Anyone who rides a motorcycle will tell you that Sturgis is happening right now. For those not familiar with Sturgis, it is a small town in South Dakota that attracts thousands of riders each year for its motorcycle festival. This year, Medal of Honor recipient Gary Wetzel (see video below) was injured in a crash on the way to the event. He went into surgery on Tuesday and is recovering at a local hospital. If you would like to send your best wishes to him, you can send him a card at: Gary G Wetzel PO Box 84 Oak Creek,…

From the USCG website: “The U. S. Coast Guard is simultaneously and at all times a military force and federal law enforcement agency dedicated to maritime safety, security, and stewardship missions. We save lives. We protect the environment. We defend the homeland. We enforce Federal laws on the high seas, the nation’s coastal waters and its inland waterways. We are unique in the Nation and the world. The Coast Guard has been in service in one form or another since August 4, 1790.” Now THAT is a mission statement! On August 4, 1790, President Washington authorized the, “…construction of ten…

Jack Davis, legendary cartoonist, diehard Georgia Bulldog, and Navy veteran, died last week at the age of 91. His death sent shock waves throughout the nation. He joined the Navy in World War II, serving in the far east. When he came home he embarked on one of the most successful illustration careers in modern times. He was one of the original “Gang of Idiots” at MAD Magazine, and was famous not only for his unique style, but also for being one of the fastest caricaturists on the planet. The New York Times ran a nice article about Jack, and…

I just received a beautiful brochure celebrating the retirement of Lieutenant Commander Dan Saulnier, who retired after thirty-six years of loyal and dedicated service to the Royal Canadian Navy. He was an engineer, and in his retirement program I found this excellent poem that dramatically describes life in the hole. The Men Who Sail Below Now each of us from time to time, has gazed upon the sea. And watched the warships pulling out, to keep this country free. And most of us have read a book, or heard a lusty tale. About the men who sail these ships, through…

Clarence Busch only spent twenty-three of his ninety-nine years in the Navy, but those twenty-three years left an indelible mark on him and those who knew him. Like most men his age, he served in World War II, but unlike many of his generation, he served before the war as well. He was stationed in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and was witness to the beginning of the great world conflict that was about to unfold. He saw the end of it too, as well as the entire Korean War. His goal had been to match Bob Hope and…

On June 30, 1863, 170,000 men approached a quiet Pennsylvania town called Gettysburg, having no idea that one of the bloodiest and most important battles in American history would begin within twenty-four hours. 75,000 of them – the Army of Northern Virgina – were under the command of General Robert E. Lee. They were being pursued by 95,000 Union troops under Major General George Meade, who was careful to keep his army positioned between the rebels and Washington, D.C. The South’s goal was to force an engagement against the Army of the Potomac and win, then sue for peace with…