John "Doc" Bradley

John Bradley in front a war bond picture depicting the Flag Raising.
Image curtsey of US Marine Corps

John "Doc" Bradley was a Pharmacist's Mate 2nd Class in the US Navy during World War II. Doc Bradley was one of six men in the iconographic picture of the second flag raising on Iwo Jima. Doc's constant assertion that the true Hero's of Iwo Jima were the men who never came home, fit my description of a Hero.

Because of Doc Bradley many lives were saved. He received the Navy Cross with the following citation for his actions on Iwo Jima:

"For extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy at Iwo Jima on Feb. 21, 1945 as a hospital corpsman attached to a Marine Rifle platoon. During a furious assault by his company upon a strongly defended enemy zone at the base of Mt. Suribachi, Bradley observed a Marine infantryman fall wounded in an open area under a pounding barrage by mortars, interlaced with a merciless crossfire from Machine guns.

With complete disregard for his own safety, he ran through the intense fire to the side of the fallen Marine, examined his wounds and ascertained that an immediate administration of plasma was necessary to save the man's life. Unwilling to subject any of his comrades to the danger to which he had so valiantly exposed himself, he signaled would-be assistants to remain where they were. Placing himself in a position to shield the wounded man, he tied a plasma unit to a rifle planted upright in the sand and continued his life saving mission.

The Marine's wounds bandaged and the condition of shock relieved by plasma, Bradley pulled the man thirty yards through intense enemy fire to a position of safety. His indomitable spirit, dauntless initiative, and heroic devotion to duty were an inspiration to those with who he served and were in keeping with the highest tradition of the United States Naval Service."

At the time of Doc's discharge from the Navy he had the following decorations:

• Navy Cross
• Purple Heart
• Combat Action Ribbon
• Presidential Unit Citation
• America Campaign Medal
• Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
• World War II Victory Medal 

Doc was an amazing man and I highly recommend you read his son's book Flags Of Our Fathers by James Bradley. It was a very well written book which covered the lives and actions of all six Flag Raisers, as well as other Marines and the scarifies they made on Iwo Jima. 

I know Doc would have given anything to save more lives, especially that of his best friend Iggy. He is a man who's ethics, humility, and compassion should be aspired to for all future generations. 

Joe Rosenthal's famous photograph of the second Flag Raising on Iwo Jima.

If you would like a quick history on the cost and strategy of taking Iwo Jima the Marine Gazette has this excellent piece. http://www.mca-marines.org/gazette/leatherneck-iwo-jima-hell-fire-out

Valour-IT, Who's going to win this year?

Well folks it's Valour-IT time again. If you don't know about Valour-IT and how they use technology to assist our Wounded Warriors heal.... THEN GET WITH IT! To donate and keep up with who's winning check out the official Valour-IT blog at http://soldiersangels.org/fundraiser.html.

As of this post the Marines are on top!
Will they keep the lead?
Or will Army take over like last year?
Is the Navy and Air Force out of the fight?

Sending Out Congratulations!

I wanted to take a moment to say Congratulations to America's First Sargent for being promoted to America's Sargent Major! You can see him get his chevrons here! I expect continued excellence from the Sargent Major on all Zombie Slaying related activities as he trains his Marine Ninja's to keep us safe.

Thanks for serving Sargent Major and keep up the good work!

Marine Christmas Operations Order

I found this on facebook and thought it was soooooo super awesome I had to share.
Semper Fi and Merry Christmas!

http://www.facebook.com/4them/posts/332406666770933

Marines of Helmand and Al anbar

via Harold F. Koempel

Christmas Operations Order

1. An official visit by LtGen Santa (NMI) Claus is expected at this headquarters 25 December. The following instructions will be in effect and govern the activities of all personnel during the visit.

A. Not a creature will stir without official permission. This will include indigenous mice. Special stirring permits for necessary administrative actions will be obtained through normal channels. Mice stirring permits will be obtained through the Office of the Surgeon General, Veterinary Services.

B. Personnel will settle their brains for a long winter nap prior to 2200 hours, 24 December. Uniform for the nap will be: Pajamas, cotton, light, drowsing, with kerchief, general purpose, camouflage; and Cap, camouflage w/ear flaps. Equipment will be drawn from Supply Officer prior to 1630 hours, 24 December.

C. Personnel will utilize standard field ration sugar plums for visions to dance through their heads. Artificially sweetened plums are authorized for those in their unit weight control program. Specifications for this item will be provided by the servicing dining facility.

D. Stockings, wool, cushion sole, will be hung by the chimney with care. Necessary safety precautions will be taken to avoid fire hazards caused by carelessly hung stockings. Unit safety Officers will submit stocking hanging plans to this headquarters prior to 0800 hours, 24 December, ATTN: S-4, for approval.

E. At the first sign of clatter from the lawn, all troops will spring from their racks to evaluate noise and cause. Immediate action will be taken to tear open the shutters and throw open the window sashes. S-3,OPS Plan (Saint Nick), Reference Enclosure No. 3, paragraph 6c, this headquarters, will be in effect to facilitate shutter tearing and sash throwing. NCO’s will familiarize all personnel with procedures and are responsible for ensuring that no shutters are torn open nor window sashes thrown open prior to start of official clatter.

F. Prior to 2400, 24 December, all personnel will be assigned "Wondering Eye" stations. After shutters are thrown open and sashes are torn, these stations will be manned.

G. The S-4 Officer will assign one each Sleigh, miniature, M-66, and eight (8) deer, rein, tiny, for use of LtGen Claus' driver who, IAW current directives and other applicable regulations, must have a valid SF 56 properly annotated by Driver Testing; be authorized rooftop parking and be able to shout "On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer and Vixen, up Comet, up Cupid, on Donner and Blitzen."

2. LtGen Claus will enter quarters through standard chimneys. All units without chimneys will draw Chimney Simulator, M-6, for use during ceremonies. Chimney simulator units will be requested on Engineer Job Order Request Form submitted to the Furniture Warehouse prior to 24 December and issued on DA Form 3161,Request for Issue or Turn-in.

3. Personnel will be rehearsed on shouting "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night." This shout will be given on termination of General Claus' visit. Uniformity of shouting is the responsibility of NCO’s.

Meet A Veteran Day-Coming Together

For those of you who don't know, Words For Warriors is putting on an assembly at Janesville School on Thursday, November 10th called Meet A Veteran Day. We first announced it here. I am proud to say this event is coming together.

One of those friends I'd like to thank is Kanani from The Kitchen Dispatch . Kanani was nice enough to send Army Flair which will be given to the winners of the student art contest.

I would also like to send much gratitude to my friend and Blue Star Mom Sheri D.  Sheri and her Mr. Subway own the local Subways and have thrown in 10 coupons for free sandwiches to sweeten the pot!

The Air Force Recruiter was out of the office today.  The Army Recruiter was rushing out the door, and the Marine Recruiter gave me a cute smile. 

But the NAVY recruiter..... 

That's right there's so much you have to turn your head sideways.

There will be pictures, perhaps the local newspaper, and hopefully video to cover this 1st Annual Meet A Veteran Day. I'll keep you posted! 

Where Have I Been?

I've been having fun....

I was at the Milblog Conference on April 29th and 30th where I met The Sniper as well as a number of other bloggers on my Blog roll. I was so excited I forgot to get photographic proof of the others. Oh and Spockgirl.... I told John Lilyea from This Aint Hell, But You Can See It From Here that you would send the check for the hug. 

This is Household 6 Diva she is an Army Wife, a Mom, and a fantastic photographer! She has a ton of great links and a few of her post made me cry... or I might have had something in my eye. 

This is Mark Willis. He Debuted this song at the Milblog Conference. Listen to it. 

After the Conference I decided to explore as much as I could of Washington D.C. and Virginia. 

I got a stranger to take my picture. Thanks stranger!

Gettysburg was overwhelming. A must visit for everyone.

This stranger got me with my eyes closed. Not all strangers are equal.

The Korean War Memorial was one of my favorites.

Another Stranger took my picture. 

I witnessed the changing of the Guard three times. Amazing.

Six names where added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial while I was visiting.

A middle school leaves a note at the Vietnam Wall.

The Women's Memorial.

Went to LOTS of museums. Got to see stardust. 

I got to hold a centipede.

It taste like chicken.

Visited the USS Wisconsin in Virginia Beach

Being six feet tall I learned I'm not built for a Battleship. I was very grateful for the hard hat, which I think I made look pretty good.

Look out, I'm in the Captain's chair preparing my guns...

The Navy guys on the tour couldn't help point out the difference between their guns and...

And the Marine guns on the ship.

I found this in the gift shop.... ouch.

The Nautilus museum next to the USS Wisconsin has a ton of military history.

I got to show my super mom strength and save a small child from this car.

I'm home now.... planing for next years vacation.

The Best Christmas Present This Year...

The best Christmas present this year was a phone call from Afghanistan on Christmas Day from a Marine. This Marine told me how the artificial tree I'd sent brought Christmas to Afghanistan. The wrapped presents under the tree were a bonus. This particular Marine received 3 wrapped Nerf guns, among other random items. He told me how he gave the Nerf guns to his friends. After one friend unwrapped it he was so excited shouting, "I ALWAYS WANTED A NERF GUN WHEN I WAS A KID. THIS IS THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVAH!" The Marine shared other stories with me involving the Nerf guns and his friends, promising me pictures when he gets back to the States.

This morning I got an email from the Marine. In true Marine style it was short, only containing one sentence. It said, "Thanks again for everything you sent it definitely helped make Christmas and I really appreciate it!"

You and your friends are most welcome Marine. Thank you for all the sacrifices you make for US.

SEMPER FI

National Museum Of The Marine Corps Virtual Experience

Because of my remote location and tough economic times traveling to see Museums has been cut from the budget. I can't begin to tell you all how thrilled I was to find the National Museum Of The Marine Corps Virtual Experience  through @Warrior_Patriot whom I follow on Twitter.

This is a MUST SEE experience that is truly spectacular. The site allows you to walk through the museum, every floor with 360 degree detail as if you were really there. A tour detail, narrative text, and related media tabs accompany each section of the museum.

PLEASE CHECK IT OUT!

Semper Fi!

Happy Birthday Marines!

Wednesday, November 10th marks the 235th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps.  The Marines were birthed as a quick reaction force. It was the Marines amphibious warfare that proved the corner stone of the Pacific Campaign in World War II. It was their never surrender attitude that kept the Red Curtain at bay in Korea when out numbered at the Battle of Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir, even after being inflicted with mass casualties.

Marines have been involved in every well known, and lesser known, operations to protect and defend freedom in various countries and people of many nationalities around the world. A Marine, Always Faithful, Never Backs down.



What do you get a Marine on their birthday? Well giving to their brothers is always a good idea. Some notable charities are Soldiers Angels Project Valour-It (which are currently in a competition to see who can raise the most money for injured Warriors, Marines are in the lead) Semper Fi Fund and the Wounded Warrior Project are just a few that could use some Birthday gifts.

Soldiers Angels Project Valour-IT

I recently got a text message from a milblogger friend that said, "You're Team Army for Project Valour-IT, Right?" He knew me being a Soldiers Angel had nothing to do with my decision to participate with Project Valour-IT, it's an amazing cause, which is the only reason I need to get involved. Any project that helps the wounded with severe physical injuries by supplying voice recognition software laptops, Wii Fit for physical therapy, and GPS units to help compensate for the effects of TBI is worth getting involved in.

My only hesitation was picking an actual team. I have friends in every branch of the military. In fact, I had to smile when that same day another blogger asked if I'd be Team Army or Team Marines.... I do love my Marines.... and my Navy Boys.... and my Air Force guys....

Because I have so much love for everyone in the military, I have decided to join all the Teams. (Truth is I couldn't pick just one Team. It would be like asking me to choose a favorite child. I can't do that.)

If you'd like more information on Project Valour-IT and, Major Charles "Chuck" Ziegenfuss, the man who started it all while recovering from being injured by an IED, click here.
You can follow Project Valour-IT on facebook here.
You can follow Project Valour-IT on Twitter here.

You can change the life of someone who was injured fighting for YOUR FREDOM. This is the time to give back to those who have given more than you'll ever know for you. Skip a meal, shake the couch, take a collection at work.... GET INVOLVED.

Note: I was contacted by a reader who expressed concern that the United States Coast Guard is NOT being represented in the Valour-IT fundraiser. He wrote,

"I noticed USCG wasn't on there even though they do fight in Military battles, keep aliens and drugs off the streets, assist the Navy when Navy lives are at stake at sea, rescue civilians, ect. why is this?"

All of this is absolutely true, and the USCG should be represented, but as you can see by the small italicized print here, a USCG Team Leader could not be found. If you, or someone you know wants to ensure the USCG will be represented next year, please contact me. I will find the proper contact information in order to make sure ALL OUR HEROS are properly represented next year.