ScottishTankerHooligans

composure regained

Four cases of Bud Select and 200 rounds of .30-06 later, I can speak rationally again.  I hear the talk of unity and healing and coming together behind Obama, the country is leaning left and it's time for everyone to get on board. 
 That's a trip I'm not going to take.  I've done the Jimmy Carter ride.  In the uncensored words of the private from Apocalypse Now, " I ain't fuckin going!"  That moral compass does not point anywhere near to where I want to be, or I want my family to be in life.
  Hannity, Limbaugh and Ingraham haven't done enough.  It's time for this guy.

Download 535_Employees.wmv

  

New Super Hero? With retirement approaching, a potential role model/mentor at least.  I may dump the current wardrobe too.

Well...

I guess we know what my predictive powers are worth.    Dukey squat.
Enjoy your change dumb-asses.

Observations

I've done my own election polling.  I think mine is as good or better than the big boys.  I looked at yard signs and bumper stickers.   That's right, yard signs and bumper stickers.  Hear me out.  The MSM wankers are always on about who is getting polled, likely voters, registered voters, first time voters, with all the attending hand-wringing over who is getting it right.   To hell with that.  I think anyone willing to put a sign in their yard or a sticker on their car in today's climate is a "sucking chest wound voter", a voter who is going to go to the polls on bloody stumps if they have to.  So my poll has a confirmed target audience, a better sample if you will.  My poll is not weighted by voter registration where Acorn has fraudulently registered thousands of Democrat DooDad Pros and Little Bonny Foo Foos. Can you say fraud, projection and voter suppression?  That organization should be defunded and disbanned.

Secondly, my poll covers areas where the MSM is afraid to go.  Fly-over country.   In the last six months I've been in 16 states east of the Mississippi, and four west.  Specifically; NC, SC, Ga, Va, Md, Conn, NY Pa, OH, IN, Ill, BAMA,  Pa, Fl, WI, Tenn and KY.  West includes La, Okie, Ne and Mo.  One might assume that as a .mil pilot, I only go to military bases and so my sample would not be accurate since we're all knuckle-dragging gun-clinging Republicans.  That assumption is half wrong.  The type of flying we do dictates we go to a lot of civilian airfields, so I spend half my time out and about among non-knuckle-dragging gun-clinging humanoids.  A somewhat disheartening experience with all that man's inhumanity to man hogwash, but that's another story.  So I have 2 data points telling me my data is more accurate than Rassmussen's. 

What I saw was this;  Mac beats Obama ranging between 4-1 and 8-1 depending where you are.  Only in localized liberal pockets does Obama come close, and those are far apart.  In Cary NC, it's Mac by 3 - 2.  New Haven Conn is tied.  Only in ultra liberal dogholes like Chevy Chase MD does Obama trounce Mac by about 9 - 1.  The 2 McCain signs I did see were vandalized too.  

Between Raleigh and Jacksonville, it's McCain by 20 - 3.  One hundred and fifty miles of twenty to three.  Unless the whole state west of Raleigh goes retarded  overnight, Obama is not going to win NC. Anyone who says so hasn't left the Duke campus and is full of horse-squeeze. 

Anecdotally, I drove through SE NC, SC and into Ga in March for turkey season.  There were Hillary signs everywhere, a carpet bombing of Hillary signs, a fucking nightmare, ok.  In September I drove the same route.  No Hillary signs.  No Obama signs either.  Zero, Zilch, Nada.  400 miles of NObama.  So, to parse this; The south loves Hillary, a white liberal from Illinois who made her name as a politician from Arkansas.  The south hated John Kerry, a white liberal from Mass., wouldn't even support one of their own liberals (looking at you OwlGore).  Now they apparently don't support a black liberal from Chicago promising the world on a silver platter.  I DECLARE RACISM OFFICIALLY OVER IN THE SOUTH.  They don't care who you are, it's where you're from and maybe your ideas that count.

The wife recently spoke to a woman with a green card who wished she could vote.  Within the largely Roman Catholic immigrant population, Obama is regarded as a child murderer due to his support of late term and partial birth abortion.  She said the sentiment is unanimous among everyone she knows.   That's a big block to lose, Latino Catholics.

Florida as a battleground state?  There's at least 12 military bases in Florida and I know I'm missing one or two.  The DoD has pushed voting so hard this year that we've done everything but check the box for people.  A significant number of active duty claim Florida or Texas residency for tax purposes and will vote absentee.  Our squadron has passed out over three hundred of the forms.  I've never been in any unit where that was done before.  This program for absentee voting is a DoD program, so this level of getting out the vote is supposed to be happening across all the services

Florida doesn't even open up absentee ballots unless it's close, but I guarantee you, there's going to be a metric assload of them this year.  If the margin is a hundred thousand on Tuesday night, Florida is probably going to have to open them up, and that will be a can marked whup-ass in large block letters.

One three letter word, National Rifle Association. 

Your solemn duty is near America.  I leave you with this;

Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!

You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German  Democrat war machine, the elimination of Nazi   liberal tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, America and security for ourselves in a free world. Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened. He will fight savagely. But this is the year 2008! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory! I have full confidence in your courage and devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory! Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.

SIGNED: Dwight D. Eisenhower

God Bless you and God Bless America, Napalm and Lockheed Martin.

UPDATE: I just found this Rev Manning sermon.  It's from Pat Dollard and 22 minutes long, but worth every second.  That this type of sermon is going on in any black church is unexpected...most unexpected.  If this is going on in other churches, as Rev Manning has apparently asked for and coordinated with other pastors to do, it points towards one end.  Obama - fini.

Email from Cuz

Got this from the Cuz today.  Funny and true, as far as the .mil friends go.  Have a laugh and enjoy.

FRIENDS: Tell you not to do something stupid when drunk.
MILITARY FRIENDS: Will post 360 degree security so you don't get caught.

FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr. and Mrs.
MILITARY FRIENDS: Call your parents drunk as hell and tell them about the fat chick you tried to pick up.

FRIENDS: Hope the night out drinking goes smoothly, and hope that no one is late for the ride home. MILITARY FRIENDS: Know some wild shit will happen, and set up rally points and an E & E route.

 FRIENDS: Bail you out of jail and tell you what you did was wrong.
MILITARY FRIENDS: Will be sitting next to you saying, "Damn, we fucked up. But hey, that shit was fun."

FRIENDS: Cry with you.
MILITARY FRIENDS: Will laugh at you and tell you to put some vagasil on your vagina.

FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back.
MILITARY FRIENDS: Steal each other's stuff so often nobody remembers who bought it in the first place.

FRIENDS: Are happy that someone picked up a one night stand and leave them alone.
MILITARY FRIENDS: Will low crawl naked into the room with a camera and hope for the tag team.

FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.
MILITARY FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.

FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.
MILITARY FRIENDS: Will kick the whole crowds ass that left you.

FRIENDS: Would knock on your door.
MILITARY FRIENDS: Walk right in and say, "I'm home!"

FRIENDS: Will try and talk to the bouncer when you get tossed out of the bar.
MILITARY FRIENDS: Will man up and go after the bouncer for touching you on the way out.

FRIENDS: Will wish you had enough money to go out that night, and are sorry you couldn't come.
MILITARY FRIENDS: Will share their last dollar with you, drag you along, and try to steal free drinks all night.

FRIENDS: Will take your drink away when they think you've had enough.
MILITARY FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say, "Bitch, you better drink the rest of that shit, you know we don't waste. That's alcohol abuse!"

FRIENDS: Want the money they loaned you back next week.
MILITARY FRIENDS: Can't begin to remember who owes who money after taking care of each other for so long.

FRIENDS: Will say "I can't handle Tequila anymore".
MILITARY FRIENDS: Will say, "Okay, just one more." And then two minutes later they will say, "Okay, just one more!"

FRIENDS: Will talk shit to the person who talks shit about you.
MILITARY FRIENDS: Will knock them the fuck out!

FRIENDS: Will tell you that they would take a bullet for you.
MILITARY FRIENDS: Will actually take a bullet for you.

FRIENDS: Will ignore this.
MILITARY FRIENDS: Will forward this to all their friends.

It occurs to me I haven't had or retained contact with nearly any civilian friends from my pre-mil days.  That's over 19 years ago.  One or two have emailed after the reunion, but that didn't last long.  I have a longer established relationship with Tammi and QW than I do with my High School chums.  That should be sad.  (And probably a little creepy for Tammi and QW) A big reason is because the immediate Fam relocated the same time I left for school, so there is a big disconnect there, but still, I grew up with those morons.  Time and distance I guess. BUT, I know I can call Mike out of the blue and with full confidence, show up on his doorstep, drag him to every bar in San Diego and end up in chairs on his front porch at sunrise.  His wife would likely only be mad if she wasn't invited.  He has offspring now so things may be a little tighter at Casa De Mikey, but my point remains.  It's about trust and confidence.  You civilians, you're doing it wrong.  Maybe you just face too high a cost for getting it wrong, end result is the same.  In my mind, there should not be this much of a quick-disconnect between fellow Americans. Between people raised in this country, and people who serve this country.  Barn raising days are over but that should not mean you have free license to be an asshole.  American citizens today look at each other through a lense of political correctness and defend or abandon each other based on opinions aired by people like the shit-heads on "TheView".  What a disservice.  What a disgrace.  Pardon me while I light a cigar and pee off my back porch and say "Fuck Whoopie, and everybody like her".  Whoopie and Joy Behar who together are incapable of changing spark plug, but would be more than happy to talk behind the back of a person they paid to do it.  Respect cannot be taken or demanded, it must be earned, and the first step in earning respect is giving a little to start with.

By Shawshank standards, I must be institutionalized.  I'd say we're in for interesting times but at this point I really hate that saying.     

Your Car Bling...

Cool.

The rest of your rig...

...not so much.

Seen today driving east on NC 24, dude #1 wearing driving gloves.  OK, I wanted a pair, when I was 16, and had an MG, and my hair was parted in the middle, and Blondie was still in top 40's rotation.
  Old boy was mid thirties and driving a Ford Escort, about late 80's vintage, wearing leather driving gloves with the big hole over the back of the hand. In a Ford Escort.

 In less than 3 miles came dude #2, driving an early 90's white Ford mini-van, with flames.  Not just around the semi-hood engine area, but sprouting from two more strategic locations down the side.  DUDE. MINI-VAN. FLAMES. DUDE.

 Then came the ubiquitous hunting rig that one cannot "swing a dead cat" without hitting between October and January in eastern NC.  The "Custom" camouflage paint job.  The one with a spray can base of camo green over which they hand hold leaves, pine branches and various stuff to over-spray the highlights.  Reminds me of this IowaHawk-worthy rig I spied last year in Ga.

I blame the local water table around Jacksonville, the one contaminated with 40 years of dry cleaning solvent. It's the only explanation.

You can't tell from this angle and the tree, but this truck had a makeshift crane with a boat winch.  Those aren't "rims" either as kids today know them, those are your daddy's old school five spoke Cragars.  I took half a butt-load of these picks a few years ago.  If I can get enough this year, I'd like to do a spread of modern old south.  The more time I spend down there, the more the place grows on me.  My family has hidden my Jeremiah Johnson DVD.  

  With the approaching demise of the #8LaykoLabattsBlueBenelliTrojanMagnumCondumGMC, I briefly considered renting a Dodge crew cab with a Hemi for a month, just to round out the full experiment.  Somebody slap me.   QW, I'll probably be emailing you sometime early in 09.

Surfacing..

To comment on the Palin pick for VP.

Smartest thing McCain has done yet. So smart, Rove has to be behind this.  If not Rove, Dems beware 'cause McCain has someone more devious than Rove working for him.  From the look of Cindy McCain's eyes, it might be her.

Lefty punks are quick to jump on her age, background  and "lack of experience" .  This attack fails on every level precisely because it's what she has done in a short period of time that attracted attention.  From city councils to small town mayor to state bureaucrat to State Gov. in 14 years. Over the top of entrenched incumbents with no GOP support from the spineless RINOS.  This DEFINES accomplishment.  They compare Obama's experience to Palin's.  FAIL.  Palin is #2 on the ticket Obama is #1 on his.  She's accomplished tangible results for her constituents in Alaska in the two years she's been in charge.
    - Property taxes cut by 60%
    - $1200 tax credits from oil for every Alaskan
    - Pushing congress to open ANWR 
    - She stopped corrupt Alaska Senator Steven's pork barrel project 'bridge to nowhere" saving                       American taxpayers 200 million dollars.

    - Commander in Chief of the Alaska National Guard. Some poo poo this as mostly a ceremonial position.  Who approves the budget?  Who approves the promotions?  It's probably the Gov. who has oversight of that if not signing the paperwork herself.  When nothing bad happens you're doing a great job.  Upon your first fuck-up big Army is screaming for your head.  At the rock bottom least it requires some hands on knowledge of the service, Obama and Biden - zero.

Other valuable valuable conservative cred.
    - Lifetime NRA member
    - Moose hunter
    - 5 kids at 44, last one born four months ago with Downs syndrome which she was advised to abort               and carried anyway.

  Moose is damn good.  It's also a 1500 lbs animal that will stomp your guts out.  Literally. The last thoughts through your mind are going to be "God this hurts" and "fuck this thing stinks" as you bleed out.  If she can face down and kill a moose, she's got Biden's number.

Drop a dictionary and if it falls open to a page with Joe Biden's picture on it, you're on the same page as the word BLOWHARD.  It's been two days since the announcement and not a peep out of him. (thank god, Biden speechless for once)  What we're witnessing is what a true lightweight he really has been for 35 years.  It's probably a good thing he keeps his yap shut, one dufus remark about Sarah and Mr Palin would probably run his face over with a snowmobile.  My mistake, I typed "would" when I meant "should", " can" and "will".  Biden has never been anything more that a world class bloviator and richly deserves to have his political pants pulled down around his ankles on a national stage.  I think if he tries to jump ugly with Palin, his shit will be in the street.  

If Obama and Biden can't figure out what to do about their opponents VP pick in two days, well, that's just JV.  Putin and Ammahdinijad don't give two day notices.  I don't care if I spelled the asswipes name correctly, he probably doesn't spell it the same way twice in a row himself.  Fact is, America's leader needs to have the Big Boy pants on these days, Obama and Biden don't.

This is good new for conservatives and bodes well for McCains run.

I don't know about a tingle up my leg...but I may shave my junk, I hear Fred Thompson already did.

On a sad note, the #8LaykoLabatt'sBlueBenelliTrojanMagnumCondomGMC, she has two rust through spots, right and left cab quarters, right at the corners.  Tough spots, no way to get behind them without major ass pain. Could be her last year, depends how the Buckeyes do.  The itch to go back to Ford is mounting.

     

Still here...

Just so's you know.  I got a great letter home from MG Kelley.  Lord no, not to me, but it is being passed around and is too good to keep to ourselves, we know this stuff anyway.  If your war arm could use a shot, this is it.

Letter from  MajGen Kelly USMC Al Anbar,
8 Feb 2008.

Well we've all arrived safe and sound, and have all but taken responsibility for our little piece of the Global war on Terrorism. The Economics and Governance (BG Wiley Post), Wing (BG Tex Alles), MLG (BG Bob Ruark), and GCE (BG Rich Mills) have already taken over, and I will complete the set and take the reins from my good friend MajGen Walt Gaskin tomorrow in a ceremony that will be attended by all the local gentry to include Generals Petraeus and Odnierno. There will also be sheiks from every tribe in the province, and the local civic leadership as well. If you count every soldier, sailor air men and Marine in I MEF (Forward), or Multi-National Force - Iraq (MNF-I) as we will be known tomorrow, we are 33,000 strong, 25, 000 of whom are Marines. Throw in the two Iraqi Army divisions and the police, and, well you get the point. For most this is the first deployment to Iraq, but luckily we have a pretty good percentage that are second and even third time offenders to show the new folks how to settle in, find a rack and the mess hall, and deal with the desert. Nothing illustrates this better-the vets helping the "boots"-than last night when we had a series of resounding "booms" in the camp. The new guys sat bolt upright with eyes wide indicating their concern until the "old timers"-most in their late teens or early 20 of course-confidently settled the issue by declaring "out going," and everything went back to normal. The very good news is we will seldom hear booms of any kind as the province is a vastly different place than it was even a year ago. Dangerous still, but nothing like it was when any of us were here last. By the way the food is great, plenty of hot water, even for the grunts when can convince them to come in from patrol and ambush duties, and the temperatures are wonderfully cold, something we will all look back on nostalgically in May. On a personal note I am privileged to be here, even if it is for the third lengthy tour, and I say this for a number of different reasons not the least of which is the opportunity to again serve with young Americans-the best of their generation-in combat. A second reason is there is no greater honor for any man or woman than to protect one's country in time of grave danger, while wearing the nation's cloth. Finally, I do not think there can be anything more gratifying on this earth for an American than to participate in the freeing of a people from the grip of a tyrant, then helping that same people realize the benefits of democracy. To actually exercise the God-given rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I have been away for three years. What I have found in the week I have been back can only be described as shocking. When I was here last dozens of IEDs detonated everyday in Al Anbar. Fire fights were as common as IEDs and mortar and rocket attacks a nightly routine. The emirs of al Qaeda and other equally murderous groups predicted our imminent defeat as they pursued a sick form of extremism no rational man or woman here, or anyplace else, could fathom. Many in our own country for any number of reasons began to lose faith-but the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who fought our enemy to a standstill never doubted or wavered in their determination to win. Several days ago I walked through the market section of Fallujah. It was bustling with Iraqis of all ages buying and selling products of every description. Adults waved, pressed forward to shake hands, and many like good businessmen everywhere tried to make a sale. Kids swarmed around the Marines trying out the few English words they have learned in schools that are all now open. Parents no longer fear to send their boys and girls to learn, a practice that under the extremists was often a death sentence. When I last visited that city it was the most dangerous place on earth. It was a gunfight going in, and a gunfight coming out everyday. The majority of the city's population lived in stark terror from the most evil men on the planet. It was the same then in Ramadi, Haditha, and all the way along the Euphrates River Valley to the Syrian border-but no longer. Like Fallujah the schools are open, markets thrive, and post-war recovery gains momentum across al Anbar. This war is not won, but is being won and today primarily by the Iraqis themselves. Al Qaeda is not defeated, but it is on the ropes. Its membership knows that if they are foolish enough to come out of the holes they hide in, they will not only meet tough young Americans standing firm and unafraid, but also Iraqi police and soldiers in vastly increased numbers and effectiveness. Iraq is still a dangerous place, but nothing like it was only a short time ago. We should see this thing through because it's the right thing to do, the American thing to do, and we have the new "Greatest Generation" in just enough numbers willing to give up the comfort of their homes and defend us all while spreading freedom to a people who have never know it. In closing, one of the things that strike me most at times of turnover like we are executing right now with II MEF (Forward) is the power of the Marine Corps. With one boot camp experience for every enlisted Marine regardless of gender or MOS making them all riflemen first, and one officer training experience at TBS making every second lieutenant an infantry platoon leader, again, first and regardless of eventual MOS, we are one huge family. The Iraqis say tribe, and that is how they view us. It doesn't matter what MEF or duty assignment we come from, we all speak the same language, hold the same views about service to country, and have the finest and most dedicated NCOs, SNCOs, and officers in the United States Armed Forces. We have families that support this craziness year after year, a sacrifice few Americans outside the Corps can even imagine. We also have a secret weapon upon which all else rests. Our weapon, the secret of who your loved ones are, is a spirit and an esprit that arms Marines of all ages with a willingness-no an enthusiasm-to go out into the dark and dangerous night and drive convoys to distant locations, fly aircraft through hostile skies, or patrol the streets bravely hunting the nation's enemies. We never worry about our backs, because other Marines and our precious Navy Docs are covering. We don't worry if we will be left behind and forgotten, because we all know Marines don't do that. It doesn't matter what foolishness we might hear in the newspapers or on TV about those who doubt the mission, we don't. So please stay together, stay engaged, and do not worry as we will watch out for each other here in Iraq, as you should support each other home in the States. Also, do not forget the legions of retired and former Marines who want to help in the worst way. We who serve today stand on their shoulders, and they will do anything for you. We thank you all for what you do, for your patience, and for your love.

Semper Fi
Kelly

Will be in Memphis this weekend hogging flight time.  If you see some idiot down by the river in a Benelli hat and a lip full of Copenhagen, the secret password will get you a beer on me.
Laters

 

AccurateReloading-dot-fuckyouAmericans

It was a great reloading info website. But they should have known not to throw down red meat in the political thread in front of a Marine who will beat up 5-year olds.  I let them have it yesterday and this is what I got:

The Accurate Reloading Forums Membership Information

Dear Nikoms, The site administrators have removed your access rights: Foul language

powered by eve community

Foul language.  heh. They have no idea.

UPDATE:  for posterity and legal reasons, here is the post that set me off, and my response cap'd 04-15-2008:

Shameful policy for a the biggest terrorist in the world to sit in his White House, guarded by hundreds of special agents - even from his own people. Notice how towns are cleared of everyone except card carrying party members!

Remember Stalin?

Shameful policy to bomb schools, homes, weddings, markets.

Bin Laden cannot hold a candle to Chimpy!

And here is my response that got me suspended.:
SAEED,
Pres Bush did not kill those Americans. They willingly gave their lives in an attempt to provide the same freedoms we have here, because that is what we believe in. As we did during WWI, WWII, Korea, and when we were INVITED to, during Vietnam.
You may not like W's brand of politics, we weren't too keen on coming to your desert either. Were the likes of Gen Patton still around, we would not have the luxury of this discourse as your entire region would be under a layer of smoking smooth nuclear glass. Thank your russian pals for that.
3000 American civilians were murdered on Sept 11, 2001, by followers of Muhammed who sited verses of the Koran as justification. A religion of a BILLION people worldwide, with a pro-claimed minority of extremists, and ZERO who will decry the be-headings, ZERO who will speak against female genital mutilation, ZERO who will speak against second class citizenship for non-muslims, ZERO who see genocide in the Darfur of SA as a problem, ZERO who will decry seventh century barbarism.

So, say what you mean. Who are you with SAEED? When you talk to me, you do not have the option of TAQIYYA, I am a US Marine and what you tell me must be the truth. PERIOD.FUCKING.DOT.

I would hold my hand out to you as a brother, as I have already done to IRAQI's and Afghani's many times. If I cannot, If you cannot tell to me that you will not let fellow Muslims murder my children for being Christians, if you would not stand in front of murderers who would rape my wife and kill my kids, that you would not allow this to happen, that breaks my heart after all I've done.


BBBruce, nice reference to the LANCET article that has been totally discredited. DOUCHEBAG. How does it feel to be a weak-tit from a former first wold country that no longer has the balls to stand up for itself? Sucks to be you. Send me and angry email cunt-face. Just don't show up in my back-yard at night. dickweed, and you are. a. true. dickweed.

So, that is is the answer you get from Muslims who say they are our friends to the extent they share hobby websites.  No remark whatsoever regarding honor killings, be-headings, 9-11.  I typed FUCK and CUNT FACE and got banned. 

  Does that not speak volumes?  I think I'm finished with A-R.   Best we part company. 

Transitional

Sportsfans, posting at STH has reached suckage of epic proportions.  No, I am not going to quit, but I perceive an obligation to write about why and what's up. 
    I retire this next April after 20 years of active duty in the Navy and Marine Corps.  It's been nothing less than a wild ride and I can honestly say I've done everything I came here to do.  Maybe not where when and how I envisioned it, but it got done just the same, with none of my guys killed and all the aircraft back in the hangar.  Imagine an "Ice Road Trucker" version of Top Gun, without the sex, and in real shitholes like Korea and Pakistan.
    Now it is time to switch gears and concentrate on support of family, college for the youngins, building a garage and most importantly, getting a job that will support all we want to do.  That means finding a flying job, 'cause, aside from blowing things up, that's all I've done my entire adult life.  That is not without it's challenges these days with $100.00/barrel oil and 4 airlines going bankrupt recently, but I don't need to tell you people that. 
     I do need to concentrate on resumes, ATP's, medical certificates, myriad other miscellaneous qualifications and the ridiculous pile of admin. bullshit required to officially end a military career.   At some point I should get hired over the next 8 or 10 months and some of the pressure will be off.  At that point I envision taking full rights as a free American citizen to bash slander and foil the living shit out of liberal politicians, but that will have to wait for now as I am still obliged to pay attention to the UCMJ.  Pesky document.
   Anyway, that is the inalterable state of the union here in Casa Smokin for the foreseeable future.  Thanks for coming around and I hope to see you back when things stabilize.  'Till then, go wish Mike well as he is headed back to the shithole and rates your prayers and well wishes.   They all do, but as a frequent flier with plenty of bonus miles and a new baby, guys like Mike do us all proud.

Semper Fidelis

Smokin Joe Actual 

    

CPL Prather

  A Slow two weeks...
   For everyone else. First, Grandpa Fred passed two sundays ago.  He'd had a stroke that Monday and was in the hospital.  The Mrs and the kids went up just right before Valentines day, in case the worst was to happen, and it did. I made the drive to IN myself with the dogs for the services and to help out.
  Fred was born in a place he called Toad Hop IN. in 1919.  I don't know if that is or was ever a real town in IN, it could just be a state of mind there as that mentality still exists. Not much was ever said about life before WWII, 'cept they were all dirt poor and glad to have what little they did.  Shoes weren't mentioned.  Memorable events started with the war for them.  
   North Africa, Sicily, England, Omaha Red, Belgium, Germany.  He was like the Forrest Gump of WWII.  He had the kids memorize 9ID's major campaigns.  He spoke only of generalities at first, as I got to know him better later, some details came out.  What struck me is that those guys were gone at war for nearly four years straight.  There was no CONUS R&R trip at the half-way point.  No leave.  Fred left for WWII in '42 and did not return to the US until 5 months after VE day in '45, it was almost '46.  
   He recalled tales of combat under Gen. Patton, Gen Bradley, and his Company Commander Captain Westmoreland, yes, that Westmoreland, whom he later refered to fondly as"Westy", for promoting him back to Corporal after being busted to PVT at the Battalion CP for insubordination.  
  Never complained about the shrapnel in his leg or his ass, though he limped always.    
  He told me of at least three occasions when the regiment wanted to promote him to sergeant but he'd either turned it down or done something deliberate to get busted back down.  Sergeants got killed every day he said.  
  He quit drinking in his later years but would happily sit in lawn chairs with me under the shade of a big oak and share half a beer and tell lies and laugh and tease his great grandkids under an Indiana summer sky. That's how I'll remember him.  
  Eight Stars to Victory Cpl Prather.