Camouflage and Christmas Lights December 19, 2009

On my short drive back to work the other day after my lunch break, I heard a song that stuck in my head and heart. Rodney Carrington’s new song, “Camouflage and Christmas Lights” tells the very current story of another holiday, traditionally the most popular and family oriented celebration each year, lived through by our troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Nearly a decade of Christmases have come and gone for our men and women in uniform serving in conflicts that at one time were billed as a “War on Terror.”

Today Christmas is one week away. I, personally, am not ready. I have not finished shopping for gifts to be given to family members. Finding time to do this and juggle the needs of a full-time job by a person who really isn’t a shopper-type is a tad stressful. Frankly, though, the stress is silly in comparison to those whose committment is to freedom and safety for all Americans. Those devoted individuals serving thousands of miles away in foreign lands will not be going to holiday parties or exchanging gifts with those they love and enjoying sumptious meals (compared to what they can get depending on where they are on any given day).  Their celebration will most likely be as simple as in the Rodney Carrington song- paper stars on a plastic tree, turkey dinner on a paper plate, making it like home the best they can.  Here is the link from YouTube to the video of the song. 

The last words in the song, “Thank God it’s a silent night” , brought to mind the story of the Christmas truce during World War I. I looked it up on the History Channel site http://www.history.com/content/christmas/christmas-truce-of-1914. Wouldn’t it be great if for one day, the fighting would stop and enemies could treat one another like friends? 

During your celebrations this year, please, please, remember all of our men and women who are deployed- whether in harm’s way or not- with a prayer for their safety as well as a thank you for protecting all of the Americans near and far. 

HAPPY  HOLIDAYS

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii December 8, 2009

Today is, December 8, 2009. Historically, it is the day the United States entered World War II. The attack on Pearl Harbor on 12/7/1941 forced us into a war that we had been trying to avoid. War was raging in Europe while the US practiced isolation from those troubles. We were not to be spared, though, just as we were not to be spared from the conflict bubbling all over the Mideast many years later.

The attacks on September 11, 2001, on our soil, precipitated our attack on Afghanistan and as it has been said, the rest is history. A constantly developing history. The “march” in to Iraq in 2003 was just the beginning of years of conflict and loss.  So much loss.  Now we, the citizens of this country, “have committed” thousands more of our service members to the fight in Afghanistan.  Some say it’s necessary; some disagree. It is happening never the less.

I have a vested interest in both attacks  that propelled us into war. My father was stationed at Schofield Barracks at Pearl Harbor. A young, untested soldier soon began a struggle for survival in the Philippines while trying to defeat the Japanese. He rarely talked about those years- only to say that he lost 5 years of his life. He was changed forever by what he did and, undoubtably, witnessed during the trek from island to island. I often wonder what kind of father he might have been had he not had to fight for our country as well as most of the rest of the world. What a great burden for a young man- for so many young people.

And then there is Shawn, serving his country as a Marine. He was part of the “surge” into Iraq in 2007.  Unlike my dad, though, he never came home. The enemy this time was  more treacherous; harder to defeat.  Despite being part of the best trained and best equipped modern military, it’s hard to survive the bombs.  We will not know what kind of father he would have been. Fun, dedicated, loving are words that come to mind. Hopefully he would not have been distant- always mentally fighting the war like my dad was.

They were both good men who served this country with pride, dedication and gave their all for us.  Dad, Shawn and thousands of others are now keeping an eye on the US and, hopefully, will guide us in figuring this thing out and putting an end to it. Then maybe we can go back to a “little bit” of isolation and enjoy our great nation without loss- for a while at least.

Veterans’ Day November 11, 2009

November 11, 2009

Today is Veterans’ Day.  For some, a day off from work.  For kids, no school.  Banks and Post Offices closed.  Government offices closed.  You get the point.  I have been reading comments posted on Facebook from folks thanking our military- past and present- for serving. I think there are a couple of ceremonies being conducted around here.  A length of  Route  365 is being dedicated to LCpl. Blaise Oleski from Holland Patent. He was a fine young Marine who gave his life during April of this year in Afghanistan.  One of many from New York State we have lost in 2009 alone.  Since January 1 of this year the count is 23.  I added another name to our Honor Roll today. 

The concept of service is as old as mankind.  One person helping another.  That’s how we survive.   We help one another whether it be through volunteering our abilities and talents or going all the way and making volunteering a way of life like joining our military as so many have throughout the 200+ years of our nation’s existence.

So we take time to thank all who have served. Thank you to my Dad who fought the Japanese throughout the Phillipines in World War II.  Thank you to my Uncle Don who fought and lost his life in the Korean War.  To my brother who served in the Navy. To my uncles who served in various branches of the service during World War II.  Thank you to Billy Ferretti, USMC, for all of your tours of duty.  And thank you and bless you to Shawn Martin, USMC, my son-inlaw, who was killed in Iraq 2+ years ago.

Thank you to all of the folks out there who care about our military.  Keep up the good work!  It is so important.  And lastly, thank you to the families of those serving; those who have served and those left behind when someone doesn’t make it home. It’s not an easy life but it is so necessary.  Thank you for standing behind our men and women.

Lastly, God Bless all of those left behind in Ft. Hood, Texas, when your loved ones were taken from you so abruptly and violently. Prayers go out to you daily that you will find some measure of peace some day.

Thank you from a humble and appreciative American. 

International Walk to School Day October 12, 2009

Little Falls, NY

By David Robinson

The Evening Times

Thu Oct 08, 2009, 10:40 PM EDT

---

From the Little Falls newspaper- The Evening Times

It was perfect weather for walking Thursday, and Little Falls Middle School students took full advantage.
As part of International Walk to School Day, nearly 220 of the school’s 270 students, along with upwards of 20 teachers and staff,
walked the almost 1.5 miles up hill from Burke Park to the middle school.
Principal Bart Tooley addressed the group prior to their morning trek.
“This is probably one of the nicest things we can do as a school community,” he said.
The walk marked the second year the school has participated in the event, and officials felt the success is sure to make it a tradition.
Last year’s walk was consistently cited by eighth graders as one of their favorite memories of middle school.
“The walk is about taking the time to enjoy the community,” Tooley said.
In addition to the focus on “being healthy and well” and forming “lasting memories,” Tooley told the students the day’s walk was to
honor two soldiers who recently died while serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan.
Thursday’s walk was held in honor of Army Staff Sgt. Nekl B. Allen, 29, of Rochester, who died on Sept. 12, and
Army Pfc. Jeremiah J. Monroe, 31, of Niskayuna, who died on Sept. 17. The dedication was through the Fallen Stars project,
which encourages local community events to honor men and women who died while in military service to the country.
“I want everyone to take a moment and remember these two men that paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country so we can even do
something like this,” Tooley said, before calling for a moment of silence.
Little Falls City School District Superintendent Louis Patrei felt honoring the “fallen stars” could in some way provide solace for the families’ loss.
“All the pain and suffering sustained by the families, I hope for our children to remember gives the families some peace; to let them know the soldiers are not forgotten,” he said.

 

        

 

Walking, jogging for miles August 21, 2009

 A Mother’s Mission

This was on the Today Show last week-

“Mother runs to honor soldier son”

“Today’s American Story
  A Mother’s Mission”

The story of Vivian White who is running miles-
actually 6500 – the number of miles from her
home in Illinois to her son’s post in Iraq.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/32400846#32400846

Incidentally, she competed in the annual Boilermaker in Utica in July!

Way to go Vivian!

There is also an article in Sports Illustrated about her effort:

Going The Distance – 06.15.09 – SI Vault

Shared via AddThis

17th Annual Bike Rodeo honors Sgt. Uvanni August 21, 2009

 

By Julie McCaulley

   Mohawk, N.Y.

               August 8, 2009

        The seventeenth annual Bike Rodeo was all about safety, and all about having fun.

It was held at the Crowley-Barnum American Legion Post in Mohawk on Saturday morning,
and was dedicated to honor the memory of Fallen Star soldier Michael Uvanni.

Kids from toddlers to 14 years old saddled up, got properly helmeted and faced the obastacle
course  that wound through the parking lot of the Legion. Overseen by the Mohawk Volunteer
Fire Deparment,  each child was able to have their helmets and bikes inspected for safety,
and listened to department member Mark Sommer talk about the importance of being safe while riding, and knowing the rules of the road.

Competitors with the fastest time in each age division received a brand new bicycle.
 The American Legion  provided hot dogs, soda and ice cream to all participants.

  By Julie McCaulley

     Evening Telegram

     Mon Aug 10, 2009, 08:40 AM EDT

       

 

The Day of the Sgt. Shawn P. Martin Memorial Golf Outing August 7, 2009

Waiting for the tournament to start

Friday, July 31, 2009, Pine Hills Golf Course

The day dawned gray and wet.  And it stayed that way.  There were about 150 people there to compete and those generous, caring golfers played on the wet greens throughout a day that refused to clear up.   

                                                               Spokesperson, Mimi Martin, speaking to waiting golfers

 As I reported previously, the proceeds were earmarked for “Issac’s Room” and played in the name of Sgt. Martin, USMC.  Shawn, by the way, did not golf.  He loved football and volleyball, which is Mimi’s passion. It was such an honor to have this tournament played in his name for the second year.  Thanks to the Frankfort (NY) Kiwanis, especially Irv Bunce, for the honor.

Prior to teeing off, Ray Lenarcic presented Mimi with a beautiful plaque in a heart shape in Shawn’s memory from the Frankfort Kiwanis.

 

Presented to Mimi Martin in memory of her husband

Despite the rainy day, around $9000 was raised to assist a family with a child who is afflicted with a debilating disease.  Thank you to all of you who played last Friday. You are an inspiration!

 

 

This just in- Update on Issac’s Room July 26, 2009

While perusing the local newspaper, The Evening Telegram, Herkimer, NY, I saw an article titled, “Groups combine to build a room.”

As follows is an excerpt from that article:

“An Ilion area couple are hoping to build a room for their disabled son and they’re receiving a helping hand from the Frankfort Kiwanis and the Fallen Stars Memorial Project.
Proceeds from the Fallen Stars Memorial Project’s Sgt. Shawn Martin Memorial Golf Tournament, set for July 31 at Pine Hills Golf Course, will go to help build a room for 2 1/2-year old Isaac Skottke.”…..

To read the entire article follow this link:

http://www.herkimertelegram.com/news/x639775271/Groups-combine-to-build-a-room

 If all goes well, Issac and his family will be able to add the room to their home that will enable him to be more a part of  family life.

Issac’s Room July 25, 2009

This was in my email inbox the other day.  A request from Ray Lenarcic to help a little boy and his family enhance the the little guy’s days.  Who among us could say no? 
Please read and let me know if this indeed tugs at your heartstrings.  I cried buckets.  Literally, buckets.

Isaac’s Room 

By R. J. Lenarcic
Webster’s dictionary defines hero as any person either admired for courage, nobility or exploits (especially in war) or for qualities or
achievements regarded as an ideal or model.  The word is often misused in describing individuals who frankly do not meet the defined     
 criteria.  A hero’s actions or achievements must be so exceptional as to set him or her apart from the rest of us. Sgt. Shawn P. Martin   was a hero.  The Delmar Marine was sent to Iraq in the spring of 2007 as part of an EOD (Explosives Ordnance Disposal) unit.  On June 20 that year, shortly into his tour, his bomb squad was sent to clear out an area where one of our vehicles had been blown up.  After over eight hours of nerve-wracking work, Sgt. Martin and Staff Sgt. Steve Wilson decided to check out one more area.  The explosion killed them both.

 We learn more about this American hero from his widow, Mimi, spokesperson for the local Fallen Stars Memorial Project.  The strapping (6’2-225 lbs.), dark-haired graduate of Bethlehem High played football, lived life to the fullest, rarely stopped smiling, was loyal to a fault to friends and family and loved amusement parks. As so often is the case, big, tough guys often have a gentler side.  Shawn loved to cook for Mimi and he absolutely loved children.  Mimi recalls walking into a room and finding her niece, Jordan, sitting on Shawn’s lap while he read her a story.  When recently asking her nephew, Jared, what he remembered about Uncle Shawn, he answered, “Pulling me up a hill on my wagon and helping me ride down.”  Whenever he returned home, he couldn’t wait to wrap those big arms around Jared, Jordan and Kiera, his sister’s daughter.  Sgt. Shawn P. Martin was 30 when he died for his country.

 Big Shawn would have loved little Isaac and the feeling would have been mutual.  The three year old son of Amy (self-employed farmer) and Mark (driver for Brown’s Feed) Skottke from Elizabethtown Rd., Ilion, has congenital myopathy.  The disease has trapped the toddler in a body incapable of movement, speech and save for a ventilator operating 24/7, breathing.  A feeding tube sustains his life.  Because of his condition, Isaac must live on the ground floor of his home and thus his life is spent in the living room.  He is tended to by homecare nurses 21 hours a day.  The other three hours (7-10 p.m.) are spent alone with Mom, Dad and 4-year old sister Samantha.  The Skottke’s are one of the nicest, hard-working, loving families you’ll ever meet.

 Isaac’s Room.  Amy and Mark have a dream; a room of his own for their son and it’s a dream that can come true.  There’s a small 20 ’x 12’ structure off of the kitchen which can be renovated so that Isaac would not only have his own space but could join the family during mealtime.  The Skottke’s have exercised all options regarding financing the project.  Thanks to volunteers, family and a social service agency, Isaac’s room can become a reality – but for one thing -  financing the building materials.  That’s where Irv Bunce and the Frankfort Kiwanis come in.

 Bunce is the club’s president and has made Isaac’s happiness one of his life’s pursuits.  Subsequently, he has converted us to his cause.  Irv is also a proponent of the Fallen Stars Memorial Project and as such, last year, organized a benefit golf tournament in honor of Sgt. Shawn Martin.  The event generated a few thousand dollars which, along with our other fundraisers, enabled us to support numerous area charities including the Gram Lorraine Children’s Christmas Program, Camp Kiwanis, the Frankfort-Ilion Food Pantry, the Frankfort Library, etc.

 Because you can’t say no to the ultimate nice guy, nor in this case would you want to, we accepted Irv’s recommendation that the proceeds from the 2009 Sgt. Martin Memorial Tournament go for Isaac’s room.  Hopefully, we’ll earn enough to make building expenses.  If not, we’ll find the rest.  Mark Skottke has a special wish regarding the room; that it have a skylight so Isaac can see the stars at night.  It will.  Isaac will not only be able to see diamonds in the sky but Mr. Sun as well.  And somewhere in the great beyond, the smiling face of the big hero Marine will be looking down watching over him.

 
Making A Dream Come True.    Interested in golfing or being a sponsor (July 31 – 9:00 a.m.  Pine Hills Golf Course)  Call Irv at #895-7048 (www.frankfortkiwanis.com)   Interested in making a donation: Send a check to the Frankfort Kiwanis Club, c/o Irv Bunce, 202 Kernan Ave., Frankfort, N.Y. 13340

I thought you should know….. July 23, 2009

For those who have been following our project on the website, www.fallenstarsmemorial.com, for the past year, I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation.  This has been at times an emotionally difficult task.  In that light, I have made the decision to to take a break from maintaining the site at the end of this month.  So after July 31, 2009, the website will not be accessible. I will be purchasing the domain name so that no one will be able to use it and the information contained within the files of the site will stay on the server and not be lost.  Should I feel that sometime in the future that the website should be revived, I will be able to do so.

Alternately, I will be maintaining this blog.  I like the way I am able to offer more current commentary on what is happening with the Fallen Stars Memorial project.  I also like that if someone wishes to comment on a post or offer input, it is easy to do. 

Again, thanks so much for your support in the past year.

The administrator of the Fallen Stars Memorial website- Cleo Adams