Disclaimer

If you do not know me (I mean, really know me) then there is something you need to understand before you read this blog: I value the truth above everything else... except a good laugh. A good laugh will almost always beat the truth as far as I’m concerned. Everything you read on this blog will be true, somewhat true, or something I made up in an effort to get a laugh. Sometimes I will go on a rant that I don’t really mean (or only kind of mean). Sometimes I will mean what I write only to completely change my mind a year, month, or day later. Such is life. By reading this blog you agree not to get offended by anything I write (or, at the very least, you agree not to tell me or anyone else that you are offended). It is worth noting that my employer does not endorse my blog (or even read it, to tell you the truth). The Wife also does not endorse my blog (though she will read it from time to time). I am not paid to write this... it’s just my way of giving back to the community. I have, and will, touch on a wide range of subjects and will give my opinion on these subjects. Again, most of what I say is for laughs but every now and then I will say what I really think and feel (see my views on Westboro Baptist Cult). How will you know when I’m serious and when I’m trying to get a laugh? You’ll know. And if you don’t know, well... maybe this isn’t the best thing for you to be reading. So, sit back, read and enjoy. Leave comments if you want and don’t be afraid to publicly follow me.



Sunday, December 28, 2014

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY RUTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

First Sergeant Conrad Schmidt (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 19, 1864, at Winchester, Virginia. His citation reads:

Went to the assistance of his regimental commander, whose horse had been killed under him in a charge, mounted the officer behind him, under a heavy fire from the enemy, and returned him to his command.

Chief Gunner’s Mate Oscar Schmidt, Jr. (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 9, 1918, on board the U.S. submarine chaser 219. His citation reads:

For gallant conduct and extraordinary heroism while attached to the U.S.S. Chestnut Hill, on the occasion of the explosion and subsequent fire on board the U.S. submarine chaser 219. Schmidt, seeing a man, whose legs were partly blown off, hanging on a line from the bow of the 219, jumped overboard, swam to the sub chaser and carried him from the bow to the stern where a member of the 219's crew helped him land the man on the afterdeck of the submarine. Schmidt then endeavored to pass through the flames amidships to get another man who was seriously burned. This he was unable to do, but when the injured man fell overboard and drifted to the stern of the chaser Schmidt helped him aboard.

Seaman Otto Diller Schmidt (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 21, 1905, on board the U.S.S. Bennington. His citation reads:

While serving on board the U.S.S. Bennington for extraordinary heroism displayed at the time of the explosion of a boiler of that vessel at San Diego, Calif., 21 July 1905.


I would like to take a minute here to wish my sweet little Mary Ruth a VERY HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!  I say "little", but the truth is she's never really been little.  She's always been tall for her age... but she'll always be my little girl.  I hope she has a great day!


The I’m just sayin… Gospel Verse of the Week
John 21:17-19

17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said,
“Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private Philipp Schlachter (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 12, 1864, at Spotsylvania, Virginia. His citation reads:

Capture of flag of 15th Louisiana Infantry (C.S.A.).

Blacksmith George W. Schmal (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 5, 1865, at Paines Crossroads, Virginia. His citation reads:

Capture of flag.

Private Andrew Schmauch (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 22, 1863, at Vicksburg, Mississippi. His citation reads:

Gallantry in the charge of the "volunteer storming party."


I think I’ve posted this the past few years and I plan to post it for every year that I have this blog.



I know that some of you are not able to view the videos I post on here, so I’ll type what was in that video. It had a letter to the editor of the New York Sun from a little 8 year old girl named Virginia that was written in the late 1890s. One of the paper’s editors, Francis P. Church, answered with what would become one of (if not THE) most famous editorials. First, here is the letter to the editor:

DEAR EDITOR:

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.' Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

VIRGINIA O'HANLON
115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET

Here’s the response from Mr. Church:

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.


From all of us at I’m just sayin… to all of you… MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!


Picture Thursday


We had a fire... but not on Christmas Eve (Didn't want Santa to get burned)

Susie giving Da a Birthday gift

Add caption

A little birthday love for Da


I told The Wife to take a picture to prove to Susan that this chair doesn't always flip over

Susie, Daniel and their friends singing in church on Christmas Eve

Mary Ruth and her friends singing in church on Christmas Eve

Sunday, December 21, 2014

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Gunner’s Mate First Class Charles S. Schepke (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 13, 1904, on board the U.S.S. Missouri. His citation reads:

For extraordinary heroism while serving on the U.S.S. Missouri in remaining by a burning magazine and assisting to extinguish the fire, 13 April 1904.

Private John Schiller (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 29, 1864, at Chapins Farm, Virginia. His citation reads:

Advanced to the ditch of the enemy's works.

First Lieutenant Christian Frank Schilt (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on January 6-8, 1928, at Quilali, Nicaragua. His citation reads:

During the progress of an insurrection at Quilali, Nicaragua, 6, 7, and 8 January 1928, 1st Lt. Schilt, then a member of a marine expedition which had suffered severe losses in killed and wounded, volunteered under almost impossible conditions to evacuate the wounded by air and transport a relief commanding officer to assume charge of a very serious situation. 1st Lt. Schilt bravely undertook this dangerous and important task and, by taking off a total of 10 times in the rough, rolling street of a partially burning village, under hostile infantry fire on each occasion, succeeded in accomplishing his mission, thereby actually saving 3 lives and bringing supplies and aid to others in desperate need.


The I’m just sayin… Gospel Verse of the Week
Luke 2:9-12

9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Thursday, December 18, 2014

One week until Christmas!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private First Class Henry Schauer (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 23-24, 1944, near Cisterna di Littoria, Italy. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. On 23 May 1944, at 12 noon, Pfc. (now T/Sgt.) Schauer left the cover of a ditch to engage 4 German snipers who opened fire on the patrol from its rear. Standing erect he walked deliberately 30 yards toward the enemy, stopped amid the fire from 4 rifles centered on him, and with 4 bursts from his BAR, each at a different range, killed all of the snipers. Catching sight of a fifth sniper waiting for the patrol behind a house chimney, Pfc. Schauer brought him down with another burst. Shortly after, when a heavy enemy artillery concentration and 2 machineguns temporarily halted the patrol, Pfc. Schauer again left cover to engage the enemy weapons single-handed. While shells exploded within 15 yards, showering dirt over him, and strings of grazing German tracer bullets whipped past him at chest level, Pfc. Schauer knelt, killed the 2 gunners of the machinegun only 60 yards from him with a single burst from his BAR, and crumpled 2 other enemy soldiers who ran to man the gun. Inserting a fresh magazine in his BAR, Pfc. Schauer shifted his body to fire at the other weapon 500 yards distant and emptied his weapon into the enemy crew, killing all 4 Germans. Next morning, when shells from a German Mark VI tank and a machinegun only 100 yards distant again forced the patrol to seek cover, Pfc. Schauer crawled toward the enemy machinegun. stood upright only 80 yards from the weapon as its bullets cut the surrounding ground, and 4 tank shells fired directly at him burst within 20 yards. Raising his BAR to his shoulder, Pfc. Schauer killed the 4 members of the German machinegun crew with 1 burst of fire.

Private Martin E. Scheibner (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 27, 1863, at Mine Run, Virginia. His citation reads:

Voluntarily extinguished the burning fuse of a shell which had been thrown into the lines of the regiment by the enemy.

Private Benjamin W. Schenck (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 22, 1863, at Vicksburg, Mississippi. His citation reads:

Gallantry in the charge of the "volunteer storming party.


I need an assistant to hang out with me all day. Throughout any given day, I will think of about half a dozen things I’d like to talk about on here… but by the time I’ve got time to sit down and type, I’ve forgotten everything I’d like to talk about!

I will say that I know a lot of people don’t like Dick Vitale because of how he calls basketball games. I happen to like hearing him call games, but to each his own I guess. But like him or not, you have to respect the passion he has for cancer research. As far as I know, this passion started back when his friend Jim Valvano was fighting the disease. That was back in the early 1990s… and after over 20 years, he’s still raising money like his life depended on it. If you ever hear him talking about the disease, you can feel the passion he has… I’ve heard him talk about kids with cancer and I’ve heard the emotion in his voice. He doesn’t just want to find a cure for cancer… he needs to find one. If only we could all be so passionate about stuff like this, it wouldn’t be long before we ran out of diseases to cure…


Picture Thursday


Susie ready for school

I would like to tell you that one of the kids colored this picture, but they didn't.  I'd like to tell you that one of the kids asked The Wife to color this picture, but they didn't.  The Wife did this all on her own.  To be fair, she did do a good job...  

Backstage before singing in church

Susie taking some time to take a picture with a fan...

goofy picture

Susie's seat for the parade

A WWII Veteran in the parade

The Kids waiting for the train ride at the Festival of Lights on James Island

Lights of The Wife and Rebecca

The Wife and Rebecca standing by the picture they liked the most...

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Luke 5:12-13

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private David John Scannell (U.S. Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions from July 21 – August 17, 1900, at Peking, China. His citation reads:

In the presence of the enemy during the action at Peking, China, 21 July to 17 August 1900. Throughout this period, Scannell distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.

Staff Sergeant Joseph E. Schaefer (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 24, 1944, near Stolberg, Germany. His citation reads:

He was in charge of a squad of the 2d Platoon in the vicinity of Stolberg, Germany, early in the morning of 24 September 1944, when 2 enemy companies supported by machineguns launched an attack to seize control of an important crossroads which was defended by his platoon. One American squad was forced back, another captured, leaving only S/Sgt. Schaefer's men to defend the position. To shift his squad into a house which would afford better protection, he crawled about under heavy small-arms and machinegun fire, instructed each individual, and moved to the building. A heavy concentration of enemy artillery fire scored hits on his strong point. S/Sgt. Schaefer assigned his men to positions and selected for himself the most dangerous one at the door. With his Ml rifle, he broke the first wave of infantry thrown toward the house. The Germans attacked again with grenades and flame throwers but were thrown back a second time, S/Sgt. Schaefer killing and wounding several. Regrouped for a final assault, the Germans approached from 2 directions. One force drove at the house from the front, while a second group advanced stealthily along a hedgerow. Recognizing the threat, S/Sgt. Schaefer fired rapidly at the enemy before him, killing or wounding all 6; then, with no cover whatever, dashed to the hedgerow and poured deadly accurate shots into the second group, killing 5, wounding 2 others, and forcing the enemy to withdraw. He scoured the area near his battered stronghold and captured 10 prisoners. By this time the rest of his company had begun a counterattack; he moved forward to assist another platoon to regain its position. Remaining in the lead, crawling and running in the face of heavy fire, he overtook the enemy, and liberated the American squad captured earlier in the battle. In all, single-handed and armed only with his rifle, he killed between 15 and 20 Germans, wounded at least as many more, and took 10 prisoners. S/Sgt. Schaefer's indomitable courage and his determination to hold his position at all costs were responsible for stopping an enemy.

First Lieutenant Dwite H. Schaffner (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 28, 1918, near St. Hubert's Pavillion, Boureuilles, France. His citation reads:

He led his men in an attack on St. Hubert's Pavillion through terrific enemy machinegun, rifle, and artillery fire and drove the enemy from a strongly held entrenched position after hand-to-hand fighting. His bravery and contempt for danger inspired his men, enabling them to hold fast in the face of 3 determined enemy counterattacks. His company's position being exposed to enemy fire from both flanks, he made 3 efforts to locate an enemy machinegun which had caused heavy casualties. On his third reconnaissance he discovered the gun position and personally silenced the gun, killing or wounding the crew. The third counterattack made by the enemy was initiated by the appearance of a small detachment in advance of the enemy attacking wave. When almost within reach of the American front line the enemy appeared behind them, attacking vigorously with pistols, rifles, and handgrenades, causing heavy casualties in the American platoon. 1st Lt. Schaffner mounted the parapet of the trench and used his pistol and grenades killing a number of enemy soldiers, finally reaching the enemy officer leading the attacking forces, a captain, shooting and mortally wounding the latter with his pistol, and dragging the captured officer back to the company's trench, securing from him valuable information as to the enemy's strength and position. The information enabled 1st Lt. Schaffner to maintain for S hours the advanced position of his company despite the fact that it was surrounded on 3 sides by strong enemy forces. The undaunted bravery, gallant soldierly conduct, and leadership displayed by 1st Lt. Schaffner undoubtedly saved the survivors of the company from death or capture.


The I’m just sayin… Gospel Verse of the Week
Luke 5:12-13

12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.

Friday, December 12, 2014

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRENT!!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Brigadier General Rufus Saxton (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions from May 26-30, 1862, at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. His citation reads:

Distinguished gallantry and good conduct in the defense.

Private First Class Foster J. Sayers (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 12, 1944, near Thionville, France. His citation reads:

He displayed conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in combat on 12 November 1944, near Thionville, France. During an attack on strong hostile forces entrenched on a hill he fearlessly ran up the steep approach toward his objective and set up his machinegun 20 yards from the enemy. Realizing it would be necessary to attract full attention of the dug-in Germans while his company crossed an open area and flanked the enemy, he picked up his gun, charged through withering machinegun and rifle fire to the very edge of the emplacement, and there killed 12 German soldiers with devastating close-range fire. He took up a position behind a log and engaged the hostile infantry from the flank in an heroic attempt to distract their attention while his comrades attained their objective at the crest of the hill. He was killed by the very heavy concentration of return fire; but his fearless assault enabled his company to sweep the hill with minimum of casualties, killing or capturing every enemy soldier on it. Pfc. Sayers' indomitable fighting spirit, aggressiveness, and supreme devotion to duty live on as an example of the highest traditions of the military service.

Pilot Patrick Scanlan (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 24, 1864, at the Ashepoo River, South Carolina. His citation reads:

Volunteered as a member of a boat crew which went to the rescue of a large number of Union soldiers on board the stranded steamer Boston, and with great gallantry assisted in conveying them to shore, being exposed during the entire time to a heavy fire from a Confederate battery.


Today I would like to wish my brother-in-law, Brent, a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! I trust Teresa Lynn and the girls will make this a GREAT birthday for him.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Hey… The year is almost over.

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Captain Edwin F. Savacool (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 6, 1865, at Sailors Creek, Virginia. His citation reads:

Capture of flag, during which he was wounded and died several days later in Washington, D.C.

Ordinary Seaman Auzella Savage (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on January 15, 1865, on board the U.S.S. Santiago de Cuba. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Santiago de Cuba in the assault on Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865. When the landing party to which he was attached charged on the fort with a cheer, and the determination to plant the colors on the ramparts, Savage remained steadfast when more than two_thirds of the marines and sailors fell back in panic during the fight. When enemy fire shot away the flagstaff above his hand, he bravely seized the remainder of the staff and brought his colors safely off.

Sergeant William Sawelson (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 26, 1918, at Grand-Pre, France. His citation reads:

Hearing a wounded man in a shell hole some distance away calling for water, Sgt. Sawelson, upon his own initiative, left shelter and crawled through heavy machinegun fire to where the man lay, giving him what water he had in his canteen. He then went back to his own shell hole, obtained more water, and was returning to the wounded man when he was killed by a machinegun bullet.


Is it just me, or did this year go by pretty fast? I had a great weekend this past Friday-Sunday. I had a chance to relax with some friends at the lake house. Not everyone was able to make it, but maybe that will change next year.

Below is a video of Piano Man Dan playing his favorite song… or at least he thinks that’s what he’s doing.




Picture Thursday


Today we have some pics from around Thanksgiving.  Here is one of Daniel at school.  Pay attention in the next picture to what he is thankful for...

If you can't read it, it says "I'm thankful for my mommy, my daddy and my brother!"... He doesn't have a brother.

Louis, Susan (post chair tipping) and me

Aunt Yvonne doing the one thing Teresa Lynn loves more than any other thing... playing with her hair.

Dad

Brent

Ansley providing the post meal entertainment




Daniel was sleeping before the made it to the end of the street

Momma's little baby boy

Spike eating his Thanksgiving meal


The kids decorating the Christmas Tree... The Wife said Daniel was wearing underwear, but for all I can tell he was nude.

My friend Allison (little sister of Rebecca) got married the weekend before Thanksgiving.  The Saturday before Thanksgiving was probably the nicest day of the month.  The wedding, however, was on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.  It rained.  Hard.  And for a very long time.  And the wedding was outside.  BUT... it was still a great wedding.  She looked great, they got married and the reception was fun.  Those are the only 3 things you really need for a great wedding.  And I'm sure after a year or two she'll forget about the weather on her wedding day.



Sunday, December 7, 2014

Good friends, good whiskey and good lovin…

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Sergeant Henry Sartwell (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 3, 1863, at Chancellorsville, Virginia. His citation reads:

Was severely wounded by a gunshot in his left arm, went half a mile to the rear but insisted on returning to his company and continue to fight bravely until he became exhausted from the loss of blood and was compelled to retire from the field.

Specialist Fifth Class Clarence Eugene Sasser (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on January 10, 1968, at Ding Tuong Province, Republic of Vietnam. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp5c. Sasser distinguished himself while assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion. He was serving as a medical aidman with Company A, 3d Battalion, on a reconnaissance in force operation. His company was making an air assault when suddenly it was taken under heavy small arms, recoilless rifle, machinegun and rocket fire from well fortified enemy positions on 3 sides of the landing zone. During the first few minutes, over 30 casualties were sustained. Without hesitation, Sp5c. Sasser ran across an open rice paddy through a hail of fire to assist the wounded. After helping 1 man to safety, was painfully wounded in the left shoulder by fragments of an exploding rocket. Refusing medical attention, he ran through a barrage of rocket and automatic weapons fire to aid casualties of the initial attack and, after giving them urgently needed treatment, continued to search for other wounded. Despite two additional wounds immobilizing his legs he dragged himself through the mud toward another soldier 100 meters away. Although in agonizing pain and faint from loss of blood, Sp5c. Sasser reached the man, treated him, and proceeded on to encourage another group of soldiers to crawl 200 meters to relative safety. There he attended their wounds for 5 hours until they were evacuated. Sp5c. Sasser's extraordinary heroism is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Quartermaster James Saunders (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 19, 1864, on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge. His citation reads:

Served as quartermaster on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Carrying out his duties courageously throughout the bitter engagement, Saunders was prompt in reporting damages done to both ships, and it is testified to by Commodore Winslow that he is deserving of all commendation, both for gallantry and for encouragement of others in his division.


So… I know we usually have the Gospel Verse of the Week on Sunday’s this year, but this is one of my favorite verses and I wanted to use it today. Luckily, since this is my blog, I figured I could do it. So here it is…


The I’m just sayin… Gospel Verse of the Week
Proverbs 17:17

A friend loves at all times,
      and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Congrats Tony Elliott!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Sergeant Jackson Sargent (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 2, 1865, at Petersburg, Virginia. His citation reads:

First to scale the enemy's works and plant the colors thereon.

First Lieutenant Ruppert L. Sargent (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on March 15, 1967, at Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. While leading a platoon of Company B, 1st Lt. Sargent was investigating a reported Viet Cong meeting house and weapons cache. A tunnel entrance which 1st Lt. Sargent observed was booby trapped. He tried to destroy the booby trap and blow the cover from the tunnel using hand grenades, but this attempt was not successful. He and his demolition man moved in to destroy the booby trap and cover which flushed a Viet Cong soldier from the tunnel, who was immediately killed by the nearby platoon sergeant. 1st Lt. Sargent, the platoon sergeant, and a forward observer moved toward the tunnel entrance. As they approached, another Viet Cong emerged and threw 2 hand grenades that landed in the midst of the group. 1st Lt. Sargent fired 3 shots at the enemy then turned and unhesitatingly threw himself over the 2 grenades. He was mortally wounded, and his 2 companions were lightly wounded when the grenades exploded. By his courageous and selfless act of exceptional heroism, he saved the lives of the platoon sergeant and forward observer and prevented the injury or death of several other nearby comrades. 1st Lt. Sargent's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military services and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.

Second Lieutenant Joseph R. Sarnoski (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 16, 1943, over Buka Area, Solomon Islands. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty. On 16 June 1943, 2d Lt. Sarnoski volunteered as bombardier of a crew on an important photographic mapping mission covering the heavily defended Buka area, Solomon Islands. When the mission was nearly completed, about 20 enemy fighters intercepted. At the nose guns, 2d Lt. Sarnoski fought off the first attackers, making it possible for the pilot to finish the plotted course. When a coordinated frontal attack by the enemy extensively damaged his bomber, and seriously injured 5 of the crew, 2d Lt. Sarnoski, though wounded, continued firing and shot down 2 enemy planes. A 20-millimeter shell which burst in the nose of the bomber knocked him into the catwalk under the cockpit. With indomitable fighting spirit, he crawled back to his post and kept on firing until he collapsed on his guns. 2d Lt. Sarnoski by resolute defense of his aircraft at the price of his life, made possible the completion of a vitally important mission.


I had a chance to do something this past weekend that I haven’t done since… well, before Susie and Daniel were born (I think). I attended my first Clemson/USC (or USC/Clemson, for you Revolutionary War Heroes fans) game since 2006 (also known as the “Why the hell are you taking Reggie Merriweather out!” game for Clemson fans). With friends like multi-I’m just sayin… Fan of the Year winner Ashley, her husband Cory (The Wife’s arch-nemesis) and Danny (yes, that Danny) I no longer live or die by this game like I did growing up. Going to Winthrop and being a Winthrop fan first has also changed my look at this game. Still, when I was given the chance to join my Aunt Yvonne and Uncle George (and my cousin Susan) for the 2014 edition of this rivalry game (now called The Palmetto Bowl), I jumped at it (after checking with The Wife).

Before I get to that (and before I forget)… Susan ate so much turkey on Thanksgiving that when she sat down in a (very sturdy) chair at Mom and Dad’s house, she tipped it over. Now, back to my weekend…

I won’t talk about the game… you either wanted to see it and did, or you didn’t want to see it. I will tell you that we headed up to my cousin Louis’ house Friday afternoon. After hanging out watching TV and eating pizza, there was an epic battle between Louis and Susan/Aunt Yvonne to decide where I would be spending the night. Louis fought the good fight, but in the end his offer of cats and a sofa wasn’t enough to overcome a bed by myself at Susan’s house.

Saturday saw us wake up early so we could be ready for Louis and Uncle George to pick us (me and Aunt Yvonne) up by 8:00am. We were able to beat the traffic and get to our tailgating spot at a good time. Friends, tailgating ain’t like it was when I was growing up. We put a tent up and then set up tables and a huge TV (along with satellite dish so we could watch TV before and after the game). It was at this time Aunt Yvonne said to me, “I’m not your momma, but…”

I’m not 100% sure what came after that because of the shock I felt at hearing this news so close to Christmas. Was this the whole reason I was invited to the game? So she could get me out in a crowd before revealing this info to me? I can only assume the words that came after “but” were something like “you are my favorite child”. I only say this after knowing my competition. Anyway, We went to the game (pics from our seats to follow) and had a great time. After the game, we watched the 3:30 games on TV and sat around doing what people do at tailgates. I promised I wouldn’t talk about what went on, but I will say that my cousin Susan said the following words a number of times, “Mom, stop talking”. Aunt “Not my momma” Yvonne and I caught a ride with Susan back to her place (there was some more “Mom, stop talking!”) and watched some of the Iron Bowl.

Sunday morning we woke up and Aunt Yvonne and I went to pick Uncle George up from Louis’ house. I promised Aunt Yvonne that I wouldn’t discuss a phone call she made or the voicemail she left. However, Uncle George said it would be ok if I told you about the voicemail some crazy lady left him. It seems he was sitting at Louis’ house waiting for Aunt Yvonne to call his cell phone to let him know we were on the way. Unbeknownst to him, some crazy lady called his office phone and left a message saying something along the lines of “Why tell me to call you if you aren’t going to answer the phone!” I’m not really at liberty to go into any more details… I just wish I could have gotten pictures of the faces of the people involved when they discovered what happened. I think there is a lesson here for all of us… Delete Uncle George’s office number from your phone.


Before I forget, CONGRATS to my friend and former JI baseball teammate Tony Elliott on being promoted to Co-Offensive Coordinator for the Clemson Tigers.  I have said many times to anyone who would listen that Tony Elliott is a winner, plain and simple.  He has that special ability to make people around him better.  I am very happy for him.


Picture Thursday






Susan - Post ate-too-much-turkey chair tipping

Louis and Aunt Yvonne taking a break from fighting over me.  I tried to tell them that there was enough of me to go around (I think this picture proves it)

Me, Kelsey, Avery and Uncle George... Kelsey decided that she wanted to sit with me.  She kept calling me by my Dad's name, but that's ok.

This is the kind of tailgate I want to be at...

If you look through the trees, you can see Death Valley

Getting things set up

Looking good...

Taking a selfie of a selfie with Susan

Clemson was kind enough to welcome me to Death Valley

A view from my seat

The Revolutionary War Heroes had to leave the field... so they could come back on the field

The Tigers coming down The Hill


Wearing the orange britches

Coin Toss

The Hill filled in

Opening kickoff

Good crowd for both teams


I think this was after USC scored the first TD



Susan found a chair that wouldn't tip over

One last look at our tailgate