“I give mad credit to women in the military who are mothers,” said Teresa Grace.
As our interview continued, Grace reflected on the fine balance that must be maintained to fulfill military duties and the daily details of family life.” [Read more…]
Jul
10
Combat Role to Suddenly Civilian (part 1)
July 10, 2012 By
I had the privilege of talking with Teresa Broadwell Grace, a former member of the Army’s 194th Military Police Company who, in 2003 was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star with “V” for Valor in Iraq.
A female American soldier mans a machine gun on a vehicle during clashes in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul in June 2003. The war in Iraq, which has killed or wounded more U.S. women in combat than any other conflict, has redefined their role in the military and triggered a rethink of their place on the front line. Women who serve in the Army are barred from engaging in combat under rules drawn up by the Pentagon. But the battlefields of Afghanistan and Iraq, where fighting an insurgency and no front line exists as such, have been proving grounds for the women soldiers. Photo credit: U.S. Department of Defense”
Combat, an outstanding story of survival, management of post traumatic stress and an unexpected transition back into the civilian world are part of Teresa Grace’s story. All this as she began her third decade of life. [Read more…]
Jul
08
Portugal Slays Dragons for Dominance
July 8, 2012 By
Vasco_da_Gama as elder and Viceroy of India
Vasco da Gama sailed into history on July 8, 1497.
With a fleet of four caravels, he became the first European to reach India by sea. He made use of the prevailing winds by sailing south in a zigzag pattern away from the African coast then veering off to the east past the Cape.
The Portuguese navigator reached the Indian coast, at Calicut in May 1498.
This voyage established one of the most lucrative trade routes at the time, controlled entirely by the tiny nation of Portugal. [Read more…]
Jul
04
4th of July Celebrates America
July 4, 2012 By
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
29
“Bird of Paradise” Pilots Make Aviation History
June 29, 2012 By
Lester_J._Maitland_and_Albert_F._Hegenberger
Five weeks after the much celebrated Charles Lindbergh flight from New York to Paris, two plucky American pilots took a two ton Atlantic-Fokker C-2 trimotor airplane on a 2500 mile transpacific flight from California to Hawaii.
On June 29, 1927, they landed in the Pacific archipelago. The achievement was impressive and they received the Mackay Trophy. [Read more…]
Jun
28
Finding Forever on the Panama Canal
June 28, 2012 By
The Panama Canal Purchase Act enacted on June 28, 1902, authorized United States Government to purchase the rights, privileges, franchises, concessions, grants of land, right of way, unfinished work, plants, and other property, real, personal, and mixed, of every name and nature in a Panama project.
All this “from the French New Panama Canal Company at a cost not exceeding $40 million.”
Jun
26
Lives and Deaths of Conquistadors
June 26, 2012 By
Not even Shakespeare could concoct such a story.
Francisco Pizarro Gonzalez died on June 26 1541. The daring conqueror of Incas reaped what he sowed.
The illiterate bastard son of a Spanish soldier, Pizarro looked across the Atlantic for opportunity. Inspired by the success of Hernando Cortes, in Mexico, he set his focus on the Incan Empire. [Read more…]
Jun
23
Hot Interests in Antarctica’s Deep Freeze
June 23, 2012 By
Research and future rights skate Antarctica
On June 23, 1961, the Antarctic Treaty came into effect. At that time, the Cold War was in full swing and nobody wanted to have additional headaches working through the overlapping and competing claims to Earth’s last true frontier. [Read more…]
Jun
21
Pancho Villa and The German Connection
June 21, 2012 By
Pancho Villa
On June 21, 1916, the Mexican military attacked elements of the U.S. 10th Cavalry at Carrizal, a city in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The clash occurred during the punitive expedition carried out by General Pershing in pursuit of the guerilla leader “Pancho Villa.” [Read more…]