tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78694616151594357352024-03-04T22:40:50.199-08:00Squid ThoughtsSquid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-85925073783100080492011-06-13T11:29:00.000-07:002011-06-13T11:29:21.932-07:00My New Hero<div class="MsoNormal">I read a news article today that made me proud to live in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Oregon</st1:place></st1:state>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proud to share the same geography as the extraordinary man named Robert Maxwell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Maxwell is 90 years old, a WWII veteran, <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Oregon</st1:place></st1:state>’s only living Medal of Honor recipient, and now the holder of a high school diploma – 73 years after the fact.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Here is the <a href="http://www.ktvz.com/news/28200698/detail.html">article</a> from KTVZ news (bold emphasis in 8th paragraph mine):</span></div><blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 13.5pt;"><st1:city w:st="on"><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">BEND</span></strong></st1:city><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">, <st1:state w:st="on">Ore.</st1:state> --</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">He's the most highly decorated veteran in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Oregon</st1:state></st1:place>, but on Saturday, 90-year-old Bob Maxwell got an honor he's waited more than 70 years for. On Saturday afternoon, <st1:state w:st="on">Oregon</st1:state>'s only living Medal of Honor recipient graduated with <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Bend</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Senior High School</st1:placetype></st1:place>'s Class of 2011.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 13.5pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">At 15, he wasn't tromping down school hallways. In fact, he wasn't in school at all. After seventh grade, Maxwell was taken out of school to work on his family's farm in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Kansas</st1:state></st1:place>, during the Great Depression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"It was just accepted in those days," Maxwell said Friday. "When a boy was old enough to do a man's work, that's what he did." <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 13.5pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">But don't call him a dropout. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 13.5pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Maxwell's education didn't stop when he left school. He got his GED, even taught at Bend High back in the '50s.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 13.5pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">One lesson the Medal of Honor recipient continues to teach every day -- modesty. He was awarded the medal of honor after he threw himself on a live grenade in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">France</st1:country-region></st1:place></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">, saving the rest of his platoon from certain death.</span></blockquote><blockquote> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 13.5pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">"For him to consider walking with <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Bend</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">High School</st1:placetype></st1:place> as a great honor -- wow, we're the one honored," said BHS Principal H.D. Wedell. "Yet, because of his humility, he feels honored."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 13.5pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Honored, but not quite sure he deserved to toss his cap with the rest of the 2011 graduates.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 13.5pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">"<b>In some ways, I feel like it's a diploma that I haven't earned</b>," Maxwell said. "But then I look back over the 73 years behind me, and I guess I have accumulated enough knowledge and skills to say that I've earned it."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 13.5pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">A man with heroic accomplishments, yet still so humble. It's Maxwell's selflessness that allows his soon-to-be fellow graduates to chase the American dream. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">"They can do that, because of the things that Bob has done," said Wedell. "He's laid his life down, so that our kids can be part of that."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 13.5pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">But will there be room in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Oregon</st1:state></st1:place>'s most decorated war veteran's home for his most recent award? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">"I'm hoping to find a space on the wall to hang it up," said Maxwell. "It's a great honor."</span></div></blockquote><br />
This is the most humbling thing I've heard in a really long time. "...a diploma I haven't earned," -- Mr Maxwell: I know kids who think they should automatically get an iPhone and unlimited text, talk, and web. I know people who think they deserve 794 all-digital, HD channels as a matter of American Manifest Destiny. For a man who knowingly, willingly, and unhesitatingly threw himself on a grenade; know this: <b>YOU HAVE EARNED IT.</b> You have earned this symbol of accomplishment and the right to be honored by us all because it has been paid for in blood, both yours and countless others.<br />
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Mr. Robert Maxwell of Bend, Oregon I thank you from the bottom of my heart.<br />
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<b>***</b><i>To read the Medal of Honor citation, head on over to <a href="http://thisainthell.us/blog/?p=23869">This Ain't Hell</a>. Goosebumps.</i>Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-89379487231768737662011-03-11T20:56:00.000-08:002011-03-11T20:56:40.060-08:00Hot Rock, Boil Water, Make SteamIn response to a request from <a href="http://kitchendispatch.blogspot.com/">Kanani</a> during a Facebook discussion about the nuclear reactor in Japan that was damaged in the 03/11/11 earthquake, I'm including some information here about what is likely happening at that facility, based on my time operating nuclear reactor plants for the Navy.<br />
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This is just a basic overview of the situation in Japan, but please feel free to ask me any questions you have and I can include them and the answers here below the main post.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What's going on is known as a LOCA--loss of cooling accident. Though the reactor is safely shut down it continues to produce decay heat from residual fission reactio<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">ns that can take days to weeks to dissipate depending on how long they were at full power prior to shutdown. The plant would have an emergency cooling backup system that should take over, but if both systems were physically damaged from the quake then not enough coolant is being circulated to keep the core cool.<br />
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The coolant in many reactors is extremely pure water that has a high concentration of deuterium--a heavy hydrogen isotope. The good thing about heavy water is that as it gets hotter, the molecules spread out and fewer neutrons are reflected back into the core to cause new fission reactions thereby moderating the reaction (slowing it down).</span></span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">One of the byproducts of heavy water is that neutrons hit an H2O molecule or a deuterium molecule and knock free hydrogens which will make hydrogen gas (H2). This gas collects at high points and must be vented periodically to keep the level</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span class="Apple-style-span">s below the explosive threshold. Its likely when they talked about mild radioactive release they were referring to the gases that are building up and also some coolant in steam form. Radioactive gases are like Radon--they have short half-lives and dissipate quickly by the wind and dilution. They would pose no health hazard and wouldn't cause any "fallout" or stick around forever. Common radioactive gases formed in reactor coolant are Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Krypton, Xenon, and Oxygen. These elements in their normal form are stable. However they can become radioactive after being bombarded by high-energy particles from the core which in essence "supercharge" them.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The bad thing is that a LOCA is a catch-22. As the coolant heats the pressure goes up. You have to vent to keep pressure down but that causes more coolant loss which leads to more heatup, more pressure, more venting...ad nauseam! The soluti<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">on is to add more coolant and obviously fix the problem. The end result without intervention is that spots of the core get too hot without proper cooling and the fuel plates/rods rupture allowing radioactive fuel particles into the water. THAT would be bad!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Basically, it's the China Syndrome...in Japan. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">___________________________________________________________</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Q: What is radiation?</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>A:</b> Radiation is when energy is emitted from something in particles or waves. When you stand in front of your oven and you feel warmth, that is radiation in the form of heat energy. Nuclear radiation is a collection of neutrons (Hydrogen nucleii), gamma rays (photons), beta particles (free electrons), and alpha particles (Helium nucleii). When something is "radioactive" it means that it is in a higher energy state than normal or has a larger number of neutrons than it has normally and is emitting one or more of those four things. Those particles/rays have energy of their own and interact with other things by either physically bumping them, transferring the energy, or by ionizing--causing other particles to have a positive or negative charge they don't normally have.</span>Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-30330622140878962152011-01-19T12:59:00.000-08:002011-01-19T12:59:39.078-08:0010 Battle Tactics I Learned From My Cat<b>1</b>. DEFILADE...DEFILADE...DEFILADE.<br />
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<b>2</b>. If no defilade is available, liberally use speed and unpredictable movement.<br />
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<b>3</b>. The intentional showing of a soft belly can be an effective lure.<br />
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<b>4</b>. Surprise ambushes can be effective, but always have a rapid exit available in case it doesn’t go as planned.<br />
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<b>5</b>. Having night vision is an asset, especially when your target doesn’t.<br />
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<b>6</b>. Lull the enemy into a false sense of security by appearing to be lazy and immobile.<br />
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<b>7</b>. It is important to occasionally show those in charge of you the results of your skills. They will likely not want to see or handle the gory guts, but can’t help but be impressed with your ability.<br />
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<b>8</b>. Always keep multiple weapons at your immediate disposal.<br />
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<b>9</b>. If the enemy is creeping up on you, never wait for him to arrive. Advance on him when he is committed to a movement and least expects it.<br />
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<b>10</b>. Never show the enemy your ass.Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-34056574024158368512010-12-09T10:58:00.000-08:002010-12-09T10:58:49.157-08:00I'm On A Break!Squid's been dark and quiet lately. Taking a bit of a rest, hibernation, sabbatical, after-dinner nap, brain breather, what have you.<br />
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I think it's coming to an end soon though. Starting to feel the light coming through and waking the cells up. Things are starting to stretch and stir.<br />
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Stay tuned.Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-64633410677478784282010-05-26T13:52:00.000-07:002010-05-26T13:58:35.458-07:00Apropos Of Nothing......except to make me laugh uncontrollably. <br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Proving yet again that you can't fix stupid, not even with duct tape: </span><b>Presenting</b></i><b>....my favorite Facebook FAILS!</b><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://failbook.com/2010/05/10/funny-facebook-fails-my-sth-birthday-was-my-best/"><img alt="funny facebook fails" class="alignnone size-full
wp-image-8954" height="425" src="http://cheezfailbooking.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/funny-facebook-sth-bday.png" title="funny-facebook-sth-bday" width="495" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">********************</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://failbook.com/2010/05/23/funny-facebook-fails-app-choice-fail/"><img alt="Funny Facebook Fails" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9687" height="465" src="http://cheezfailbooking.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/funny-facebook-cardio-ap-fa.png" title="funny-facebook-cardio-ap-fa" width="549" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">********************</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://failbook.com/2010/05/20/funny-facebook-fails-gender-confusion-facebook/"><img alt="Funny Facebook Fails" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9407" height="391" src="http://cheezfailbooking.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/funny-facebook-gender-fail.png" title="funny-facebook-gender-fail" width="529" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">********************</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://failbook.com/2010/05/18/funny-facebook-fails-mixed-signals/"><img alt="Funny Facebook Fails" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9396" height="195" src="http://cheezfailbooking.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/funny-facebook-lovehate-far1.png" title="funny-facebook-lovehate-far" width="545" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">********************</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://failbook.com/2010/05/17/funny-facebook-fails-l2currency/"><img alt="Funny Facebook Fails" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9312" height="211" src="http://cheezfailbooking.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/funny-facebook-money-on-tre.png" title="funny-facebook-money-on-tre" width="562" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">********************</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://failbook.com/2010/05/16/funny-facebook-fails-response-fail/"><img alt="Funny Facebook Fails" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9305" height="232" src="http://cheezfailbooking.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/funny-facebook-response-fai.png" title="funny-facebook-response-fai" width="577" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">********************</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://failbook.com/2010/05/13/funny-facebook-fails-rimshot/"><img alt="Funny Facebook Fails " class="alignnone size-full wp-image-9196" height="249" src="http://cheezfailbooking.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/funny-facebook-blonde-joke.png" title="funny-facebook-blonde-joke" width="503" /></a><br />
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</div>Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-80378535614121315642010-05-24T11:45:00.000-07:002010-05-24T11:45:15.840-07:00Three Cheers For Kanani Fong!<a href="http://kitchendispatch.blogspot.com/">The Kitchen Dispatch</a> has always been a ray of light when the day seems dark and gloomy. Always-creative Kanani has created a contest to win a copy of Sebastian Junger's book "WAR". <a href="http://kitchendispatch.blogspot.com/2010/05/win-sebastian-jungers-war.html?showComment=1274726453625_AIe9_BF_frBBCiYjbLK2s9NNpv6X8B2EcGfNk6G95bJ0d9gGtHPJFDDg6wH1xs0KliIoZeMPRgfDxPjFD4KeelrjeHIzRJ-Cx7mLvgdZVDIqu4F_3enwEJqZyUU8xzmr427sN3oyBJ5a2DnQFOSI3di9YSG6XgpkkbcgpIEhlJzGoPcH38JTWVJh-Dd-u_dULcqPNUxoQuFd5Cim4a68P9l9q_RolMvjnO9-jG2J4Bqsarsnsycfxy0#c2810827055970142842">Go check it out!</a> Even if you're not a blogger, her site is worth a read.Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-64201296880706951782010-05-24T11:39:00.000-07:002010-05-24T11:39:47.622-07:00Not Gone, Just ElsewhereHey all,<br />
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Just wanted to let you who stop by know that I haven't been posting here recently because I've been rather busy. I've had the honor of being able to contribute over at <a href="http://www.davidbellavia.com/">David Bellavia's blog</a>. I'm writing as <a href="http://davidbellavia.com/new/author/squidthinker/">SquidThinker</a> if you want to check it out. It's a great site with a lot of smart, sassy, well-informed writers (myself excluded, LOL).Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-1563215983053765542010-03-25T08:25:00.000-07:002010-03-25T08:34:42.976-07:00Paying TributeSo you think you're having a bad day? Here's something that will help put things back in perspective. There is a great website called <a href="http://www.veterantributes.org/Tributes.asp">Veteran Tributes</a> that honors the bravery and sacrifices of our servicemen and women. On this site you can view their military history, awards, medals, and citations.<br />
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Two specifically that you should read are the Congressional Medal of Honor citations for <a href="http://www.veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.asp?ID=155">LT (SEAL) Michael Murphy</a> and <a href="http://www.veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.asp?ID=156">QM2 (SEAL) Michael Monsoor</a>. I challenge you to read about their gallantry and selfless actions--if at the end of it you don't feel pride and sadness at their loss and what they have given for their teammates and country, well...you have a harder heart than mine.<br />
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Trust me: any frustration with morning traffic or a bad day at the office will evaporate after reading a while on this site. I am humbled, and am forever grateful for the dedication and devotion of those who serve so that we can live our lives knowing we are safer and more secure.<br />
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To all who have served, thank you.Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-76069001865649234842010-03-18T09:59:00.000-07:002010-03-18T09:59:24.213-07:00TBI AwarenessI recieved a very nice email the other day and learned that March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. I have agreed to repost the following article relating to TBI and our military because I think this is something we need to be aware of and concerned about. There are lots of facilities like <a href="http://www.caremeridian.com/">Care Meridian</a> that are caring for patients with brain injuries, and the number of patients with military-related TBI is increasing.<br />
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<blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Traumatic Brain Injuries in the Military<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is becoming a common wound of modern warfare. It has even been coined the “signature wound” of the War on Terror. While TBI is becoming more prevalent in wartime activity, many service men and women continue to go undiagnosed. Institutions, like the <a href="http://www.publichealth.va.gov/vethealthinitiative/traumatic_brain_injury.asp">US Department of Veterans Affairs</a>, are working to make quick and accurate diagnoses in order to prescribe appropriate and effective treatment.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">TBI is caused by forced trauma to the head, either by being shaken or hit. The severity of a TBI varies from case to case, but symptoms range from mild concussions to a debilitating state. The majority of TBI’s acquired by military personnel are classified as mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI). Initial symptoms of MTBI consist of loss of consciousness, disorientation, loss of memory, headache, and temporary loss of hearing and vision. They are often partnered with anxiety, irritability, difficulties processing information, limited concentration amongst other problems experienced down the road. While MTBI is most common amongst the men and women of the armed forces, more severe cases of TBI are happening much more frequently and often require the victim to attended specialty rehabilitative nursing centers, like <a href="http://thementornetwork.com/standard/News_Item.aspx?guid=751b8521-687e-40d8-ad3f-c40c8e84bb81">CareMeridian</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The most common cause of a TBI in the military is due to blasts. There are three degrees of blast injuries where a TBI is common; Primary (due to blast itself), Secondary (due to objects being propelled by a blast) and Tertiary (due to a collision with a third party object). According to the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Veterans Health Initiative</i>, active male members of the military from the ages 18-24 are hospitalized with a TBI at a rate of 231 per 100,000 and females 150 per 100,000. Based on military force projections this would mean that 4,141 military personnel are hospitalized on average each year with a TBI, and these numbers often rise during wartimes. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The best prevention for veterans to avert the long-term effects of a brain injury is to recognize the symptoms of a TBI. Once the symptoms are identified an individual should take basic precautionary measures in order to begin the <a href="http://www.mirecc.va.gov/docs/visn6/TBI-brochure-vet-family.pdf">healing and recovery</a> process until a more specific diagnosis can be made. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Service men and women give so much to protect this country and they deserve to come home to a happy and healthy life. Creating awareness about TBI will help ensure their long term health. By helping our veterans, their friends and their families recognize the early warning signs of a TBI, treatment can be sought as early as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div></blockquote>Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-11638582203792243362010-03-11T08:36:00.000-08:002010-03-25T08:34:42.976-07:00Lone Survivor FoundationHere is some additional information about Marcus Luttrell's wounded warrior ranch. As I mentioned in <a href="http://squid-thoughts.blogspot.com/2010/03/updates-08mar2010.html">this previous post</a>, Mr. Luttrell is developing the <a href="http://www.lonesurvivorfoundation.org/">Lone Survivor Foundation</a> to fund a variety of projects to support wounded warriors and their families, and in the future it will also encompass a ranch retreat:<br />
<br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Lone Survivor Foundation's Mission</b>: Honor and Remember American Patriots by providing unique educational, rehabilitation and wellness opportunities. In memory and honor of the Lost Heroes of Operation Redwing and all Fallen Warriors, Wounded Warriors, and their Families.<br />
<br />
<b>Vision</b>: Provide financial support for unique recovery and rehab opportunities, wellness events, and resource other unmet needs for wounded warriors, their families, and surviving families.<br />
<br />
What this Foundation will specifically do:<br />
<br />
<b>Lone Survivor Ranch</b> - Marcus has a vision of an all encompassing, phased in facility that will not only support hunting, fishing and many outdoor activities, but other rehab/wellness as well. The primary intent is to create a safe haven for warriors and their families to heal. He plans to identify a BEAUTIFUL piece of property in TX and build a multi-phased ranch/rehab complex. The ranch will have an on-site gym complete with coaches, trainers, etc. He intends to build it with significant expansion capability, and ultimately support warriors, their families and kids. He'd like to have a counseling aspect interwoven into all activities which could include team building, obstacle courses, horseback riding, bowling, rock climbing, art therapy, journaling, fishing, yoga, spa services, etc.<br />
<br />
Long term he sees the need for a physician, nurse, and social worker/therapist on staff. He'd like the physician to be trained in pain mgmt, because that is an issue that affects almost all of our wounded warriors. He also plans to have benefits counselor come there during everyone's stay to conduct a government benefits brief and help get whatever is lacking.<br />
<br />
<b>Unique Rehab Opportunities for Wounded Warriors</b>: Fund people to go to Athlete’s Performance www.athletesperformance.com or other appropriate rehab facilities that don’t have a government source of funding due to the unique nature of how they do business.<br />
<br />
Other things falling into this category is funding invitro-fertilization for those who have lost their ability to naturally reproduce due to combat wounds, hyperbaric oxygen therapy for wounded warriors with TBI, providing adaptive athletic equipment such as recumbent bikes, etc.<br />
<br />
Until the ranch is fully operational, Lone Survivor Foundation will fund wounded warrior and family attendance at other sporting and hunting events.<br />
<br />
The Foundation is set to officially launch on 28 June 2005 - the 5 year anniversary of Operation Red Wing. There will be a kick off event in Houston on June 26th - more information will follow once it's available.<br />
<br />
Please visit www.lonesurvivorfoundation.org for more information.<br />
<br />
The website is in its very EARLY stages of development, and the Foundation is currently solely reliant on volunteers, so please be patient while we develop the content.<br />
<br />
neverquit@lonesurvivorfoundation.org<br />
<br />
Lone Survivor Foundation is pending 501(c)(3) approval, and expects to obtain it within the next few months.</span></blockquote><br />
For those of you on Facebook, there is an official authorized <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marcus-Luttrell/63643878405">fan page for Marcus Luttrell</a> where you can keep up to date. <br />
<br />
<blockquote><br />
</blockquote>Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-40371804597292649252010-03-08T11:16:00.000-08:002010-03-08T11:17:42.173-08:00There Are Places Where Voting Isn't A ChoreI believe that all people should have certain inalieanble rights, rights that belong to the human species as a whole; of which one of the most important is the right to self-determination. The ability of a society to choose its future begets all the other freedoms that we Americans take for granted--to be free from fear, to have clean drinking water, education, infrastructure, safe housing, medical care. The simple act of being able to cast a ballot and impact your own future can be the most crucial and liberating thing a person can do.<br />
<br />
When was the last time you thought about civics that way? When was the last time you were excited about your ability to vote, proud that you live in a country that asks for a majority opinion--rather than looking at election times as something that must be endured?<br />
<br />
Sunday's elections in Iraq should humble those who have grown bored or cynical about the democratic process. When something is earned at a great and terrible cost it is truly valued. 234 years ago, we knew this. Now, some 12 million Iraqi citizens know the same thing, and I am proud for them. Only people who have lived with tyranny can know how exhilarating it feels to have a voice.<br />
<br />
If you have any doubt whatsoever of why our mission in Iraq was so important, I urge to to read <a href="http://davidbellavia.com/2010/our-mission-is-finally-accomplished-anyone-care/">this article that David Bellavia wrote</a>. It's one of the most poignant and impressive things I've read lately. Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-87264330256257109882010-03-08T08:07:00.000-08:002010-03-08T08:07:47.191-08:00Updates: 08MAR2010As of 0800 this morning, here is the latest information I have for the following topics of interest--<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Sergeant Shelton's Black Book</u>:</strong> The book has been cancelled. <br />
<br />
<strong><u>Wounded Warrior Ranch</u></strong> (Sergeant Shelton's Wounded Warrior Ranch Retreat-->Marcus Luttrell Warrior Legacy Ranch-->the-yet-to-be-renamed-wounded-warrior-ranch): Following the dissolution of partnership with the Warrior Legacy Foundation, plans for the ranch project and its fundraising lie solely with Marcus Luttrell. Strictly a guess on my part, but I believe the ranch will probably move forward under the administration of:<br />
<ul><li><strong><u>The Lone Survivor Foundation</u>:</strong> <a href="http://www.lonesurvivorfoundation.org/">http://www.lonesurvivorfoundation.org/</a> -- non-profit founded by Marcus Luttrell to ensure money donated is money given back. Its mission is to "...honor and remember American warriors by providing unique educational, rehabilitation, recovery, and wellness opportunities to U.S. Armed Forces service members & families". Please visit the Lone Survivor Foundation website for more information. The Foundation will officially launch on the 5th anniversary of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Red_Wing">Operation Redwing</a>, June 28, 2010.</li>
</ul>Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-18851209985669215242010-02-09T14:16:00.000-08:002010-02-09T14:29:28.901-08:00DARPA: Continuing To Blur The Lines Between Science Fiction and Science Fact!I don't often comment here about articles in the mainstream media, but this one was too good to pass up. I was browsing through Google News and a headline from Wired.com caught my eye....<br />
<br />
To read the full article, click <a href="http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2010/02/pentagon-looks-to-breed-immortal-synthetic-organisms-molecular-kill-switch-included/">here</a>. Excerpt is as follows:<br />
<br />
<blockquote><strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Pentagon Looks to Breed Immortal ‘Synthetic Organisms,’ Molecular Kill-Switch Included</span></u></strong></blockquote><blockquote><strong>The Pentagon’s mad science arm may have come up with its most radical project yet. Darpa is looking to re-write the laws of evolution to the military’s advantage, creating “synthetic organisms” that can live forever — or can be killed with the flick of a molecular switch.</strong></blockquote><blockquote><strong>As part of its budget for the next year, Darpa is investing $6 million into a project called BioDesign, with the goal of eliminating “the randomness of natural evolutionary advancement.” The plan would assemble the latest bio-tech knowledge to come up with living, breathing creatures that are genetically engineered to “produce the intended biological effect.” Darpa wants the organisms to be fortified with molecules that bolster cell resistance to death, so that the lab-monsters can “ultimately be programmed to live indefinitely.”</strong></blockquote><blockquote><strong>Of course, Darpa’s got to prevent the super-species from being swayed to do enemy work — so they’ll encode loyalty right into DNA, by developing genetically programmed locks to create “tamper proof” cells. Plus, the synthetic organism will be traceable, using some kind of DNA manipulation, “similar to a serial number on a handgun.” And if that doesn’t work, don’t worry. In case Darpa’s plan somehow goes horribly awry, they’re also tossing in a last-resort, genetically-coded kill switch: </strong></blockquote><blockquote><em><strong>'Develop strategies to create a synthetic organism “self-destruct” option to be implemented upon nefarious removal of organism.'</strong></em></blockquote>"nefarious removal of organism"....Bwahahaha!! Wow, I just inked a little bit. Curse you, Moose and Squirrel!<br />
<br />
I can't help but envision a group of DARPA geeks, strung out on Pop-Tarts and Red Bull sitting around a table and tossing out ideas: <br />
<br />
--"Hey, seriously, what qualities would the ultimate superhero have?" <br />
--"Weeelll...you'd have to have the soullessness and invincibility of the Terminator, the hamstring flexibility of Jean-Claude Van Damme, and the rage-strength of Rambo."<br />
--"And don't forget the undefendable Chuck Norris roundhouse kick!"<br />
--"Ooh, ooh, and maybe it could have bad-ass tentacles and tracking capabilities like the Predator!!"<br />
--"Naw, man, that would just be over the top. Waaay too comic-book."<br />
--*sigh* "Yeah, you're probably right. I still say tentacles are cool though."<br />
--"DUDE!! Let's build one!! We could SO push it through on the budget to do this--Jenkins over in Fiscal owes me a solid."<br />
<br />
<br />
Now, I am all for progress, especially in the realm of science. Also, no innovation has ever been achieved without bold thinking. However, and call me crazy here, this MIGHT be one of those times when an "umm..no" might be in order. In my opinion, the Universal Soldier is something that needs to stay on the DVD shelf and not brought forth for field testing.Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-31672584335719372242010-02-08T12:33:00.000-08:002010-03-11T11:38:17.225-08:00**FLASH TRAFFIC** Marcus Luttrell Warrior Legacy Ranch Update<b>*** UPDATE 03/2010: The ranch is now being administered by the <a href="http://www.lonesurvivorfoundation.org/">Lone Survivor Foundation</a>. Please view <a href="http://squid-thoughts.blogspot.com/2010/03/lone-survivor-foundation.html">this post</a> for further information. ***</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<br />
In my inbox this morning, from the <a href="http://www.warriorlegacyfoundation.org/">Warrior Legacy Foundation</a>, regarding changes to the Marcus Luttrell Warrior Legacy Ranch:<br />
<blockquote><br />
<strong>Washington DC 08 February 2010 </strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Recently the Board of Directors at the Warrior Legacy Foundation was informed by Marcus Luttrell's business management that they no longer wanted Marcus’ name attached to WLF’s for the "Marcus Luttrell Warrior Legacy Ranch” project. </strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>"Regardless of whose name is attached to the project, Marcus Luttrell will have a world class ranch retreat and we are very proud to have been partnered with him,” said Warrior Legacy Foundation Executive Director David Bellavia. He continued, "At this time we will no longer be sharing a title with Marcus Luttrell on his ranch, we will no longer have any fiduciary responsibility regarding the ranch and WLF will NOT offer a competing ranch product.”</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Warrior Legacy Foundation’s Chairman Matt Burden went on to say, "There is far more work out there to be accomplished and even more opportunity for the skill set of this great organization. It is my sincerest desire that Marcus’ ranch not only build a top notch facility, but I envision it to be as unique and special as its namesake.”</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>All funds donated to: to WLF’s "Marcus Luttrell Warrior Legacy Ranch” up until the account is closed on March 1, 2010, will be sent to the management team of Marcus Luttrell for the explicit purpose of his ranch. </strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>WLF deeply regrets not having had the opportunity to see this project meet its full potential. Stay tuned for continued status reports of the project and where future support can be given to Marcus. Please reach out to info@warriorlegacyfoundation.org with any questions regarding this format change.</strong></blockquote>I haven't had time to dissect the letter to fully understand its meaning, but it appears as if the Ranch is still going ahead--albeit privately, divorced from the Warrior Legacy Foundation. <em>(NB:</em> <em>I'm trying to withold judgement regarding why the WLF has been removed, there has to be a good reason that's sub rosa</em>)<br />
<br />
I truly hope more information will be forthcoming. I really believe in the goodness and necessity of this project and would hate to see it fade into obscurity because of lack of promotional channels. I'll post anything that comes through to me so that all of you that land here because of searches relating to the Ranch will have the latest information.Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-70450895171191221712010-01-20T11:07:00.000-08:002010-03-11T11:44:21.202-08:00Sergeant Shelton's Black Book<strong>***<u>UPDATE 03/2010: Publication of Sergeant Shelton's Black Book has been cancelled.</u> ***</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>***UPDATE 2/09/10: I have recieved word that the publication of Sergeant Shelton's Black Book may have been cancelled. It is my hope that this isn't the case, but according to my recent searches I haven't been able to find the book. The publisher, Bantam, also doesn't have it listed as a release or an upcoming release. For those interested in the possibility of the book, please keep an eye out periodically. I'll post any new information as I find it. V/R, ST***</strong><br />
<br />
Billy "Soupbone" Shelton--friend, mentor, and trainer to Marcus Luttrell and other brave young men--has written a book, with co-author James D. Hornfischer. It's called Sergeant Shelton's Black Book: Young Men and War-The Special Operations Legacy For A New Generation. <strike>The release date is set for January 26, 2010.</strike><br />
<br />
I've been eagerly anticipating the book since I first heard about it, and I encourage everyone to buy it when it's released. It should be a great read! Amazon, Borders, and Barnes & Noble don't have it listed for pre-order, <strike>but Tower Books does</strike>.<br />
<br />
<ul><li><strong>ISBN: 0553807587</strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.tower.com/sergeant-sheltons-black-book-billy-shelton-hardcover/wapi/113245610#product_details">Tower Books order link</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/o/asin/0553807587">Amazon.com</a></li>
</ul>Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-61775422529169627772010-01-18T14:51:00.000-08:002010-03-25T08:34:42.977-07:00David Bellavia Is Blogging!It is imperative you go visit <a href="http://davidbellavia.com/">David Bellavia's site</a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Go. Now. <a href="http://davidbellavia.com/">Clicky-Clicky</a>!</span>Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-29710532206309373042010-01-01T11:09:00.000-08:002010-01-01T11:10:47.990-08:00Quack!I'll be glued to the TV today, there's gonna be a little bit of Oregon way down in Pasadena.....UO in the Rose Bowl!<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><u><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">G<span style="color: yellow;">o</span> D<span style="color: yellow;">u</span>c<span style="color: yellow;">k</span>s!<span style="color: yellow;">!</span>!<span style="color: yellow;">!</span></span></span></u></strong>Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-12753823082691355382009-12-21T13:24:00.000-08:002009-12-21T13:29:30.637-08:00Now You Too Can Talk Like A Sailor (part 2)....continued from <a href="http://squid-thoughts.blogspot.com/2009/12/now-you-too-can-talk-like-sailor-part-1.html">Part 1</a>:<br />
<br />
<ul><li><strong><u>Davy Jones' Locker</u></strong>: The bottom of the ocean; euphemism for sailor's hell. Davy Jones is commonly seen as the devil of the sea, an eater of souls.</li>
<li><strong><u>Deck</u></strong>: Floor.</li>
<li><strong><u>Deep Six</u></strong>: Originally, the call that the water was more than 6 fathoms (36 feet) deep, but less than 7. Now, a term for throwing something overboard. <em>Also called a 'float test'</em>.</li>
<li><strong><u>Deuce</u></strong>: .50 caliber machine gun.</li>
<li><u>(between the)<strong> Devil and the Deep Blue Sea</strong></u>: On wooden-hull ships, the 'devil' seams joined the external hull with the deck planking. If the devil came loose, the sea would leak in--a no-win situation.</li>
<li><strong><u>Dicking the Dog</u></strong>: Not getting any work done or messing up the work process. <em>ex.: "If you guys are done dicking the dog, why don't you read the tech manual and figure out how that's supposed to come apart."</em></li>
<li><strong><u>Ditty Bag</u></strong>: Small mesh bag that can hold a variety of items, usually toiletries or socks/skivvies for laundering.</li>
<li><strong><u>DIW</u></strong>: Dead in the water. Caused primarily by loss of propulsion.</li>
<li><strong><u>Dixie Cup</u></strong>: White hat ("cover") worn by male enlisted personnel with the dress white, dress blue, working white, and working blue uniform. <em>Sporting it at a jaunty angle or with the brim sides pulled out (known as a "bullwinkle") is against regulations, but you'd be surprised how many like to do this.</em></li>
<li><strong><u>Dolphins</u></strong>: Insignia pin signifying Submarine Warfare Specialist qualification--two stylized dolphins flanking a submarine. Pin is gold for officers, silver for enlisted; worn on the left chest. In writing, designated (SS) after a person's rank <em>e.g.: EM2 (SS) Schmoe</em>.</li>
<li><strong><u>Donkey Dick</u></strong>: The inline proportioning nozzle for shipboard firefighting with AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam), the extension for a radiac that measures neutron levels of a reactor compartment prior to entry, or pretty much any other long, tubular peice of equipment.</li>
<li><strong><u>Drunkex</u></strong>: Drunken Excercise. Hopefully, no explanation necessary.</li>
<li><strong><u>EB Green</u>: </strong>Nuclear grade duct tape. Originally provided by the Electric Boat (EB) corporation.</li>
<li><strong><u>EMI</u></strong>: Extra Military Instruction. Intended as a punishment whereby the recipient must spend portions of his/her (coveted) free time engaged in a mundane task designed to increase military knowlege, i.e.: copying out the entire UCMJ in longhand.</li>
<li><strong><u>ESWS</u></strong>: (pronounced <em>ees-wass</em>) Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist. Surface version of a submariner's dolphins, it depicts two cutlasses crossed over a ship. Insignia designating Surface Warfare qualification, worn on the left chest. In writing, (SW) after rank <em>e.g.: MM1 (SW) Schmoe.</em></li>
<li><strong><u>Fantail</u></strong>: Aft-most portion of a ship. Sometimes used for ceremonial purposes, or for embarking/disembarking the ship via small boat, always off-limits on a carrier during flight ops.</li>
<li><strong><u>Fast Attack</u></strong>: (SSN) Non-ballistic missile submarines.</li>
<li><strong><u>Fiddler's Green</u></strong>: Sailor's heaven; a place of eternal music, laughter, and drinking/dancing.</li>
<li><strong><u>Field Day</u></strong>: Universally hated organized periods of cleaning, usually consisting of people polishing the same spot for two hours. Often ordered when morale is low.</li>
<li><strong><u>Flag Officer</u></strong>: Reference to an admiral, as there is a flag flown when they are aboard.</li>
<li><strong><u>Flotsam</u></strong>: Floating debris released from a sinking ship.</li>
<li><strong><u>FNG</u></strong>: Fucking New Guy.</li>
<li><strong><u>Foc'sle</u></strong>: (pronounced <em>foke-sul</em>) phonetic spelling of "forecastle", the forward-most part of a ship. Often the mustering place for ceremonies.</li>
<li><strong><u>FOD</u></strong>: Foreign Object Damage. Anything that could be sucked into the intake of a jet engine and damage it. You can pick up a piece of FOD off the deck, such as a screw; you can become FOD, if you are standing in the wrong place when the engine starts; and an engine can be FODded by any number of reasons, including the above two. Before flight ops, there are <em>FOD walkdowns</em> in which people are kidnapped and forcibly pressed into a long unbroken line, where they walk looking down at the ground the entire length of the flight deck to look for and recover any FOD.</li>
<li><strong><u>Foul Deck</u></strong>: A flight deck condition where it is unsafe for the aircraft to land. Cause for a waveoff and go-around.</li>
<li><strong><u>Foxtail</u></strong>: A long-handled, narrow cleaning brush with long flowing bristles. A foxtail and dustpan are standard field-day equipment.</li>
<li><strong><u>FTN</u></strong>: Fuck The Navy. Common usage amongst nukes with bad attitudes, sometimes inscribed inconspicuously on belt buckles, coffee mugs, desks, or bulkheads.</li>
<li><strong><u>FUBAR</u></strong>: Fucked Up Beyond All Recognition. <em>Sometimes follows after a goat rope or someone has been dicking the dog, causing a SNAFU.</em></li>
<li><strong><u>Fun Boss</u></strong>: Person in charge of organizing liberty or port call activities.</li>
<li><strong><u>Gangway</u></strong>: More properly called the "brow", the walkway connecting the ship to the pier. Can also be shouted to request people get out of your way.</li>
<li><strong><u>Gator Freighter</u></strong>: Amphibious cargo ship.</li>
<li><strong><u>Geedunk</u></strong>: Sweets, candy, nice benefits, or easy duty.</li>
<li><strong><u>Gig</u></strong>: Small boat, such as the Captain's Gig--his own personal craft. Also, a demerit.</li>
<li><strong><u>Gig Line</u></strong>: The imaginary line on your uniform if drawn straight down the front of the shirt button edge, the crease on the belt buckle, and the edge of the zipper fly. Must line up, or your gig line is askew.</li>
<li><strong><u>Goat Locker</u></strong>: CPO's (chief petty officer) mess. In the days of sail, Chiefs were in charge of the goats that made milk for the ship. Now, just a fun visual.</li>
<li><strong><u>Golden Shellback</u></strong>: Award given for crossing the equator at the International Date Line.</li>
<li><strong><u>Gouge</u></strong>: Inside information, or to cheat on a test using a "gouge sheet".</li>
<li><strong><u>GQ</u></strong>: General Quarters. All hands man battle stations.</li>
<li><strong><u>Greenie</u></strong>: Green scrubbing pad used for cleaning. Also, "greenie weenie". A greenie and a bucket are also standard equipment during field day.</li>
<li><strong><u>Green Water</u></strong>: Solid wave or water, as opposed to the white foam top. <em>ex.: When we sailed through the hurricane, the swells were so high we were taking green water over the flight deck."</em> Generally, not a good thing.</li>
<li><strong><u>Gundeck</u></strong>: To falsify a report, log, or maintentance record. Origins are from the days when the wooden decking underneath guns/cannons had to be reinforced and made thicker to support their weight.</li>
</ul>Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-83865002278237854892009-12-21T09:30:00.000-08:002009-12-21T09:30:57.875-08:00Proofreading Is For WeeniesIn addition to recombinant bovine growth hormone, apparently those evil dairy farmers were adding dollops of destiny to your milk....who knew?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZHeYwLd7ShKSJo16B-sN5iMbb_mxDDmay3r-7Ei1YSjxjuDt9Uy3SVN7_SQ89lV_FkX5CW5ux627fy6f_B-NRN1tovjLMaJThgGjvO-mnTmLOTKR9vLehi5Lm9MitCQzsIhTD_kK5JJ7/s1600-h/fatefree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZHeYwLd7ShKSJo16B-sN5iMbb_mxDDmay3r-7Ei1YSjxjuDt9Uy3SVN7_SQ89lV_FkX5CW5ux627fy6f_B-NRN1tovjLMaJThgGjvO-mnTmLOTKR9vLehi5Lm9MitCQzsIhTD_kK5JJ7/s640/fatefree.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-25427846411322967752009-12-16T17:09:00.000-08:002009-12-16T17:09:54.493-08:00I Am Become Death: The Story of Two DavidsToday, I am quite maudlin. Red, white, and sad all over.<br />
<br />
Yesterday at work, a long time employee named David had a heart attack and died. Right there, lying on the asphalt in the pouring rain. He had been down about 5 minutes when someone ran to my office and told me to bring the AED--I have the only one on site, centrally located I suppose. I made sure 911 had been called and ran over. We worked on him for another 7 minutes or so, then the ambulance arrived. 15 minutes in the ambulance and 4 rounds of ACLS and meds, then one of the paramedics finally got out and let us know that in all honesty it didn't look good. They still couldn't get a pulse and the blood was starting to pool in his back. They transported him, and the hospital worked on him for around an hour, but to no avail.<br />
<br />
When I close my eyes, I see flashes of images: his arms splayed out and his wristwatch had droplets of water on the face. One of his pants legs had ruched up and I could see he was wearing two pair of white socks. The broad expanse of his belly, his skin stark and white, expanding with the force of the chest compressions. His leather boots had green laces, and the boots were wet. Everything was wet.<br />
<br />
This morning I was out fairly early, just after it got light. I live a few blocks from the large VA complex here in town, and I pass by the Memorial Cemetary daily. Today, something in the cemetary caught my eye--a large yellow backhoe and several pickup trucks, out on the grass amidst the white headstones. And then I remembered today is the funeral of another David--Petty Officer David Mudge, who died in the UAE two weeks ago. Of course, he would be laid to rest there in that cemetary. So they were preparing his gravesite. It is very near a large flagpole where wreaths were being set up and I saw that the flag was at half mast.<br />
<br />
I called my Mom this morning, mostly to talk about how crappy I was feeling. I wanted her words of comfort. I needed her to tell me something, some maternal bon mot that would soothe me. Instead, what she said was this: <em>"Honey, from the moment we are born we are dying. We can only do with the time we are alotted.". </em>I hung up feeling worse than before.<br />
<br />
Around noon, I was out again, and this time I passed by a funeral home. Out in front, I saw more than a half dozen <a href="http://www.patriotguard.org/">Patriot Guard Riders</a> waiting to escort Petty Officer Mudge and his family to the cemetary. I quickly pulled in and went over to them. I introduced myself, told them I was a vet and sailor, and said, "Thank you for doing this". And promptly started crying. <br />
<br />
I hadn't realized until that moment just how angry I was. I was angry at my mother for not saying something that made me feel better. I was angry at the paramedics for being honest, angry with them for not pulling off a miracle. I was angry with the backhoe operator for digging a hole in the ground that was to be the final resting place of PO Mudge, angry that it was still out there as a visible reminder of the harsh reality that the dirt must be replaced. Angry that a sailor died 7000 miles from home after having only 22 years with the people who love him.<br />
<br />
The Patriot Guard looked at me and put his hand on my shoulder. He said simply, "I understand". He looked around at all the others, and said to me, "You know why we do this. We do it for the family as much as the fallen. They deserve as much honor and respect as we can give them during this last, hardest trip. It's sad, but there is pride in this job". And you know what, he was so right. To be out in front of the procession, with their engines making loud pronouncement, and those flags streaming....how sad, but how proud. How better to honor this young man and support his family.<br />
<br />
And somewhere in the moment between putting the key in the ignition and turning it, I had an epiphany of sorts. I finally understood what my Mom was trying to say. She was saying that we don't know how long we have, be it minutes, hours, or decades. We have a limited time, and what really matters is not the end, but what has come before. And suddenly, I'm not angry anymore.<br />
<br />
So we here in Douglas County, Oregon, remember a young man named David who volunteered to serve his country. We remember that he had a paper route and delivered with a smile. We also remember an older David, a man who cheerfully worked hard. We remember how he liked to work on his boat on the weekends with friends. We remember them so that we honor them.<br />
<br />
We remember them, so we don't forget them.Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-10613891919326274802009-12-14T14:16:00.000-08:002010-03-25T08:34:42.977-07:00In Memoriam: EM3 David MudgeIt is with a heavy heart that I make this post. I just read in the local news that Petty Officer Third Class David Mudge was killed aboard ship while performing electrical repairs.<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote><strong>ROSEBURG, Ore. -- A Douglas County sailor was brought home Sunday.</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>David Mudge, 22, of Sutherlin, died two weeks ago on board the naval ship U.S.S. Rentz in the United Arab Emirates.</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>He was escorted back to the Chapel of the Firs Funeral Home in Roseburg by the Patriot Guard motorcycle group Sunday evening.</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>The Department of Defense says Mudge was working on electrical repairs while the ship was in port in the Persian Gulf, when he suffered fatal wounds from an electrical shock.</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Mudge joined the Navy in January of 2007.</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>The body will remain at Chapel of the Firs until Wednesday, when a full military funeral is planned at the Douglas County Fairgrounds at 1:00 p.m.</strong><br />
<br />
</blockquote>First, I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to David's family. It is unimaginably hard to lose a loved one, so young and so far away. Secondly, I want to express my thanks to the <a href="http://www.patriotguard.org/">Patriot Guard Riders</a> who escorted this young man to the funeral home. The Guard's presence surely let the family know that every servicemember deserves honor and respect, most especially at this sad time.<br />
<br />
May you rest in peace, David. Thank you for your honor, your courage, and your commitment.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>"Eternal Father, strong to save,</em><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, </em><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Who bidst the mighty ocean deep </em><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Its own appointed limits keep; </em><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>O, hear us when we cry to Thee </em><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>For those in peril on the sea!</em> <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard </em><br />
<em>And hushed their raging at Thy word, </em><br />
<em>Who walkedst on the foaming deep, </em><br />
<em>And calm amidst its rage didst sleep; </em><br />
<em>Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, </em><br />
<em>For those in peril on the sea</em>! <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood </em><br />
<em>Upon the chaos dark and rude, </em><br />
<em>And bid its angry tumult cease, </em><br />
<em>And give, for wild confusion, peace; </em><br />
<em>Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, </em><br />
<em>For those in peril on the sea!</em> <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>O Trinity of love and power! </em><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Our brethren shield in danger's hour; </em><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>From rock and tempest, fire and foe, </em><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Protect them wheresoe'er they go; </em><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Thus evermore shall rise to Thee </em><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Glad hymns of praise from land and sea."</em><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.kpic.com/news/79236327.html">Link to the story</a>Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-46353570518730965842009-12-11T14:22:00.000-08:002009-12-21T09:32:33.112-08:00Now You Too Can Talk Like A Sailor! (part 1)In honor of one of the most historic and rivalled matchups (see previous post), I am posting a list of Navy and nautical slang and their meanings:<br />
<ul><li><strong><u>Adrift:</u></strong> not properly stowed or tied down. 'Gear adrift' is a collective term for anything that will come loose and fly through the air with ship's movement; also, a common reason for failing a berthing inspection--gear adrift on your rack.</li>
<li><strong><u>Airdale</u></strong>: refers to any member of the aviation community, officer or enlisted. Often derrogitorily modified by non-aviation types with the adjective "fucking". Root word for 'chowdale'.</li>
<li><strong><u>AJ Squared Away:</u></strong> The mythical sailor who always has his stuff together.</li>
<li><strong><u>Angles and Dangles:</u></strong> Operating a submarine at steep angles of ascent and descent, and to perform rapid turns (a submarine in a tight turn will bank in the same fashion as an aircraft). Guaranteed way to discover 'gear adrift'.</li>
<li><strong><u>Bag:</u></strong> not doing your share of the work. Lit.: leaving someone holding "the bag". Bagging the watch, i.e.: relieving the offgoing watchstander late is a grievous error, and could earn you a label of "shitbag".</li>
<li><strong><u>Balls (or four balls):</u></strong> midnight, which in the 24-hr time system is 0000.</li>
<li><strong><u>Balls Out:</u></strong> Refers to an early design of engine governor, in which a pair of masses (balls) spun at an increasing rate as engine speed increased. Centrifugal acceleration threw the masses outward, so "balls out" refers to maximum possible engine speed.</li>
<li><strong><u>Batten Down:</u></strong> Make fast, secure, or shut. Originally, deck hatches did not have hinged, attached covers. Hatch covers were separate pieces which were laid over the hatch opening, then made fast with battens (pieces of timber).</li>
<li><strong><u>Belay:</u></strong> stop or disregard. Commonly heard as <em>"Belay my last"</em>.</li>
<li><strong><u>Big Chicken Dinner:</u></strong> A Bad Conduct Discharge. <em>ex.: "Punching the XO will probably get you a Court Martial and a Big Chicken Dinner."</em></li>
<li><strong><u>Bilge Diving:</u></strong> Working in the bilges of a ship, or cleaning same.</li>
<li><strong><u>Binnacle:</u></strong> A pedestal which supports a compass. Typically found next to or in front of the ship’s wheel.</li>
<li><strong><u>Bitchbox:</u></strong> Intercom or amplified circuit used to communicate between spaces of the ship.</li>
<li><strong><u>Bitter End:</u></strong> Properly, the free or loose end of a line. Originally, the bitter end of a mooring line was taken to the bitts (a mooring fixture) to secure it. <em>BTW, you never want to see the bitter end of your ship's anchor chain.</em></li>
<li><strong><u>Blivet:</u></strong> Traditionally, "Ten pounds of shit in a five-pound sack." Also, a rubber fuel bladder. </li>
<li><strong><u>Blue Shirt:</u></strong> Anyone E-6 or below wearing the dungaree uniform, similar to the traditional term "Bluejacket," due to the Navy blue jacket issued with the dungaree uniform.</li>
<li><strong><u>BOHICA:</u></strong> Bend Over, Here It Comes Again. <em>ex.: "Aw, they cancelled the port visit. BOHICA!"</em></li>
<li><strong><u>Boomer:</u></strong> Ballistic missile submarine (SSBN).</li>
<li><strong><u>BOSNIA:</u></strong> Big Old Standard Navy Issue Ass. Refers to the size of the sterns of some (usually female) navy personnel.</li>
<li><strong><u>Bosun:</u></strong> The phonetic spelling of ‘boatswain.’</li>
<li><strong><u>Bravo Zulu:</u></strong> 'well done'. Can be spoken, or written as BZ. <em>ex.: "That's fastest pipe patch I've ever seen. BZ, shipmate!"</em> In nuke usage, the term is used sarcastically or with high levels of irony.<br />
</li>
<li><strong><u>Bubblehead:</u></strong> Member of the submarine community. Frequently modified by members of the surface fleet with the adjective "fucking". <br />
</li>
<li><strong><u>Buddy Fucker:</u></strong> Someone who will not stand up for, or defend, a friend or shipmate, or someone who screws over a shipmate.<br />
</li>
<li><strong><u>Bulkhead:</u></strong> Wall.<br />
</li>
<li><strong><u>Bull Nuke:</u></strong> Senior nuclear-trained CPO aboard a sub. Junior in authority to the COB.<br />
</li>
<li><strong><u>Bumfuck Egypt:</u></strong> A (fictitious) bad place to be stationed, or the figurative ends of the earth. Sometimes seen as BFE.<br />
</li>
<li><strong><u>Cat:</u> </strong>Catapult. Planes can be launched on a carrier from the 'bow cats' or the 'waist cats'.<br />
</li>
<li><strong><u>CBR:</u></strong> Chemical, Biological, and Radiological (nuclear) warfare. <br />
</li>
<li><strong><u>Channel Fever:</u></strong> Anxious to get home, or reach port.<br />
</li>
<li><strong><u>Check Valve:</u></strong> Used to describe a person, it refers to one who does for himself, but not others. None of the goodies get past him.<br />
</li>
<li><strong><u>CHENG:</u></strong> Chief Engineer.<br />
</li>
<li><strong><u>Chit:</u></strong> A small piece of paper, often a request for or granting of permission to do something. <em>ex.: "You can't go on leave until you show me your chit."</em><br />
</li>
<li><strong><u>Chop:</u></strong> Change of Operational command, spoken as "inchop" (entering a command region or zone) or "outchop" (leaving a command region).<br />
</li>
<li><strong><u>Cinderella Liberty:</u></strong> Liberty where one must be back aboard by midnight.<br />
</li>
<li><strong><u>Clear Datum:</u></strong> (Submarine) To leave the area where you have been detected, or to leave the scene of the crime, especially when liquor and members of the opposite sex are involved.<br />
</li>
<li><strong><u>Charlie Foxtrot:</u></strong> Cluster Fuck – An evolution remarkable for its significant lack of excellence. Mass confusion and chaos. Also known as a 'Goat Rope'.<br />
</li>
<li><strong><u>COB:</u></strong> Chief Of the Boat. Senior enlisted onboard a submarine; acts as liaison between the crew and the XO.<br />
</li>
<li><strong><u>CONUS:</u></strong> Continental U.S.<br />
</li>
<li><strong><u>Crescent Hammer:</u></strong> Crescent wrench.<br />
</li>
<li><strong><u>Crow:</u></strong> The rate insignia of a USN Petty Officer (E-4 through E-6), so-called because of the eagle above the rate chevrons.<br />
</li>
<li><strong><u>Cut of His Jib:</u></strong> From the days of sail, when individual sails were made aboard the ship and a certain amount of individuality was expressed in the design of the sails. Ships were identified by the "cut of their jib." <em>ex.: "Hey--you there! What the hell are you doing?! I don't think I like the cut of your jib."</em><br />
</li>
</ul>Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-27303842197212088272009-12-11T08:14:00.000-08:002009-12-11T12:28:13.154-08:00Fear The Goat<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Go Navy</u>! Beat Army!!</span></strong><br />
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That is all.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKt58SlrG4aMYfDAetKce-I65rVpSKI5h5YL9BzNLs-M5kbWyeV_fJLyT3ADyt0uGPrKDQmlsChw1uz3WvGSevDGZh49EsRbWZ_tjXEsGHCSo3WLRf5c7zg5XYIUeay1Q3gGhyphenhyphenCefaZ37G/s1600-h/goat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKt58SlrG4aMYfDAetKce-I65rVpSKI5h5YL9BzNLs-M5kbWyeV_fJLyT3ADyt0uGPrKDQmlsChw1uz3WvGSevDGZh49EsRbWZ_tjXEsGHCSo3WLRf5c7zg5XYIUeay1Q3gGhyphenhyphenCefaZ37G/s200/goat.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-37128886109943005512009-12-09T10:41:00.000-08:002009-12-09T10:50:16.570-08:00I Need Some Cheese To Go With This WhineIt's effing cold here, and I'm crabby. It's not supposed to get this cold in southern Oregon, especially not three days in a row. Low of 10F, high a balmy 31F. Bah humbug.<br />
<br />
Ok, it's time for me to come clean: I am a closet grammar nazi. Well, more of a spelling nazi I guess. I don't claim to be perfect in my writing/spelling skills, but I do at least try to be correct. I know some people find it to be an annoying quality, but I accept this about myself and make no apologies for it. Which sets up the lead-in for today's story.....<br />
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This morning when I left for work, my mood was instantly soured when I went outside. My breath was sucked away and it felt like my eyeballs were dessicated. I don't like feeling like a turtle, hunching down in my coat collar and dragging my watch cap (yes, I still have the one issued to me) down as far as it will go. I decided to make myself feel better by stopping for a latte on my way in. The little drive-through coffee place near my house was offering a few holiday specials, so I perused the board......and saw the following:<br />
<ul><li><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: #e69138;">20 oz. Eggnog Latte: triple shot of</span> </span><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">expresso</span></strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">, <span style="color: #e69138;">steamed eggnog, topped with</span> </span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>whip cream</strong></span><span style="color: #b45f06;">. </span><span style="color: #e69138;">($3.75)</span></li>
</ul>Gah! Argh!! Squid Thoughts' pet peeve numero uno--pronouncing the word 'nuclear' as 'nuke-yoo-ler'. But coming in for place and show is the above two gaffes. And it was a two-fer! I transmogrified into a BRS (that's Bitch, Ready to Shout), proceeded to climb my grammatical soap box and lecture the poor girl behind the counter who probably doesn't get paid enough to deal with people like me that early in the morning. I told her it was espresso, with an ESS; and that whipped describes what has been done to the cream to make it a proper topping, whip is what someone will do to future batches of cream. I suggested the following example: "Good morning ma'am! I will brew shots of espresso so quickly you could call it express, and then whip this cream in order to top your 20 oz. Eggnog latte with a nice dollop of whipped cream." <br />
<br />
Poor thing. I really made a donkey of myself this morning. But she handled it with remarkable grace.<br />
<br />
I left her a nice tip.<br />
<br />
<br />
Grouchy but moderately caffeinated squid--out.Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869461615159435735.post-13945120342940462762009-12-08T08:47:00.000-08:002010-03-11T11:41:56.663-08:00The Marcus Luttrell Warrior Legacy Ranch<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<b>*** UPDATE 03/2010: The ranch project is no longer associated with the Warrior Legacy Foundation. It is now being administered by the <a href="http://www.lonesurvivorfoundation.org/">Lone Survivor Foundation</a>. Please view <a href="http://squid-thoughts.blogspot.com/2010/03/lone-survivor-foundation.html">this post</a> for more information. ***</b><br />
<br />
Greetings! I promised earlier to post any updates regarding the status of the Sergeant Shelton's Wounded Warrior Ranch Retreat. Well, this morning I was pleased to discover that things at the Ranch are progressing. It now has a new name: the <strong>Marcus Luttrell Warrior Legacy Ranch</strong>, and operations will be administered by the great and wonderful <a href="http://warriorlegacyfoundation.org/">Warrior Legacy Foundation</a>. Information about the ranch and how you can support its development can be found <a href="http://www.warriorlegacyfoundation.org/?page=WarriorRanch">here</a>.<br />
<br />
The design and purpose of the Ranch encompasses Billy Shelton's original concept: to provide mental, physical, and emotional rehabilitation for returning warriors and their families. This is a project that I feel goes a long way to filling a particular void that exists regarding caring for and thanking our veterans for their sacrifices for our country. Located in Leakey, Texas apx. 75 miles west of San Antonio along the Frio River, the Ranch will provide numerous outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and wandering acreage; as well as a camp for children of veterans who have lost limbs, and specialized professional and peer-to-peer counseling. This Ranch will be a healing place; a place to mentally, physically, and spiritually decompress; a place where a warrior can get a warm and sincere "welcome home".<br />
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Please visit the <a href="http://www.warriorlegacyfoundation.org/">Warrior Legacy Foundation</a> to see how you can lend your support to this honorable organization--they do incredible work for our American warriors and their families. Visit WLF's site for <strong>The Marcus Luttrell Warrior Legacy Ranch </strong>at <a href="http://www.warriorlegacyfoundation.org/?page=WarriorRanch">http://www.warriorlegacyfoundation.org/?page=WarriorRanch</a> to read about it and make a secure, tax-deductable donation.Squid Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841306058393761027noreply@blogger.com2