MySpace-Countdowns

The True Memorial Day

In the perfect world, everyone would celebrate the holidays on the day they are marked on the calendar. Mostly because of missions and job responsibilities, Soldiers seem to have to celebrate the biggest holidays with their families months later.

Today I celebrated memorial day, not because I couldn't in May, I just didn't give it the proper respect it needed.

While walking to class in a mass formation (100+ AIT Soldiers) we like to sing cadences. This day was no different, however, the sergeant in charge got us real quiet and sang a new cadence for us. He was hushed and reverent, like a mother putting a child to sleep. We repeated each like just the same. The cadence described a scene that impacted me in such a way that i began to feel for the individual in the cadence, My Brother.

Later today we were in class being side-tracked by our teacher (we all have ADD) when she told someone to sing for us. "To get us motivated" was her excuse.

The tiniest female in our class got up and started to sing the nation's anthem. We quickly snapped to attention and froze. I was able to 'feel,' once again, for the soldiers that were in the song, They were My Brothers.

Moral of the story? It shouldn't matter when we 'celebrate' holidays, we should be reflecting on the past and giving thanks for what we have, that is really what celebrating is about.

Happy Indepence Day.

Deep in the battlefield covered in blood

Lies and airborne ranger dying in the mud

Fighting for the Country he Loves

With those Silver wings upon his chest

Tells America he's one of the best

He fought for his country, and died like a man.
Tho' some people back home just wouldn't understand.  

 (chorus)
Back at home a young wife waits,
unaware that her Ranger has finally met his fate.
 Her little boy's cryin' as she tucks him into bed,
 Although no one's told him, he knows his daddys dead.
 {Chorus}
 The boy grew up with a certain kind of shame,
 His father was buried in a tomb with no name.
 He finally got his chance when the country went to war,
 he went to enlist just to even up the score.
 {Chorus}
After seven months training he finally saw the day,
out of 93 men, he got his green beret.
 As he stood there looking at the big cheering crowd,
 He knows deep inside he'll make his daddy proud.
 {Chorus}    

Airborne

Rangers Lead the Way!

Well, I know I have just barely posted a blog, I swear I'm not getting addicted, however, my sister did this realy fun blog about fathers. I wont try to one-up her or anything by telling the word what my dad has taught me. Instead I'm going to share with you my Favorite quotes!!

"Assuming makes an ASS out of U and ME"


"LUCCCY!! YOU GOTS SOME ESPLAINNG TO DO!"


"Why do you always answer a question with a question?"


"See Ya later dad!" "If you're lucky and I'm Careless!!"


"why is everybody picking on me!?"





You Cannot forget the sound advice I got as well:

"The cats always black at night"
"It all goes one way, so it just doesnt matter"

I Love you Dad!!! Thanks for everything!!!

525600 minutes....

In the middle Month of June there always comes a time for most to sit back and reflect on things, generally because of graduations, dad's day, and its the middle of the year (have you been keeping up with your new years resolution?) I have had the fortune of sitting back today and realizing its been an adventurous time since I graduated in 2007 (yeah remember when?) So what I'd like to do is make a few comments of what has happened over the years.

2007 (that's 4 years ago):
Around this time I decided to get my Eagle scout award, and become one of the few (2% of SCOUTS) that attain the award. I also graduated from Alta High School, with mediocre grades, and a feeling that i knew as much as my parents did, I was sorely mistaken. Immediately after that I joined the college life, and really just did it for the social life.

2008 (That's 3 years ago):
The big thing of this year is that I had the half-baked idea that a mission would be easy. On March 17 2008 I read my mission call to Kentucky. ON THIS DAY 3 Years ago I Stepped through the doors of the MTC and began my mission serving the lord. I admit, I didn't go for the right reasons, but quickly I found them.

2009 (That's 2 years ago):
Two years ago I was looking at the end of my mission as if it was a distant mirage, something unattainable. I sat in a ma & pa pizza parlor eating pizza with my companion wondering what it would be like to be normal again (Obviously I still ha vent learned what it is to be normal)

2010 (That was last year!!!):
I sat across an room from a man that told me i was officially released as a missionary, I was the worse day of my life. I was asked to remove my name tag that set me apart from the world. I reluctantly complied. and Bawled my eyes out.

2011 (TODAY):
I sit in a big room with 60 uniformed soldiers getting geared up for another day. I am an American Soldier. Ready to defend this country I love, prepared to give the ultimate sacrifice for the people I learned to love both at home and on my mission. I wear my uniform with pride, because there are only 1% of America that wears it, and we have the strongest ties together.

Our Lives change daily, that's is why its hard to see the big picture of life. Look into your past just one year ago and you'll see changes you've made that are huge. look even further into the past, see even bigger changes.

SO, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE SINCE 2007?

There have been times in my life where i yell WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT? Last friday was prime example, I thought the class leader was being Facetious in telling me to step out to the front of the formation. Little did I know it was more of a "hey, im not going to be class leader, its your turn good luck!" type of thing. Life would be ok, but we moved into a different school, so imagine the newbies in high school, being led by a newbie, thats how it was (blind leading the blind) but we got through it. Im getting gray hairs because of all the stuff but he. cie la vive!!!!

First rule is.. ..

I recently added a post on my facebook account stating my number one rule in life. At that time it was just something to post on my FB account, but now I have slowly asked myself "Self..... what are your rules?" well Blogspace is a good place to write down the thoughts eh?

Downs Rules and added commentary to surviving life (and the inevitable Zombie Apocalypse):
#1: Never let them see you bleed. (Them being Zombies, People or Enemies, you choose)
#2: Carry the bigger stick... you can always build more muscle.
#3: Duh. Double tap.. even on periods..
#4: People are Pawns (In your game of life, most are expendable)
#5: Pawns are People too!

I think those are the start, I will have more as I come up with them!