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Day 316 - Daily Challenge - "Unique Veterans Day" - 11-11-2012
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Nov 11, 2012 18:54:33   #
Frankie Loc: Florida
 
Wahawk wrote:
Some pic of the Iowa Freedom Rock, near Greenfield, IA, approx 40 miles west of DesMoines. The artist is Ray "Bubba" Sorenson II. This tribute is repainted each year before Memorial Day with new images, all in tribute to Veterans and others who have served this country. One year included tributes for 9/11. A part of the painting is done with paint that includes the ashes of Vietnam Vets.

Definitely worth a visit by any who are near this part of the country, or who are traveling through.
Some pic of the Iowa Freedom Rock, near Greenfield... (show quote)


Beautiful....thank you for sharing this with us...someone put a lot of time & effort into this painting. The quote in the 3rd shot is perfect!!

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Nov 11, 2012 18:55:00   #
PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area
 
[quote=RiverNan]what you were experiencing as far as i know was survivor guilt. Im glad you found your way....
It has been my experience that people try to rationalize things that can not be rationalized...it is the minds way of making sense of things that just dont make sense.
Life is a crap shoot: where you are born, who your parents are, and for the most part when you die. Of course, this is my personal philosophy and not shared by everyone.

Thank You Jfantasma, and all the rest of you here today, who for whatever reason, served and survived to tell us about it.

My father in law served in Korea, and my Uncle on a ship during WWII...both men are gone now...but the military never forgot them and both had taps played at the gravesites...

jfantasma wrote:
There was a point in my life where I wasn't proud of what I had become. People used to walk up to me and shake my hand and tell me "thank you for your service" I used to tell them "your welcome, but how does it feel to shake hands with a killer". You should have seen the looks I used to get. I feel bad for that now. I used to feel sorry for myself for not "dying" for my country because I thought that is the only way I could actually truly honor myself and my family. I hated the fact that I had so many friends die but I lived on. People I felt were more deserving to live. I am glad I pulled my head out of the fourth point of contact. I still regret those that were lost but I cannot honor them if I were dead myself. People used to tell me it was because I was better trained and all this other nonsense, but I started telling them that we are all trained to survive the cruelties of war. How can one be more trained than the other? Who knows... Who cares.... If it is one thing we all learn in life, it is that there are no rules and regulations that state who will live and who will die.

sorry if I am babbling but this day is hard for me. I used to notify families of soldiers who have perished too. I did 68 notifications in my first year in the army. Then at the same time I volunteered to funeral detail as well. We buried a lot of veterans.

jfantasma wrote:
]
There was a point in my life where I wasn't proud ... (show quote)


p7 "Survivors Guilt" I had forgotten that phrase, but I remember it how it feels and I remember what someone said to me. I had been a breast cancer survivor for about a year and lost, within that time, 2 close friends to the same disease - one with a 5 year old and a 2 year old. I was working as an RN and a very familiar name was on my assignment. She was someone I'd worked with and knew well. She was in the end stages and I had cared for her on previous admissions; she used to ask for me. I looked at my assignment, and for the first time ever (it was the only time I did this), I started crying and said I didn't think I could handle having her on my assignment. Colleagues were quick to jump in and offer a patient switch, but something wouldn't let me do that. Memories of prior conversations and her comfort level expressed, because she felt I "knew" and she could just be herself - happy, angry, quiet, sad. I remembered that and realized if the situation were reversed, I really did want someone who "knew" taking care of me. Turns out, it was her doctor I needed. I knew him well and when he arrived to see her, he always checked with the nurse before seeing his patients. Well, out came the tears again followed by his wise words, "You need not feel guilty for surviving. That is not in your control and not anything you can or should decide. Use who you are and what you've experienced for the sake of others". I never forgot that experience or those words. jfant, son - if I ever needed to hear those dreaded words you had to speak so many times, I would want to hear them from someone like you - someone who had been there, someone who knew what it felt like, someone who - because of it all - had compassion deep inside for the loved ones of fallen comrades. It tears one up, it brings out anger and all kinds of crazy confusing emotions, it is emotionally exhausting and yet it these are the very things that families needed (need). I am very proud of you. Man! I am "Chatty Kathy" today.

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Nov 11, 2012 18:56:21   #
aleone63 Loc: Some place in Wisconsin
 
jfantasma wrote:



OKAY... So I was thinking for today it can kind of be a free for all with one exception.... It MUST pertain to Veterans Day. !!


Another gloomy rainy day here so It was drive bys for me... with the mist and fog... I hope these will do I am not excited about them but want to keep up with the challenge.





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Nov 11, 2012 19:00:18   #
PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area
 
jfantasma wrote:
I promised you that I would share a piece of my life story with you all. Here is a small portion of it. It is a poem I wrote while I was in PTSD treatment.

"On Behalf of a Grateful Nation”

I’m supposed to write a story about things I kept inside.
About the harsh memories and feelings I had to hide.
For all the years they’ve been trapped inside my mind.
Things I tried to leave behind so they wouldn’t rob me blind.
There are too many bad memories to try and pinpoint one.
Now I’m trying to remember where and when this struggle begun.
Maybe they’re from the realization of what these wars have done.
The many cries and screams that are stuck inside my brain,
This is enough to drive anyone insane.
I just keep hoping the families won’t feel their lives were lost in vain.
I guess it would start with seeing all these faces, of soldiers deploying to different places,
Then knowing that they may leave behind just memories in traces.
Just remembering all the families the casualties of war displaces.
As soldiers board the plane they turn and take a glance,
Of the life they are leaving behind, hoping they get a chance to come back so they can further advance.
But so many times Soldiers don’t come back,
From I.E.D. explosions or an unexpected attack.
Or sometimes they’re gone and we never know the facts.
But the worst part for me always comes after,
When we had to notify the family about the terrible disaster.
While we’re at it hoping time will go a little faster.
I don’t know how long I can hide my emotions that are exploding with all of this commotion.
With just a few simple words we spoke, a family is destroyed.
Because they lost a loved one while the warriors were deployed.
No words of wisdom or comfort could ever fill this void.
On behalf of a grateful nation we regret to inform you that your son, husband, father, your wife or your daughter, will come home no longer.
From there the damage is done, the war is no longer won, because their loved one is already gone.
Nothing we say or do can bring them back to life.
All we can do now is tell them everything will be alright.
Just hoping that it might despite the fact, they can’t stand upright,
From the weakness in their knees because of the emotional pain.
There is no one to blame but this war that seems to drain the life; it’s just a vicious chain, how the hell do I get off this train.

By JFantasma
I promised you that I would share a piece of my li... (show quote)


p8 eloquently expressed. Tears

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Nov 11, 2012 19:01:56   #
PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area
 
Frankie wrote:
Page 4

PATo: As always, beautiful pics! The story of your family is very interesting...thank you for sharing it with us. What a very selfless thing your uncle did for your dad...contributions to freedom are made in many different ways as with the story of your dad and uncle.

Mgstrawn: :thumbup: :thumbup: Perfect :thumbup: :thumbup:

jfantasma: Nice shots :thumbup:


p8 Thanks, Frankie

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Nov 11, 2012 19:02:56   #
jfantasma
 
Your father is a great looking soldier. Thanks for sharing his story. Sad but honorable. Sorry you couldn't share more time with him.

jfrank wrote:
My father circa 1939, career soldier and veteran of WWII (Pacific Theater), Korean War, and Viet Nam. The photo was taken at Fort Sam Houston, Texas just after he had enlisted. Two brothers also served in WWII, one in Europe and the other was killed in a B-17 crash in the Aleutians. The one that was killed was married in 1941, died on the same date in 1942 and I was born on the same date in 1943. How's that for coincidence?

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Nov 11, 2012 19:04:09   #
PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area
 
Frankie wrote:
Here are a few of mine...not the best quality pics...but they are what I have.


p9 Nicely done, Frankie. Love those old pix.

Reply
 
 
Nov 11, 2012 19:05:52   #
jfantasma
 
At least you have them. I still think they are great photos. I feel old photos show authenticity. Thank you for sharing them

Frankie wrote:
Here are a few of mine...not the best quality pics...but they are what I have.

Reply
Nov 11, 2012 19:06:21   #
PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area
 
Wahawk wrote:
Some pic of the Iowa Freedom Rock, near Greenfield, IA, approx 40 miles west of DesMoines. The artist is Ray "Bubba" Sorenson II. This tribute is repainted each year before Memorial Day with new images, all in tribute to Veterans and others who have served this country. One year included tributes for 9/11. A part of the painting is done with paint that includes the ashes of Vietnam Vets.

Definitely worth a visit by any who are near this part of the country, or who are traveling through.
Some pic of the Iowa Freedom Rock, near Greenfield... (show quote)


P9 So very unusual and a great tribute. Unique - not your typical plaque and names. More personal.

Reply
Nov 11, 2012 19:07:24   #
Wahawk Loc: NE IA
 
jfantasma wrote:
There was a point in my life where I wasn't proud of what I had become. People used to walk up to me and shake my hand and tell me "thank you for your service" I used to tell them "your welcome, but how does it feel to shake hands with a killer". You should have seen the looks I used to get. I feel bad for that now. I used to feel sorry for myself for not "dying" for my country because I thought that is the only way I could actually truly honor myself and my family. I hated the fact that I had so many friends die but I lived on. People I felt were more deserving to live. I am glad I pulled my head out of the fourth point of contact. I still regret those that were lost but I cannot honor them if I were dead myself. People used to tell me it was because I was better trained and all this other nonsense, but I started telling them that we are all trained to survive the cruelties of war. How can one be more trained than the other? Who knows... Who cares.... If it is one thing we all learn in life, it is that there are no rules and regulations that state who will live and who will die.

sorry if I am babbling but this day is hard for me. I used to notify families of soldiers who have perished too. I did 68 notifications in my first year in the army. Then at the same time I volunteered to funeral detail as well. We buried a lot of veterans.

PAToGraphy wrote:
jfantasma wrote:
You are welcome for hosting today. As a Veteran this is a tiny way I can honor those who preceded me and those who are still serving as well as those who will serve in our future.

Modest Genius - Thank you for reposting here. Great photos the the different views you used. That last one is so majestic.

Roadrunner - Now how can we compare to those photos. Love em. My family finds it unusual that I always wear my hat now. I never wore them before. I stuck my Air Assault wings on it, my sniper badge, of course I have my expert rifle/pistol badge on it. Then after my injuries I worked for Secretary of the Army Dr. Francis J Harvey and them Mr. Peter Geren. so I wear my Department of the Army Staff Badge too. So yes I would say I am proud too. Thank you for sharing

Clicker - Fantastic photos as usual. Love those sad images of fallen soldiers, LEST WE FORGET!!!

MG - It was my pleasure to serve all of you wonderful people. There were times during my service that I doubted my service and those I was serving, but the first time I got off the airplane when we returned from deployment, there were crowds of people standing there cheering for us and thanking us. Since then I never doubted any of it again. I remembered that there are people out there who appreciate the sacrifices our soldiers are making. Thank you for thanking me! That is fine with your widcard. Hey if you have a family member that served feel free to post some. Archives are welcome too. I mean we aren't understanding people or anything you know LOL.

Subroto - Thank you for the comment. I totally agree with you. There are several countries that are debris ridden from war. Some will probably never recover and none will fully recover at all. Thank you for the enlightenment.

Rivernan - Sometimes it is better to say nothing than to not know what to say. It is what you show and not what you say. Thank you For Wom The Bell Tolls!! Excellent photos by the way.

Judy - Thank you! a Handsome guy indeed, But U think he is the lucky one.

Nan - Did you know that in the Army, we are not allowed to smile in our official photos? Your cousin has a great smile, bright and warming. I bet he warms up the room huh. Great photo thank you for posting.

Sue Jay - It is awesome that those young ones understand the meaning. It makes me smile to see them paying tributre. After all they are our future. Thanks for sharing. The band seems to lighten the mood a bit on days and events like these.

Plessner - That is a site I know so well. Them boots and kevlar helmets mounted like that on top of the rifle. At one of the camps we were at in Iraq, there was an entire field of them for the soldiers that had fallen. It got to the point at one time that the leadership was telling soldiers to buy an extra pair of boots. Thank you! The memorials in D.C. are great. When I worked in D.C. the Executive Officer for the Secretary of the Army was the commader for the Old Guard (Honor Guard). We got to watch the changing of the guard. The discipline that it takes to be in this elite group is amazing. They stitch thier own uniforms by hand and spend hours upon hours every single day making their uniforms look great.

Dansmith - Wow that is an amazing part of history right there. It is sad that awards are given to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice instead of those that are still living and being brave everyday. I hate the fact that they call the Medal of Honor "winners", winners. What did they win besides a medal to wear on their uniform in their casket? and those that are still living that "Won" didn't really win anything. Just a medal to hang up on the wall and a title that... yes is a "symbol" that shows the calibur of a man. But other than that has no meaning. A few extra dollars for saving the lives of fellow soldiers and losing a bunch of friends. In my personal opinion, I think every soldier on those frontlines should get the same respect. We are all expected to act on these values.

SheenaghGebhard - That is a very sad story but I am glad that you shared it. Love the photos what a great tribute.

Dane - Thank you for your service! nice tribute!

Georgiann - It is not the calibur of your comments it is the aoppreciation you show that counts. Excellent photos and a great tribute.

Oneyedjack - Thank you for your service. I like that photo and I hate it at the same time. Only beacause of what it resembles.

Pat (Mom) - Thank you. Love your photos and the story about your family. It is great to know your family history and share it with us and the younger generation in your family so that they can understand how it came to be. Your Father was a great man. He honored his brother by doing as he asked. In return he was able to have a beautiful family that can be proud to call him family. Thank you for sharing. Thank your dad for cable!! LOL that is a truley amazing story.
You are welcome for hosting today. As a Veteran th... (show quote)


Thank you "son"! Proud of you.
quote=jfantasma You are welcome for hosting today... (show quote)
There was a point in my life where I wasn't proud ... (show quote)


Thank You JFan!! When we think of those who lost their lives and others who were beside them that survived, we need to remember the one who "At The Helm" and the fact that he has a place for all of us. The survivors were spared for a "reason" that we may never understand in our simple minds, therefore we need to live our lives to honor those who made the 'ultimate' sacrifice and help to lighten the burden for their families and friends.

Thank you for hosting, the excellent photos, your service, and your thoughts and continuing service!! Hold your head high and help us continue to honor ALL Veterans!!

Daris/US Army 1970-72

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Nov 11, 2012 19:07:45   #
jfantasma
 
Just yesterday. I probably won't hear from him for a while. He has to write letters now so it may be a bit. I will keep you all posted on his progress.

PAToGraphy wrote:
jfantasma wrote:
And to those who are still serving.

My friend Sean just started basic training this week. He just went downrange to begin the actual basic combat training. He called me yesterday and told me he had one minute. I asked him how he was and he said "good I have to go now" I could hear the Drill Sergeants screaming at him to get off the phone..... Oh the memories LOL


p7 Have you heard form him?

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Nov 11, 2012 19:08:07   #
PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area
 
aleone63 wrote:
jfantasma wrote:



OKAY... So I was thinking for today it can kind of be a free for all with one exception.... It MUST pertain to Veterans Day. !!


Another gloomy rainy day here so It was drive bys for me... with the mist and fog... I hope these will do I am not excited about them but want to keep up with the challenge.


p10 I think they are somber reflections - as well weather reasons as to why I hate November! How are things up your way?

Reply
Nov 11, 2012 19:08:17   #
Sendai5355 Loc: On the banks of the Pedernales River, Texas
 
jfantasma wrote:
Your father is a great looking soldier. Thanks for sharing his story. Sad but honorable. Sorry you couldn't share more time with him.

jfrank wrote:
My father circa 1939, career soldier and veteran of WWII (Pacific Theater), Korean War, and Viet Nam. The photo was taken at Fort Sam Houston, Texas just after he had enlisted. Two brothers also served in WWII, one in Europe and the other was killed in a B-17 crash in the Aleutians. The one that was killed was married in 1941, died on the same date in 1942 and I was born on the same date in 1943. How's that for coincidence?
Your father is a great looking soldier. Thanks for... (show quote)


In the 60 years that I shared with my father, he never talked to me of his war time experiences. It may have been that I was older and understood more but I felt that my Dad was never the same after Nam.

Reply
Nov 11, 2012 19:10:46   #
jfantasma
 
All I can say is WOOOOOWWW!! What a great artist and a great photographer that took those pictures (hint hint)

Wahawk wrote:
Some pic of the Iowa Freedom Rock, near Greenfield, IA, approx 40 miles west of DesMoines. The artist is Ray "Bubba" Sorenson II. This tribute is repainted each year before Memorial Day with new images, all in tribute to Veterans and others who have served this country. One year included tributes for 9/11. A part of the painting is done with paint that includes the ashes of Vietnam Vets.

Definitely worth a visit by any who are near this part of the country, or who are traveling through.
Some pic of the Iowa Freedom Rock, near Greenfield... (show quote)

Reply
Nov 11, 2012 19:11:34   #
aleone63 Loc: Some place in Wisconsin
 
PAToGraphy wrote:
aleone63 wrote:
jfantasma wrote:



OKAY... So I was thinking for today it can kind of be a free for all with one exception.... It MUST pertain to Veterans Day. !!


Another gloomy rainy day here so It was drive bys for me... with the mist and fog... I hope these will do I am not excited about them but want to keep up with the challenge.


p10 I think they are somber reflections - as well weather reasons as to why I hate November! How are things up your way?


hanging in there.... I am getting tired physically and mentally) my mom panics if I am gone for too long afraid something will happen and I wont be close enough to help. But we will make it... thank you for asking

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