The iconic 4th of July represents dreams, hopes and possibilities, all founded on American ideals for many around the globe. Even when experienced only from afar through movies, books, song and poetry they are vivid and enticing. For Americans, the date celebrates the constitutional change that created the national country and identity. [Read more…]
Jul
02
Return to Civilian Life Helped By Mindset
July 2, 2012 By
Military Success Network guest author Phyllis Zimbler Miller
Military life develops many life and operational skills. The transition from military to fulltime civilian family life combined with potential new occupations and daily community participation brings with it opportunities and challenges. Awareness, preparation and specific supports help military men and women return to civilian life. For starters, it requires an open mindset.
Military Success Network begins the guest posts from “people who have been there” and done and learned “that”. Posts and articles will cover the process and the people and resources to boost success for those in transitions. What’s YOUR story? Do you see your self in this one? [Read more…]
Jun
19
The Space A Blanket Covers
June 19, 2012 By
Wrapped up in a bit of security
Stepping off the plane after my fourth deployment I saw my anxious family waiting. Then they were running. That scene was to record one of the top moments in my life and it was definitely an emotional roller coaster.
My twin boys were clutching their blankets. It being midnight, they were well past their bedtime. As I picked them up I noticed how tightly they held on, not to me but to their blankets. I also noticed that both blankets were well-worn and a little frayed. What I didn’t know was the routine they had with their “Be Be”s and how important their “security” blankets were to them. [Read more…]
Jun
17
Vlad the Impaler’s Gore Inspires Lore
June 17, 2012 By
Vlad Courtesy of National Authority of Tourism The medieval citadel of Sighisoara
On this day, 550 years ago, the Ottoman Turks faced the wrath of Vlad Dracula also known as Vlad the Impaler.
Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople, had invaded Wallachia with the intention of controlling the lower Danube. The odds were stacked against Vlad as the Ottomans heavily outnumbered the Wallachians. [Read more…]
Jun
15
The 49th Parallel As Military “Medicine Line”
June 15, 2012 By
James Douglas 1st Governor of Vancouver Island which straddled the 49th parallel
On this day in 1846, the United States and the British Empire agreed to extend the 49th parallel border from the Rockies all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
As a result, the southern tip of Vancouver Island remained as the only British (now Canadian) territory, west of Minnesota that lay south of 49th parallel. [Read more…]
Jun
14
In Honor of Air Force Fighter Pilot Brigadier General Robin Olds
June 14, 2012 By
Grave marker for Air Force fighter pilot BGen. Robin Olds
What do you do when your daughter wants to see her best friend-the one who helped her through her dad’s last deployment? If you are within a 100 mile radius you load up the Family and make it happen.
We all met up at a hotel outside of the Air Force Academy and soon saw that the rest of the tribe was getting restless with simply hanging out at the hotel.
In the previous week, I had just missed an opportunity to check out the Air Force Academy. I had been on location surveying possible upcoming training areas for use in my new assignment. [Read more…]
Jun
13
June 13: Miranda Makes It OK to Stay Mum
June 13, 2012 By
Ernesto Miranda
On June 13, 1966, the Supreme Court of United States decided that all criminal suspects must be advised of their rights before an interrogation.
The decision was a legal procedural landmark that marked the transition from the “tell me all you know” method to the “you have the right to remain silent…” scenario. [Read more…]
Jun
12
Out-Foxing The In-Laws in The Civil War
June 12, 2012 By
J.E.B. Stuart dapper and daring Cavalry General
On June 12, 150 years ago, the Confederate Cavalry ran a 100 mile long reconnaissance raid. They went full circle around the Union Army of the Potomac of General McClellan.
J.E.B. Stuart, the Confederate Cavalry General, accomplished this feat by eluding the northern cavalry commanded by his father-in-law, Philip St George Cooke.
Jun
11
Yankabilly Comedian Sheila Van Dyke “Pokes” Army to Git-R-Done
June 11, 2012 By
My favorite breakfast spot while stationed at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina, was the golf course snack bar. The routine was to appear around 0930 just as breakfast was closing. After awhile, the ladies knew my order and the portions started to increase as did the frequency of my visits.
As I left the building, feeling pretty content with my belly full of a Western omelet and home fries that would have buckled anyone under the weight of 200 pounds, I ran into Sheila Van Dyke. [Read more…]
Jun
07
June 7: History Straight Up with A Karmic Twist
June 7, 2012 By
Veni, Vidi, Ouch: A fitting motto for Japanese Navy after the Battle of Midway. The Japanese tried to eliminate the American naval threat with another surprise attack. Their plan backfired. On June 7 the Japanese withdrew after heavy losses. It was the turning point of the WWII in Pacific.