President Obama is preparing to give a speech to the nation about his plans to send more troops into Afghanistan. No doubt, many of us will be watching.
Those who will not will be the ones who disagree with him altogether. Nothing he says, and nothing the milbloggers (from BabaTim to BlackFive) have been continuously saying will sway them from their isolationist opinion.
Certainly, I realize that a commitment will mean more deployments for my husband. But I always knew this is how we'd be spending the next decade or two of our lives. Helping those with medical needs be it soldiers or locals was always a given of a lifetime's work. Personally, I think building hospitals in the towns (not on the FOB's), and providing clinical services is a great way to make inroads with the local populations. Providing medical training --be it nurses or for doctors to care for their injured or sick is the right thing to do.
Regrettably, there is risk involved and we all have to prepare ourselves for more wounded and casualties in the months to come. This reality rests heavy on all of us. There's not much more I can say than that.
"We have spent all of their lives living and tooling around the west and southwest. They know plant life and rock formations. They have hiked. They think the empty landscapes, the harsh brown rocks are beautiful. They are independent, oftentimes ornery, and you can't tell them what to do. They have good hearts, and will help the weakest. They are children of the west."
To all our supporters: So many people have accessed the wellspring of their hearts to send good wishes, prayers and packages to the men and women of the 759th Forward Surgical Team. Together, they've worked with heart to save the lives of troops, and also the local citizens. From soldiers wounded in battle, to children critically burned, the world is blessed to have the professionals of the FST.
On a personal note: Yes, this is a very weird way of jumping into middle age. But anyone who has known either The Hubs or Myself, accepts that we've always shoved convention into the scrap heap. When a lot of others are buying time shares or fancy cars, we've shucked it all for combat boots and used cars.
Being that this was not only our first deployment, but our first year in the US Army, I quickly ascertained what an important role their families play. It's no secret --they serve too. I have found wisdom, humor, determination and welcome from you. You are an exceptional group.
And so with gratitude, I'd like to thank the spouses of the men and women who have served with The Hubs. Without your support, their deployments would have seemed interminably long, and probably a lot scarier too. I know that I'll probably never get to meet you all, but know that the connection I have with you is forever.
I want to say some words of encouragement to all of the kids whose parents serve around the world from all countries. Without your help around the house, without your doing the homework, your parent's deployment would have crawled. So I'm glad you also served by doing your best. Not your Mom's or Dad's, or teacher's best, but yours.
So it's with some pleasure that I pass on this news: Don't send anymore packages to The Hubs. He's winding down. Date? No, we don't have one, but he wants to be sure things don't arrive when he's not there, then get sent back to you. But being that we have a good thing going with the 759th FST, let me know if you want to send a special Christmas package. I'll find a name for you to send the stuff to.
But finished? Here? Never. Honey, I'm just beginning. Stories? Oh yes, the Kitchen Dispatch has a lot of stories to tell. We're going to have fun. And I'd be delighted if you came with. Very Best, Kanani Head Hash Slinger, The Kitchen Dispatch
When anyone calls this war "George's War," it puts distance between themselves and the troops. War, the troops --they're an abstraction to them. It's merely a political matter, coffee house chatter, something to talk about with their like-minded friends.
Needless to say, they don't have a spiritual connection with the men and women who give it their best under growing indifference. Without a spiritual connection to anything, things like war become a matter of numbers. It becomes an entirely cerebral exercise. But frankly, the longer they call it "George's War," the longer this thing is going to drag on without a decision from the Commander in Chief.
Their attitude is troubling. My focus is what can I do for the troops to help them live happy lives 10, 20, 30 years from now? However, the person who brushes it under the carpet will not think twice when mental health programs and health benefits are cut. They won't even blink when VA hospitals are closed next year or the year after. If troops are an abstraction to them now, then veterans will remain off their radar, and will only glimmer briefly when someone makes a movie. But care? Well, without that connection there will be no caring. Hence, there will be no action taken on their behalf.
C'mon, get some cajones! This is our war, and no one else's. The politicians seem to be half passionate about everything --except for photo ops and getting re-elected. They're walking around with semi-erections. If you want to change anything, you must claim it as yours. Only then will there be change.
One day, we're gonna organize this for the troops. If I have to fly out to Tankerbabe to do it, the two of us will do this. Because Tankerbabe and I are all about fun. And that's middle aged broad fun. I may get Mrs. Greyhawk to join us too. Now, she's a fun gal too. We'll need a videographer --we pay in pies.
Balance: Lead with the heart, your instincts are usually right. The rest ...the cerebral can only be attained once the heart knows what's what.
"....it gets dark again as one is going south on the Interstate 10 South, and the only reason part of it hasn't been clobbered by the building of beige stucco homes is that it's the Gila River Indian Community." Read more at: Tuesday In The Sonoran Desert
"Time-on-Target," Lithograph, by Eric Schmidt Available through Schmidt Lithograph
Eric Schmidt has a dream. The former rifle team leader with the 82nd Airbone wants to teach art. In Afghanistan. Now a fine artist specializing in printmaking, Schmidt figures that teaching the art of lithography to a public starved of art would pretty much fulfill a dream of giving back. "What I hear from those on the ground in south and central Asia, and those here in the US is that education is the number one priority in the region. Contrary to popular belief, learning how to draw or paint is not just a way to kill hours in a day. It's very important. It has taught me how to view the world. To question what I see at first glance."
"The Muj" by Eric Schmidt He started off working in the facilities department at the California College of The Arts in Oakland, California. While he was there, he worked in their print shop. Ever curious, Schmidt asked the instructors about their equipment. There were stones --what were they for? He'd never seen anything like it. So they gave him a stone to draw him and immediately, Schmidt was hooked. His start on the path as an artist had probably taken place years prior, but it took the efforts of one instructor to give him the materials and he was on his way.
He sees art as means of expression for a population repressed for generations. One perhaps grappling for direction. But Schmidt wants to take it a bit further. "The most important thing is to make top-tier art instruction available to the poorest of the poor --not just the rich kids like they do it in this country." A self described "working stiff" who makes his living by swinging a hammer, he pursues his art at night and on weekends. Schmidt has a lot of knowledge to share beyond just the technical end of lithography. His artistic inspirations include his twin brother Rich, also a former paratrooper. He counts Andrew and Jaime Wyeth, Winslow Homer, Howard Pyle, and Frank Frazetta as central to his development as an artist.
"La Soledada de la Misfortuna" by Eric Schmidt
Schmidt figures he'd need to find an artist in Afghanistan, someone with ties to the region and understands the significance of art. "A small building to set up shop. Supplies: for drawing I'd need a pallet of Prismacolor pencils, and ten pallets of drawing paper. Lithography is a different beast, but not so complicated. A source of water. I have a press I can bring with, set up and leave. Ink is inexpensive, but we'd still need the paper. There are a few chemicals involved, but nothing you can't get from a printmaking supplier. And last, but certainly not least, a willing group of students."
Having served in the Honduras, much of his work follows a military theme. "I served, and I've still got friends and family in the military," he says. Though he hasn't been involved in a full scale war like the ones today, Schmidt says, "The war is on my radar. I enjoy drawing landscapes and flowers and all that, but...oh well!"
Eric Schmidt has shown at galleries in the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as one show in New York. His work may be viewed at Schmidt Lithograph. To contact him to buy prints or assist with his effort, there's a link to email him there. (Eric Schmidt served with A Company, 3/505 PIR at Fort Bragg 1985-1989. 129th Rescue Wing, Moffet Federal Airfield.)
If you want to give ONE gift to a person, group, or institution that would mean a lot... look no further! This isn't Eric, but this is what goes into making a lithograph:
Today, I went over to a yoga class taught by my loud friend Sandy. Sandy is the antithesis of the stereotypical yogi. Loud, crass, funny, pounding music of Gwen Stefani or veers off to Randy Travis. She'll even pick on you, and I swear --anyone whose name she doesn't remember is called "Clarice." Anyway, she always has a few gems to share, like the "failure to launch of her 26 year old," or buying cars on eBay. Sandy likes to say a few pearls of wisdom while your ass is in the air. Today was no exception. Usually, they're things you know but for some reason while you're head is hanging, and your arms are splayed in front of you, these nostrums take hold.
She let us know that you can't be an expert at anything if you're not focused. That generalization, and perhaps doing way too much is anathema to being able to specialize. Now, how this related to what we were doing is that some people could stretch further than others, and to pay attention to the subtle positioning of our hands, feet, hips, and our bony asses. Related to the pose we were in, I'd say she was using it as a metaphor to say, "Don't blow gas."
I know, it doesn't seem like much but I think she's right. If I look at all this social networking --I think it's taken the lifeline out of my serious writing. I know more than one writer who struggles with this. But in the long term, I think social networking is for the birds. The twittering, facebooking, blogging --it's great if that's the extent of your writing, but death if your first love is journalism, writing in-depth stories, novels, short stories or poetry.
And so this is just to say that facebook, twitter ---I'm greatly reducing it. Expunging it. The blogs .....yup, they stay. I like writing them. But unlike others, I'm not holding myself to a schedule. When I have something worthwhile to write about in a clear, articulate manner that opens up a bit of the world, I will. If not.... it can wait. I like what my friend BabaTim does on Free Range International. He waits until he's got something good to say, which if I think about is like all the farmers and ranchers of my youth. It's fine by me.
I think we've come to a point in society, where one has to make a conscious decision to not be in touch. And this has become the exception, not the rule. We are so connected in many ways, that we've lost patience for reading long forms, and dare I say .... conversation.
So that's the first decision I've made on Sunday. The other is having Cheetos. They are the food of the Gods, you know.
The Wishing Board (as well as the wall) is at the Speer Clinic. Signed by a host of past Forward Surgical Team members and Special Forces medics, it dates back to early 2002. There are small notes of thanks and good wishes to the incoming clinic staff.
Departing staff members are invited to sign it at the end of their deployment. But as you can see, the board is out of room, and comments have moved to the wall.
I hope that someday --when all is said and done, and peace is brought to the region, that this can be preserved as a reminder of all those who have worked so hard and so selflessly.
Harlequin Romance's former pinup boy Fabio. Not the Marine! Though maybe the Marine is thinking of applying for a job as a cover model? What say you America's 1st Sgt? This might be more fun than war & paperwork!
A certain strapping Marine --with a love for Kona coffee, sent me an article by John Scalzi. On his blog, "Whatever," Mr. Scalzi comments on the recent decision by Harlequin books to start its own vanity press, Harlequin Horizons.
Harlequin is the largest publisher of romance novels. This new arm --the vanity press, is one that was inevitable. If they can get people to pay them for publishing (as opposed to the traditional method, where they pay you), obviously, they're going to try it. After all, it's no secret that for many years, people will pay to get published --even if they don't sell anything. With Assisted Self Publishing, Harlequin Horizons agrees to help the author with designers, editors and publicists. However, the big question that remains to be seen is the problem of distribution. Without a well thought-out distribution plan with a lot of support and brokering, the writer faces a lonely uphill struggle.
As I've shared earlier, each year at the LA Times Festival of Books, the number of self published authors who rent booths to sell their books is plentiful and growing. However, what isn't certain is how many books they sell. I think there are a lot of factors in this, but frankly, publishing a book without a strategic distribution plan could mean that you're doing most of the schilling yourself. I'm sure some of those authors aren't even making enough to cover the costs of their expenses for the event.
Now, this isn't to say that all authors to opt to self publish are bad ones, and that there aren't some books that lend themselves naturally to being published by the writer. Julie Carter, author of Cowgirl Sass & Savvy, and Cowboys, You Gotta Love 'Em, has marketed her books intelligently. She knew what she was doing, plus she already had a following. Julie is an engaging and capable writer and is also a reporter for the Ruidoso News (N.M). A few years ago, Chester Aaron, who then at the age of 80 had gone the traditional route and then went with self publishing raved about it! Chester has published everything from a memoir, several good books on garlic (he farms), as well as juvenile fiction.
In addition, small volumes of poetry (chapbooks), short stories, and memoirs are also often self published. Almost anything that doesn't have the likelihood of selling 25k copies in order to make back money for the publisher is a candidate for self publishing. It doesn't mean that the books are bad --it might just not be what an agent or publisher is looking for, nor can either party forsee a profit (this is where you get into the business end of writing). Like anything, the quality varies but truthfully, you're apt to find the same unevenness in the mainstream publishers as well. I'm sorry to say, that even "big name" authors have their share of awkward sentences and structural problems. (Especially one handsomely paid female author who overuses the word "that" to such an excess, one wonders whether or not she has a tic).
There are two things that this means for the readers of my blog. First, it means you have to be as shrewd as the publisher if you're not going to try to get an agent to accept your manuscript. It's a fairly tall order. You'll have to take the initiative with the editors, publicists and designers, milking them for every ounce of knowledge they have --even when they feel they're "done" with you.
Second, just because you're opting to be an "instantly published author," does not mean that you can rest back and be a semi-okay writer. Nope, you're going to have to learn the craft very well in order to get anyone to pay attention. You'll have to learn good descriptive writing, how to flesh out your characters, to identify and avoid clichés, and most of all how to shorten your prose so that it's crisp and it flows. I think it'll be even more crucial because there'll be fewer people that have a vested interest in you. You're paying them to publish, as opposed to a team who is invested in you and has to make a return. So really, while you might go this way --and indeed, it might be the way publishing is going with the advent of Kindle and everything else, the stakes have never been higher to learn the craft well.
John Scalzi's post drew 187 comments --mostly people who abhore this kind of thing. But vanity presses have been on the rise, and will continue to do so as publishing evolves. So it's best I just advise people since I know, it's one option out there. Everything in writing has changed, and continues to do so. A year ago, we couldn't imagine Facebook or Twitter. And yet, we're doing that too.
First, watch this trailer for a documentary called Enlighten Up. This guy could be you. It's probably every person who has ever and never stepped into a yoga studio. Including me.
This weekend I attended a pranayama breathing course. You have to understand, I'm a natural skeptic. When someone asks if I want to go to something I know absolutely nothing about, of course I'm going to say yes.
While this puts me into a lot of unexpected situations --getting lost in Jaipur due to a broken down putt-putt for instance, exploration is the creative person's way of life. People think of artists and writers as rebels. We're not. Mainly we're clueless and curious, which can be a disastrous combo! But we're drawn to the unknown to either confirm what we already think, or to be surprised. Of course, we write our way through our trials and tribulations. Often what's written down first is from the top of our heads. We reorganize it later to straighten things out and find meaning. So I understand why some people are skeptical about this whole yoga thing, and I'm beginning to see that someone who isn't runs the risk of running through the motions without any depth. But skepticism indeed! After all, why should anyone believe that twisting and contorting will help you with feel better, let go, and any number of nostrums that are repeated way too many times?
But amazingly, it does. And if I could boil it down to one thing it's this: what you can or cannot do is in your mind. When someone guides you into a position that can only be described as a flying-squirrel-splayed-on-the-tarmac, and you think you'll never be able to do it ---but then you find that you can, well, let's just say you become less skeptical of yourself.
In a way, our skepticism is a reflection of not understanding what we can do. The first time you do a-dolphin-diving-down-to-hell position or a can-can-dancer-with-one-foot-in-the-air, well, pretty soon you realize you can do more than you think. In every regard.
And then I go back to the phenomenon that happened this weekend ...me, sitting still, on the floor with my legs crossed for 3 hours, with only a few breaks.
No doubt, yoga something to do with it. I'll talk about the pranayama breathing course later on. I'm still trying to figure out what it all meant.
"The most important thing is to get the word out that help is available for troops and their families (though not yet in as many locations as I'd like)" -Dr. Judith Broder, in an email to The Kitchen Dispatch What separates a good person from a great person is the willingness not just to feel something, but to do something for the betterment of others. What great people have is passion and tenacity.
In her later years, Judith Broder M.D. a psychiatrist, could have sat back and watched reality TV or joined the gardening club. But no way! Her commitment to helping humanity is a lifelong passion. And so it was after learning about PTSD and its effects on soldiers that Dr. Broder decided to start The Soldier's Project.
The Soldier's Project provides free, unlimited therapy to men and women of the armed forces who suffer from PTSD and stress-related illnesses. TSP also helps the families and friends who support them by providing them with counseling, guidance and education. Since starting The Soldier's Project in West Los Angeles, it has been replicated in other cities across the nation.
Dr. Broder is one of ten recipients of the 2009 The Purpose Prize. With their primary careers over, each has developed an "encore career" positively impacting society. She and the other winners of this prize lay waste to the notion that retirement means doing nothing.Watch videos of all of the 2009 winners.
This is a wonderful project --especially for those either unable or reluctant to go to services offered through the military, VA or the DOD. It's great to see The Soldier's Project get recognition. We all know the need is great, and thanks to the efforts of Dr. Broder and her team, families and those who served have a great ally on their side.
Update! The winner of the giveaway of Dean's latest book is Sew Dragons Design! Facebook or email me, and I'll have this out to you right away!
Little known fact: Dean Koontz is great. However, some famous writers --and some quasi famous ones are absolute jerks. I remember listening to the newest wunderkind writer at the LA Times Festival of Books. He was such a blowhard, one wished for the days of vaudeville so we could pelt him with tomatoes and eggs. He deserved that much. I give you a list of bloated, fart seeking egos who've held sway over audiences, but there's no point.
Now, as much as Dean Koontz could be, he isn't. Dean is a thoughtful, precise guy, and generous with his advice about writing. Not only is he a prolific writer of novels and books, he's also a great writer of letters. Being that I was raised writing letters, obviously I am thrilled whenever I can pull out my best note cards and throw my penmenship into high gear. I did this two years ago, asking him for an interview when all I wrote about was writing, book reviews and author interviews.
And he wrote back! But sadly, his dog Trixie had just passed away, and he wasn't up for interviews. Trixie is the dog featured in his latest book, "a big little life, A Memoir of a Joyful Dog."
So I followed his request to write back at another time. Well, things got busy and soon 2 years had passed by, but I still had his original note. So I wrote him last month, telling him that I now had a military blog. Would he answer a few questions? I didn't think I'd hear back, but Koontz comes from an era where a reply wasn't only a form of communication, it was good manners, too.
Fortunately, he's been asked every single question several times over. Along with yet another beautiful hand written note, he sent over a list. I've agreed to feature the questions and the answer in full. Mind you, I had other questions in mind that were more literary in nature, but these are far more fun.
Having interviewed more than a few writers, what I like about Dean is that he's not so full of himself that he can't just have fun. Others tend to stay on the track of what writing means to them, or just pitch their books --mainly because that's all most writers and readers want to know about! But Dean has written such a broad array of books, that he offers much more.
What is the meaning of life? We are here to eat as many corn chips and as much salsa as we are able. When we have had enough it is our time to go.
How many angels can dance on the head of a pin? This is far more difficult questions than it seems. The answer depends on what dance they're doing. If it's a waltz, then only 6 angels can comfortably dance on a head of a pin. If it's a conga, between 22 and 28 angels will fit, depending on how tight they keep the conga line. If they're using the head of the pin as mosh pit, then 89 angles could comfortably slam dace on it.
Have you ever been abducted by aliens? Yes, but it wasn't a traumatic expericne. They took me to dinner in a fine French restaurant, to a Barbara Streisand concert where we had wonderful seats, and then home. They behaved like perfect gentlemen.
Do you think highways in Heaven have speed limits? No. In Heaven, when a traffic cop catches you doing Mach 6 (my personal favorite speed) in your Corvette, he stops you only to admire the way you handle the vehicle --and to reward you with an invitation to bowling and burgers with God.
Dean has a new dog. Her name is Anna Koontz, and last seen, she was attacking and killing a deadly sociopathic green plush toy-bunny. I know she brings him a lot of joy. May Dean and his loved ones enjoy good health and fun as they catch toy soldiers doing formations on the kitchen table in the middle of the night.
Win this:A hard cover edition of "A Big Little Life." Answer this question in the comments below: "How many soldiers can cram into a Humvee to go across the FOB when there's ice cream at the DFAC?*"
Only those commenters answering the question will be entered into the giveaway. Comments are open until Monday morning, around 11 a.m. PST or whenever I get back from yoga.The winner will be chosen at random by Random.org.
And remember to buy books here. Keep me in chips and salsa!
Paths cross for many reasons. Early into The Hubs' deployment, I sent him a yoga DVD by Rodney Yee. My instincts were correct. Here's a note from The Hubs, detailing a harrowing MASCAL* event at the Forward Surgical Team Unit in Afghanistan.
"There was this big ugly ambush last week. We took all the casualties over about 4 hours and it was unbelievable. MEDEVAC is supposed to distribute casualties to the different FSTs, except the locals were just driving them up to the gate and dropping them off. But we all did our jobs and got through it. We just happened to have the deputy commander for Task Force Med (that is most of Afghanistan, I think) visiting and we had him finding blankets, bringing in supplies and cleaning up. He said he never saw anything like it and afterward sent us a very nice letter. The whole area is "jacked-up" as we say in the Army and we have been taking some incoming rockets from the mountains.
I have been using the yoga DVDs. They move pretty fast, so I have to stop-action all the time. We are going to do one or two every evening. Special Forces comes over and borrows it too. They say it is "relaxing".
So as it turns out, the entire team was using them, and enjoying this additional work out in the evenings. It was with this in mind that I answered a question posed on Facebook by The Gaiam Yoga Club. They asked this question: "What has been your favorite Rodney Yee yoga experience?"
I dashed off a bit about sending the DVD to The Hubs and the FST. But I forgot all about it because later that day, the horrific events at Fort Hood transpired. Needless to say, there were other things on my mind.
However, on Friday morning, Gaiam Yoga Club's Nicole Delarosa wrote to tell me I'd won a giveaway of Rodney Yee and Colleen Saidman Yee's newest DVD The Practical Power of Yoga, Simple Ways to Transform Your Life. Being that The Hubs only has the two I've sent, I asked this new one be sent to The Hubs. She agreed.
I was very happy that he'd be getting a new DVD!
So imagine my surprise to learn that Gaiam went several steps further. On Monday, Nicole wrote me again, informing me that over the weekend, The Gaiam Yoga Club put together a shipment of with mats, straps and many DVD's to send to the FST!
Since The Hubs doesn't have reliable internet, I haven't been able to tell him about it. I can only imagine their surprise when they open the shipment. I'm sure the team will love every DVD and knowing they've been thought about. And the secret squirrels will no longer have to borrow one since there will probably be enough to go around!
By the way, Nicole mentioned Rodney Yee has spoken about visiting the troops. Anyone know how to make this happen?
UPDATE: Without knowing this was happening, The Hubs was setting up a small yoga area in the new FST for the team. As you can see, it's small and humble. Plywood walls and floor. He sent this to me this morning, and has since learned of Gaiam's donation. The team is excited and grateful.
Here's an intro to the Gaiam Yoga Club. It's a 12 week self paced online course that enables someone to download practices, as well as interactive forums. It's $5 a week, which is far less then going to a studio. Check it out and consider it. And a big thank you for giving to the troops.
Along with others throughout the nation, last night we lit 21 candles. 13 for those slain at Fort Hood, and 8 for all the years we've been at war and for those who served. It was a simple and quiet tribute. And quite beautiful, too. For us, it was the start of Veterans Day.
Because Of These Men's Courage
Because of these men's courage, no smoke rose skyward from Tegea's burning. They chose to leave their children the broad land's township green with freedom, while in the front line they went down. -Simonides (556-468 B.C.)
Discrimination, stupidity, bigotry. I've been at the receiving end of all three, but taking the path of a killer wasn't an option.
Japanese Americans faced all three, plus lost their livelihoods, homes, and dignity during World War II. And yet, a large number of young men --some of whom had had their college dreams torn away from them due to the forced internment, decided to fight for the same country that had violated their basic rights. Their families lost everything. Homes, businesses, but most of all they had people trying to strip away their dignity. They were forced to live in stables, make-shift plywood shanties in the high desert where the wind whipped between the cracks, and other places unfit to live. They remained patriots even though they all had seen the real effects of discrimination. It was this: be bitter and die, or go for broke and prove yourself to everyone the stuff you are made of.
The 442nd Battallion became much decorated war heroes, the most decorated unit in all of history. In the 1950's many went on to become the most successful professionals in a single generation. Asian Americans who served in Korea and Vietnam heard numerous slurs as well. Undeterred, they served with distinction and also became successful in business and in their professions. In addition, many Americans of Middle Eastern descent have served in the armed forces in the current wars. They also have heard the insolent ignorant utterances of a few --but didn't take the path of the killer Hassan at Fort Hood. They've served, doing good for the country they love.
Every person I know has faced discrimination of some kind for one reason or another. Often, it's been the most pernicious --officially sanctioned by a system of antiquated rules. Many have been without resources to fight it. Japanese Americans were classified by the government as enemies.
The tragedy this past week wasn't a case of a person whose life or livelihood was ruined by systematic discrimination. Rather, Hassan was someone who made a conscious decision to play for the other team. The real question is why he was retained after a series of poor reviews during his internship. The Army should have called it a wash, stopped their losses and like any other medical internship and residency in the United States, let him go right then.
For the media --who keeps harping on discrimination, you besmirch generations of those who came before him, rose above it and served with honor and distinction. You tarnish the reputations of others who have worked hard to guard against it. There are times when my bullshit meter goes off, and this is one of them.
4,000 Bronze Stars (plus 1,200 Oak Leaf Clusters for a second award; one Bronze Star was upgraded to a Medal of Honor in June 2000. One Bronze Star was upgraded to a Silver Star in September 2009.)
Since the beginning of October, The Hubs and the FST have been trying to move into a different building. Progress was hindered by several things. Lack of a sink, an electrical generator blow up, and no Satellite for either TV or internet. This caused a delay, which resulted in a pissing contest with the arrival of another unit who had expected to move into the old buildings Finally, after getting things somewhat squared away, they are in.
"We are completely moved. It is big and,roomy, but we have swarms of flies due to the presence of goats and cows. We are going to get double outside screen doors and miles of flypaper. Also, we are engulfed in clouds of Afghan moon dust every few minutes when the winds or swirls of planes pass by.
We still have only the most rudimentary and occasional internet. Our new satellite dish has been missing for the past few weeks. It can't seem to make the trip out here on its own. We have twice sent envoys to find and ship it. Our last task force actually dragged it out of some warehouse and arranged shipment but it was taken off the helicopter at the last minute because it was 'not the right shape for the kind of helicopter' they had and it got left at the hanger. Now we have made a special appointment for it today, but don't expect too much."
On Tuesday, November 10, please light 13 candles for the soldiers who were murdered at Fort Hood, plus another 8 to honor all those who have served. The 21 candles will light the walkway to our house. If you would like to participate by doing the same, please post the photo on your blog or Facebook for Veteran's Day.
Please Pass This Along (Several tea lights may be placed in a pie tin or baking dish or even floated on water).
Update! The winner of this weeks' giveaway will receive this book edited by Colleen Sell! Congratulations Tankerbabe!!
Journaling is slightly different from blogging in that you're writing it for yourself and no one else. In this way, writing can be a meditative experience in which to put things down, make sense of what has happened or its effects, and if one wants --to close the cover and move on.
It differs from blogging in that there is no feedback. In many ways this is good. Sometimes the only way to do this is to wrestle it down on the page (or screen) without judgment. Write, breathe, move on.
Diaries, as we know have ranged from a simple accounting of the weather and location, to an expression of our deeper desires.
In Watt Matthews of Lambshead, photographer Laura Wilson writes of discovering the 90-year old Texas rancher had kept one since he was in his twenties. His reason? Matthews claimed they could be used as a legal document. His diaries kept track of the rainfall, wind direction, cattle prices, creek and pasture conditions, how many fences were mended and some generalities of the family. But there is no sentiment, only the business of the ranch. Matthews began each morning at 5:15, and would write down what happened the day before. While this might seem static, it's a historical document that provides a glimpse into not only into the ordered mind of the writer, but also of the working ranch. Such insights are invaluable.
A contrast, the well known Anne Frank recorded not only what was happening in her life during WWII, but also of its effects and her desires. She was young, smart, talented and had a smile that came deep from within. Anne probably never knew how her diary would last through the generations. I'm hoping writing eased the anxiety of her situation. Since her life ended far too soon and in a dreadful way, we're lucky to have her words. They give us added insight into the human costs of the war during that time. The constant light in her life was her journal. For those who wish to begin journaling, here are a few tips: 1. Write everyday. Think of this as something good that you're doing for yourself. 2. Choose a time of day to do it. Be consistent. Watt Matthews made it a habit by doing so in the early morning hours before he started the other business of the day. 3. Don't feel compelled to share your journal. Remember, you're writing this for yourself and no one else. Oftentimes, when we share we are also looking for some kind of feedback and we greatly edit what we want to say. Journaling is your chance to not only get it out of your brain, but by doing so it helps you reframe what happened and gain much needed perspective by allowing you to stand back and re-evaluate the experience. 4. Don't make it cute, don't try to please. No need to make this into a scrapbook --that's different. 5. If what you're writing about causes you pain, pause, thentry to write through to the end. If you can't, then stop and don't beat yourself up over it. But in both cases, finish your writing and put it away. Save the rehashing to do with a therapist. Therapy is a good thing, and writing isn't a substitute for it. 6. Write it and put it away. Don't rework what you've written. While this might be the stepping off point for a book later on, what you're getting on the page is the raw material --and often your truest feelings. 7. Pen? Notebook? Computer? It doesn't matter. For the past few years, I've kept a Moleskine in my bag for notes. I like it because unlike a computer, I can scribble stuff down without the need to go through anything else and become distracted. (You can get it through my Amazon sidebar).
A Writing Exercise. The Long Sentence You're going to write for a total of ten minutes straight. No breaks. You'll write one long sentence, not stopping for punctuation. Do not go back to correct grammar or re-organize sentences. Let the words come forth, just get them down even if the sequence doesn't make sense. This release will help you relax and get you into the groove of writing. I'm giving you the first five words: "The last time I saw ........"
Ready? Set the timer, now breathe and go!
This was one of the first exercises I ever did, and it led to the writing of this poem.
Remember, you are loved and you are blessed! Breathe and write! -Kanani
It's been a staggering month of losses abroad. And now, the tragedy at Ft. Hood adds another layer of sorrow and even fear. Condolences to the families and friends of the wounded and of those who did not make it.
Don't most families have an Aunt Bee? She's the one who works tirelessly to ensure the comfort of those around her. Each Christmas, your Aunt Bee --like ours, sends in seasonal delectables through the mail. They never fail to call to see how things are going, and most of us have warm memories of going to her house and standing around the kitchen.
Well, this summer, The Hubs's Aunt Bee (way up in a little town in the northern climes) received word that he didn't have any clothes to give to the children once they had come into his clinic to be treated for wounds. (As with most ER's, when the kids come in with life threatening wounds their clothes are cut off). Being that she loves a project, she and her friends got to work to send not one, but several (25) boxes of clothes. She was so excited, when she called to inform me there was much to send. Her friends even raised $96 to help pay for postage. After awhile, they arrived. I received this note:
"Yes, Aunt Bee's things arrived a few days ago. She is clearing out whole shelves of clothes from thrift stores and boxing them up and sending them here. I definitely have everything we could use by now. But I do appreciate her effort. I need to send a note that somehow says "thank you, that is enough, for now!"
The upshot is that their meager supply room was filled! The Hubs had to take the boxes into his room, where he slept amid socks, shoes, shirts and pants intended for his patients.
Apparently other members of the FST also sent out notes to friends and family. They sent things too. Because there are more clothes in comparison to the number of child patients coming through the clinic, here's what's happening to all the clothes sent in to various team members from bloggers and friends across the U.S.
"Tomorrow SPC (name withheld) and I will take some boxes of donated clothes and shoes for distribution. This also is a bit complicated, as each item must be documented to show they have not been stolen. But she has arranged to bring the boxes to one of the locals' rest areas where we will pass them out. She also sent thank you letters after receiving her first few boxes and now she is flooded with donations every mail call. Her situation is hilarious. The Afghans have no idea what to make of her, but believe she is quite accomplished and call her Dr Lola."
Mission Accomplished! It seems the generosity of strangers is benefiting the local Afghans.
Note: Join me here tomorrow for my weekly Friday writing column. We'll have a giveaway of a book on writing. All you have to do is leave a note in the comments.
Once again, it's time for me to ask you to donate to Project Valour IT. Please click on the widget in the sidebar, and you'll be taken there. PV IT purchases voice activated laptops and other technologies for wounded warriors. I'd like you to donate to TEAM ARMY, but if you're so inclined to donate to one of the other branches, this is fine too.
The picture at left is of Major Chuck Ziegenfuss, founder of Project Valour IT and Greyhawk of the Mudville Gazette talking about it to Hugh Hewitt on his weekly radio show. This was taken during the Blog World Expo in Las Vegas. Hugh Hewitt was really great, and had a number of military supporters as well as active duty on the show to talk about what they do. Here he is with CJ Grisham and Chuck.
Blatant Plug: Following the attack on and the destruction of FOB Keating and COP Warheit, soldiers from the beseiged base and outpost got away with only the clothes on their back. Since 54 were from Ft. Carson, Colorado, the local Target worked with the American Legion to match funds to replace much of the personal items that were lost. This included but was not limited to: iPods, games, computers, cameras, movies, hard drives, and clothing. A total of $100,000 dollars was raised.
Send now for the holidays: At Target, they've got Hickory Farm summer sausage, cheese, crackers, cheese spreaders, flexible cutting mats and reindeer antlers! As you can see, Panda is modeling the antlers to get us into the holiday spirit! All of this is being sent to The Hubs and the Team, who bring caring and healing to the wounded and compassion to those who pass on to the other side.
I tossed in some magazines and my favorite mail order catalogs, J. Peterman and American Spoon.
If you could, would you send a note or a card? It doesn't have to be to the FST. Rather, it can be through Anysoldier.com or Soldier's Angels. It's so easy, and it's the most fun buying and writing you'll ever do.
Mother, Wife, and Warrior Daughter, Sister, Niece, Cousin and Friend Age 24, A Native Californian Killed in Kunar, while on a last mission to bring her unit desperately needed supplies. She volunteered despite the danger. She knew of its importance, and also anticipated the possibility of seeing her husband, who who was posted to another part of Afghanistan.
You were on this good earth long enough to make a difference. Your greatness will live on with those who knew you. Your strength will imbue your children as they grow. Your love will help your husband raise them to be all that you ever wanted. Everyone will always miss you. Yo te bendiga.
First, a funny story. One of my teachers --who leans toward being a comedienne during class said, "Okay, put your hands where your waist used to be and where your tits have now fallen!"
Sandy reminds me a bit of Steve Ross. Willing to push the preciousness of yoga on its side and tickle it a bit. Okay, back to the title-at-hand.
I heard something very interesting last week, to paraphrase:
If you find yourself being very aggressive with your opinion --pay attention to that. If you find yourself not being assertive with your opinion --pay attention to that, too!
In between is the plain that allows an extended and broader dialogue. For the past few years, I've diligently sought to avoid the traps of circular argument. These are the ones that never cease, the ones that bring up old hurts and failures, those that make assumptions about the being of the other person and quickly become escalated.
Pissing contests are always about power, and oftentimes, what's being fought about doesn't have defined boundaries. Worse, most times it has no value at all. So it's important to recognize one and make a smooth exit. I don't have time for boilerplate arguments that are sure to devolve into hate. Hatred, name calling --it means things are out of whack, balance isn't going to be found at that moment. Hence, extricate yourself before it gets outta control.
Breathe. If there's one thing you learn from yoga, it's slowing yourself down and breathing. Take things in, learn to detach from the argument, don't take things personally. Breathe. Be grateful, don't get hung up in their stuff. Learn to see the lines on the leaves. Keep going.
However, there are times when I have to be assertive. And like any good writer, I do know how to turn on the words. There are times when the stakes are high and someone is saying something incorrect or is nullifying the humanity of another. Once again. It pays to keep breathing during this time. Because that's when those deadly barbs of mine have to be used with succinctness and accuracy. I can't waste time. I have to stay on point. Can't get pulled or pushed at the whim of the person doing the attacking. It's not always pleasant, but sometimes one has to do it.
Breathing helps. It always does. I never claimed to be perfect. But yoga sure makes the tough times a lot easier.
Uncle Jimbo of Blackfive and the Director of The Warrior Legacy Foundation
This is an invaluable primer for those who want to understand what a counterinsurgency strategy would look like in Afghanistan. Please share it widely through emails and blogs --especially with those on the outside who are interested, but need more info (well, that's almost everyone).
Jim Hansen (aka Uncle Jimbo) writes: "The Warrior Legacy Institute has released a paper today on Counterterror strategy for the Afghanistan/Pakistan theater. Along with our previous Primer on Population-Centric Counterinsurgency, we hope to allow regular Americans to understand the policies being currently debated. We have also produced a companion video piece for each paper to further educate the public.
This week we have asked a number of military strategists, analysts and commentators to provide their thoughts on what our path should be going forward in the theater. We will compile these and post them at the end of the week. Please make use of this information to inform yourself and anyone you care to share it with."
Without having to grind through tomes, or the Army Field Manual, this is a great way for the non-military observer to get a grounding in the proposed strategies being suggested by General McChrystal.
Louie I'll be taking a small break this week. I've got the week set up with some articles set on autopost. On Monday, there's a short article about a group doing great work to educate the public on Counterinsurgency in layman terms. On Tuesday, the weekly yoga posts deals with avoiding circular arguments. On Thursday, I'll have an article about a soldier who found his path in lithography, and on Friday my usual column on writing.
It's difficult to maintain the pace of 3 blogs and also be working on a novel. Book writing requires a completely different set of skills. Muscles, as we like to say. So excuse the quick exit from both blogging and reading blogs. I'll be back.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the United States government.
"I read your wife's blog." -Tim Lynch, Free Range International (as said to my husband downrange)
"I mean, I'm a guy, and I love your blog." -Jerry Newberry, VFW's The National Defense Radio Show "Your site is art in action."-Chester Aaron, author of 18 books, US Army, liberator of Dachau "Greetings, Kanani. You are one damned fine writer. Keep it up and stretch out to other areas. There's got to be a book in you." -Pulitzer Prize winning journalistAl Martinez and Korean War Veteran.
"You are a great writer and you do it everyday."Journalist Bob Ehlert, The Sacramento Bee
Winter approaches in Afghanistan
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