One Loon's Tales

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10/29/09--17:20: I AM A WARRIOR & THIS IS MY SONG! (chan 2205198)

From Blackfive, http://www.blackfive.net/, comes The Warrior Song......





I’ve got the reach and the teeth of a killin’ machine,


with a need to bleed you when the light goes green


best believe, I’m in a zone to be, from my Yin to my Yang to my Yang Tze


put a grin on my chin when you come to me,


‘cuz I’ll win, I’m a one-of-a-kind and I’ll bring death


to the place you’re about to be: another river of blood runnin’ under my feet


forged in a fire lit long ago, stand next to me, you’ll never stand alone


I’m last to leave, but the first to go, Lord, make me dead before you make me old


I feed on the fear of the devil inside of the enemy faces in my sights:


aim with the hand, shoot with the mind, kill with a heart like arctic ice




I am a soldier and I’m marching on


I am a warrior and this is my song




I bask in the glow of the rising war, lay waste to the ground of an enemy shore


wade through the blood spilled on the floor, and if another one stands I’ll kill some more


bullet in the breach and a fire in me, like a cigarette thrown, to gasoline


if death don’t bring you fear, I swear, you’ll fear these marchin’ feet


Come to the nightmare, come to me, deep down in the dark where the devil be


in the maw with the jaws and the razor teeth,


where the brimstone burns and the angel weeps


call to the gods if I cross your path and my silhouette hangs like a body bag


hope is a moment now long past, the shadow of death is the one I cast.





I am a soldier and I’m marching on


I am a warrior and this is my song


my eyes are steel and my gaze is long


I am a warrior and this is my song





now I live lean and I mean to inflict the grief,


and the least of me is still out of your reach


the killing machine’s gonna do the deed,


until the river runs dry and my last breath leaves


chin in the air with a head held high,


I’ll stand in the path of the enemy line


feel no fear, know my pride:


for God and Country I’ll end your life





I am a soldier and I’m marching on


I am a warrior and this is my song


my eyes are steel and my gaze is long


I am a warrior and this is my song.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Never forget the Warriors who give us the peace we enjoy, with their blood, sweat, tears, and pain.....They are Warriors and this is their song.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Active-Duty Military and Veterans may get a free copy of The Warrior Song, here:

http://www.thewarriorsong.com/Contact.html







11/05/09--23:51: Requiescat In Pace & May God Comfort All (chan 2205198)



We offer our prayers for the victims of the shootings at Fort Hood Army Base, Texas, for the wounded, for all the families, and for the greater Army family.










11/08/09--01:15: CANADA & THE U. S. OF AMERICA --- TOGETHER WE STAND! (chan 2205198)

Canadian Troops are in the following video, but we stand together in this fight:








11/10/09--05:22: U.S. MARINE CORPS --- HAPPY 234th BIRTHDAY! (chan 2205198)

The 234th U.S. Marine Corps Birthday message, from Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James T. Conway and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Carlton W. Kent:



From the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps at Tun Tavern to the present, and beyond, the world is a much better place for the men and women who have been accepted into the U.S. Marine Corps......we thank you all and pray that God keeps you, and your families, safe and strong.






11/11/09--03:29: Lest We Forget........this Remembrance Day (chan 2205198)




In Flanders fields the poppies blow


Between the crosses, row on row,


That mark our place; and in the sky


The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.



We are the dead. Short days ago


We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,


Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.



Take up our quarrel with the foe:


To you from failing hands we throw


The torch; be yours to hold it high.


If ye break faith with us who die


We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

----- Lt. Col. John McCrae (1872 - 1918)



At the eleventh hour...on the eleventh day...of the eleventh month.........we stop what we are doing to observe a solemn two minutes of silence to remember the exact moment in 1918 when the guns of World War I finally fell silent. We do this to honour the sacrifices of all those who fought and died and to pay, in this small measure, a part of our eternal debt........Lest We Forget.







11/13/09--15:50: On My Way To Wanna Be (chan 2205198)

A President beloved by the Military who had the strength to make the difficult decisions that kept America safe from further terrorist attacks. May God bless and keep you, President G. W. Bush......








11/24/09--22:50: This Thanksgiving Day...... (chan 2205198)

This Thanksgiving Day, please make time to remember the men and women of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Reserves, National Guard, and the Veterans. They are serving, or have served, on Bases at home, abroad, on ships at sea, in the skies................and in combat zones in Afghanistan and Iraq. Never forget the sacrifices they are making so that we may enjoy this day in peace.........





May you all enjoy a peaceful, safe, and very Happy Thanksgiving. May God bless America. May God bless our Troops and Veterans. May God bless you all, now and always.







12/12/09--09:17: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, U. S. NATIONAL GUARD! (chan 2205198)



From Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on the occasion of the 373rd birthday of the U. S. National Guard:


"On the 13th of December each year, we celebrate the creation of one of America's most enduring institutions: our National Guard. The Guard has a proud history of serving and protecting the American people at home and defending our allies abroad. Now, more than any time in our history, our National Guard keeps our Military, our nation strong. We would not have been able to maintain over eight years of sustained combat operations without this incredible service and the sacrifices of Guard families and employers who also contribute.

During World War II, National Guard units were among the first in the fight. America's citizen-Soldiers and citizen-Airmen performed valiantly during the Cold War in far away places from Korea to Europe. More than 20,000 Guard members served on active duty in the Vietnam War, and more than 75,000 answered the nation's call in support of Operation Desert Storm.

Today more than 70,000 of you are currently supporting expeditionary operations in locations around the world while still maintaining vigilance and crisis response stateside. Your efforts are making a remarkable difference at a critical time in our country's history. We could not do it without you.

On behalf of your fellow Servicemembers of the Armed Forces, the Joint Chiefs and I thank you and your families and employers for 373 years of courageous sacrifice and service to our nation. Because of you, the National Guard is Always Ready, and Always There."







12/17/09--21:11: A CHRISTMAS LOL! (chan 2205198)








12/23/09--10:12: Merry Christmas to All --- especially to those standing watch on A Soldier's Silent Night (chan 2205198)





The poem upon which this recording is based was written by Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt, United States Marine Corps, in 1987. The audio of this recording was done by Father Ted Berndt......a priest at Bread of Life Charismatic Episcopal Church, in Dousman, WI......Marine Veteran of World War II......and Purple Heart recipient.

May you all enjoy all of God's blessings for a safe, healthy, peaceful, and very Merry Christmas and take the time to remember our Troops and Veterans. It is through their unselfish sacrifices that we enjoy this, and every, Christmas and holiday season.






02/03/10--06:57: United States Air Force --- Year In, Year Out! (chan 2205198)




Please take the time to follow the link to the United States Air Force's 2009 Year in Photos...

http://www.af.mil/photos/slideshow.asp?id={49CA4B06-C6BB-4081-BF9E-7160F3A85AE9}






02/19/10--15:58: Your Friday Funny! (chan 2205198)



A major Thank You to Neptunus Lex, for today's smile - http://www.neptunuslex.com/- and, as always, a major Thank You to our Troops and Veterans!






03/05/10--01:25: CONGRATULATIONS, SIRS! (chan 2205198)





Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nomination:

Army Lt. Gen. David M. Rodriguez has been nominated for re-appointment to the rank of Lieutenant General and assignment as Commander, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command/Deputy Commander, U.S. Forces Afghanistan. Gen. Rodriguez is currently serving as the Commander, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command.











Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead announced today the following assignments:


Rear Adm. (lower half) Jerry K. Burroughs will be assigned as Program Executive Officer for Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif. Adm. Burroughs is currently serving as Chief Engineer Directorate, Code 05, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif.

Rear Adm. (lower half) Anatolio B. Cruz III will be assigned as Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/Deputy Commander, Fourth Fleet, Mayport, Fla. Adm. Cruz is currently serving as Deputy Commander, Navy Region Southwest, San Diego, Calif.

Rear Adm. (lower half) Dennis E. Fitzpatrick will be assigned as Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic, Norfolk, Va. Adm. Fitzpatrick is currently serving as Director, Joint Operations, N3, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Va.

Rear Adm. Timothy M. Giardina will be assigned as Deputy and Chief of Staff, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Adm. Giardina is currently serving as Director, Readiness and Training, N4/N7, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Va.

Rear Adm. (lower half) Robert J. Kamensky will be assigned as Deputy/Reserve Deputy Commander, Submarine Force, Atlantic, Norfolk, Va. Adm. Kamensky is currently serving as Chief of Staff, Submarine Force Reserve Component, Norfolk, Va.

Rear Adm. Charles W. Martoglio will be assigned as Chief of Staff, U.S. European Command, Germany. Adm. Martoglio is currently serving as Director of Operations, J3, U.S. Pacific Command, Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii.

Rear Adm. (lower half) Scott E. Sanders will be assigned as Deputy Commander, Second Fleet, Norfolk, Va. Adm. Sanders is currently serving as Vice Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, U.S. Central Command, Bahrain.




Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nomination:

Navy Vice Adm. Paul S. Stanley has been nominated for reappointment to the rank of Vice Admiral and assignment as Principal Deputy Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Washington, D.C. Adm. Stanley is currently serving as Director, Force Structure, Resources and Assessment, J-8, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.






03/14/10--14:56: Five Letters That Best Describe Our Military (chan 2205198)



From The Sniper --- "I know I usually do a demotivator on Fridays, but I made this one and I thought it was important enough to stand alone as the sole Friday post."

Thanks and gratitude go to The Sniper - http://www.thesniper.us/ - and to all our Troops and Veterans. May God bless you all.






04/03/10--20:03: He is risen! (chan 2205198)






04/03/10--20:05: CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN, TODAY! (chan 2205198)



Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead......1 Peter 1:3





A very Happy Easter to you all..............and to all our Troops and Veterans. May the Lord always shine his everlasting light upon you, no matter where you are.






05/05/10--23:02: A Soldier Died Today (chan 2205198)





A Soldier Died Today








He was getting old and paunchy


And his hair was falling fast,


And he sat around the Legion,


Telling stories of the past.



Of a war that he once fought in


And the deeds that he had done,


In his exploits with his buddies;


They were heroes, every one.



And 'tho sometimes to his neighbours


His tales became a joke,


All his buddies listened quietly


For they knew where of he spoke.



But we'll hear his tales no longer,


For ol' Bob has passed away,


And the world's a little poorer


For a Soldier died today.



He won't be mourned by many,


Just his children and his wife.


For he lived an ordinary,


Very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family,
Going quietly on his way;
And the world won't note his passing,
'Tho a Soldier died today.



When politicians leave this earth,


Their bodies lie in state,


While thousands note their passing,


And proclaim that they were great.



Papers tell of their life stories
From the time that they were young
But the passing of a Soldier
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise
And cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country
And offers up his life?

The politician's stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.

While the ordinary Soldier,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps a pension, small.

It's so easy to forget them,
For it is so many times
That our Bobs and Jims and Johnnys,
Went to battle, but we know,

It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out,
With his ever waffling stand?

Or would you want a Soldier--
His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Soldier,
Who would fight until the end.

He was just a common Soldier,
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honour
While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage
At the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline
In the paper that might say:
"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."




Never forget.......a Veteran is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank cheque made payable to the United States of America, Canada, Great Britain, and all our Allies for an amount "Up to and including my life".

That is what is called Honour and, sadly, there are too many people who don't understand.























06/10/10--21:34: IF IT'S JUNE......IT MUST BE TIME FOR A "MEME" (chan 2205198)

What better way to return to this blog than with a "Meme"......and it's all thanks to that world-travellin', US Navy Veteran bloggin', Japan and the Far East lovin', gentleman Skippy-San (home link: http://fareastcynic.com/ ).


1. How many countries have you traveled to? ( Travel to means at least an overnight stay. Does not have to be exact.) Six. United States, Jamaica (the memory of which still produces nightmares), England, France, Iceland, and Bermuda.

2. What is the best place you ever visited? This is difficult to answer because there are many "best places" that one stores in one's memory in a lifetime but would have to say..........the first time seeing the ocean. The Atlantic Ocean, to be exact. Was four yrs old and can still remember the feel and taste of the salt air, the power of the waves compared to the waves of a lake, the birds, a little hermit crab making its way back to the water....it was magical.

3. What was the worst place you have ever been-and would you go back? Jamaica. NO!

4. If you could change one thing, and only one thing, in the world to make it a better place, what would it be? Politicians would have to serve their constituents and not themselves...world-wide.

5. Who would you rather sleep with? Men: Tonya Harding or Nancy Kerrigan? (When they were in their figure skating battle). Women: Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert? Explain. Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert? How about Jerry Lewis? Geesh! Stephen Colbert because even though he didn't hesitate to allow Gen Odierno to cut off all of his hair. Found that quite thrilling, to be honest.

6. What is the worst thing to happen to the country you hold a passport for in the last 50 years? Without question, the 1970 FLQ crisis was the worst thing to happen to Canada in the last 50 years. Thankfully, the then-PM Pierre Trudeau didn't hesitate to implement the War Measures Act to halt the spread of the terrorists' agenda; even though he was an avowed socialist.

7. Do you view someone that you know, or know of as a “hero”? If so, what makes this individual so special? Our Military, both active-duty Troops and Veterans, have always been my heroes. What makes them all so special is that no matter their reason for joining the Military, they put duty/honour/God/country above their own interests.

8. If you could be born again would choose to be a different sex to what you are? No, thank you.

9. What is your favorite alcoholic drink? If you say, ”I don’t drink”-STOP NOW. Just hang your head in shame. Hands down, Irish Mist with one ice cube......but a Guinness would do......or a rum collins with a twist of lime and lots of ice, on a hot day.

10. What is your favorite magazine? National Geographic but was very sad to see the end of Life magazine.


As for tagging six persons, there aren't six persons who would enjoy this nearly as much as I so I'll leave that to anyone who mosey's on over here.







06/29/10--22:35: CANADA DAY, 2010 --- THE MAPLE LEAF FOREVER (chan 2205198)



Queen Victoria granted Royal assent to the British North America Act on March 29, 1867. This act created the Dominion of Canada, which meant that Canada was no longer merely a colony of the British Empire, and defined the structure for the Government of Canada...including its Federal structure, the House of Commons, the Senate, the Justice system, and the taxation system. The original Provinces at the time of Confederation were New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ontario; which united the former areas known as Upper and Lower Canada. Today, there are 10 Provinces and the three Territories of Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut.


The British North America Act came into effect on July 1st, 1867. Although the form of the new Government of Canada was greatly influenced by that of the United States of America, the Fathers of Confederation decided to retain a monarchial form of the Parliamentary system with the reigning Sovereign of the United Kingdom as its' Head of State.






After 142 years, one major rebellion in 1884, a Constitutional Crisis in 1926, the establishment of martial law (under the only peactime usage of the War Measures' Act) during the FLQ crisis in 1970, an ongoing Constitutional Crisis since 1982 due to the Province of Quebec refusing to sign the current Constitution of Canada known as the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and our Military fighting first as part of the British Empire until the establishment of the Canadian Armed Forces.........after all this, and much much more, we celebrate July 1st as Canada Day and take pride in our traditions of being a part of the British Commonwealth of Nations and of our continued close ties with our closest friend and Military, political, and economical ally, the United States of America.


God save the Queen and may God bless Canada!











07/04/10--08:49: HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, AMERICA! (chan 2205198)

Today, we celebrate the 234th anniversary of the United States of America from Great Britain. There is no better way to celebrate than listening to a reading of the document that helped to forge the creation of the greatest country on Earth, read by then Senator John F. Kennedy:



May God bless the United States of America, her Troops, and her Veterans!






11/09/10--20:55: NOVEMBER 10TH, 1775 --- HAPPY BIRTHDAY, USMC! (chan 2205198)

On this 235th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, we remember that the men and women who wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor are men and women of God, country, honour, duty, and commitment. In short, Marines exemplify, and live, a code of conduct to which all Americans should aspire.



May God continue to bless all Marines and Veterans of the United States Marine Corps.

"No better friend. No worse enemy."






11/10/10--20:00: NOVEMBER 11th --- NEVER FORGET (chan 2205198)



In Flanders' fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place, and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders' fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe.

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders' fields.

--- Lt. Col. Dr. John McCrae,

Queen's Own Rifles, Canadian Expeditionary Force.

Never forget that we must never break faith with those who die.






01/01/11--23:00: NEVER FORGET (chan 2205198)



PLEASE NEVER FORGET.........THERE ARE ONLY 2 LIFE FORCES WHO HAVE OFFERED TO DIE FOR YOU.........JESUS CHRIST AND THE AMERICAN MILITARY.




Please scroll below for newer posts.






11/25/11--07:45: Don't Forget to Give Thanks for the Troops Standing Watch (chan 2205198)


May God bless them, one and all.
(h/t to Castle Argghhh)






12/21/11--10:59: A SOLDIER'S SILENT NIGHT (chan 2205198)

'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone. I had come down the chimney, with presents to give and to see just who in this home did live.




As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand. On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.




With medals and badges, awards of all kind,a sobering thought soon came to my mind. For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen. This was the home of a U.S. Marine.




I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more, so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door. And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone, curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.




He seemed so gentle, his face so serene, not how I pictured a U.S. Marine. Was this the hero, of whom I'd just read? Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?




His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan. I soon understood, this was more than a man. For I realized the families that I saw that night owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.




Soon around the Nation, the children would play, and grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas Day. They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year, because of Marines like this one lying here.




I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone, on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home. Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye. I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.




He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice, "Santa, don't cry. This life is my choice. I fight for freedom. I don't ask for more. My life is my God, my country, my Corps."




With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep. I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.




I watched him for hours, so silent and still. I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill. So I took off my jacket, the one made of red, and covered this Marine from his toes to his head. Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold, with an Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblazoned so bold. And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride, and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.




I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night, this guardian of honor so willing to fight. But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure, said "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day, all secure." One look at my watch and I knew he was right..."Merry Christmas my friend. Semper Fi and goodnight."




written by James M. Schmidt (Cpl, U. S. Marine Corps-ret'd)







A video of the poem may be viewed at - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTxFaTEePV4# - Please be sure to read how Cpl. Schmidt came to write this beautiful poem and of the World War Two U. S. Marine Corps Veteran who lends voice to these moving words.




May God bless, strengthen, and comfort all our Troops and Veterans this Christmas......and always.