I Remember Captain Donald Cook

If you have never been to the Vietnam Memorial in our nation’s capitol, I highly recommend you go.  If at all possible, go in the spring when the cherry blossoms are blooming.  The contrast of black granite against soft white and pink is worth seeing. The Wall, as it is commonly referred, is overwhelming.  The […]

I Remember Joshua Chamberlain

Maine’s native son Joshua Chamberlain is hands-down our state’s best known Veteran.  However, the reason why I remember him on this Memorial Day isn’t for his impressive record of military achievements. Most know him for his leadership of the 20th Maine atop Little Round Top during the Battle of Gettysburg.  The defense of the Union’s […]

Proper Memorial Day Etiquette

I dread the arrival of Memorial Day for a rather petty reason.  Every year some well-intentioned friend or family member will post a remembrance piece on Facebook, which is a good thing.  But then they go ahead and tag all the Veterans in their life, including yours truly. While I appreciate the noble intent, Memorial Day […]

I Remember Lt Col Charles Whittlesey

In October 1918 the 308th Infantry Regiment prepared to charge towards the German lines in the Argonne Forest.  Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Charles Whittlesey, 554 men went “over the top” in what was supposed to be a well planned and coordinated attack.  Unfortunately, plans don’t always survive contact with the enemy. The regiments […]

Salute of Service: We Return Your Salute

Working with veterans can be aggravating.  I have already vented a few times about the frustration created by the exhausting bureaucracy that is the Veterans Administration.  At times I am guilty of joining the throngs outside the proverbial VA gates, shouting loudly while hoisting my pitchfork and torch calling for someone’s head.  And then someone […]

Fair Winds and Following Seas

A Veteran died today.  I did not know him well, but I liked him.  And I respected him. He was not a hero in the traditional sense.  He enlisted in the Navy between wars.  He served at a comfortable post and performed a job that some arrogant Veterans might have kidded him about.  He was […]