A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....02-09-04....Military Monday

Billie, The Mayor

[JustAmy]

Thank you both for this thread.

Thank you for bringing us Military Mondays!!

[dutchess]

Just stopped back in. What a great picture you posted tonight Amy! Thanks!

[MeekOneGOP]

Sorry I was so slow getting back to your comment about reading my post.

And thanks, Miss Dixie for filling in the gap ! :O)

[JustAmy]

Thanks, Dutchess.

We must thank our Veterans for giving us the Land of the Free!!

[LadyX]

"Where is everyone? I feel like Bambi looking for his momma in the snowstorm - Mama? Where are you Mama? It's that time of the year for tear jerker movies, isn't it?"

You rang, and hint that I am considered AWOL??
Derelict in my duties on Military Monday?!!
GASP - suggest I am perhaps a derelict?!!!
no wait - you didna, sassy lassie..:))

As I explained last night, I had to go out of town today, and with only 3 1/2 hours of sleep, rising before the sun, napped for four this afternoon/evening.
Just now devouring one lamb chop and asparagus as I tap the keys here.

[dutchess]

Hi maggie and dixie....I'm here to say hi...but need to head for bed...Have a great evening....

[Dubya]

Retiree Donates 'Support Our Troops' Wooden Nickels

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2004 — As a show of support for the men and women in uniform, a San Antonio businessman is giving away free wooden nickels imprinted with the words, "Support Our Troops" and "The Price of Freedom is NOT Free!"

Herb Hornung, a retired Air Force master sergeant who now runs the Old Time Wooden Nickel Co., has a long history of passing out wooden nickels with slogans supporting America's veterans.

So when the United States started deploying service members to Iraq, Hornung decided to print up wooden nickels urging people to support the troops. Initially he carried pockets full of them around town and handed them out when he noticed men and women in uniform. Then he got the brainstorm to broaden his effort and promote the giveaway on his company Web site.

Hornung estimates that since he started his cyber-effort he's given away about 50,000 "Support the Troops" nickels. Requests have poured in from throughout the United States, he said, and a few have come from Canada. Some requests come from overseas military post office addresses, but Hornung said he's not sure if they're from Iraq or other overseas locations.

The first wooden nickels were issued during the Depression when two Washington state banks failed, leaving their communities with a money shortage. Later, wooden coins became popular for use at state fairs and centennials. The old saying, "Don't take any wooden nickels" cautioned people not to accept wooden money during the last days of a fair, in case they didn't get to cash them in before the event ended.

Likewise, while Hornung's "Support the Troops" coins can't be used as legal tender, he's hopeful the coins he gives away have a significant although less tangible, value. "I figured that this is something I can do to show support for the troops and to let them know that we're behind them," he said.

To request four free wooden nickels, send a self-addressed business-size envelope with two first-class stamps to: Support Our Troops, Wooden Nickel Building, 345 Austin Road, San Antonio, TX 78209.

For Picture click link above.

[Dubya]

Glad to have you back. I hope everything went well.

[Dubya]

That is a nice one. Thanks.

[LadyX]

~ ~ ~ TISSUE ALERT ~ ~ ~

You might remember the recent blast in Afghanistan at an ammo dump our troops were clearing, with several American soldiers dead and wounded.
That event has involved my older son, Steve, who many of you know is a Physician Assistant, professor teaching PA's at Nova Southeastern University, and that he is in DMAT (Disaster Medical Assistance Team).
For relaxation, he joined the Florida Police Pipe and Drum Corps, becoming a regular drum player after just 6 months instead of the usual more than a year before auditioning for a permanent position.

They perform nationally and internationally, and often in Florida for ceremonies involving police and fire personnel. Last week, they became the Honor Guard for the family of one of the deceased at a funeral held for him in Davie, Florida, a suburb of Ft.Lauderdale.

First, here is a Sun-Sentinel newspaper writeup about the deceased hero, much loved and respected in his community.

Davie police officer was Afghan blast victim

By Rafael A. Olmeda and Thomas Monnay
Staff Writers
Posted January 31 2004

Curtis Mancini, a Davie police detective and college firearms instructor, told his mother he wanted to serve in Afghanistan so his children wouldn't have to.

Mancini, 43, was one of seven American soldiers killed Thursday morning in an explosion at a weapons cache in the city of Ghazni, roughly 90 miles southwest of Kabul. The U.S. military is continuing its investigation into whether the explosion was an accident or a booby trap.

On Friday, Mancini's three children were devastated and his parents struggled to come to grips with the sudden loss. His fellow officers wept openly for a fallen colleague and friend.

John Mancini [his father],who served in the Army for 35 years and retired as a sergeant-major, said he understood why his son, a sergeant first class, wanted to serve in Afghanistan.

"He told his mother, `I need to do this now so that my children and other people's children won't need to do it later.' He was a soldier's soldier," the father said.

While on leave last fall, Mancini said his son gave him a bottle of Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch, but he refused to open it.

"Curtis," Mancini recalled saying, "I'm not going to drink this until you come back."

The two men agreed they would wait until they could enjoy it together, along with a fine cigar.

The bottle now sits in a cabinet in a spare room in the Lincoln, R.I., home where Curtis Mancini grew up. John Mancini hasn't made up his mind whether he'll ever open it.

The Defense Department did not release details about the casualties Friday because not all the families had been notified. News of Mancini's death came from police and the family.

Curtis Mancini, who owned a home in the unincorporated Pine Island Ridge community within Davie, had been with the Davie Police Department since 1987. His fellow officers wandered in shock on Friday.

Lt. Brad Carney broke down in tears before he could say a word about his oft-decorated friend.

The flag outside the police department was at half-staff, and Mancini's picture was posted on a blue makeshift wall in the lobby, reminding the 250 employees of the man who went from trainee to narcotics detective, and ultimately to service as a training officer in the Department of Professional Standards.

He also served as an adjunct faculty member at Miami-Dade Community College, Broward Community College, and St. Petersburg Community College, and was certified in firearms instruction.

Mancini's son, Mike, is a recent merchant marine graduate. His daughters, Sara and Kristin, are students at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. His ex-wife, Dawn, lives in Dania Beach. All were too grief-stricken to comment.

"The message they want me to bring is that they're proud of Curt, not only for his police service but also for his military service," said Davie Police Chief John George. "They want the world to know that he loved his country. He made the ultimate sacrifice to give his life for this country."

Just two days ago, administrators at the BCC police academy were talking about how they hoped Mancini would make life easier for them when he returned from service. No one expected to be talking about his death.

"We were anxiously awaiting his return. He was a very capable and very reliable person," said Joyce Ware, interim director of criminal justice training. "I wouldn't consider him replaceable because along with capability you also have personality."

"He would walk in a room and he would light up the room," said Lt. Bill Bamford, a department spokesman. "He was such a positive influence on our department. The image and knowledge he conveyed to the police officers and the experience he shared with them is truly invaluable."

Davie council member Judy Paul, who knew Mancini, said, "He's the type of person who makes your police department very outstanding. It's a loss to the town; it's a loss to his family."

Davie Mayor Tom Truex called Mancini "a hero who died for his country" and said he would be greatly missed by the Davie community.

Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sun-sentinel.com or 954-356-4207.

Curtis Mancini

The Davie Police Department badge is covered by a black band See larger image (Sun-Sentinel/Michael Laughlin) Jan 30, 2004 Copyright © 2004, South Florida Sun-Sentinel =======================================================

If you remember the funerals in New York City for fallen police and firemen by the Pipe & Drum Corps, you can form a mental image of how this service was conducted - and then some.

Steve related they first formed up and led the limousine with the family as it drove to the Auditorium where it was held.

Every foot of the way, policemen from all over the state lined at attention, saluting, on either side of the street.

Reaching the Auditorium, they led the family on foot through the entrance room, a long hall, and into the packed Auditorium - again lined all the way with comrades at attention. Their drum accompaniment resounded with dramatic thundering throughout the silent (and tearful) journey indoors.

It was difficult emotionally beyond description for all involved in this brotherhood, and for Steve. He drew upon his early years as a military brat, ROTC years, and his own police service in the 1980's in Florida, fighting not to break down.

There were over a thousand mourners, and many units, honoring their own and a military hero, and the procession included the riderless horse.

Especially moving were the speeches by his son and two daughters, totally 'together' and loving and appreciative.

This surely is a story of a life well lived....

Rus, I have a wonderful photograph of the riderless horse Steve took. Can you upload and post it if I e-mail it to you?

[LadyX]

Thank you, Dubya. Have an appointment on the 17th - next week - for investigation of the problem.

[nicmarlo]

Prayers and sympathy for his family and friends.

[Dubya]

Thanks for letting me know.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

May God Welcome Curtis Home and Comfort his family and friends.

[The Mayor]

yes!

[The Mayor]

Welcome Home

[LadyX]

Thanks, Rus. Already had forwarded it so you at least could see the pictures!

That is a beautiful pair of graphics.

While grieving with the personal loss to the family, that is balanced by his wonderful example to follow, and the impact of his life and passing on so many persons.

Can't you imagine how it was in Heaven when that man went HOME??!!
There had to be much rejoicing in Heaven!

Listening to Steve describe the moment and his emotions, I was filled with pride, needless to say, seeing how he walks with God, and is loving and caring and giving.

[GailA]

May our Lord grant comfort to this grieving family, in the name of Jesus, amen.

[LadyX]

Thank you for responding, Brian.
Rus will be posting the photograph of the riderless horse soon, I believe.

It is such a hauntingly beautiful tribute to this hero.

[Diver Dave]

Just now devouring one lamb chop and asparagus as I tap the keys here.

OH NO!!!