Memorial Day: Have 'we' Americans 'lost' that loving feeling?!?!?

Memorial Day is the day that we honor those that have paid the ultimate price or they came back, lived more of life and are now passed.  I would say that it is just this last generation, the one before or the last one before me (though I was born a few months before the baby boom generation 'officially' ended) but no, sadly all generations in our great Untied States of America have lost that loving feeling for those that fought for all of us to have the freedoms we all enjoy to this day.  If you are one of those then, shame on you, now go to the flipp'in corner and think about it, you disgust me!

 FREEDOM!

passport photo going to Guam-the 7th grade

I tried to write this article last night, only for the internet to gobble it up and then I had to start all over again.  After more than a few times I gave up.

At four in the morning I decided to get some sleep and try again today.  I am sitting here, it is now 2:16 Tuesday morning and I have lost this article 3 times today but, I will not stop until I have had my say, I am not one to accept defeat.

I don't want to lecture to folks, I just want them to remember the men and women that have gone into the face of danger and 'do' what needed to be done for the well being of all United States citizens and many more folks from around the world.

Freedom; to see it bestowed on one that has never known it before and you witness those (daily) that accomplished this mission, it is life changing, I know.

While we were living in Guam and Saigon fell, I saw just this very thing, I shared part of my story while writing an article for our troops, to help them get their vote on, back in 2012...

""At the age of eleven years old, my world and my mindset on life changed after one moment in time.  When a a South Vietnamese woman thanked me for saving her and her family.  I did say 'after' that one moment, why me?  It had taken a bit for it all to sink in, I went home and contemplated it for awhile. 

Why me, why did she thank me, kept running through my head.  I then got it, it was because she was thanking my country and those that did the work to give her the chance of having freedom for the first time in her life.  I was so proud of those that wore uniforms that day, those I never really paid attention to coming and going for years, I then got it.  I also have so much admiration for those that stood by them (the wives of those living on Base, including Mama) during these hard times in our lives and it has not changed to this day."

When people say that those that fought in Nam fought for nothing, it just sits in my stomach like a lead balloon and also... I feel sorry for them, since they were 'not' told the 'whole' truth on what did happen during these times in our country's history. 

From me:  You will 'always' be appreciated and never forgotten, remember this!

Character!


Oh the character of this man has lived with me throughout my life, he always went above and beyond the call of duty.  My grandpa Shaw served as a Navy cook and my stomach wants to thank the U.S. Navy for that one very gift (among

Grandpa & (my) Auntie Evelyn

many more) that helped him to become a fantastic cook and share his talents with (some of LOL) his children.

I only had the opportunity to get to know my grandpa when we arrived back to the Untied States after Dad (and us) were stationed (64-69) in Japan.  This was a few years before we were to move to Guam.

Though it was just a short time, it was a time in my life that I will always cherish, as long as I am here on earth.  The love that I felt from this man is more than I am able to explain.

Though I just love the mere fact that as a child I was able to see what 'most' are not able to see here in America, I did hate one thing about all of it, I missed growing up with Mama's family.

This is the price that we must pay and when all is said and done, I am glad I had this opportunity to see firsthand, how these great men and women did a job and did it with all they had.

Also let us not forget, Grandpa did know how to cook and some of his children did pay attention and I am so happy Mama was one of them that did just that, so I still had a small piece of him.  Thank you Grandpa for your service and for being there so you were able to give a young girl something great to hold onto, I love you.

Not just In-laws...

Just one cool dude

My ex father-in-law Luther (Lucky) Kennedy served in the Army and fought in the Atlantic during WWII and he 'also' was a Army cook, now how lucky can one girl be.  Ever since Luther gave me his secret on how to make the best turkey you will ever stuff in your pie hole, I have yet to alter this recipe, period!

I will never forget the time Luther was in the hospital after suffering a stroke (he did recover), I just gave him his greatest joy in life a little over a year before, I gave him the title of 'Grandfather' for the first time.  He asked for only me to come in the room for a moment, it surprised all of those in the waiting area, including me.

I walked in, sat down and Luther said to me...

"Denise, I want to thank you for giving me the greatest gift a person could, I appreciate it.".  The rest that was said, well, will stay with us two.  Well okay, I will tell you one thing, he didn't think I was that bad of a gal and that was just fine with me.  Thank you Luther for all you did for 'our' country and thank you for giving me those very kind words, love you.

My kind of Guy

Where do I start with my Father-in-law Gene Ogletree, a man that fought during the second battle for Guam (August 1944) and helped win that battle.

Yes my Father-in-law fought on the beaches of Guam and he sure tested me on the mere fact that I even lived there.  He was bamboozled (told by a man he fought during Nam but the guy did not) by a boyfriend of my sister-in-law's one time and he wanted to make sure that I was whom I stated I was.

Though I knew Gene's WWII experience was in the Pacific, I also know that if a man/woman wants to speak of their time in the fight, they will let you know.  If not, then keep your pie hole shut.  Around seven years after his son and I had been living together, he was ready to talk to me about it...

It was Christmas time, Gene was in his chair (in the den) and I was sitting on the carpet wrapping presents for the kids and he asked me "Denise, did you live on base or off base in Guam?".  I was taken aback for a moment, then I told him, on base.  I was then drilled with every question about that island that is, until he was pleased with all of my answers and that was when Gene relaxed.

Gene started talking about the battle he fought to take Guam from the Japanese and it was as if all of a sudden it was just him and I in the world.  I can not tell you 'exactly' what he did say but, I was there with him, as he went on about how they had run up on the beach.  I knew of these beaches, I have stepped on them, I might had at one time, stepped right where he stepped so long ago.

Gene then started talking about the caves and I knew of these caves on the side of the cliffs, as I too walked/crawled through them.   My friends and I also found many WWII relics during our adventures around the island.  I was lost in time with this great man and my pride for him kept going up and up with each word he shared.

Gene and I will always share that moment and I feel that by me being where I was at back in the 70's, in its own way, helped a United States Marine lay it all to rest what happened to him back in the 40's.  Gene you have always given me your kindness, your wonderful sense of humor and a great appetite that had 'never' forgotten to thank the cook and do it with much vigor.

I miss you so much Gene, as does your son, we weep from the thought that we lost you but, we are so happy that you were in our lives to make both of us better people.  At times I can still hear Gene yell at (his wife) Clara "Clara, if you die first, I'm going to live with Danny boy and Denise!", still cracks me up!

The Apple Does 'not' Fall far from the Tree

I was not able to meet my brother-in-law, as he passed away, way before I was in the picture.  Randy was on leave, he and his friend went to a wedding of one of their friends, driving home, a truck went over the line and hit them head on.

Randy and his parents were in the hospital waiting room when all of a sudden Randy felt tired, as they had been waiting for awhile as his friend (that was in the car with him) was having surgery to repair his body.  Randy went over and laid his head down on some chairs and never woke up.

They later found out the whole time Randy was waiting for his friend to make it out of the operating room, Randy was bleeding internally.  I wish I had the opportunity to know this man, as I have heard a lot of good things about him but, it is just not to be so.

Knowing the love that my husband's mother had for her Randy, I have to say I was surprised when Clara one day said to me, right out of the blue "I know my Randy and you would have been great friends.".

Though it has been well over 40 years since his passing, (my husband) his brother has never stopped missing him, nor has he ever stopped having that gleam of pride in his eyes when he talks about Randy, speaks volumes!

My Uncle Sonny

My uncle Sonny just recently passed away and though we have lived so many miles apart over these years, I have had the opportunity to get to know him here and there throughout my life.  Here is my Uncles obituary...

Glenn S. Shaw Jr. 80, a Franklin native and former longtime resident, died peacefully Sunday March 23, 2014 at the Serenity Hill Nursing Home in Wrentham, following a long illness. 
Born in Franklin March 5, 1934 a son of the late Glenn S. Shaw, Sr., and Edna (Lanagan) Shaw he was raised and educated in Franklin and is a 1953 graduate of Franklin High School. He was a retired self employed painting contractor and handyman. 
He served two tours of duty with the United States Air Force. Serving during to Korean War, he attained the rank of Airman First Class. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal upon his discharge in 1959. 
Glenn loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed boating, fishing, scuba diving, camping and was an avid Boston & New England team sports fan. 
He is survived by his son, Brian G. Shaw and his wife Beth of Milford, a stepson Harvey Eno of Milford, a brother, Richard E. Shaw and his wife Terry of Bellingham, 2 sisters; Edna Rinaldi and her husband James of Plainville, Evelyn Breton of Plainville, 3 grandchildren; Lauren, Ryan & Payton and many nieces & nephews. 
He was also the brother of the late Esther Gallup. 

My uncle not only gives me pride for his service to his country, he also gives me great pride for the mere fact that when life gave him a huge lemon, he didn't stop and quit, he kept fighting and made some wonderful lemonade while doing so.

At times when I want to just cry from the pain I am enduring throughout the day, I stop and think of my uncle and I carry on.  My uncle's life was not defined by the wheelchair he had to use, it is defined by the can do, must carry on attitude that he lived with until his last breath.

The very thing that those that serve do and do it daily, it does not leave you, no it doesn't, you were born with it and I for one am very grateful that you were born with what a lot of us were not.

I miss you so much, the thought of not sending you a Christmas package this year brings tears to my eyes.  I know it was just a little something but my dear uncle, it came straight from the heart.  You served your country and your loved ones well, we are all grateful for having you for the time we did.

I am sure you and Mama are giving Nana and Grandpa a hard time goofing about but, you go on, you run until you can not run anymore, I miss you, yet I weep in the knowing that you once again are able to leap as high as you legs will allow you to go.  I love you Uncle Sonny.

Fire'em UP!

It's MORE than just Grilling!

So the next time you decide to fire up your grill, why not stop and think about those that are not here anymore, yet leave a legacy that few are able to live up to.  Why just think of them on Memorial Day, be grateful that they came when duty called and they did it with honor and bravery, think of them often.

Why not go to one of our troops that did make it back but, their brothers and sisters in arms didn't and help them heal, listen if they need a ear, do not wait to honor those that serve, when they are six feet under.

When we do not make sure those abroad get the opportunity to vote than we are (in a way) leaving them behind, help all you can, so their voices are heard...



Help Them!

I am just getting back to being able to write once again, so please take the time to read one of my first articles on my political blog.  There is more to this story and I plan on adding to it, oh yes I do...

Benghazi

Now, after you have read all of this and you are still not grateful, then get back in the damn corner and think about it.... GEESH!

All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is acceptable and appreciated) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)

'Our' American Military: 'We' are Leaving them behind

When we sit back and 'not' take action for those that serve our country in the Armed Forces than we are just as guilty of leaving our men/women behind...  

As if those that fight for us to'keep' that one very 'important' right we have, the right to vote, did the same and left one of theirs behind.  

The only difference is, those that protect this basic right for us civilians, 'would' die so as 'not' to leave even 'one' of theirs behind.

Those that wear these boots, deserve better.

We 'must' do 'our' Part

I had been writing about my dog/best friend Bugg, recipes of all sorts, mine and my brother's illnesses and our life growing up with an alcoholic dad.  The last thing most (at the site I 'was' writing on) thought that would come out of me was anything political.

Yes maybe in a comment geared towards a fellow writer on a article they had written but, me, this nice southern lady and from Alabama of all places, could not go and do something that would take some kind of intelligence to get it done.  I proved those at this site wrong, when I actually exposed Barry & Co. as the liars they are with only facts, not MSM (not even Fox News folks:) but, by using government documents and this administration's own pie holes.

I had an election to try and win for our country and my fellow citizens, I had so much material to expose (didn't even get a iota out) and so little time.  I honestly thought I was doing my job and then one morning while watching Varney & Co. on Fox Business Net Work.  One of his guest Eric Eversole's (Exec. of Military Voter Protection Project) comments on how hard it was for those in the Armed Forces and their spouses overseas were able to vote and how few ballots even counted once received in the U.S., it just smacked me in the face.

I mean, how could I even live with myself if I was going to be able to go out my door, down the street and vote while those that keep that right for me and others across this world, might not be able too vote.  I halted the political bashing of this inept administration to put out a important (to me, should be to you also) article so maybe it might hit just one person not knowing how to get ballot, to be able to get a ballot.  I don't know if my article helped one person but, at least I did try.

This was the problem...

I didn't publish this article until October 6, 2012.  Just imagine if I and others like me (that write on line) had also posted a road map for those that serve in many capacities for the Untied States of America overseas months before, we might have actually of made a difference, or not.  At least we could say we did something about it, right?

I was born in a group that picked me and I have always been so grateful that it did, Air Force brat.  I was born in the United States, only to be landing in Okinawa by the time I was 6 months old, back in 1964.  I have met a lot of good people throughout my life that have, are or will serve our country in the Armed Forces.

I have the up most respect for their courage to do what I would not be able to do myself, I admit it.  I am so grateful for all that these men and women have, do and will do for our country.

GENE

One man that touched my heart very deeply was my father-in-law Gene (USMC tyvm) and as you can see, he holds the tallest platform in my home and rightly so.  Gene served through WWII, pacific arena, with me having lived in Guam (72-77) that made it so we had a connection that most in the family did not.  As I was doing my research for my latest 'attack' this administration article and as I sat in my living room I looked up, so as to ask Gene what do I do to save this country you loved.

Then I noticed the only photograph I have of my father-in-law in uniform, the photograph and frame has seen some wear, as the picture was melded to the glass.  I have no idea how to fix it and I feel so ashamed that I am allowing one of my hero's to be displayed like this.  Then I looked at his eyes and remembering what Eric Eversole had to say that morning and this is what I thought...

As ashamed as I was over this photograph, it did not match the shame I felt that I was 'not' doing all I could to help 'his' brothers and sisters in arms.  I started to put my article together that night, I could feel Gene looking down from heaven, my way and giving me an 'atta' girl, with each word I typed.

They Too 'serve' Kind of

I will not forget about the families of our Armed Forces either, they too serve to a point.  Mama toted kids around this country and overseas as Dad served twenty one years in the United States Air Force, she too deserved this basic right of ours, as does many others.

I saw Mama and other wives do courageous things, admirable things and still be there to tuck us kids in at night, all for their country.

These military spouses gave during times of war and no pay was sent their way.  The times we lived overseas were from 1964-1968 (Okinawa) and during the years of 1971-1977 (Guam) were not always fun in the sun.

I feel those that support (husband/wives/kids) those that fight for us, should be given the right to cast their vote for those that will have a say in our government, it be local or federal.

I know being a young girl living in Guam when 'The Fall of Saigon' happened in 1975, it affected us kids and adults, as this little island we all made home was over crowded, in a instance it seems.  I saw as 'every' man, women and at times child did all we could to help others to gain their  freedom, even though some passed away, a lot did make it to feel freedom for the first time..

At the age of eleven years old, my world and my mindset on life changed after one moment in time.  When a a South Vietnamese woman thanked me for saving her and her family.  I did say 'after' that one moment, why me?  It had taken a bit for it all to sink in, I went home and contemplated it for awhile. 

Why me, why did she thank me, kept running through my head.  I then got it, it was because she was thanking my country and those that did the work to give her the chance of having freedom for the first time in her life.  I was so proud of those that wore uniforms that day, those I never really paid attention to coming and going for years, I then got it.  I also have so much admiration for those that stood by them (the wives of those living on Base, including Mama) during these hard times in our lives and it has not changed to this day.

We are 'not' on the front lines 'by no means' but at times, we do see more than most.  Do the families deserve the right to vote, they do tag along, I feel they have earned it, do you? 

They Can 'not' do it All

Those of us that live/lived around any military installation will know it takes more than just our troops to keep things rolling.  Our troops are trained to fight and crabgrass is not their enemy.  So we do need those that will take these jobs, so our troops will be able to do their job.

These men and women do many jobs and those that serve know just how valuable they are, do you?

We also have embassies around the world and they too must be staffed with non-military citizens, I feel they also do their part for their country and deserve to be able to cast their ballots on election day.

These people that help keep the American government around the world functioning also deserve the right to be able to vote.

Pelosi at 'her' best, Sadly

Pin the tail on Pelosi

Of course after listening to what Eric Eversole had to say on Varney & Co., I had to do my research on what was behind this MOVE Act 'finally' passed by 'both' houses and signed into law by the President in 2009.

Did I start right at that bill, of course not, I always like to know where something starts, to understand the process and reasoning of why it was done in the first place.  We needed to revamp our system, in a nutshell but, it would take jumping a few hurdles, to get the job done.

The Military Voting Protection act (S.3073.IS 2008) was introduced on the senate floor and passed, unanimously May 22, 2008.  

Then the bill was passed to those on Speaker Pelosi's watch and this is the path it had taken in '2008'...


5/22/2008: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4805)

5/22/2008: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

10/1/2008: Senate Committee on Rules and Administration discharged by Unanimous Consent.

10/1/2008: Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S10394-10396)

10/1/2008: S.AMDT.5690 Amendment SA 5690 proposed by Senator Durbin for Senator Cornyn. (consideration: CR S10394-10396 text: CR S10394-10396) In the nature of a substitute.

10/1/2008: S.AMDT.5690 Amendment SA 5690 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.

10/1/2008: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.

10/2/2008: Message on Senate action sent to the House.

10/2/2008 12:11pm: Received in the House.

10/2/2008: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. 

Source:  thomas.loc.gov


Why was she not asked about this in 2008: Madame Speaker (Pelosi), why was this bill held up in committee and 'never' brought to the floor for a vote in the house of Representatives?

It did 'finally' Pass in 2009 (now the MOVE act), a coincidence, beats me but, I would not put it past this women to make sure she lessened the republicans voting in 2008, I am just saying

1 in Congress Cares

Jul 28 2010

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator John Cornyn, R-Texas, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder expressing serious concerns about recent reports on the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) reluctance to enforce the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act (MOVE Act), which requires states to send military voters their unmarked absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day.  In the letter, Cornyn states:

The Honorable Eric Holder

Attorney General
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001

Dear Attorney General Holder:

As a co-author of the recently enacted Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act (“MOVE Act”), I write to express serious concerns about recent reports on the position and intentions of the Department of Justice (DoJ) regarding specific provisions of this new law. 

The MOVE Act was intended to end the historical disenfranchisement of our military service members.  Now, as this important law is implemented, these brave citizens need your help and your commitment to protecting their enjoyment of the same civil rights they fight to safeguard for their fellow Americans. 

The MOVE Act requires states to mail unmarked absentee ballots to military and overseas voters at least 45 days before an election.  This 45-day standard was statutorily mandated based on extensive Congressional evidence that any shorter period of time significantly burdens military and overseas voting rights.  The bill allows states to apply for a waiver from the 45-day requirement, but only if at least one of three specific situations arises that renders the state “unable” to comply with that timeframe.  The waiver language is very narrow and very clear, just as it was intended to be. 

Unfortunately, according to the minutes of the 2010 Winter meeting of the National Association of Secretaries of State (“NASS”), the Deputy Chief of the Voting Section told state election officials that the legislative language regarding waivers is not completely clear, that the provisions of the law are “fairly general,” that it is “somewhat of an open question as to what type of information” a state must submit to be granted a waiver, that it is unclear whether waivers, once granted, are valid only for one election or permanently, and that litigation to enforce the provisions of the MOVE Act against the states “is always the last resort.”  If these are the positions of the DoJ, then they fly in the face of the clear statutory language, undermine the provisions in question, and jeopardize the voting rights of our men and women in uniform.

The MOVE Act’s text is clear.  A secretary of state may be granted a waiver under 42 U.S.C.S. § 1973ff-1(g) only if the state is “unable” to comply with the law—meaning that the state must literally not be able to comply.  If they are able, states must comply with the MOVE Act. 

The provisions of the law are specific.  There are only three types of “undue hardship” that are an adequate excuse for a state to seek a waiver: (i) The State's primary election date prohibits the State from complying; (ii) The State has suffered a delay in generating ballots due to a legal contest; or (iii) The State Constitution prohibits the State from complying.  If none of these situations exists, then the state may not apply for a waiver, and the federal government may not grant one. 

There is no question as to what type of information is required in a waiver application.  The precise information required is plainly mandated in 42 U.S.C.S. § 1973ff-1(g)(1)(A-D).  It is equally clear that a waiver may be sought only “with respect to an election for federal office”; meaning that a separate waiver must be sought with respect to each election, and that a blanket or permanent waiver is not contemplated by the statutory text. 

The statute does not create any discretion for the Executive Branch to decide whether or not to enforce its legal requirements.  To be in compliance, a state must either mail out the unmarked ballots 45 days before an election or else meet the specific and limited requirements for a waiver.  If a state is not in compliance with the statute, there is little room for “dialogue” or negotiation, and the Voting Section should take immediate steps to enforce the law and safeguard military and overseas voting rights, including pursuing litigation whenever necessary. 

The comments by the DoJ official, as reported in the NASS minutes, appear to ignore Congress’s clear legislative language and could facilitate the disenfranchisement of our men and women in uniform.  In order to clarify the law and protect the rights of the men and women who protect all of our rights, I request that you:

• Immediately issue guidance to state elections officials, clarifying that: (a) states must comply with the 45-day deadline for mailing ballots, unless they are granted a waiver due to an inability to comply because of one of the statute’s specific “undue hardships”; (b) to be eligible for a waiver, states must submit a waiver application in strict compliance with the statutory requirements; and (c) that states must seek a waiver with respect to each election for federal office.
• Direct the Voting Section that, if any state is not in compliance with the MOVE Act, the Voting Section shall promptly act to bring that state into compliance, including pursuing litigation whenever necessary.
• Instruct the Voting Section that a state’s “comprehensive plan” to protect voting rights, which is a prerequisite for a state to receive a waiver, should provide military and overseas voters with at least 45 days of roundtrip transit time for the ballot to be received and returned by the voter,  so as to provide “sufficient time to vote.”
• Provide me with a state-by-state breakdown regarding compliance with the 45-day requirement for the 2010 general election, including which states are expected to be in full compliance, which states have submitted waiver applications, which states are expected to submit waiver applications, and which states are expected to be in violation of the MOVE Act. 

For far too long in this country, we have failed to adequately protect the right of our troops and their families to participate in our democratic process.  The MOVE Act was supposed to end this sad history.  The right to participate in democratic elections is fundamental to the American experience.  Our men and women in uniform have stepped forward to defend that right, often at great personal cost to them and their loved ones, and they deserve the U.S. Government’s very best efforts to promote and protect their voting rights.  I look forward to your response committing to enforce the provisions of the MOVE Act and protect those civil rights.

Sincerely,

JOHN CORNYN
United States Senator 

CC:
Secretary of Defense
Director, Federal Voting Assistance Program
Chief, Voting Section, Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice

Source: www.cornyn.sen.gov

Apparently We 'still' have Problems

Apparently those in the White House and Congress (exception of Cornyn) feel that they have done their usual job, of putting it on paper and yet, not doing the work to make sure all is well with a law 'they' passed and the 'President' signed.

Since Ms. Wertz was informing those at the NASS meeting how they can get a waiver for their state, then maybe 'We the People' should get it done, as my son always says "Do the work son!".  Get in touch with your state's Secretary of State and make sure they have done all they can do to implement this law.

If you are able, ask if they need volunteers to get the job done. If we Americans have not yet learned by now that we too must pull some of the weight at times to get things done, then this is not the America I love.

 If you can't volunteer I understand, at least let your voice be heard loud and clear to your state's Secretary of State, Senators, Representative, Obama, Eric Holder, you know those that work for us, that you will not stand for this.

No Waiver for us!  

Demand that your state 'is' in compliance with the M.O.V.E ACT.

2028

Was this once 'your' child

Will we still be saying to each other "We need to do something about this.", when my grandson will be old enough to serve our country if he chooses to and/or is asked to, do we just sit back or do we take a stand, this is 'yours' to answer, are you up to the task?  I know I am.

Secretary of State for Alabama:  Beth Chapman

I have just started this blog so I only have one article to link this one to and I find it quite interesting, our government at work...

Operation 'Syria Down':  Libya 'is' the 'Biden Plan' ?

My non-Political Blog

The boots that I showcased at the top of this article belong to a man named Alan Dulin, SPC, U.S. Army.  These boots have endured two tours, Operation Iraq freedom and Operation New Dawn. 

Mrs. Dulin welcoming her husband back from his second tour and we are so relieved he made it back to his beautiful wife.  Alan was back home for the 2012 election so he had no trouble voting but, a lot of his brothers and sisters were not given the chance.  

Are we just going to sit back and allow this to happen once again, the answer (once again), belongs to all of us American citizens.

For more information on how to vote if you are in the military go to:  www.heroesvote.org

Eric Eversole's website is well worth your time: mvpproject.org 

All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different and acceptable) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)