Remembering our Vets on Veterans Day

As we celebrate Veterans Day, we remember and honor those who have served and those who still serve our nation.  You've heard it before.  These men and women put themselves in harm's way and put their lives on the line to defend our country and keep us safe.  They have given up the comfort of their warm homes to go to the ends of the earth.  Many suffered serious injury and death in the performance of their duties.

As I write this article, the United States remains egaged in the longest continuous war in its history.  And all indications are that we will remain at war for the foreseeable future.  In the meantime, thousands remain in harm's way, scores have paid the ultimate price, and hundreds have returned home with life changing injuries.

Once again I would like to extend a challenge to all of my readers to make a donation to one of the many organizations that help our Veterans in need.  The Disabled American Veterans and Wounded Warrior Project are just two.  I continue to donate funds to veterans organizations and contribute monthly to the Wounded Warrier Project to help those veterans who need our help.  I hope you will do the same.

Again this year I have included, for your entertainment, my favorite video honoring the men and women of our armed forces.  It honors them in an exciting and upbeat way that will have you on your feet.  To date it has been viewed over 215,000 times and continues to receive rave reviews!  Turn up your volume, select full screen and take a few moments to enjoy it.

Decline of the Combat Air Force

Shower Patrol: A Postcard From the Waning Days of the Combat Air Force

For a long time, combat aviation culture dominated the Air Force, for better or worse. Today, it has been all but extinguished.

The Air Force became a historically and globally formidable organization not chiefly by the power of technology, as the conventional wisdom holds, but by the greatness of its squadrons. The squadron was traditionally the domain where airpower practitioners of one stripe or another cohered into tightly-knit, mutually supportive teams. They didn’t just wear the same uniforms and practice the same specialties, they shared a common identity.

That identity revolved around making the enemy suffer by making optimum use of time, energy, and technological advantage. Everything else was relegated to secondary status, and special contempt was reserved for administrative nonsense and its champions. They were held in check with a determined air choke. There was an unspoken understanding that if the service’s long-suffering, aircrew-hating support cabal ever got its hands on the controls, it would steer the service into the ground … or perhaps just back into the Department of the Army.

Check out this article about a disturbing change in the attitude and priorities in today's Air Force:

Shower Patrol: a Postcard From the Waning Days of the Combat Air Force

 [Thanks to USAFA '75 classmate, Ben Bosma, for forwarding this]

Memorial Day Thoughts 2015

On Monday, once again, we celebrate Memorial Day.  On this federal holiday we pause to remember the men and women of our armed forces who died while serving our country.  Please take some time to honor the thousands of men and women who gave their lives over the past 239 years to defend our country and our way of life.  We owe them so much!

The world continues to be a very dangerous place.  Although the old Soviet Union is gone, Vladimir Putin of Russia has annexed portions of Ukraine, has his eye on further annexation in Europe and has resumed aggressive military actions throughout the world.  Korea and China are encouraged toward aggressive action due to a weakened US presence in the world.  The Islamic State and Islamic extremists are engulfing the world and threaten terrorism within our own boarders.  As a result, our military men and women continue to put themselves harms way throughout the world, defending our freedom, our Constitution and our way of life.

It is befitting, therefore, on Memorial Day that we also remember the thousands of men and women who have served and continue to serve in our armed forces.  Many have returned with injuries, and thousands more are returning to civilian life after serving their country.

This Memorial Day take a moment to remember those that gave their lives, and thank the current members of our military and our veterans.  Attend a Memorial Day celebration in your community.  Then, do something to help.  Offer a job to a vet, volunteer your time or donate to one of the many organizations that help our military and our veterans.  The Disabled American Veterans and Wounded Warrior Project are just two organizations that make a difference.

Once again, this year, I am including my most popular YouTube video, the Warrior Song Tribute for your Memorial Day entertainment.  It has been viewed over 180,000 times in 179 countries worldwide.

Wishing all my viewers a great Memorial Day weekend.  God Bless America and our Veterans!

Ralph's YouTube Surpasses Half a Million Views!

Seven years ago I created a YouTube site in which I intended to post videos of interest to me.  Many of them reflect my military service and devotion to my country.  I expected it to be a small, humble site that would occasionally be viewed by friends and family.  I posted 42 videos during this time, from personal interest and humor to politics and more.  To my great surprise my videos spread far beyond my initial intended audience, with VIEWINGS IN 132 COUNTRIES SPANNING THE ENTIRE GLOBE.  Recently my site reached HALF A MILLION VIEWS, surpassing my wildest expectations!

I would like to extend my thanks to all who viewed and supported my YouTube site and invite my readers to check it out.  I believe you will find my videos both entertaining and stimulating.

I have included, below, for your entertainment, my three top viewed videos.  In addition, you can click on the following link to view the entire site:  Ralph's YouTube

Remembering this Memorial Day

On Monday, once again, we celebrate Memorial Day.  On this federal holiday we pause to remember the men and women of our armed forces who died while serving our country.  As the wars in the Middle East wind down and our troops return, please take some time to honor the thousands of men and women who gave their lives over the past 238 years to defend our country and our way of life.  We owe them so much!

Memorial Day is also an appropriate time to remember the thousands of men and women who have served and continue to serve in our armed forces.  Many have returned with injuries, and thousands more are returning to civilian life after serving their country.

This Memorial Day take a moment to remember those that gave their lives, and thank the members of our military and our veterans.  Attend a Memorial Day celebration in your community.  Then, do something to help.  Offer a job to a vet, volunteer your time or donate to one of the many organizations that help our military and our veterans.  The Disabled American Veterans and Wounded Warrior Project are just two organizations that make a difference.

Once again, this year, I am including the Warrior Song Tribute for your Memorial Day entertainment.

Above & Beyond: Birth of the Israeli Air Force

At the end of World War II a handful of Army Air Corps pilots were secretly recruited to help defend a soon-to-be brand new Jewish state from massive attacks from the Arab world in Israel's War of Independence.  Check out the video of this little known amazing story.

[My thanks to Lynn Hill for forwarding this video]

U.S. Shuns Israel After Foiling Al Qaeda Plot

US Embassy in Tel Aviv

Once again our president and state department are more interested in hiding the reemergence of Al Qaeda than protecting our citizens and embassies.  Were it not for the Israelis we would have suffered another "Benghazi"!  And we continue to turn our back on our allies.  It's going to be a long three more years until we can replace the man currently in our Whitehouse, and God only knows how much more damage he will do by then.

Check out this article in The Minority Report describing how our closest ally, Israel, foiled an Al Qaeda plot to attack our embassy in Tel Aviv and how our government not only refused to acknowledge the incident, but failed to thank the Israelis for what they did.

Israel Foils Al Qaeda Plot Against US Embassy

[My thanks to USAFA '75 Classmate Gary Exelby for forwarding this]

Holiday Wishes for My Readers

As we approach the end of 2013, I want to take a moment to wish my readers a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year.  May you be surrounded by loved ones, family and friends to share the joy of the season.

Again this year I have included, for your entertainment, one of my favorite holiday videos, Beware of the Doghouse.  Take a few moments to enjoy it, and have a great holiday season!

Words of Wisdom for Your Children

Although Bill Gates really didn't say this (It was really the work of Charles J. Sykes, author of the 1996 book, Dumbing Down Our Kids: Why American Children Feel Good About Themselves But Can't Read, Write or Add), it is right on the mark! Check it out and forward it to your children and grandchildren.  If they follow this advice they will be head and shoulders above their peers as they start out in life.

[My thanks to Art Storey for forwarding this]

30 Second Brain Test: Right or Left Brained?

Psychologists say that the side of your brain that is dominant determines many of your personality traits.  Simply put, left brain dominant people are rational, logical and detail oriented, while right brain dominant people are creative, intuitive and chaotic.

Check out this short, entertaining test and see which side of your brain dominates you.  Click on the brain or the link below to start.

The 30 Second Brain Test

Veterans Day Tribute 2013

Veterans Day is upon us once again.  On Monday we remember and honor those who have served and those who still serve our country.  You've heard it before.  These men and women put themselves in harm's way and put their lives on the line to defend our country and keep us safe.  They have given up the comfort of their warm homes to go to the ends of the earth.  Many suffered serious injury and death in the performance of their duties.

As the conflicts in the Middle East wind down and our troops return home, thousands remain in harm's way, scores have paid the ultimate price, and hundreds have returned home with life changing injuries.  Once again I would like to extend a challenge to all of my readers to make a donation to one of the many organizations that help our Veterans in need.  The Disabled American Veterans and Wounded Warrior Project are just two.  I continue to donate funds to veterans organizations and contribute monthly to the Wounded Warrier Project to help those veterans who need our help.  I hope you will do the same.

Again this year I have included, for your entertainment, my favorite video honoring the men and women of our armed forces.  It honors them in an exciting and upbeat way that will have you on your feet!  To date it has been viewed over 53,000 times and continues to receive rave reviews.  Turn up your volume, select full screen and take a few moments to enjoy it.

Humor: Democrat, Republican, or Southerner?

Are you a Democrat, a Republican or a Southerner?  Here is a little test that will help you decide.  The answer can be found by posing the following question: 

You're walking down a deserted street with your wife and two small children.

Suddenly, a Terrorist with a huge knife comes around the corner, locks eyes with you, screams obscenities, raises the knife, and charges at you...

You are carrying a Kimber 1911 cal. 45 ACP, and you are an expert shot. You have mere seconds before he reaches you and your family. What do you do?

THINK CAREFULLY AND THEN SCROLL DOWN:

DEMOCRAT'S ANSWER:
Well, that's not enough information to answer the question!
What is a Kimber 1911 cal. 45 ACP?
Does the man look poor or oppressed?
Is he really a terrorist? Am I guilty of profiling?
Have I ever done anything to him that would inspire him to attack?
Could we run away?
What does my wife think?
What about the kids?
Could I possibly swing the gun like a club and knock the knife out of his hand?
What does the law say about this situation?
Does the pistol have an appropriate safety built into it?
Why am I carrying a loaded gun anyway, and what kind of message does this send to society and to my children?
Is it possible he'd be happy with just killing me?
Does he definitely want to kill me, or would he be content just to wound me?
If I were to grab his knees and hold on, could my family get away while he was stabbing me?
Should I call 9-1-1?
Why is this street so deserted?
We need to raise taxes, have paint & weed day.
Can we make this a happier, healthier street that would discourage such behavior.
I need to debate this with some friends for a few days and try to come to a consensus.
This is all so confusing!

REPUBLICAN'S ANSWER:
BANG!

SOUTHERNER'S ANSWER:
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
BANG !
Click.... (Sounds of reloading)
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
Click

Daughter: 'Nice grouping, Daddy!  Were those the Winchester Silver Tips or Hollow Points?!

Son: 'Can I shoot the next one?!'

Wife: 'You are NOT taking that to a Taxidermist!

[My thanks to Jennie Montoya for forwarding this article]

USAFA Class of '17 Honor Seminars & Basic Training

Ed Montgomery, Class of '59, Addressing Basics

This year, for the third time, I was privileged to participate in the Honor Seminars led by Air Force Academy Graduates with the Class of '17 during their basic training in Jack's Valley.  This outstanding program provides time for grads to have informal discussions with the new cadets and future officers on the importance of character, honor and integrity in their careers and lives.

The young men and women I met with have been well raised with a strong sense of character, honor and integrity; values which will be built on and refined during their tenure at the Air Force Academy.  My hope for the future of our country has, once again, been renewed with the hope that these young men and women, and others of their generation, can reverse the trend of decay that consumes our society today.

I posted photos and videos of this year's experience on my Picasa Website.  The three videos at the end show "Pugil Stick" competition, "Obstacle Course" finals and the "Recognition Parade" which culminates in the basics' acceptance into the Cadet Wing.  Check them out by clicking the link, below.

USAFA Class of '17 Honor Seminars & Basic Training

My First Wedding Anniversary

Today is the first anniversary of my wedding to the girl of my dreams.  It took me 60 years to do it, and it was the first (and only) wedding for both of us.  But Loretta was worth the wait!

I included two videos below.  The first contains a slide and music show of the wedding and reception.  The second shows Loretta and me singing "All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera to each other as a second set of vows.  Check them out and relive our special day with us!

Memorial Day Thoughts 2013

Memorial Day is once again upon us. As we pause to remember those who gave their lives, those who served and those who continue to serve, please remember those who served and now need our help. After 11 years of war in the Middle East, thousands of these brave men and women have returned home with life changing injuries. This Memorial Day I ask you to make a donation to one of the many organizations that help our Veterans in need. The Disabled American Veterans and Wounded Warrior Project are just two.

Take a few moments to view the video below. Afterward, please remember to lend a hand to our heroes in need at home.

Black Leaders Speak Out Against Gun Control

Here's something you didn't see on the major news networks.  The Second Amemdment enjoys considerable support in the African American community.  And that support dates as far back as the Dred Scott Decision during the Civil War.

Recently, the Center for Urban Renewal and Education (CURE) hosted a group of prominent figures at the National Press Club to speak out against gun control legislation currently being considered on Capitol Hill. CURE is the largest black conservative think tank in the nation and is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

[My thanks to Charlie Castelli for forwarding this video]

College Students Create Incredible Coke Machine

Recently, Coca-Cola asked engineering students at Purdue University to come up with the most outrageous way to share a coke.  The enthusiasm and initiative of these self-proclaimed "nerds" will lift your spirits.  Our college kids are still the best and brightest!  Check out this short, fun video.

[My thanks to Don Klein for forwarding this video]

Gun Control for Dummies

As efforts increase on Capitol Hill to limit the types of firearms and the number of rounds a citizen can own and carry, it becomes vital for Americans to understand why our Founding Fathers felt so strongly about our right to bear arms.  They were very fearful of a Federal Government that could take away its citizens' right to bear arms and drafted the Second Amendment to ensure it would never happen.  If we understand what is at stake should we lose that right, we can be vocal and strong and let our elected officials in Washington know that we will not stand for any impingement on the rights guaranteed to us under the Second Amendment.  The dangers and threats to our freedom if we let this happen are very serious.

The video below gives an explanation of the Second Amendment to the Constitution in the context of the entire Bill of Rights and lessons from history.  There is much more to the Second Amendment than hunting, target shooting and personal defense.  You see, an oppressive government needs to disarm its citizens and make them defenseless.  The need for the citizens the United States to be able to protect themselves from a tyrannical government dates back to our very experience with Britain that led to the American Revolution.  Be wary of any attempts by the Federal Government to impinge on your Second Amendment rights.

[My thanks to Tom Nick for forwarding this video]

Gun Control: The Australian Solution?

As Americans search for ways to prevent the repeating of violent crimes like those that occurred in Aurora, Colorado and Newtown, Connecticut, we must be careful not to choose the wrong solution.  Restricting the right of Americans to bear arms is not the answer.  In fact, a well intended attempt in Australia in 1997 had the exact opposite effect.  The result was a frightening increase in violence and crime.

In the 1997 attempt to curb crime and violence, the Australian government required its citizens to turn in semiautomatic and assault weapons and created requirements for private citizens to keep their remaining weapons unloaded and locked up in their homes.  The result was a staggering 69% increase in armed robberies, 28% increase in assaults with guns, 19% increase in gun murders and 21% increase in home invasions.

As I write this article, Vice President Joe Biden is heading up a commission to find ways to curb gun violence.  In his first public statement today, Mr. Biden stated that the White House could take "unilateral action on gun control."  Executive action by the President would completely circumvent the Congress, and President Obama has been trying to erode our Second Amendment right to bear arms since he took office.

The video, below, gives chilling testimony to the Australian attempt gone wrong.  Don't let this happen in the United States.  Protect your Second Amendment rights.  Join or donate to the National Rifle Association, and write your congressmen.  Our right to bear arms is seriously under attack.

[My thanks to Leslie Pellegrino for forwarding this video ]

Holiday Thoughts Worth Pondering

Some time ago, actor, writer, lawyer and commentator Ben Stein published some thoughts about the holiday season. I submit them for your consideration.*

Herewith at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart:

I have no freaking clue who Nick and Jessica are. I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I am buying my dog biscuits and kitty litter. I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores. They never know who Nick and Jessica are either. Who are they? Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they have broken up? Why are they so important? I don't know who Lindsay Lohan is, either, and I do not care at all about Tom Cruise's wife.

Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I am a subversive? Maybe, but I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are. Is this what it means to be no longer young. It's not so bad.

Next confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him?

I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a healthy and prosperous New Year!

*Note:  I was informed by some of my readers that the version of Ben Stein's article that I originally posted had been modified and added to.  As my readers were correct, I replaced the original article with the actual article from Ben Stein's website.  I believe his thoughts are still worth pondering this holiday season.
--Ralph

[My thanks to Jennie Montoya for forwarding this]