' for dinner----------a slice of that ham from the little Hoosier Market on 7th St. I would be sent to get 'this ham,' all of four slices of it---------sliced mighty thin, I might add---------one sandwich each for Mom and me, and my dad got TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nanc
|
|
Babs
HCI Forum Board Member
Posts: 589
|
Post by Babs on Sept 22, 2009 20:26:11 GMT -5
In reading all this talk about SOS....I have to sneak in my comments. My husband spent 20 years in the USAF and to this day his favorite breakfast is SOS. We don't call it that anymore, we simply say "sausage, gravy and bisquits" but it is still not quite as good as what my mother made with the dried beef. I guess they still make that though you don't often find it in many local grocery stores or at least I haven't seen it. I think it came in a glass jar. Does anyone know which branch of service first began making this particular dish and serving it to the troops? I seem to think it was the USNavy but I could be wrong. Don prefers his made with good pork sausage but I still think the dried beef is best. :-) Happy eating to all!!!
|
|
RER
HCI Forum Board Member
"Democracy & Freedom"
Posts: 2,462
|
Post by RER on Sept 23, 2009 7:43:43 GMT -5
Well, Babs welcome to the SOS discussion and your recipe. Now, most of the time I use hamburger with the SOS recipe I make, mainly because of what you said about finding dried beef in the jars. I did buy one of those jars a few years back, which was a little high in price. I will have to check in the stores again to see if I can find the dried beef in the small jars. You asked what the history of SOS recipes are in the Military, well I found these two articles and apparently it dates back to various Army Cookbooks starting in 1910, then published in 1942 and other years. Go here for th recipes and those books:www.seabeecook.com/cookery/recipes/sos_recipes.htmAlso, for an interesting read about SOS by the same poster of this information go here:www.seabeecook.com/cookery/cooking/comfort_food.htmI believe the reading above was a Navy (Seabee) guy that presented all of the information. However, it does sound like all branches of the military community have been "Chowing Down" with SOS for approximately 100 years. After posting the vocabulary information, I received several emails from friends saying they still eat and love SOS.
|
|
docwendy
HCI Forum Board Member
Posts: 36
|
Post by docwendy on Sept 23, 2009 8:14:07 GMT -5
I have to laugh at this because my husband is a drill sargeant instructor in the Reserves and he also loves SOS! Especially loaded with the hot sauce from those little bottles that come in MRE's!
|
|
nancs
HCI Forum Board Member
Posts: 948
|
Post by nancs on Sept 23, 2009 8:32:51 GMT -5
Well, Babs welcome to the SOS discussion and your recipe. Now, most of the time I use hamburger with the SOS recipe I make, mainly because of what you said about finding dried beef in the jars. I did buy one of those jars a few years back, which was a little high in price. I will have to check in the stores again to see if I can find the dried beef in the small jars. Out here, in CA, I can find dried beef in the glass jar, in the aisle with 'canned meats.' Most often I use that in my favorite double cheese cauliflower soup. And yes, likely a tad pricey, but oh, so good. And yes, Wendy, your husband has the right idea, as I, too, want my hot sauce/Tabasco on my SOS, or SOBs. Nanc
|
|