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, September 28, 2014

Luke 15:28-32

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Captain Robert E. Roeder (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 27-28, 1944, at Mt. Battaglia, Italy. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Roeder commanded his company in defense of the strategic Mount Battaglia. Shortly after the company had occupied the hill, the Germans launched the first of a series of determined counterattacks to regain this dominating height. Completely exposed to ceaseless enemy artillery and small-arms fire, Capt. Roeder constantly circulated among his men, encouraging them and directing their defense against the persistent enemy. During the sixth counterattack, the enemy, by using flamethrowers and taking advantage of the fog, succeeded in overrunning the position. Capt. Roeder led his men in a fierce battle at close quarters, to repulse the attack with heavy losses to the Germans. The following morning, while the company was engaged in repulsing an enemy counterattack in force, Capt. Roeder was seriously wounded and rendered unconscious by shell fragments. He was carried to the company command post, where he regained consciousness. Refusing medical treatment, he insisted on rejoining his men. Although in a weakened condition, Capt. Roeder dragged himself to the door of the command post and, picking up a rifle, braced himself in a sitting position. He began firing his weapon, shouted words of encouragement, and issued orders to his men. He personally killed 2 Germans before he himself was killed instantly by an exploding shell. Through Capt. Roeder's able and intrepid leadership his men held Mount Battaglia against the aggressive and fanatical enemy attempts to retake this important and strategic height. His valorous performance is exemplary of the fighting spirit of the U.S. Army.

Sergeant Patrick Rogan (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on August 9, 1877, at Big Hole, Montana. His citation reads:

Verified and reported the company while subjected to a galling fire from the enemy.

Lieutenant Colonel Charles Calvin Rogers (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 1, 1968, at Fishhook, near Cambodian border, 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. Lt. Col. Rogers, Field Artillery, distinguished himself in action while serving as commanding officer, 1st Battalion, during the defense of a forward fire support base. In the early morning hours, the fire support base was subjected to a concentrated bombardment of heavy mortar, rocket and rocket propelled grenade fire. Simultaneously the position was struck by a human wave ground assault, led by sappers who breached the defensive barriers with bangalore torpedoes and penetrated the defensive perimeter. Lt. Col. Rogers with complete disregard for his safety moved through the hail of fragments from bursting enemy rounds to the embattled area. He aggressively rallied the dazed artillery crewmen to man their howitzers and he directed their fire on the assaulting enemy. Although knocked to the ground and wounded by an exploding round, Lt. Col. Rogers sprang to his feet and led a small counterattack force against an enemy element that had penetrated the howitzer positions. Although painfully wounded a second time during the assault, Lt. Col. Rogers pressed the attack killing several of the enemy and driving the remainder from the positions. Refusing medical treatment, Lt. Col. Rogers reestablished and reinforced the defensive positions. As a second human wave attack was launched against another sector of the perimeter, Lt. Col. Rogers directed artillery fire on the assaulting enemy and led a second counterattack against the charging forces. His valorous example rallied the beleaguered defenders to repulse and defeat the enemy onslaught. Lt. Col. Rogers moved from position to position through the heavy enemy fire, giving encouragement and direction to his men. At dawn the determined enemy launched a third assault against the fire base in an attempt to overrun the position. Lt. Col. Rogers moved to the threatened area and directed lethal fire on the enemy forces. Seeing a howitzer inoperative due to casualties, Lt. Col. Rogers joined the surviving members of the crew to return the howitzer to action. While directing the position defense, Lt. Col. Rogers was seriously wounded by fragments from a heavy mortar round which exploded on the parapet of the gun position. Although too severely wounded to physically lead the defenders, Lt. Col. Rogers continued to give encouragement and direction to his men in the defeating and repelling of the enemy attack. Lt. Col. Rogers' dauntless courage and heroism inspired the defenders of the fire support base to the heights of valor to defeat a determined and numerically superior enemy force. His relentless spirit of aggressiveness in action are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.


The I’m just sayin… Gospel Verse of the Week
Luke 15:28-32

28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Thank You!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private Henry Rodenburg (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 21, 1876 – January 8, 1877, at Cedar Creek, etc., Montana. His citation reads:

Gallantry in action.

Technical Sergeant Cleto Rodriguez (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on February 9, 1945, at Paco Railroad Station, Manila, Philippine Islands. His citation reads:

He was an automatic rifleman when his unit attacked the strongly defended Paco Railroad Station during the battle for Manila, Philippine Islands. While making a frontal assault across an open field, his platoon was halted 100 yards from the station by intense enemy fire. On his own initiative, he left the platoon, accompanied by a comrade, and continued forward to a house 60 yards from the objective. Although under constant enemy observation, the 2 men remained in this position for an hour, firing at targets of opportunity, killing more than 35 hostile soldiers and wounding many more. Moving closer to the station and discovering a group of Japanese replacements attempting to reach pillboxes, they opened heavy fire, killed more than 40 and stopped all subsequent attempts to man the emplacements. Enemy fire became more intense as they advanced to within 20 yards of the station. Then, covered by his companion, Pvt. Rodriguez boldly moved up to the building and threw 5 grenades through a doorway killing 7 Japanese, destroying a 20-mm. gun and wrecking a heavy machinegun. With their ammunition running low, the 2 men started to return to the American lines, alternately providing covering fire for each other's withdrawal. During this movement, Pvt. Rodriguez' companion was killed. In 2 l/2 hours of fierce fighting the intrepid team killed more than 82 Japanese, completely disorganized their defense, and paved the way for the subsequent overwhelming defeat of the enemy at this strongpoint. Two days later, Pvt. Rodriguez again enabled his comrades to advance when he single-handedly killed 6 Japanese and destroyed a well-placed 20-mm. gun by his outstanding skill with his weapons, gallant determination to destroy the enemy, and heroic courage in the face of tremendous odds, Pvt. Rodriguez, on 2 occasions, materially aided the advance of our troops in Manila.

Sergeant Joseph C. Rodriguez (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 21, 1951, near Munye-ri, Korea. His citation reads:

Sgt. Rodriguez, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations. Sgt. Rodriguez, an assistant squad leader of the 2d Platoon, was participating in an attack against a fanatical hostile force occupying well-fortified positions on rugged commanding terrain, when his squad's advance was halted within approximately 60 yards by a withering barrage of automatic weapons and small-arms fire from 5 emplacements directly to the front and right and left flanks, together with grenades which the enemy rolled down the hill toward the advancing troops. Fully aware of the odds against him, Sgt. Rodriguez leaped to his feet, dashed 60 yards up the fire-swept slope, and, after lobbing grenades into the first foxhole with deadly accuracy, ran around the left flank, silenced an automatic weapon with 2 grenades and continued his whirlwind assault to the top of the peak, wiping out 2 more foxholes and then, reaching the right flank, he tossed grenades into the remaining emplacement, destroying the gun and annihilating its crew. Sgt. Rodriguez' intrepid actions exacted a toll of 15 enemy dead and, as a result of his incredible display of valor, the defense of the opposition was broken, and the enemy routed, and the strategic strongpoint secured. His unflinching courage under fire and inspirational devotion to duty reflect highest credit on himself and uphold the honored traditions of the military service.


I would like to take a minute today to thank all of you who donated to my Walk to End Alzheimer’s campaign! Because of you (and me… I’ll never ask you to donate to something I won’t donate to), I was able to raise $800… $300 over the goal I had set. This $800 put me in the “Champions Club”, for the second time since they’ve had the club. I haven’t been as focused on this event the past couple of years (at least, not as much as I would like to be). Next year I think I am going to form a team to walk with me. You won’t have to raise money (though it would be nice if you did), but it would be nice to have a group walking with me and Mary Ruth and Susie (and possibly The Wife and Daniel… though they couldn’t make it this year because of his soccer game).

Thank you to:

My cousins Jim and Deeny

My Labor Day Cousin’s Jane and AJ

My Labor Day Aunt Janie and Uncle DG

Mom and Dad

Aunt Yvonne and Uncle George

My most loyal friends Jeremy and Rebecca

My cousin Louis and his family (Casey, Avery and Kelsey)

My cousin Susan

Sonny and Cougar

Teresa Lynn and Brent

My good friend Danny (yes, that Danny) and our Favorite Nurse Jen

ME!

I hope everyone starts saving up their money for The Walk next year… and maybe a cure will be found before too long so we can focus our time and money on a different disease.


If you didn’t give, but wish you had… Fear not! You can still donate here.


Picture Thursday


Getting ready for the walk

I think this was the largest crowd I've seen at one of these

A few in-walk pics



Me with my shirt and medal (MR wore the medal during the race)

Me with my fellow walkers getting ready to leave the house

The girls right before the walk with their flowers

A little post-walk work on Susie's hair

Aunt Yvonne came by after the walk to see her favorite child... suck it Susan!   :)

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COACH CORY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Lieutenant Charles M. Rockefeller (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 9, 1865, at Fort Blakely, Alabama. His citation reads:

Voluntarily and alone, under a heavy fire, obtained valuable information which a reconnoitering party of 25 men had previously attempted and failed to obtain, suffering severe loss in the attempt The information obtained by him was made the basis of the orders for the assault that followed. He also advanced with a few followers, under the fire of both sides, and captured 300 of the enemy who would otherwise have escaped.

Sergeant First Class Jose Rodela (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 1, 1969, in Phuoc Long Province, Vietnam. His citation reads:

Rodela is being recognized for his valorous actions on Sept. 1, 1969, while serving as the company commander in Phuoc Long Province, Vietnam. Rodela commanded his company throughout 18 hours of continuous contact when his battalion was attacked and taking heavy casualties. Throughout the battle, in spite of his wounds, Rodela repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to attend to the fallen and eliminate an enemy rocket position.

Captain Theophilus F. Rodenbough (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 11, 1864, at Trevlhan Station, Virginia. His citation reads:

Handled the regiment with great skill and valor, was severely wounded.


We at I’m just sayin… would like to wish Coach Cory a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can honestly say that Daniel is the soccer player he is today because of Coach Cory. I am sure his wife (I’m just sayin… Fan of the Year Ashley) and girls will make this a great birthday… assuming Ashley reads this in time to remember it’s his birthday today.

Many people asked me if I watched the Clemson game this past Saturday. I saw a good bit of it, but I didn’t stay up to watch the whole thing. I have a policy against staying up late just to watch a Clemson football game (or just about any sporting event, to tell the truth). This dates back 10 years to when I stayed up past midnight to watch Clemson give a game to Georgia Tech. I was so ticked and pissed off… and then the next day Cougar’s dad (who in my eyes was 10 feet tall and looked like he could crush any man he needed to… but was one of the nicest men I’ve ever known) died. To say the news was shocking would be an understatement. I didn’t say I’d start caring about sports less after that… it just happened. Oh, I’ll still slap my chair and yell dadgummit when I see the team I’m pulling for do something stupid (like, “DADGUMMIT!!! You’re 6 freakin’ inches from the endzone! Get the QB under center! Nothing good can happen if you’re in the Shotgun from this part of the field!”… This reminds me, I often have people ask me if I like always being right. In cases like this, the answer is “No”), but I’m not going to let a game ruin my night or day or week…

Speaking of that game… I trust I wasn’t the only one who got tired of ABC (or was it ESPN… I can’t remember what station the game was on) showing the suspended FSU QB. I’m not 100% up-to-date with why he wasn’t playing, but I’m pretty sure it had something to do with him acting like a dumbass. If I hadn’t known that heading into the game, I would have thought perhaps he had been hurt saving a small child from a burning building… or had perhaps just been diagnosed with cancer and, thus, had to stop playing football. Otherwise, why the hell would the guys on TV keep acting like that jackwaggon was a hero for “cheering on his teammates”? Had I been his teammate, I would have pointed out that we needed him to be the QB, not a dadgum cheerleader.

I trust both Clemson and USC will play better this week. If so… I will be happy. If not… oh well.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Luke 15:3-7

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Warrant Officer Louis R. Rocco (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 24, 1970, northeast of Katum, Republic of Vietnam. His citation reads:

WO Rocco distinguished himself when he volunteered to accompany a medical evacuation team on an urgent mission to evacuate 8 critically wounded Army of the Republic of Vietnam personnel. As the helicopter approached the landing zone, it became the target for intense enemy automatic weapons fire. Disregarding his own safety, WO Rocco identified and placed accurate suppressive fire on the enemy positions as the aircraft descended toward the landing zone. Sustaining major damage from the enemy fire, the aircraft was forced to crash land, causing WO Rocco to sustain a fractured wrist and hip and a severely bruised back. Ignoring his injuries, he extracted the survivors from the burning wreckage, sustaining burns to his own body. Despite intense enemy fire, WO Rocco carried each unconscious man across approximately 20 meters of exposed terrain to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam perimeter. On each trip, his severely burned hands and broken wrist caused excruciating pain, but the lives of the unconscious crash survivors were more important than his personal discomfort, and he continued his rescue efforts. Once inside the friendly position, WO Rocco helped administer first aid to his wounded comrades until his wounds and burns caused him to collapse and lose consciousness. His bravery under fire and intense devotion to duty were directly responsible for saving 3 of his fellow soldiers from certain death. His unparalleled bravery in the face of enemy fire, his complete disregard for his own pain and injuries, and his performance were far above and beyond the call of duty and were in keeping with the highest traditions of self-sacrifice and courage of the military service.

First Sergeant David Roche (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions from October 21, 1876 – January 8, 1877, at Cedar Creek, etc., Montana. His citation reads:

Gallantry in action.

Private Frederick Rock (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."


The I’m just sayin… Gospel Verse of the Week
Luke 15:3-7

3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

So... about Daniel playing soccer

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Gunnery Sergeant Robert Guy Robinson (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 14, 1918, at Pittham, Belgium. His citation reads:

For extraordinary heroism as observer in the 1st Marine Aviation Force at the front in France. In company with planes from Squadron 218, Royal Air Force, conducting an air raid on 8 October 1918, G/Sgt. Robinson's plane was attacked by 9 enemy scouts. In the fight which followed, he shot down 1 of the enemy planes. In a later air raid over Pittham, Belgium, on 14 October 1918, his plane and 1 other became separated from their formation on account of motor trouble and were attacked by 12 enemy scouts. Acting with conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in the fight which ensued, G/Sgt. Robinson, after shooting down 1 of the enemy planes, was struck by a bullet which carried away most of his elbow. At the same time his gun jammed. While his pilot maneuvered for position, he cleared the jam with one hand and returned to the fight. Although his left arm was useless, he fought off the enemy scouts until he collapsed after receiving 2 more bullet wounds, one in the stomach and one in the thigh.

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

Capture of flag in a hand-to-hand conflict.

Captain of the Afterguard Thomas Robinson (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 15, 1866, off New Orleans. His citation reads:

For heroic efforts to save from drowning Wellington Brocar, landsman, of the Tallapoosa, off New Orleans, 15 July 1866.


Daniel is on a soccer team. So far, they have had 1 game… and he has not played. The pictures below will show you why. My guess (hope?) is that things can only go up from here…

Big thanks to my buddy Danny (yes, that Danny) for his donation to my Walk to End Alzheimer's.  There's still time for you to give, too!  Just go here.


Picture Thursday


Playing during a trip to McDonald's


And then we went to the park to wait for MR to be done with Girl Scouts

The Twins on a slide


Daniel decided he didn't want to play... all he wanted was his mommy

The Wife making him sit on the bench

The Wife explaining to him this wasn't good

The Wife telling him she wasn't happy

Me saving Daniel's life... Why?  Read below

While Daniel was pitching a fit at the soccer field, he accidentally stepped on The Wife's toe.  So only one game into the season, we already have an injury. 

The girls wanted to play dress up... I'm not sure Daniel understands how to play...

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

HAPPY 5th ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private John H. Robinson (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 3, 1863, at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. His citation reads:

Capture of flag of 57th Virginia Infantry (C.S.A.).

Captain of the Hold John Robinson (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on January 19, 1867, in Pensacola Bay. His citation reads:

With Acting Ensign James H. Bunting, during the heavy gale which occurred in Pensacola Bay on the night of 19 January 1867, Robinson swam ashore with a line for the purpose of sending off a blowcock, which would facilitate getting up steam and prevent the vessel from stranding, thus voluntarily periling his life to save the vessel and the lives of others.

First Sergeant Joseph Robinson (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 17, 1876, at Rosebud River, Montana. His citation reads:

Discharged his duties while in charge of the skirmish line under fire with judgment and great coolness and brought up the lead horses at a critical moment.


Don’t forget to click here to donate to my Walk to End Alzheimer’s… And a big THANK YOU to all who have already donated! I look forward to thanking the rest of you after you donate.


We at I’m just sayin… would like to wish all of our readers a very Happy 5th Anniversary! We have had another great year and we look forward to having an even better 6th year.

I would like to point out again that we’ve managed to hang on to our Medal of Honor segment, making it the longest running segment on any blog that I read. Now let’s look at some stats for the blog.


First Post Ever

1st Post – September 17, 2009
Patrick Swayze, President Obama, & the media

First Post of the Past Season

September 20, 2013
Don’t wait! Donate today!

Total Number of Posts

1,042

Total Post of the Past Season

174

Longest Streak

264

Longest Streak of the Past Season

33

Most Viewed Posts (Top 5) – All-Time

1. Is it Tuesday already? (825)

2. HAPPY 900TH POST!!!!! (763)

3. Halfway to the Weekend (605)

4. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALLISON!!!!! (171)

5. Sleeping Daniel (146)

Top 10 Pageviews By Country

United States (37,662)

Russia (4,630)

United Kingdom (2,159) – I still think most of these are my friend Kurt… and the Royal Family.

Germany (1,633)

Argentina (968)

Spain (747)

Ukraine (581)

China (519) - Probably hackers… sonsofbitches.

Denmark (517)

France (513)

Top 5 Pageviews By Browsers

FireFox (21,499 - 35%)

Internet Explorer (19,201 - 31%)

Safari (8,364 - 13%)

Chrome (4,944 - 8%)

Opera (3.522 - 5%)

Top 2 Operating System

Windows (42,382 - 70%)

iPhone (4,595 - 7%)

My Top 5 Favorite Segments (All-Time)

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients

Picture Tuesday/Thursday

The I’m just sayin… Bible Verse/Proverb of the Week/Gospel Verse

The I’m just sayin… Countdown May

Flashback Friday - (Not currently used)

Top 5 Nicknames on I’m just sayin…

The Wife - My wife

Sonny - My big brother

Teresa Lynn - My big sister… the former Doubting Teri (and No-Name Teri)

Danny (yes, that Danny) – My friend Danny

The Twins - Susie and Daniel


My Top 12 Favorite Posts (All-Time)

An open letter to Trident Medical Center

BREAKING NEWS!!!! A Message from The Wife

Hate what is evil...

HAPPY “4-OMG No-Name Teri is 40” BIRTHDAY No-Name Teri!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Jenn!!!!!! (better known for my story of Uncle George's immigration)

Talkin Baseball

My Funeral....Let’s set a record!

The Empire…err…Hospital Strikes Back

Reactions....

Story Time

Now it is official

I will now solve all racial problems!!!!! (You’re welcome)…

The plan right now for next May is to countdown something different each day. I can’t wait to see if I can pull that off! I’ll provide more details at a later date (once I figure out what will be counted down).  Until then, thank you for stopping by.  I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoy writing it... and if you don't, well, I still enjoy writing it.  So I've got that going for me... which is nice.

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Mark 8:34

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

First Lieutenant James E. Robinson, Jr. (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 6, 1945, near Untergriesheim, Germany. His citation reads:

He was a field artillery forward observer attached to Company A, 253d Infantry, near Untergriesheim, Germany, on 6 April 1945. Eight hours of desperate fighting over open terrain swept by German machinegun, mortar, and small-arms fire had decimated Company A, robbing it of its commanding officer and most of its key enlisted personnel when 1st Lt. Robinson rallied the 23 remaining uninjured riflemen and a few walking wounded, and, while carrying his heavy radio for communication with American batteries, led them through intense fire in a charge against the objective. Ten German infantrymen in foxholes threatened to stop the assault, but the gallant leader killed them all at point-blank range with rifle and pistol fire and then pressed on with his men to sweep the area of all resistance. Soon afterward he was ordered to seize the defended town of Kressbach. He went to each of the 19 exhausted survivors with cheering words, instilling in them courage and fortitude, before leading the little band forward once more. In the advance he was seriously wounded in the throat by a shell fragment, but, despite great pain and loss of blood, he refused medical attention and continued the attack, directing supporting artillery fire even though he was mortally wounded. Only after the town had been taken and he could no longer speak did he leave the command he had inspired in victory and walk nearly 2 miles to an aid station where he died from his wound. By his intrepid leadership 1st Lt. Robinson was directly responsible for Company A's accomplishing its mission against tremendous odds.

Sergeant James W. Robinson, Jr. (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 11, 1966, in the 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. Company C was engaged in fierce combat with a Viet Cong battalion. Despite the heavy fire, Sgt. Robinson moved among the men of his fire team, instructing and inspiring them, and placing them in advantageous positions. Enemy snipers located in nearby trees were inflicting heavy casualties on forward elements of Sgt. Robinson's unit. Upon locating the enemy sniper whose fire was taking the heaviest toll, he took a grenade launcher and eliminated the sniper. Seeing a medic hit while administering aid to a wounded sergeant in front of his position and aware that now the 2 wounded men were at the mercy of the enemy, he charged through a withering hail of fire and dragged his comrades to safety, where he rendered first aid and saved their lives. As the battle continued and casualties mounted, Sgt. Robinson moved about under intense fire to collect from the wounded their weapons and ammunition and redistribute them to able-bodied soldiers. Adding his fire to that of his men, he assisted in eliminating a major enemy threat. Seeing another wounded comrade in front of his position, Sgt. Robinson again defied the enemy's fire to effect a rescue. In so doing he was himself wounded in the shoulder and leg. Despite his painful wounds, he dragged the soldier to shelter and saved his life by administering first aid. While patching his own wounds, he spotted an enemy machinegun which had inflicted a number of casualties on the American force. His rifle ammunition expended, he seized 2 grenades and, in an act of unsurpassed heroism, charged toward the entrenched enemy weapon. Hit again in the leg, this time with a tracer round which set fire to his clothing, Sgt. Robinson ripped the burning clothing from his body and staggered indomitably through the enemy fire, now concentrated solely on him, to within grenade range of the enemy machinegun position. Sustaining 2 additional chest wounds, he marshaled his fleeting physical strength and hurled the 2 grenades, thus destroying the enemy gun position, as he fell dead upon the battlefield. His magnificent display of leadership and bravery saved several lives and inspired his soldiers to defeat the numerically superior enemy force. Sgt. Robinson's conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, at the cost of his life, are in keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon the 1st Infantry Division and the U.S. Armed Forces.

Brigadier General John C. Robinson (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 8, 1864, at Laurel Hill, Virginia. His citation reads:

Placed himself at the head of the leading brigade in a charge upon the enemy's breastworks; was severely wounded.


You still have time to give!!!! Donate here!!!!!


The I’m just sayin… Gospel Verse of the Week
Mark 8:34

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me”

Thursday, September 11, 2014

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANSLEY!!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Boatswain’s Mate Charles Robinson (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions from December 23-27, 1862, on board the U.S.S. Baron de Kalb. His citation reads:

Serving on board the U.S.S. Baron de Kalb, Yazoo River Expedition, 23 to 27 December 1862. Proceeding under orders up the Yazoo River, the U.S.S. Baron de Kalb, with the object of capturing or destroying the enemy's transports, came upon the steamers John Walsh, R. J. Locklan, Golden Age, and the Scotland sunk on a bar where they were ordered fired. Continuing up the river, she was fired on by the enemy, but upon returning the fire, caused the rebels to retreat. Returning down the Yazoo, she destroyed and captured large quantities of enemy equipment and several prisoners. Serving bravely throughout this action, Robinson, as boatswain's mate, "d1stinguished himself in the various actions."

Private Elbridge Robinson (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 14, 1863, at Winchester, Virginia. His citation reads:

With 1 companion, voluntarily went in front of the Union line, under a heavy fire from the enemy, and carried back a helpless, wounded comrade, thus saving him from death or capture.

Private James H. Robinson (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on January 27, 1865, at Brownsville, Arkansas. His citation reads:

Successfully defended himself, single-handed against 7 guerrillas, killing the leader (Capt. W. C. Stephenson) and driving off the remainder of the party.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANSLEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We were unable to record a birthday message for Ansley because we were with The Wife’s family most of the night. Once we got home, we only had time for showers, homework and bed. We will try to provide a live (over the phone) performance sometime tonight. We hope she has a GREAT DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just going on “Facebook likes”, my guess is many of you either knew Dave Pugh, know his wife (Alicia) or know about them. But if you don’t, Dave was diagnosed with Stage IV thymic carcinoma back in 2009. I have no idea what kind of cancer that is, but my guess is it’s not the kind that the doctor says, “Good news” before telling you that you have it. His fight over the past 5 years included many rounds of chemo, numerous surgeries and too many visits to the hospital to keep track of. I have met his wife twice… once when she took our (me, The Wife, and The Kids) family photos in late 2011 and once when she took our (Dad, Mom and their kids and grandkids) family photos in late 2012. They have a son, Drake. I don’t believe I have ever met him. I know I never met Dave, but I prayed for him. I prayed for him, because how can you not pray for a guy who is going through all of that? Some may say Dave lost his fight with cancer this past Tuesday, but from where I’m sitting, that’s not the case. Drake lost a dad… Alicia lost a husband… many people lost a friend and the world lost a good guy… But I just can’t say that anyone who fought the good fight that Dave fought “lost”. He didn’t lose. He won. He’s pain free. He fought the good fight… he finished the race. Say a prayer for Alicia and Drake and all of Dave’s friends and family.

I’ve posted this in the past on September 11… I will post it again today because my memory of the day has not changed. So, let’s take a walk down memory lane…

Today marks the anniversary of the day the terrorists attacked the USA. I would think the History Channel will be focused on this event as it has been in previous years (after all, it is the History Channel). I remember it like it just happened. I was about a month into my second senior year at Winthrop University, living in an apartment at Mallard Point with Jeremy and Thomas. I got up and headed to my Tuesday morning class, just like always. Back then, I would usually listen to John Boy & Billy on the radio as I headed to class but on this day I was listening to a Bon Jovi CD (on one of those portable CD players that you had to connect to the car via a cassette tape that had a wire running from it to the CD player). I got to my class (a Business Writing class) and sat down. A couple minutes later a guy in our class walks in and says that he heard that two planes collided in New York City around the World Trade Center. It seemed, at the time, like it was two small planes... and while it was sad to hear, it wasn’t earth shattering news. After class I was walking out to meet/hangout with The Girlfriend. I had a break between my first class and my afternoon class (with The Girlfriend) so I liked to have lunch with her on those days. Rumors were starting to pick up about what was going on, so we headed back to her place for lunch (which I don’t think we ever ate that day) and to watch the news. We sat and watched as smoke poured out of the windows of the towers. By then, I believe, one of the towers had already fallen. As we were watching the news live, the second tower came down. At first, I thought maybe they were showing a replay of the first one... but then I realized it was the second one. I must admit to being a bit naïve that day because I was thinking at the time well surely everyone had evacuated from the building by then. Have you ever tried walking down 80 flights of stairs (or even 30 flights, for that matter)? Me either. It did hit, pretty quick, that even if everyone else had gotten out... there were still all the firefighters/policemen/EMS people who had been running in. I remember we sat there kind of stunned just watching TV. I remember having this numb feeling for a while (days/weeks?) after that and just wanting to sit and watch the news. We finally had to get up and go to our afternoon class because Winthrop (at least back then) wouldn’t cancel a class for anything. I remember just going through the motions in my afternoon classes... waiting for a chance to get back in front of the TV to watch the news. Back then I was working as a Manager Trainee at Rack Room Shoes in Carolina Place Mall (in Pineville, NC). I was scheduled to work that night, but I got a call from Peggy (my boss) telling me not to worry about coming in. She said she was pretty sure they were going to close the mall early, but even if they didn’t, nobody was there. Because of my class schedule, I worked almost every night and most of the time on the weekends... so this gave me a rare night off to spend with The Girlfriend. We went to Ryan’s for dinner. Her dad called me on my cell phone because he hadn’t been able to reach her. I remember this was perhaps the longest period of time in my life when I just didn’t feel like laughing. I remember walking around campus and noticing how quiet it was. Winthrop is close enough to Charlotte that there are almost always planes in the sky... but not that day. Even the roads were light... it seemed everyone was staying home watching TV. I think the mall was closed for a couple of days (though I could be mistaken). I do remember going back to work and the place being like a ghost town for the first week or two. I mean, there was NOBODY in the mall. NOBODY. Nobody shopping. Nobody “just looking”. Nobody out walking around. Even the shoplifters were staying home. It was very strange. I remember me, Peggy, and Maureen (my friend from Long Island who was a part-time worker at our store, who has since passed away) would just stand there and talk. Every now and then we’d walk around the store and clean/straighten up... but with no customers there wasn’t much to clean. I do remember standing in the back corner of the store straightening up some shoe boxes when I heard “Leaving on a Jet Plane” (Leaving on a jet plane, don’t know when I’ll be back again) being played and thinking, “Hmmm.... I don’t think this is the best time to be playing a song like this”. As time went on, things started to get back to “normal”. We had work and classes and The Girlfriend was busy planning “our” wedding. Before long sports picked back up and the little things that we learned weren’t really all that important started to become important again. Before you know it, 1... 2... 11 years have gone by and here we are. Since then, I’ve lost two grandmothers (well, I didn’t really “lose” them... they died... I know where they are) and gained two daughters and a son. I’m sure this event hit some people harder than it did me. Some for obvious reasons, some maybe not. Make sure you checkout the History Channel off and on today in between football games. The programming they have on 9/11 is just incredible. Some of the programs have “home video” type footage that really gives a great perspective on how things were that day. Some of it is hard to watch. Most of it will probably bring tears to your eyes (it did mine), but all of it is worth watching.

Donate here for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s!!!!!!!!!!


Picture Thursday


Look at who dressed herself

He didn't want to make eye contact with me


Busted....


Mary Ruth and her friend Grace each holding their new Bibles from Bethany UMC

Just another day of watching TV for Susie and Daniel

Aunt Yvonne with her favorite... She came by to bring me a check from her and Uncle George for my Walk to End Alzheimer's.  You, too, can still donate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Mark 8:33

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private Samuel Robertson (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions during April 1862, in Georgia. His citation reads:

One of the 19 of 22 men (including 2 civilians) who by direction of Gen. Mitchell (or Buell) penetrated nearly 200 miles south into enemy territory and captured a railroad train at Big Shanty, Ga., in an attempt to destroy the bridges and tracks between Chattanooga and Atlanta.

Sergeant George F. Robie (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions during September 1864, before Richmond, Virginia. His citation reads:

Gallantry on the skirmish line.

Boatswain’s Mate Alexander Robinson (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 25, 1864, on board the U.S.S. Howquah. His citation reads:

Served as boatswain's mate on board the U.S.S. Howquah on the occasion of the destruction of the blockade runner, Lynx, off Wilmington, 25 September 1864. Performing his duty faithfully under the most trying circumstances, Robinson stood firmly at his post in the midst of a crossfire from the rebel shore batteries and our own vessels.


Every time you donate to my Walk to End Alzheimer’s, an Angel gets its wings. I could be wrong… but what if I’m right? Give here and one day maybe we’ll find out if this is true or not….


The I’m just sayin… Gospel Verse of the Week
Mark 8:33

     But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Still time to donate!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Sergeant Otis O. Roberts (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 7, 1863, at Rappanhannock Station, Virginia. His citation reads:

Capture of flag of 8th Louisiana Infantry (C.S.A.) in a hand_to_hand struggle with the color bearer.

Private Marcus W. Robertson (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 16, 1899, near San Isidro, Philippine Islands. His citation reads:

With 21 other scouts charged across a burning bridge, under heavy fire, and completely routed 600 of the enemy who were entrenched in a strongly fortified position.

First Lieutenant Robert S. Robertson (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 8, 1864, at Corbins Bridge, Virginia. His citation reads:

While acting as aide-de-camp to a general officer, seeing a regiment break to the rear, he seized its colors, rode with them to the front in the face of the advancing enemy, and rallied the retreating regiment.


I know some of you are worried, thinking “Oh, shoot!! I forgot to donate to Greg’s 2014 Walk to End Alzheimer’s!! Dangit!!!” Well, friends, don’t worry… There’s still time! You can join my cousins Jim and Deeny and my Labor Day Aunt Janie and Uncle DG as well as my Labor Day Cousins Jane and AJ and give to this event. I will tell you like I tell you every year… The fastest way to get me to like you (or like you more than I already do) is to donate to this cause. So do yourself a favor and give. You can give here. If you don’t want to do that, you can also give over here. If that’s not your cup of tea (as the kids in England like to say) then you can give here. I would keep going, but by now you have surely noticed that all of those links are the same.


Picture Thursday


Me and Susie at the pool this past weekend

Daniel at soccer practice

Daniel sleeping for a little bit at the lake

Susie giving me a kiss in the pool

Another soccer practice pic

Susie sleeping at the lake

Me and MR at the pool

Things were still going good at practice at this point

Me wearing the shirt I ordered especially for this Labor Day Weekend (and the next two Labor Day Weekends, I guess) standing next to my Labor Day Aunt Janie (her name is at the top of the shirt)

The G3's playing in the pool

Things are still ok at this point

The back of my one of a kind shirt

Daniel and me in the pool

Here is a pic of the meltdown... Soccer practice was still going on, but Daniel would have none of it. 

Susie and Daniel in the hot tube (which is really just a little pool to them)

This is my great-grandmother on my Dad's dad's side of the family.  She is holding my grandfather's oldest sister.  None of those people are still living (except for me and Dad).  The mother in this picture is about 15-16 years old... her husband (my great-grandfather) would have been about 35 years old at that time (from what Dad tells me).  That's what we in my circle of friends call a KC/LA type situation.