Ben training in Texas USAF Base (flight simulator) before Dessert Storm
Philippine/American coins used as currency in my (birth) country. Notice how unique front side is (Philippines) and the other side is (USA) a 1908 vintage Philippine/American coin in one. (enlarge picture to notice).
"Hello, Joe! Give Me Five Cents?"
Written by: Esther
The only time I get involved with politics is when I voted, a choice I have taken since becoming a citizen of this great country.
But now, I love to listen to the issues especially this election time. I "weigh-in" on some issues between the political parties but, the arguments do not bother me at all. However, I was surprised when I heard Mr. Kerry's comment or "joke" about our troops in Iraq. I was stunned. Is it because it reminded me of my own past experiences with the military?
Ben like to do different things aside from his profession. He joined the US Air Force. It was only after his voluntary military application was approved when he told me about it. It made me happy because I was reminded where I grew up in the Philippines near a US military base.
Yes, I grew up admiring the "American Soldier," who looked so dignified and well groomed in his military uniform.
Because my parents were always traveling, I stayed with my grandparents while in grade school. We lived in a house located just outside the Air Force base. They (grandparents) also had a restaurant called "Chicken Charlie." It was named after my grandfather Vicente (Charlie, as he was called by his American friends), who cooked a unique fried chicken enjoyed by the military clientele.
I looked forward to greeting the American soldier/friends who passed by our house on their way to the restaurant. I often say to them, "Hello, Joe, give me five cents?" They dig deep into their pockets and give me money. Until now, I smile when I think about it. When I was younger, I heard everyone call the uniformed service men "Joe" and I thought then that all the Americans were named "Joe!"
When Ben joined the Air Force, I felt so proud of him, for his willingness to serve although it took him away from me one (1) weekend a month for his trainings. He never told me where he was going, only the name of the State. I figured it out that it must be a secret at that time.
When Ben was "activated" to serve during the Middle East war in 1991, I could not believe that a small town like Marion, someone like him would be called to serve.
No questions asked when he was called to report. He was few hours late reporting for duty because he wanted to say "goodbye" to his kids who were in school (not knowing that he was already being traced if he reported for duty or not).
Inside a small room in the base, together with other members of the group and their families, we were ushered in to meet the military attorney, minister, and other people in uniform to sign papers. Didn't say much except to give all my support I can give to him.
It was tough to take care of our 3 young children after he left. Financially, whatever the government gave us we accepted, much much less than what we were used to receiving each month. Inspite of the hardships that came with this situation, we felt the joy of serving our country.
After the war was over, Ben came home and I was surprised to know how many people who expressed their support to him and the other troops. Many from the surrounding neighborhood came to our house to welcome him back. That was really amazing.
This is what I can say to our troops who are in Iraq protecting our freedom, "We care and we pray for your safe return. We respect you!"
To me the healthy way to deal with Mr. Kerry's comment is not to take it personally. Politics as usual! Am so proud to be a nurse/wife of a retired USAF Lt. Col.
Philippine/American coins used as currency in my (birth) country. Notice how unique front side is (Philippines) and the other side is (USA) a 1908 vintage Philippine/American coin in one. (enlarge picture to notice).
"Hello, Joe! Give Me Five Cents?"
Written by: Esther
The only time I get involved with politics is when I voted, a choice I have taken since becoming a citizen of this great country.
But now, I love to listen to the issues especially this election time. I "weigh-in" on some issues between the political parties but, the arguments do not bother me at all. However, I was surprised when I heard Mr. Kerry's comment or "joke" about our troops in Iraq. I was stunned. Is it because it reminded me of my own past experiences with the military?
Ben like to do different things aside from his profession. He joined the US Air Force. It was only after his voluntary military application was approved when he told me about it. It made me happy because I was reminded where I grew up in the Philippines near a US military base.
Yes, I grew up admiring the "American Soldier," who looked so dignified and well groomed in his military uniform.
Because my parents were always traveling, I stayed with my grandparents while in grade school. We lived in a house located just outside the Air Force base. They (grandparents) also had a restaurant called "Chicken Charlie." It was named after my grandfather Vicente (Charlie, as he was called by his American friends), who cooked a unique fried chicken enjoyed by the military clientele.
I looked forward to greeting the American soldier/friends who passed by our house on their way to the restaurant. I often say to them, "Hello, Joe, give me five cents?" They dig deep into their pockets and give me money. Until now, I smile when I think about it. When I was younger, I heard everyone call the uniformed service men "Joe" and I thought then that all the Americans were named "Joe!"
When Ben joined the Air Force, I felt so proud of him, for his willingness to serve although it took him away from me one (1) weekend a month for his trainings. He never told me where he was going, only the name of the State. I figured it out that it must be a secret at that time.
When Ben was "activated" to serve during the Middle East war in 1991, I could not believe that a small town like Marion, someone like him would be called to serve.
No questions asked when he was called to report. He was few hours late reporting for duty because he wanted to say "goodbye" to his kids who were in school (not knowing that he was already being traced if he reported for duty or not).
Inside a small room in the base, together with other members of the group and their families, we were ushered in to meet the military attorney, minister, and other people in uniform to sign papers. Didn't say much except to give all my support I can give to him.
It was tough to take care of our 3 young children after he left. Financially, whatever the government gave us we accepted, much much less than what we were used to receiving each month. Inspite of the hardships that came with this situation, we felt the joy of serving our country.
After the war was over, Ben came home and I was surprised to know how many people who expressed their support to him and the other troops. Many from the surrounding neighborhood came to our house to welcome him back. That was really amazing.
This is what I can say to our troops who are in Iraq protecting our freedom, "We care and we pray for your safe return. We respect you!"
To me the healthy way to deal with Mr. Kerry's comment is not to take it personally. Politics as usual! Am so proud to be a nurse/wife of a retired USAF Lt. Col.
