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Oct
09

Still Having Fun documents military family life

By | H.U.A. Blog, Reviews

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Day by day the resilience of American military families is tested. Their triumphs and tears are rarely captured and chronicled. Their stories certainly are still few relative to their numbers across the land and their vast contribution as supports to service members, and to the fabric of society. We are most likely to hear of their challenges and regrettably, the tragedies they experience.

Candace George Thompson

Candace George Thompson

Author, Candace George Thompson’s glimpse into the intimate life of one family is, therefore, a rarity and a delight. She is the daughter of a career Air Force Officer whose first mission was on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

Her book, Still Having Fun, a Portrait of the Military Marriage of Rex and Bettie George, 1941–2007  is today’s Words on Wednesdays (WoW) selection. It adds joy and love to the narrative of military family life, as most of us might imagine it to be.

In today’s Words on Wednesday:

  • Still Having Fun.. the award winning book
  • Author Candace George Thompson transitions
  • Life lessons shared

Excerpts from a recent interview with Military Success Network comprise today’s WoW post:   [Read more…]

Sep
20

Emily Carr closes to honor resilience and reconciliation process in Canada

By | H.U.A. Blog, History

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It’s not generally expected that the topic of resilience and the discussion of trauma will shut down an entire organization. Yet, in Vancouver on September 20, 2013 one school – The Emily Carr University of Art & Design will – do exactly that.

This post is about:

* Canadians now refer to the original peoples of the continent, which you and I grew up calling Indians, and then aboriginals, as 1st Nations. On this part of the continent it is most correct both politically and culturally. 

The institute is closing down to honour its Aboriginal constituents, [Read more…]

Jul
03

Gettysburg a test of faith for friends, foes & families

By | H.U.A. Blog, History

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On this last day of commemoration of the Battle of Gettysburg and the eve of Independence Day jubilation, veteran and armchair historian, Greg Johnson shares his reflections in this first guest post.

Greg Johnson

Greg Johnson

What follows began as a conversation with Greg about this week’s events. Even as a Canadian, I have been riveted to the re-enactments of the  first person accounts and the historical narratives, both strictly factual and fictitious, that mark the Battle of Gettysburg. It is said that this battle ended it for the South, even though the war waged on for long after in other regions. [Read more…]

Jul
03

Destiny of the Republic book notes by Greg Johnson

By | H.U.A. Blog, Reviews

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Candice Millard’s “Destiny of the Republic” tells a remarkable story. It’s of American public life in the late 19th century – a period in American politics which seems to have received little attention in popular history.

Destiny of the Republic: by Candice Millard

[Read more…]

Jul
02

Gettysburg 150th detailed via The National Guard

By | H.U.A. Blog, History

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To mark the 150th anniversary year of the Battle of Gettysburg, MilSuccessNet has dipped into the excellent historic ‘slide’ offered by the National Guard.  The battle and other interestingly presented information  is totally worth checking out at their site. 

It’s also our nod to our resident historian and writer of almost all of the site’s early history posts. Not long after the launch of MilitarySuccessNetwork.com, he began his own military to civilian transformation after years of service with the National Guard.  While still connected to some degree with the Guard, Marius Tecoanta has transitioned to become an engineer in a corporation, been published as a blogger and novelist and woven both his military and civilian training into his current leadership role.    

And now….   the introduction to Gettysburg from the National Guard’s online pages dedicated to this defining battle: [Read more…]

Jun
07

Food n’ frustration at office pot luck foibles

By | Guest Posts, H.U.A. Blog

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Let 'em eat cake, photo courtesy of Teresa's Custom Cakes (Ft. Hood)

Let ’em eat cake, photo courtesy of Teresa’s Custom Cakes (Ft. Hood)

Hey, did someone at your last holiday BBQ , or office gathering grab a little too much? I’m not talking too much booze, or an extra chicken leg on their paper plate. Nope, we’re talking out and out packaging up extra provisions. Portions destined for off property consumption-without  permission or polite inquiry of others’ opinion on their pilfering it. Sometimes, they even march off with the conveyancing pot or pan!

Our guest writers share their HE SAID, SHE SAID column advising one harried staffer with a question on how to deal with this class of glutton. I think you’ll find a heapin’ helpin’ of  some good life calming takeaways, too!
[Read more…]

Jun
06

D-Day’s 69 year anniversary marked during momentous month at MilSuccessNet

By | H.U.A. Blog, History

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Military Minds, is the source of our 2013 post on D-Day. It is the largest organization in the world raising awareness of the stigma around Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Their mission of support and constant peer reminder to show warriors that they are not alone in the aftermath of  war, of deployment.

Their ‘reprinted’ post today honors those on the front lines on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

MilSuccessNet’s team chose this post because Military Minds which “began in Canada (where our editor is from) and now also serves veterans in U.S.A., Australia, U.K. , New Zealand, Germany and other nations that have participated in multiple conflicts over the past decades.”

It honors the past and supports today’s veterans now battling the stigma of PTSD and its daily realities for them. Check out their You Are Not Alone campaign, amongst other programs on their website.

And, June is also PTSD Awareness Month, Lest we forget… any of it..   and now..  in “Kevin’s” own words from his post, found on the organizations 52,000 member Facebook page…. [Read more…]

Jun
05

Trials of transition rooted in trust, responsibility and duty

By | Guest Posts, H.U.A. Blog

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 “SGM (Ret) Jason Beighley offers a relevant and poignant interpretation of the “book”, Message to Garcia in today’s Words on Wednesdays. It is a relatively short text,  written by its author in a single sitting, almost as a letter in response to emotion. 

A few links are provided for WoW readers to access the whole text. Our guest writer, Jason Beighley served 25 years in the US Army’s Mechanized Infantry, 2/75 Rangers, and Special Operations. His post introduces us to a classic read which is both a favorite known to many military service members and one referenced by leaders: Message to Garcia.

SGM (Ret.) Jason Beighley

SGM (Ret.) Jason Beighley

 

A classic tale of a mission from another time, in the jungles of Cuba, Beighley uses it as a vehicle to traverse the challenges of transition. In it he conveys the great treasure of service that he feels makes moving from the military, to essentially any other life role, such a challenge.

Beighley shared in a recent interview that he has explored and experienced several workplace environments since he separated in April 2009 as part of his transition journey. He now works for The Praevius Group, a technology integration company in Texas, where amongst other projects calling on his expertise, he is involved in teaching  the Master Army Profession and Ethic Trainer course. Beighley is the 2011 recipient of the NDIA Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock Award.

He expressed gratitude in being able to continue to grow and define himself in his new civilian life status with the support of his wife of 25 years and their three children. Together, they reside on a small farm in North Carolina with a Dr. Doolittle–‐like collection of animals. 

Now on to the little volume’s story and one man’s investment in the USA’s military… in his own words… [Read more…]

May
29

Basil Plumley “America’s soldier” depicted in We Were Soldiers Once… and Young

By | H.U.A. Blog

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Basil Plumley as a young man

Basil Plumley as a young man

Books and films featured on “Words on Wednesdays“ might center on a particular individual or maybe an epic battle in a particular war.  Today’s “WoW” focuses on a story that had both, and more.

Command Sergeant Major (ret.) Basil L. Plumley was a real flesh and blood man yet also a larger than life character. He was a warrior who served in three wars: Korea, World War II and Vietnam in the Airborne Infantry, as parachutist and in the Cavalry (Airborne).

Cover of 1st edition

Cover of 1st edition

Plumley was at the heart of the book, We Were Soldiers Once… and Young. 

He was not a man to tell war stories, nor did he give interviews even though he surely could have told many. Each ribbon and award on his heavily decorated uniform no doubt represented substantial moments in history and military experiences.

When he was presented a Combat Infantry Badge with Two Stars he joined the only 325 men to receive this award, even rarer than the select 3,400 or so Medal of Honor recipients.

He has been called “America’s Soldier.”    [Read more…]

May
18

Armed Forces Day observed in 2013 on May 18

By | H.U.A. Blog, History

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This content on the basics of Armed Forces Day was taken “off the wire” as it were, from the time and date website .

We like that it is a day to honour ALL armed forces.

And if you noticed the “U” in honour it’s because it is a symbolic extension to H.ear, U.nderstand and A.cknowledge YOU dear reader. Also..it’s our Canadian editor’s long weekend to mark more than 65 years on the job for Queen Victoria, in her day. Canada marks Armed Forces Day in June and that covers Navy, Army, Air Force.  And now…. on to the celebration of the dedicated military members of the U.S. of A!

What do people do?

Many events across the United States take place on Armed Forces Day to honor Americans in uniform who served their country in times of war and peace. [Read more…]

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