Yesterday I talked about a new HBO film that provides a glimpse into the world of the military escort process. I thought the timing of the film is almost perfect - as the new vice president has a very specific opinion on the transparency of the military escort process.
As I mentioned before, the process is not something that is typically discussed or seen by the civilian world. Our new VP feels that this is something that needs to change and that our nation should see, in many reporter's words, "the true cost of war."
As a military brat, I have unique feelings about this. If, heaven forbid, the situation ever happened to me, I would not want the world to be witness to it. It's a process that should be for the family only. For instance, no other deaths (besides presidents, celebrities, etc) get showcased for the world to see. I would feel that it would be such an invasion of privacy and I would be angry that my loved one, after giving the ultimate sacrifice to their country, could be exploited by the media. I'm sorry, but that is how I feel.
In addition, someone I love very dearly has had intense experiences with these situations. One of my best friends used to work for the USO in Dover, DE. Not only was she responsible for sending troops over to the land of sand, but she was also responsible for being there to assist the families when they came home in flag draped coffins. Time and time again, I remember how she told me she felt. How the family would react. How her heart felt like it would shatter into a million pieces every time. She was so strong, for those families, in their darkest hour. And she did it out of respect, but after many years it took a toll on who she was and had to move on. I will forever admire her for her dedication to the nation and the military service. I would never be strong enough to do that. Ever.
So maybe you can see how this is not something I think that should be put on display for all of America. Burials in Arlington aren't. And it's not like our nation doesn't know - - - soldiers names are splashed across every major newspaper when this goes down. You can't seem to turn on the news or read anything in print that doesn't have that cold headline that rocks you to your core. Some things should be private.
And overall, I think about the military families whose loved ones are currently deployed. The military families that are waiting for them to come home. Who have a yellow ribbon tied around their heart. Bearing witness to their husbands/wives/fathers/daughters/sons/etc comrades would take a toll on their spirits. Aren't their families sacrificing enough already?
Your turn to sound off - what's your stance? How do you think you'd feel if the media starts covering these situations? Do you feel that its something your entitled to see? Why?
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
HBO Movie "Taking Chance"
Yesterday, Chris Matthews (Hardball) spent some time shining the spotlight on an upcoming HBO film called Taking Chance. The piece is based on a true story about two Marines - one who gave the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq (19-year-old Lance Corporal Chance Phelps) and another who escorted him home (Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl).
As many of you know, military escort duty is not something people talk about, and not something that the civilian community is exposed to or really knows much about. (If you watched the presidental press conference last night, this topic is something you just heard about. I plan to address this topic tomorrow and can't wait to hear your thoughts.)
In this story, Lt Col Strobl requested that he be assigned for military escort duty. During the journey, Strobl witnessed such an amazing amount of support and respect for Phelps, that he was motivated to capture it all in his journal. His story then became huge on the Internet and within the military community. It eventually reached the mainstream civilian media and has now become an HBO film starring Kevin Bacon as Lt. Col Strobl.
Matthews' interview with Kevin Bacon and the real Lt. Col Strobl was interesting. He first thanked Strobl for his service, which I was glad to see. But he quickly turned his focus to Bacon, which I was not a fan of. However, when asked on how Bacon felt about making the film, his response made me respect him. He said that he felt grateful to learn about such a respectful process, and very proud to be able to help tell the story. Most importantly, he said that while so many people thanked him for doing this film and for shedding light on the escort process, that he didn't feel right accepting the thanks. After all, he's just an actor. Here's the interview:
I'm so glad that I got to see this, and find out about the film.It premieres on Saturday, February 21, at 8PM. There's also a Facebook page for the film that has almost 3,000 fans.
As many of you know, military escort duty is not something people talk about, and not something that the civilian community is exposed to or really knows much about. (If you watched the presidental press conference last night, this topic is something you just heard about. I plan to address this topic tomorrow and can't wait to hear your thoughts.)
In this story, Lt Col Strobl requested that he be assigned for military escort duty. During the journey, Strobl witnessed such an amazing amount of support and respect for Phelps, that he was motivated to capture it all in his journal. His story then became huge on the Internet and within the military community. It eventually reached the mainstream civilian media and has now become an HBO film starring Kevin Bacon as Lt. Col Strobl.
Matthews' interview with Kevin Bacon and the real Lt. Col Strobl was interesting. He first thanked Strobl for his service, which I was glad to see. But he quickly turned his focus to Bacon, which I was not a fan of. However, when asked on how Bacon felt about making the film, his response made me respect him. He said that he felt grateful to learn about such a respectful process, and very proud to be able to help tell the story. Most importantly, he said that while so many people thanked him for doing this film and for shedding light on the escort process, that he didn't feel right accepting the thanks. After all, he's just an actor. Here's the interview:
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
I'm so glad that I got to see this, and find out about the film.It premieres on Saturday, February 21, at 8PM. There's also a Facebook page for the film that has almost 3,000 fans.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
How Families Feel When Dads Deploy
Yesterday I talked about my Dad and a possible deployment. I mentioned that I was happy that he wasn't going away in a few months; happy that he'd be home. But I also mentioned that I felt guilty for feeling that way. One, because he wanted to go and still wants to go. Two, because so many other military families have Dads and Moms deployed. Today I feel even more guilty.
I'm a big fan of the blog Big Blueberry Eyes. I've been a reader for more than a year and a half now. The family behind the blog is phenomenal. When I started reading, the military Dad in the family was deployed. I've continued to read - the Dad came home, a new baby was born, the family PCSed. And then today I read that Big Blueberry Eyes' Dad left again. For a year.
You should read the post about the family's goodbye. It made me cry - maybe because I know all too well what the family's little ones are going through. What Mom is going through, after all I've seen my Mom do it before.
The Mom behind this blog is incredible. Incredibly brave. Incredibly strong. So positive when it seems like she has more reasons not to be. I'm a huge fan of her strength, her outlook on life, her warm and loving heart. She loves being a military wife and stands proudly next to her husband. Today I send her warm wishes, positive thoughts and hugs. Best of luck to Big Blueberry Eyes' family over the next year. Let the countdown begin.
I'm a big fan of the blog Big Blueberry Eyes. I've been a reader for more than a year and a half now. The family behind the blog is phenomenal. When I started reading, the military Dad in the family was deployed. I've continued to read - the Dad came home, a new baby was born, the family PCSed. And then today I read that Big Blueberry Eyes' Dad left again. For a year.
You should read the post about the family's goodbye. It made me cry - maybe because I know all too well what the family's little ones are going through. What Mom is going through, after all I've seen my Mom do it before.
The Mom behind this blog is incredible. Incredibly brave. Incredibly strong. So positive when it seems like she has more reasons not to be. I'm a huge fan of her strength, her outlook on life, her warm and loving heart. She loves being a military wife and stands proudly next to her husband. Today I send her warm wishes, positive thoughts and hugs. Best of luck to Big Blueberry Eyes' family over the next year. Let the countdown begin.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Topics In My Head: I Miss My Dad. Oh, and a C-130 Donation
I know that most of my posts are a mix of military news or topics with a personal twist but sometimes I can't help but write something very personal. Today I planned to tell you about the 86th Airlift Wing (Ramstein Air Base, Germany) and their upcoming donation of C-130s to our allies in Poland. I was going to talk about how I love to ride in C-130s and how cool I thought the donation was. But I can't seem to write about it. All I want to write about is how much I miss my Dad.
For the record, I miss my Mom and my entire family. But this week, for some reason, I really specifically miss my Dad. I don't have a reason why, I just do. Truth is that until last week there was a possibility that my father might have a new position that would have him go on a deployment fairly soon. When the decision came and we were told that he wasn't going to be going away I was happy, but he wasn't.
I feel that it's times like these where I miss my Dad the most. When I was talking to him on Sunday, I mentioned that I missed him. He smiled (we video conference) and asked if there was any reason in particular. I said "um, because I just do." I guess that I am realizing the reason why as I type this post.
I feel lucky to have him home, and if the decision had gone the other way I would be just coming to the terms of his upcoming deployment. And this Sunday, I didn't have to do that. I could just talk to him about the every day things. About the cruise he's taking with my Mom and the new clothes he brought for the special occasion. Not about if he knows when and where he's deploying to.
I know, that as I'm saying this that it is such a selfish thing for a military brat to say. After all, so many other Moms and Dads are deployed throughout the world. But my Dad's been in for more than 20 years and I don't want to feel guilty about doing a mini-dance of happiness because I'm happy that he's not going away again. But maybe I should. He wanted to go, and in the end, us military brats know that what they want is the best thing and we must be okay with that as part of the family.
On his way home from work yesterday my Dad called me to say hi. I think he's done that maybe once or twice before in my entire adult life. (He really doesn't like talking on the phone and we usually just talk on Sundays) I missed his call and when I listened to his message I smiled one huge smile. He called to say hi. It's a big deal for me. An even bigger one, because he never gets to do that when he's deployed. My word of the day is GRATEFUL. That I am. GRATEFUL.
For the record, I miss my Mom and my entire family. But this week, for some reason, I really specifically miss my Dad. I don't have a reason why, I just do. Truth is that until last week there was a possibility that my father might have a new position that would have him go on a deployment fairly soon. When the decision came and we were told that he wasn't going to be going away I was happy, but he wasn't.
I feel that it's times like these where I miss my Dad the most. When I was talking to him on Sunday, I mentioned that I missed him. He smiled (we video conference) and asked if there was any reason in particular. I said "um, because I just do." I guess that I am realizing the reason why as I type this post.
I feel lucky to have him home, and if the decision had gone the other way I would be just coming to the terms of his upcoming deployment. And this Sunday, I didn't have to do that. I could just talk to him about the every day things. About the cruise he's taking with my Mom and the new clothes he brought for the special occasion. Not about if he knows when and where he's deploying to.
I know, that as I'm saying this that it is such a selfish thing for a military brat to say. After all, so many other Moms and Dads are deployed throughout the world. But my Dad's been in for more than 20 years and I don't want to feel guilty about doing a mini-dance of happiness because I'm happy that he's not going away again. But maybe I should. He wanted to go, and in the end, us military brats know that what they want is the best thing and we must be okay with that as part of the family.
On his way home from work yesterday my Dad called me to say hi. I think he's done that maybe once or twice before in my entire adult life. (He really doesn't like talking on the phone and we usually just talk on Sundays) I missed his call and when I listened to his message I smiled one huge smile. He called to say hi. It's a big deal for me. An even bigger one, because he never gets to do that when he's deployed. My word of the day is GRATEFUL. That I am. GRATEFUL.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Last Nite I Felt the Earth Shake
Hello and Happy Tuesday! Today I'm going to blog about something I never thought I'd blog about - - - an earthquake that happened in NJ last night.
Scenario: It's around 10:30pm and I'm chatting on the phone with my BFF from Japan, Amanda (who now lives in PA). I'm sitting on my bed in the master bedroom of my house. Dan is also talking to one of his BFFs, but is sitting on the couch in the living room. There we both are, chatting chatting. Then it started. I heard the sneaky rumble that I had heard so many times before and then the ground began to shake.
The quake was less than 7 seconds and the funniest thing is that even though I knew what was happening, I didn't even worry. You see, after three years of living in Tokyo, this girl is used to earthquakes. This girl is used to falling over and/or out of her bed. This girl is used to seeing the ground roll. By the way, none of which happened last night.
But I knew what it was and when it was over, Dan came running into the bedroom, eyes wide open, exclaiming "what the hell was that?!" I looked at him and calmly said, "I think that was an earthquake," as if I said that sentence to him every day of my life. He was like, "seriously?"
I guess that because of my prior experiences I wasn't scared at all. (for the record I was terrified when I experienced my first one in Japan; but towards the end of our tour they were so common place that my best friend and I would get so excited and run towards a window when they happened just to see the ground roll outside) I was shocked though - I didn't even think we could have one here in NJ. In reflection, I'm also shocked that I didn't do more besides telling Dan not to move for two minutes after because I was unsure if we'd experience any aftershock tremors.
I've been through the earthquake training drills. Not once did I think, maybe I should stand under the door way. Nope, just sat on my bed because I knew that it wasn't going to be that bad. It's weird for me to say that - they all start small and then I feel like I can tell by the sound if it's actually going to get worse.
I tweeted (@MACK_ATTACK) about the quake shortly after it happened - in disbelief wondering if it had just happened to my house, and not my area. Did I make it up? Nope, I was so right and the news confirmed it shortly there after.
They said that apparently we can get them all the time here. Great, I thought. I survived living in Tokyo and now I live on a giant hill in NJ that gets earthquakes. Now that surprises me. Maybe next time I won't be so passe about it.
Did any of you feel it?
Scenario: It's around 10:30pm and I'm chatting on the phone with my BFF from Japan, Amanda (who now lives in PA). I'm sitting on my bed in the master bedroom of my house. Dan is also talking to one of his BFFs, but is sitting on the couch in the living room. There we both are, chatting chatting. Then it started. I heard the sneaky rumble that I had heard so many times before and then the ground began to shake.
The quake was less than 7 seconds and the funniest thing is that even though I knew what was happening, I didn't even worry. You see, after three years of living in Tokyo, this girl is used to earthquakes. This girl is used to falling over and/or out of her bed. This girl is used to seeing the ground roll. By the way, none of which happened last night.
But I knew what it was and when it was over, Dan came running into the bedroom, eyes wide open, exclaiming "what the hell was that?!" I looked at him and calmly said, "I think that was an earthquake," as if I said that sentence to him every day of my life. He was like, "seriously?"
I guess that because of my prior experiences I wasn't scared at all. (for the record I was terrified when I experienced my first one in Japan; but towards the end of our tour they were so common place that my best friend and I would get so excited and run towards a window when they happened just to see the ground roll outside) I was shocked though - I didn't even think we could have one here in NJ. In reflection, I'm also shocked that I didn't do more besides telling Dan not to move for two minutes after because I was unsure if we'd experience any aftershock tremors.
I've been through the earthquake training drills. Not once did I think, maybe I should stand under the door way. Nope, just sat on my bed because I knew that it wasn't going to be that bad. It's weird for me to say that - they all start small and then I feel like I can tell by the sound if it's actually going to get worse.
I tweeted (@MACK_ATTACK) about the quake shortly after it happened - in disbelief wondering if it had just happened to my house, and not my area. Did I make it up? Nope, I was so right and the news confirmed it shortly there after.
They said that apparently we can get them all the time here. Great, I thought. I survived living in Tokyo and now I live on a giant hill in NJ that gets earthquakes. Now that surprises me. Maybe next time I won't be so passe about it.
Did any of you feel it?
Monday, February 2, 2009
New Sesame Workshop for Military Families April 1st
A few days ago the American Forces Press Service announced that the Sesame Workshop is airing a new special on April 1st that is aimed at helping military families cope with changes.
The AFPS reported that, "Actor/singer Queen Latifah and singer John Mayer will join Elmo to present, 'Coming Home: Military Families Cope with Change.' The special carries a message for children whose parents suffered a physical or psychological wound in combat."
The show will be about a half an hour and is part of Sesame Workshop's "Talk, Listen and Connect" program that I have blogged about before. I'm a huge fan of everything that the workshop does, but I must say that their efforts geared towards military brats are by far my favorites.
For this special, Lookalike Products and Worldwide Pants Incorp. helped with the production. Worldwide Pants is actually David Letterman's production company and the late night talk show legend had some wonderful things to say about the military.
"The men and women of our military have made indescribable sacrifices," Mr. Letterman said. "The very least we can do is tell their stories, and to honor the bravery and strength of both the soldiers and their families."
Showtime is 8pm on April 1st - perfect timing if you ask me, as April is the month dedicated to honoring the military child. I'll be tuning in, and even though I have yet to see it, I just want to send out a big THANK YOU to the Sesame Workshop and all involved in the production.
The AFPS reported that, "Actor/singer Queen Latifah and singer John Mayer will join Elmo to present, 'Coming Home: Military Families Cope with Change.' The special carries a message for children whose parents suffered a physical or psychological wound in combat."
The show will be about a half an hour and is part of Sesame Workshop's "Talk, Listen and Connect" program that I have blogged about before. I'm a huge fan of everything that the workshop does, but I must say that their efforts geared towards military brats are by far my favorites.
For this special, Lookalike Products and Worldwide Pants Incorp. helped with the production. Worldwide Pants is actually David Letterman's production company and the late night talk show legend had some wonderful things to say about the military.
"The men and women of our military have made indescribable sacrifices," Mr. Letterman said. "The very least we can do is tell their stories, and to honor the bravery and strength of both the soldiers and their families."
Showtime is 8pm on April 1st - perfect timing if you ask me, as April is the month dedicated to honoring the military child. I'll be tuning in, and even though I have yet to see it, I just want to send out a big THANK YOU to the Sesame Workshop and all involved in the production.
Troops Watch SuperBowl From Iraq
The following video is from the Today Show and shows well deserved troops at Camp Victory in Baghdad watching the big game. A special thanks to all of our troops in the land of sand - thanks for all you do. I hope that yesterday's festivites made you feel a little closer to home.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)