Captain C's Medical Journal

Enough Already! Obama Does Not Mean "Good" Change!

2009-04-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

Beyond popular belief Barack Hussein Obama is NOT all that. I don’t know if people are afraid to say anything against him because he is black or if they are afraid that they will be called a racist or extremist or be taxed..... but come on people, this is ridiculous.

Currently, I have counted seven people that Obama has hand selected for top positions that have not paid their taxes. No wonder democrats are the first to vote to raise taxes - they aren’t paying.

The latest, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius from Kansas (nominated for Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary) just flat out lied about the campaign money that she received from a late-term abortion doctor. She didn’t just make a mistake, she lied about it. She said that she was sorry and now the stupid American people have forgotten all about it.

His nomination for Chief Performance Officer, Nancy Killefer, withdrew after she was caught not paying her property taxes. Her job was to make the U.S. government “more effective, more efficient, and more transparent.” Of course, she apologized too and all is forgiven.

Then there is my favorite, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, who could not figure out turbo tax and decided that he need not pay his taxes. Obama appointed Geithner to be head of the IRS. No problem there! Geithner owed more than $40,000 in back taxes. Of course, he apologized too. (Let’s not forget what Tim Geithner’s job was before he became top dog of the IRS - yea, that’s not conflict of interest).

How can we forget about Sen. Tom Daschle from South Dakota whom Obama nominated to be HHS Secretary? Old Tom did not file over $140,000 in back taxes. Correct me if I am wrong, but isn’t he one of the democrats that kept raising the tax laws so us hard working Americans would have to pay more? So, shouldn’t he know about the laws that he helped pass? But, don’t fear - he apologized as well.

The Labor Secretary, Hilda Solis’ husband, hadn’t paid their taxes on their auto repair business since 1993. I guess they thought that they didn’t have to pay taxes on their income like every other American. However, as soon as they were caught, they too apologized and all is forgiven.

The nomination for US Trade Representative goes to Ron Kirk, a former mayor of Dallas. Don’t fret, Ron has agreed to pay over $10,000 in back taxes to make things right.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson withdrew his name from the Obama nomination pile when controversy arrived at how state contracts were being issued to political donors. No word on his apologies yet.

I’m glad that Obama has done something. He has broken the record for the most nominations given to personnel that have had unpaid taxes. The current record was six over a two term Presidency held by Pres. Bill Clinton. Obama has beaten that record in 100 days. You go boy!! Now that is “Change We Can Believe In!!”

I Guess I am Just Confused

2008-10-06T07:07:00.000-07:00

Today we are in the biggest financial crisis of our history. Our brilliant and apparently underpaid Senate is going to save us from all of OUR bad doings (please refer to the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 and the revision of 1992-1997). You will understand that my last statement is pure sarcasm. Because our initial government plan of a $700 billion dollar bailout of Wall Street was so poorly written in a three page document, our Senate has come to our rescue. The House rejected their horrible plan at the beginning of this week, so the Senate has apparently fixed it. Our Senate has “sweetened” it up a bit to make the bailout plan WORK!!

Now, as far as I can see the ONLY difference made to the original three page bailout plan was that the Senate raised the ceiling on federal insurance for bank deposits from $100,000 to $250,000 (which is good thing). However, the bailout plan grew slightly from three pages to 451 pages. Now, there has to be something good with all of that - right? Actually, this is earmarks and pork spending at its greatest. Here the economy is crashing and our Senate decided to help the economy by adding an additional $150,000,000,000 bill to the tax payer.
So, now our new bill is $850,000,000,000. To break this down so our simple pea-brains can understand this very advanced math (because we ain’t as smart as our government) that comes to $2,833.33 per person in the United States. So, basically because there are five people in my immediate family - my bill comes to $14,166.66 that I will have to pay back just break even. Now, I am thinking that if I (along with everybody else) put that money into the economy - that everybody would get a better result. But, I guess I am just too stupid to understand.

However, here are a few things that my tax dollars are going to help pay for (I am so excited):
(1) increase in limit on cover over of rum excise tax to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands (I don’t even drink)

(2) extension of economic development credit for American Samoa (yea, I guess the tuna business is suffering - oh yea, from all the corn that our government insisted needed to be grown for fuel - read my article about corn being bad for the environment to fully understand this)

(3) a seven-year cost recovery period for motorsports racing track facility (I guess the fastest growing sport in the country just isn’t making enough money.. oh yea, aren’t we TRYING to decrease oil / gas usage in America?)

(4) an extension and modification of duty suspension on wool products; wool research fund; wool duty refunds, extension of temporary duty reductions (all related to wool products) - I had no clue that I wore so much wool. I am going to have to try to cut down wearing it!!!

(5) exemption from excise tax for certain wooden arrows designed for use by children (I guess I will HAVE to buy wooden arrows for my children this year) exemption for certain wooden arrow shafts (I might as well get the shafts too) a tax break for windmills that general electricity (I didn’t know wind was so expensive)

(6) a tax break to spur employers in the region hit by hurricane Katrina (Good grief, when is enough enough for the Katrina folks??? Why don’t I just sign my freaking pay check to them? Apparently, they DESERVE it more than I do! When do we get to stop spoon feeding them? When will they do something for themselves?)

(7) a tax breaks for Hollywood film and television producers (I guess they are not all billionaires yet?)

These are just a few. So, why all the earmarks and pork spending - lobbyist need to get paid and then the lobbyist will pay our Senators. That’s simply economics 101. So, we are in the biggest financial crisis of modern time and our government still can not do the right thing. They have to pad their pockets first. However, economics 101 also states that somebody is going to have to pay the bill. And that my dear friend is US!!!

Do you remember the first of this week when I said that our government will screw this up? ....................... Point proven!!

Let the chips fall where they may

2008-09-26T14:53:00.000-07:00

I am not asking you to agree with me. I am not even asking you to give me your opinion. Frankly, I don’t care what your opinion is. Nobody knows what the future will hold. Nobody knows how our economy will be in a year or five years from now. But, what I do know is what has happened in our past.

Now, I don’t want to hear anybody telling me that I left something out of this. There are so may levels involved that no one person can fully understand it. And I can promise you that no matter how many times you tell me that I am wrong, I will still be right. Just wait and see. I am sick of hearing “experts” talk about something that they know nothing about --- The Economy and this crisis that we are in (which I am about to talk about - weird).

If you know me, then you will know that I am a FIRM believer in consequences. I believe if you do something (right or wrong) there is a consequence that will / must take place. I believe that there is a lesson that should be learned. If you do something wrong and there is no punishment (i.e. this bailout), then no lesson is learned and it WILL happen again. This economic crisis is no exception.

I will go out and say - I am 100% AGAINST the $700 Billion plus bailout. There are so many reasons why I am stating that this is the WRONG thing to do (prior to it passing). I know some of you are asking “What do I know? Who is this guy?” Well, I am willing to say that I may know more than your average bear. I am Tom Chenowith, a tax paying, law abiding, living within my means US citizen.

This bail out is HUGE. It will be the biggest check ever written (it is what I call a “blank check” - you know, here is the money to fix the problem, but we aren’t really doing to fix the problem). There are so many echelons that will be impacted. I am not for sure if anyone can fully understand just how deep this problem goes. I guess we can start with how this started. That would fall under our Congress, our brilliant Congress that has screwed up virtually every task that has ever been given to them. To include, but not limited to, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, Education, TSA, Border control, Border responsibility, Immigration, etc. And now - to add to their long list: Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) of 1977 (a law that forced banks to make loans to people with bad credit). From 1993-1997 as directed by President Clinton, the CRA took on an enormous task of trying to enable low income families to have the ability to own their own home.

So, basically you now have people that can’t afford a home, buying a home. But, hey - it’s good for the economy, right?

Due to the mandatory relaxation of the rules and regulations for getting a loan to purchase a big piece of property - the American people continued to do what they do best - live beyond their means. The American people were (still) buying homes that are bigger than what they need, more expensive than they can afford, and have become a burden on our society. But, hey - it’s good for the economy, right?

Do you know that they average credit card debt is $9,000.00 (probably even more now, because this was an old reference). But, I would encourage you to read this.

A couple of highlights from this article are that 1 out of 73 filed for bankruptcy in 2003 and the average household debt in America (not counting mortgage debt) is $14,500. In comparison, in the 1930’s the middle and working class had NO major debt.

Enough of all of that, though, I will be honest with you. I believe that our government has PROVEN to me that they do not have foresight or the ability to do this bailout correctly. Let’s face the facts. Our government can’t even build a border that 85% of the US population wants and has paid for. They have actually spent more time, money and energy (not the physical energy either) than it would have taken to build the border in the first place. Doing this bailout will mean that our economy will still collapse, markets will remain low and now we are even in more debt. Do you realize that $700 billion dollars is 40% more than what this war has cost? Do you know what you can do with $700 billion dollars? If you stacked the bills on top of each other, you would be able to touch the moon. If you laid them out, you could cover New York, Washington, D.C., and Delaware. You could give every man, woman and child in the U.S. over $2,000.00 each. Bailing out the rich folks is probably not the best solution for this $700 billion. But, hey- it’s good for the economy, right?

What should happen? Well, I will tell you. The FBI (which is finally involved) should find all the padded pockets, all the overflowing bank accounts and arrest each and every person that has been involved with the people’s money. Which means Obama (who received over $126,000 from Fannie May and Freddie Mac) and even McCain (who received $21,000) should go to jail. I know many of you are saying that them receiving this money is legal. Of course it is legal. Congress which passes the laws makes it “legal” for them to do this. They have been padding their pockets for decades, however, it is unethical. There needs to be a new law - if it is unethical, then it are illegal. Taking money from private companies to turn your head is called bribery in the civilian sector. Seriously, it is time to play hard ball. It is time to clean the corruption in our government. If that means that every single congressman and senator goes to jail - then so be it!!!

Once the FBI has found and arrested all parties involved, then the government (whomever shall be left standing) should then look at the individuals that did nothing wrong. The people that put their money into these banks (saving and checking accounts) and say, “Basically, X amount of dollars where stolen from you, here is your check” and give them back what they lost (I am not talking about stocks either - the stock market rises and falls, it’s a risk - we all know it when we buy). And for people that bought or lived way beyond their means that is TOUGH. The tax paying citizen should not be responsible for you living a life that you can’t afford.

I have been told that by not bailing out the banks our country would go into a recession or even depression. My response is, “Good!” Maybe we Americans would then learn to live within our means. Maybe we should give up one of our four cell phones. Maybe we should turn the plasma screen TV off and play board games with our family. Maybe we should stop going to fast food restaurants and start having dinner around the family table. Maybe we should give up all of our cars and walk or ride a bike. Maybe we should stop using credit cards for buying stuff that we can't afford. Maybe would should clean out the 100 pair of shoes that we have in our closet. Maybe would should stop wearing designer clothes. Maybe we should turn the air conditioner off every once in awhile. Maybe, just maybe, living a simpler life would be better. Maybe instead of trying to “fix” the economy or bail rich people out - maybe, our do nothing right congress, should let the chips fall where they may.

When To Celebrate

2008-09-09T06:11:00.001-07:00

A dictionary defines celebration as “a joyful occasion for special festivities to mark some happy event... any joyous diversion.”

Who defines “joyful” or “joyous”? Is it up to each individual? I believe that I tend to celebrate more than others. I clap and say “Yeah!” after I finish a delicious meal that my wonderful wife has made for me. I celebrate with my precious children all the time. Children will celebrate anything. If you have small children, then you understand what I am saying. A child will clap for joy when they put a toy in a pail. A child will laugh with excitement when they see a puppy. A child knows how to celebrate.

As we get older, for some reason we don’t find the joy of putting toys in a pail. We don’t see the wonders of life when a puppy wags its tail. We become so desensitized of the miracles of life. We have lost the joyful purpose of celebration....

I know you are thinking, “Where are you going with this?” I do have a point. I want you to take a deep breath, open your mind and just allow me to explain something to you that you will NEVER see on the news.

When I was deployed to Iraq in 2006, things were a little different. Hardly a day would go by when somebody wasn’t trying to kill me. This is especially true for the first few months that I was there. I know that some will argue that having a random mortar fired towards you is not “really trying to kill you.” Okay, but if you haven’t had a random mortar fired toward you, then what do you really know? And if you have had a random mortar fired at you, then you know that they are trying to kill you. So, I will argue the point.

Anyway, during my six and a half month tour, I did anesthesia for over 280 cases. For those of you that don’t understand case numbers, that is a lot of cases. Of those cases, I am willing to say that nearly 240 of those cases where trauma (or trauma related) cases. I did very little elective cases. I can not even begin to tell you how many units of blood and blood products that I pumped into those patients. I can not remember how many deaths I saw. I can tell you this, I pumped in more blood and blood products in that six and a half months than most civilians will pump in a lifetime. I probably saw more death than any of you will ever see (unless you have been here or you are a mortician). Slightly off the subject - I went to an anesthesia conference a year or so ago. I was attending a course that was being taught by a man that was at “the number one trauma center in the USA”. It sounds impressive doesn’t it? Well, when he told us about the most units of blood that has ever been given to an individual at their facility, I just had to smile. I was thinking, “Really? That’s it?? I have beaten that number on more than one occasion.” For the record, I gave over 120 blood products to a single patient in under four hours. You do the math - that’s kicking.

Now lets fast forward 18 months. I have once again arrived in Iraq. Grant it, I am still in the early stages of my deployment. I have been here for almost two months. But, let me tell you that things have changed. Things have changed in ways that I would not have dreamed.

First lets start with the random mortars. I can’t remember the last one. They are so few and far in between. Second are the cases. I have done a total of 23 cases since I have been here. Of those 23 cases, only four have been trauma. All the others have been elective cases.

Now for the real news, something that you will be hard pressed to see or hear about in the media. There are new schools, new hospitals, new training centers, new communities that HAVE BEEN BUILT. Not by the Americans either, but by the Iraqi people. There are almost as many Iraqi Army Soldiers as there are US Soldiers here. The number of Iraqi Soldiers is growing by the day. There is another HUGE piece of the pie. The Iraqi people are seeing and “understanding” the difference that is being made. Something I thought could never happen. I was wrong. That’s right - I admit that I was wrong. The Iraqi population understands that if they inform the authorities, not only will the bad guys get caught, they will also be protected. So, now the communities are stepping up to the plate. The bad guys may be able to threaten one person, but they can’t threaten them all. So, they are learning to stand up against them.

So, what does this mean? Well, it means that there is decrease in life being lost - on both sides. There is an exponential number of bad guys being caught and killed. The bad guys are getting desperate. Now, here is where I will have to stop giving details. But, I can say that they are truly getting desperate and it shows.

So, why have you not heard about this? Well, it is because that would mean that the media would be responsible for informing the public of the truth, not just its’ agenda. It would mean that the media would HAVE TO ADMIT THAT THE SURGE WORKED!!! Not only did it work, it has changed the community. The media doesn’t want you to know this. They want you to be ignorant of the facts. They want to push a certain person into the Presidential seat so they can have even more power and more money (yea, don’t full yourself - it’s all about power and money).

So, I have to ask. If a country that was full of blood shed just 18 months ago, is now relatively a peaceful country - is that something to celebrate??? I know the children are celebrating.........

It's Called "Angel Flight"

2008-08-30T12:01:00.000-07:00

Angel Flight is something that every American should have to see, but no one should ever see.

The call came across the speaker that at least one Soldier was on his way with a severe head injury. Estimated time of arrival, 45 minutes. The emergency room (ER) begins its very well organized preparation for the arrival of the Soldier. Another call came across, saying that now there maybe two Soldiers arriving, then another stated three. About 20 minutes out, yet another call came saying that only one Soldier would be arriving and he was in critical condition. Standing in the ER anticipating his arrival were one ER doctor, two surgeons, two anesthesia personal, a hand full of nurses and highly trained medics.

The call comes across the speaker, “two minutes out.” What seemed like the longest two minutes were so quickly interrupted with the most dreadful regarded words of all, “He’s expected”. We didn’t know if this meant that he had already died or if the crew thought he was going to die. All we knew is that within two minutes we were going to do everything that was in our power to send this Soldier home ALIVE!!

Two minutes past, the doors open up and the Soldier comes in on a stretcher with his head covered. We knew then that he had died in route. An erie silence falls upon the ER. The hopes of stealing his life back, slipped right past our fingers without us even having the opportunity to try. His life was taken away from us before we were able to change the, sometimes, horrific course of nature. Your gut seems empty. You want to throw up, you want to cry...... but there is nothing that you can do to, it’s over!

Within 12 hours, the Soldiers from his unit are all out in front of the hospital. They are preparing to execute with precise military excellence their final respects to their brother - they are preparing for the Angel Flight.

I (along with my colleagues) am out on the runway. We are facing the flag bearers and the back of the C-130. The flag bearers are holding the American flag and their company flag high with pride. The entire airport is silent. There are no engines running, no planes coming or going. There is complete silence. I look beyond the plane to the other side of the runway and I see a line of civilian workers standing in a straight formation. There is nothing by silence and respect.

“Platoon. Attention!! Right, face...... Forward, march!” is commanded from behind the concrete wall. “Go left.... go left .... go left” is what you hear from the Platoon Sergeant leading the deceased Soldier’s brothers across the flight line toward the C-130 plane. “Platoon halt! Left face.” The Soldiers now passionately await for the arrival of their beloved brother. There are tears of sadness, emptiness running down the faces of these brave and very strong Soldiers. To the left we see the ambulance carrier the departed Soldier being escorted by one his brothers inching slowly and painfully toward the flight line. The ambulance positions itself so that the back of it lines up perfectly to the back center of the open C-130. As we wait for the next movement, the ambulance’s engine is turned off. Again, silence falls upon us.

To our right, we hear “Forward, march.” A group of eight Soldiers, the pallbearers, four long and two wide, being lead by a Sergeant marches them to the either side of the ambulance. The back doors are opened. The command is given “Present Arms!” Every Soldiers holds their salute and the civilians across the runway place their right hand over the left chest. Then, two Soldiers at a time with crisp, razor sharp movements take either side of the American flag draped coffin and gently remove the Soldier from the ambulance, one smooth motion at a time.

Once the Soldier is out, the order is given and the pallbearers with sharp, harmonic motion rotate the coffin 180 degrees. The Soldier is then walked head first up the ramp into the C-130. You can hear the Chaplain that is standing on the back of the plane saying “The Lord in my shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside the still waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil....” Then, the Chaplain is up at the front of the plane with the Soldier. I can no longer hear what is being said. After a few moments the command “Right Face” is given and the pallbearers march off the back of the plane.

In the still, peaceful morning the command “Order, Arms” is given...............

With the most respectful regards,

CPT Tom Chenowith
Mosul, Iraq

Just Being Honest

2008-05-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

For those of you that know me, you must admit that rarely, if ever, have you witnessed me feeling down. In fact, I tend to find the humor in almost everything. Don't get me wrong, I have moments just like everybody else, but this time it is a little different.

Yesterday (May 12, 2008) marked 60 days left to spend with my family before I go to Iraq. It seems that time is flying by and yet I know that when July 12th arrives - time will cease to move. I can't seem to hold my family enough, kiss my children enough, play with my children enough, and tell my wife that I love her enough. My children do not understand that in 59 days, I will leave and may not come back. It is a very scary and surreal time in my life.

I am actually having trouble sleeping at night. Every time that I lay down, my mind goes to that horrible place called Iraq. There is nothing that I can do to get out of going. The military still demands that I do all the "games" for the military. But the shocking thing is that it is totally irrelevant that I play the games well. In fact, I could refuse to play the games and I will still be deployed. All of this contributes to the depression that I am feeling.

The only good thing about this deployment is that it will be my last. Shortly after I get back, I will turn in my papers. That will bring so much joy. But until then I will have to continue to feeling this way – watching the clock fly by and realizing that this could be the last time that I am with my family...I'm just being honest!!

Cinderella's Ball

2007-07-22T19:18:00.000-07:00

I love being a Daddy. It is one of the most wonderful adventures a man can experience. But, when you are a Daddy to a Princess - life can take an entirely different direction.

Ariel (my daughter) is four years old and growing older every day. To her, I am the smartest and strongest man in the world. There is nothing that I can not do in her eyes. I am her everything. I am the man that she "is going to marry." In her beautiful, innocent eyes I can do nothing wrong because I am "DADDY!!!"

However, I know that in a few short years she will wake up and I will no longer be that wonderful man. One day she will be embarrassed that I am her Dad. I won't be able to do anything right and I will be the last person she would come to if she needed anything... this is the day that I fear and wish will never come. This will be one of my saddest and darkest days...

Ariel, like all little girls, loves to dress up like Disney Princesses. She loves to pretend that she is going to the ball to meet her "prince." Today, that happened!! Allow me to share this moment with you...

While Ariel was taking her nap, Jenny (my wife) and I moved all the furniture out of the family room. We blew up balloons and placed them all over the floor and walls. I got the 10 foot ladder out and hung ribbons from the ceiling fan down to the walls. We created a ball room.

I, very quietly, entered into Ariel's room and placed an innovation on her pillow that read, "Daddy wants to invite you to a Princess Ball in the family 22 July 2007." I hung her beautiful Cinderella's dress on her bed. When she woke up she saw the invitation and her dress. Jenny was in her room and told her that she was invited to Cinderella's Ball to dance with her Prince. She was so excited. She was jumping with joy.

She put her Cinderella dress on with a smile that could be seen from space. She places each little delicate foot into her very small glass slipper. Jenny helped her put her crown on her head and gloves on her hands. Then the announcement is summoned, "Lady's and Gentlemen Miss Ariel Grace Chenowith is now arriving at Cinderella's Ball!" As she walks down the hall that is filled with balloons, she hears the Cinderella's music being played. She steps into the "ball room" where she sees me standing there in a suit awaiting to request her hand for a dance.

She reaches up with her little gloved hand and places it so gently into mine. Then, she placed each little foot on top of mine and we danced!!! For a moment, the world stood still. There was no war, there was no anger, there were no heartaches – for a moment there was nothing but love, joy and peace. Oh how I wish this would never end. I wish that she would stay four forever. I wish that I will always be her hero. I wish, I wish... But, I know the clock will strike midnight and my little Princess will be gone. So, I will hold on to this "glass slipper" (memories) forever.

What Constitutional Rights???

2007-07-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

What does it mean to be an American? Think about that just for a second. Do you realize that America is the only country that will allow anybody to become American? For an example, no matter how long I live in China or how much I pay to become a Chinese citizen, I will NEVER be Chinese!!! But, anybody can become an American!!

Do you realize that only 1 in 1000 American citizens actually know what the constitution of the United States is about? Now, I don't know how they got 1 in 1000 – I tend to think that it is even less than that. I don't know anybody that can quote the constitution verbatim. So, how much do YOU really know about the Constitution of the United States?

The very first line of the constitution is "We the People of the United States..." Now, I hope that most people can get that first line. But, you know what – many Americans do not even know that first famous line. But, do you really know what it means? Well, first of all – if you are NOT a citizen of the United States, then you DO NOT HAVE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS!!!! So, when you hear that we are invading on the constitutional rights of illegal aliens in our country, I have to ask – What constitutional rights??? Read the constitution, would you??!!

Now, to the meat of this blog, recently Great Britain (GB) has been thwarting many, many Islamic plots to kill innocence people in GB. The GB authorities have interrupted three car bombs that could have been very devastating to their country this past weekend (June 2007). You have to understand that GB has agreed to be a safe haven for Islamic believers. In fact, read what one of the Islamic leaders said in 2004 about GB.

In an August 2004 story in the New Statesman, "Why terrorists love Britain," Jamie Campbell cited Mohamed Sifaoui, author of Inside Al Qaeda, saying that it has long been recognized by the British Islamists, by the British government and by U.K. intelligence agencies, that as long as Britain guarantees a degree of freedom, the terrorist strikes will continue to be planned within the borders of the U.K. but will not occur here.

GB is now fighting to secure and protect their citizens from Islamic practices of killing anybody not like them.

Now, let's bring this picture back home to the United States. Every few months, our liberties and freedoms are slowly being taken away from us in the name of security and protection against Islamic extremists.

Here are the facts:
1) The battle between Islam and others will NEVER end. Can you understand that? It will NEVER end.
2) This means that your children's children will have less freedom and rights than you do today because of the security restrictions in an attempt to protect US citizens against Islam.
3) Benjamin Franklin said, "Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both."

The truth is that there is no good answer here. We can not continue to live in a state of fear because of Islamic extremist. We can not continue to give up our liberties and freedoms in the name of security. So, what do we do?

Let me tell you a little story. I teach martial arts. My first rule is very simple –"I am only going to teach those that want to learn." I don't care if your parents put you in my class. I don't care if they pay for it. I don't care! If you don't want to learn, then I am not going to waste my time, and the time of others who want to learn, on you. I will kick you out in a heart beat. I pull no punches about it. You misbehave, you are gone!! It's that simple. It is NOT my job to teach your child how to behave.

One day I had a fairly nice size class that I was teaching. Two boys in the class starting acting up and not doing what they were suppose to do. I gave each of them ONE warning. They continued to do what they wanted to do. So, I said, "Get out. You are done." Both of them just looked at me and were in shock that I meant what I said. Both just stood there for a few seconds and I said, "Did you hear what I said? You are done. Get out!" Then, I told them that when they can behave they are more than welcome to come back, but not until then. One came back and the other didn't. So, what did everybody learn? The students that wanted to learn lost nothing, but gained that I meant what I said. The student that didn’t want to learn didn't come back and he did not keep the others from learning.

So, the point to this is that the ONLY solution is to do away with the bad student (Islamic extremist). The Constitution of the United States gives the "freedom of religion". But, I have to question if our forefathers meant "freedom of religion, even if it means killing others that don't believe like you!" I would have to say "NO!!!" Do you remember two years ago at Christmas time, Wal-mart was not allowed to say "Merry Christmas" because some people MAY be offended? And yet, we won't tell Islamic extremist that they can not kill because that invades on their religious rights!!! At some point, we are going to have to get rid of the bad, so the good can live in peace.

And no – I don't mean kill them (that is their solution). I say remove every single person that is NOT an US citizen (they do not fall under the constitution – so legally you can do this). Then, the few that are left may actually see that we mean what we say and will live in peace with the rest of us. But, if we don't do this – then the only other solution is to give up all of liberties and freedoms for security...(and we will loose both) that is not what my forefathers wrote about in The Constitution of United States.

Am I the ONLY person in America???

2007-05-31T12:17:00.000-07:00

Am I the ONLY person in America that can see that the choices that our Government is making today will reduce us from the Super Power that we once was and will never be again? Our county is in a crisis! We have only two choices: either we sit back and pretend that everything will be alright or we can change the people that are in power.

I am not talking about this current war that has been a screw up from the beginning. It seems to me that it is all the people can focus on. Well, let me just tell you something – this war will pass. It may be 10 years from now, but it will pass. At some point we will wake up and elect a President and a Congress that will take a stand and end this thing. It doesn't look like we have ANY Presidential candidates that are up to the challenge in this upcoming election. But, one day I pray that we have a Presidential candidate that will take a stand for what is right.

What I am talking about is the 2007 Immigration Reform and Amnesty. When this bill passes (which it will because our current congress is "politically correct" and they are NOT listening to the voting/tax paying citizens) it will be an actual time in history when countries such as China and Russia will be able to teach their children that this was the defining moment that took the once super power down to its knees.

Please allow me to enlighten you on the subject. If we didn't have a single illegal immigrate in this country, we are still heading for destruction. When our government established Medicaid/Welfare, its purpose was to help make ends meet. Now it has become a lifestyle. When New Orleans was hit by hurricane Katrina, the world was made aware of three generations of Medicaid/Welfare recipients. There were 18 year olds (in perfect health) collecting welfare checks.

When our government established Medicare, its purpose was to help aid those in retirement years. Our government did not have the foresight to see that people will live longer, but not necessarily healthier. We have the highest health care cost in the WORLD, but have the poorest outcomes of any advanced nation. Why is that?

When our government established Social Security, it was a good thought – bad plan. You would think that our government would re-think what they did when Ida May Fuller (the first person to collect a monthly social security check in 1940) paid only $24.75 into the system, but collected $22,888.92. I may not be a smart man, but that sure doesn't add up.

So, why did I mention all of these failures? Because our government established them, they have failed the tax paying citizens and they are doing NOTHING to correct it (talk is cheap). In fact, when they pass the 2007 Immigration Reform and Amnesty – they will add another 12 to 28 million people that will collect from every one of these programs and not pay one red cent. Notice I said "12 to 28 million"? Our government has NO clue how many illegal immigrants are currently here and yet they are willing to give them money from YOUR paycheck.

Today, our Government once again failed the America tax payer. They are allowing over 7,000 Iraqi refugees (soon to be increased to 2 million) to come to America. Guess who is going to pay for this? WE the tax paying citizens.

The only thing that our government has done right was to take your money from your check before you get it. By doing this, they thrive on your ignorance. By you not being aware that they are stealing your money to pay for people that are not working and paying into the systems, allows them to keep their job and spend your money. I wish that every person had to write a check to our government each month for the current taxes that you are already paying. By doing this, it will force the America tax payer to become aware of just how much our government takes from you and gives to themselves and to others that are not paying.

Now, here are few words on our Military. Currently, our government is spending billions (that's right billions) of dollars on NON-LETHAL weapons. Look, if you want our Military to sit around a camp fire and sing Kum-ba-ya, then maybe we should send them all to France and join the UN. While we are sitting back and playing "political games" with our Military, countries such as Iran, China and Russia are building weapons that will out shoot, out defend, out maneuver any thing that we have. Folks, I am not some crazy old man that is preaching the end of the world. I am telling you that while we are asleep and talking political correctness, the rest of the world is trying to figure out a way to take it over. If we don't do something, THEY WILL!!!!

Teardrops

2007-05-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

It was a very peaceful morning in Hawaii. The sun just recently graced its' splendor on the breathtaking island of Oahu. There were birds chirping, children playing and the ocean rhythmically landing on the shores of Pearl Harbor. It was, for all accounts, just another beautiful day in paradise.

There had, in fact, been some minor differences that happened early on this particularly morning. Around 3:42 a.m. the U.S. Navy minesweeper Condor spotted a periscope peeking out of the ocean's surface. This was reported, but nobody got excited about this sighting. At 6:45 a.m. the U.S. Destroyer Ward attacks and destroys a Japanese submarine. At 6:53 a.m., this attack is radio into the command. Again, nobody gets excited. Around 7:02 a.m., the radar station spots unidentified aircraft heading toward Hawaii. At 7:20 a.m. the officer in charge tells him "don't worry about it." The officer knew that a group of B-17's were supposed to be heading to Hawaii some time that day.

At 7:40 a.m. the first wave of Japanese aircraft (183 planes) attacks the sleeping and unexpecting Pearl Harbor. At 8:54 a.m. the second wave of Japanese aircraft (167 planes) finish what the first wave didn't complete. At the end of the day, the totals were devastating: five battleships, three destroyers, three cruisers and 188 aircraft destroyed and 2,403 dead Americans. By contrast there were 64 dead Japanese, one captured, 29 aircraft and five midget submarines destroyed.

This day was Sunday December 7, 1941, "a date which will live in infamy." The day that spurred the United States into World War II. The day that changed the world as they knew it.

At 8:10 a.m. the USS Arizona was hit and distroyed by 1,760-pound air bomb. This bomb pentrated into the forward magazine causing a catastrophic explosion. The USS Arizona sank with 1,104 Seaman trapped inside. Word got out that these Seaman were encapsulated and were unable to get out. Tireless efforts were demostrated in the attempt to release them from their grave, but unfortuately, they all perished. I can't even imagine the thoughts and prayers that came pouring out of the vessel when these Seaman took their last breath.

I recently visited Pearl Harbor and I couldn't help but notice all the Japanese families visiting the final resting place of these US Soldiers. At first, I was very distrubed by the presence of so many Japanese people at this site. My initial thought was "Are these people gloating at their distruction?" Then, it hit me - these people had no more involvement with this attack than I did. I noticed tears in some of their eyes as they viewed the wall with all of the names of the Soldiers that gave their life that day. I realized that December 7, 1941 was not only the day that Pearl Harbor was attacked, but also the very day that Japan "awakened a sleeping giant."

Now, generations of Japanese and Americans stand there together grieving the loss that happened so many years ago. Tears filled the eyes of all races that sees this underwater grave. There is no hatred, no lines, no division that takes place here at Pear Harbor. This may actually be the only place on earth where we all humble ourselves and remember the choices that we make today, will still have an impact generations later.

As I looked into the water at the USS Arizona, I noticed little drops of oil that would leak out every few seconds. As I looked at these drops of oil through my tearfull eyes, I was reminded that this has been happening every single day since December 7, 1941. Over the last 65 years, these drops of oil have affectionally been called "Teardrops." It is believed that the USS Arizona cries for the loss that it suffered 65 years ago. It is also believed that when the last surviver of the USS Arizona perishes from this land, that only then will the teardrops cease.

Been Raped Lately???

2007-02-18T18:21:00.000-08:00

Shortly after 9/11 I was flying to San Antonio. While I was standing in line I was listening to people complain about how long it was taking to get through security. I said out loud that I think waiting 30 extra minutes is worth my life. However, it did not take long before that 30 minutes grew to an hour and sometimes two hours, without a single benefit for the tax paying citizen (read on for more details).

Every time I fly, I feel like I have been raped!! If you have flown lately you know exactly what I am talking about. When you walk into the airport terminal, something magical happens that takes away every liberty and freedom that my forefathers and I have fought for. The lines are extremely long. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind waiting in line if I was actually waiting for something. But, waiting so that the TSA chick can collect the "expensive" lipstick and lotion is not worth my time. I was flying the other day and I was in the line to "declare" liquids such as toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, etc. It did not take me long to see that the TSA chick was just collecting what she wanted. As I stood in line to declare my toothpaste, I thought "Why?" So, within 30 seconds I was able to figure out the system and I bypassed it. Think about it, toothpaste does not set off the metal detector. Once again, millions of your tax dollars wasted!!!

Did you know TSA cost the American tax payers over $300 million dollars in the first few months in action? TSA continues to spend and waste your tax dollars everyday. TSA has spent almost a billion dollars.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/29/AR2005062903063.html
http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2006/10/four_years_200m.html

Now, I probably wouldn't mind so much of the cost if I was getting what I was paying for. But, did you know that TSA has failed nearly EVERY test given to them. That's right!!! People have boarded the planes with bombs and guns to test TSA on more than one occasion and TSA didn't have a clue. Now I ask you, wouldn't you love to have a job that you can fail every single day and not only do you NOT loose your job, you get a pay raise? Now, that's the life!!

http://www.washtimes.com/national/20040211-111658-6573r.htm
http://usgovinfo.about.com/b/a/217087.htm
http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/04/20/atlanta.airport/index.html
http://www.homelandstupidity.us/2006/10/31/tsa-screeners-still-fail-to-find-guns-bombs/

I was flying with my family to Disney World a couple of years ago, when we were ripped out of the line to be hand-padded and searched. We had to open up and dump all of our carry-ons, pockets, diaper bags, etc. Then, they started to pat us down (keep in mind we had a 10 month old baby boy and two year old baby girl in our arms). I showed the TSA guy my Military ID and said, "I am an officer in the United States Military." He said, "That doesn't matter, I searched a Senator last week." I then asked, "That makes you proud??" Then, I looked over and saw three Arab men (without luggage) walk right by me. I asked, "Why am I, a US Soldier that protects you and gives you the right to be stupid, being searched, when there are three Arabs that get to just walk on the plane?" He said, "Sir, we don't know what the terrorist look like, so we just check people at random." I said, "Sir, there goes three right now!" "Of course most Muslims are not violent jihadis, but all violent jihadis are Muslim" a quote from Israeli's security.

I get very aggravated when I fly now. The TSA is not protecting us. They are only harassing us. I was told by TSA (I had a little chat after being searched) that if they checked all the Arab looking people, they would be sued for racial profiling. By all means, lets be politically correct, spend and WASTE millions (if not billions) of hard working tax dollars on incompetent, ineffective security just so we don't offend the terrorist. Makes sense to me. So, I guess I just need to get used to being raped when I fly!!

Hey, the good news is the government has not taking away my rights and freedoms!!!

By the way, if you want to know how to secure an airport - wouldn't you start at the very airport that every Islamic terrorist wants to blow up, but can't? And that airport would be El Al, Israel's national carrier.

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2006/08/23/what_israeli_security_could_teach_us/

Not Today!!!!

2007-01-17T11:42:00.000-08:00

I was looking at some of the thoughts that I wrote when I was in Iraq and I came across this one. Until now, I have not been able to allow others to read this because of the emotional turmoil that I face each time that I think about it. To be honest with you, my eyes are tearing up right now as I think about this case and the internal struggle I had (still have).

To put this in perspective, every time a Soldier dies on your table or shortly after, you are always asking yourself if there was something that you could have done better so that you can save the next Soldier. This particular day was really, really hard (sorry, starting to cry again) - we lost a few Soldiers in the last 48 hours. The fighting was very intense and our government has so many restrictions on the behavior of our Soldiers that many of them are dying in vain. I had had enough....these were my thoughts

Not Today!

I have grown so much being here in Iraq. I have learned that war is not pretty. War is not something that should ever be taken lightly. I am not the Soldier that is out in the "red zone" blowing people up or getting blown up. I am the Soldier that tries to sustain the life while the surgeon tries to save it - good or bad. Some days I am able to sustain the life long enough for the surgeon to do what he/she needs to do. Some days, I can not.

Some of things that I have learned here is that although we may change the minds of some of the people here, we will not change the minds of most. This culture of 3000 years will not change because of our "nice" presence. A culture that will dip their children in boiling oil to see which is the strongest, or a culture where they will kill their own child and place a bomb in the child just to kill another person will not or cannot be changed in this lifetime.

However, that aspect of the war is not my job. It is not my job to look at things from a right or wrong view. It is not my job to bring troops here or to take them home. It is not my job to make any decisions in this war.....at least not yet!

My job is to stare death in the face - look at her eye to eye. Nearly everyday I have to face death and plea with her. To be totally honest with you, there are times that I request her presence (like the day the man walked into the orphanage and blew it up) - I wanted that man to die (which he finally did). But most of the time I have to fight with her. Sometimes I pray for her not to see what is lying on the table (like the day we had a 19 year old kid (US Soldier) that was burned over 90% of his body) - but she saw him.

I have seen the face of death and she is not pretty. I have touched her, held her devastation in my arms. I have cried because she took a green eyed, two month old little girl. But today....today was different. I stood toe to toe with her as we fought each other for the life of a 23 year old US Soldier. I refused to let him go and she refused to let me have him. But enough was enough. Before I realized it I said, "NOT TODAY!!!" Death, you will not take him today. For today - we have fought and I have won....Not today, Death - not today!

CPT Tom Chenowith, CRNA

Christmas Shopping

2006-12-02T09:06:00.000-08:00

This Christmas Season I encourage you to remember those that are less fortunate. Being a parent of two healthy children, I find myself to be extremely blessed. I am not trying to push my charities upon you, but if you don't have a charity to give to, I encourage you to take a look at St Jude Children's Research Hospital website and go to their "shop." In their shop you not only find precious gifts, but gifts that gives Hope. Where there is Hope, there is Healing.

Sincerely,

Tom Chenowith
(Blessed Parent of Two)
St Jude Children's Hospital

Why Give Thanks?

2006-11-19T12:44:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is a time of year that you hear people say "Give Thanks," but why? Why should I give Thanks? Do I really have ANYTHING to be Thankful for?

Well, I believe that I do. So, I am going to tell you of just a few things that I am thankful for.

1) I am Thankful for God... a God that allowed his Son to die on a cross for me. In a world that is full of war and death, I have been given inner peace.

2) I am Thankful for Jenny (my beloved wife)...a wife that I do not deserve, a wife that is my best friend. How lucky can a guy be?

3) I am Thankful for my children (Ariel and Benji)...I have seen so many children that are sick and dying. I am Thankful for the colds and coughs that my children get (and pass on to me).

4) I am Thankful for America...I have been to four Continents and I have found one truth among them all - I don't want to live there. Apparently, a lot of the people don't want to be there either, because they are trying to get to America. Have you ever noticed that nobody leaves America to live in another country, but everybody tries to come here? Why, if America is bad?

5) I am Thankful for Soldiers...Soldiers that fight for the freedom and the liberties that we all enjoy. Freedoms that allow people to burn the very flag for which it stands. Soldiers that give people the right to protest against them. I have never seen a protest sign that read "I love the troops, but I hate the war." Remember, it is not the politicians that give you freedom, it is the Soldier!

6) I am Thankful for being rich... We as Americans tend to be spoiled rotten. If you have shoes on your feet (or at least own a pair) you are richer than 85% of the World's population (300 million in America, 6 billion in the world). If you have spare change lying around, you are now richer than 90% of the World's population. If you have $100 dollars in your checking/savings account, you are richer than 95% of the World's population. If you have $1000 dollars in your checking/savings account you are richer than 99% of the World's population. .

7) I am Thankful for being home...If you are going to be home or see friends and relatives this Thanksgiving, I encourage you to stop and say a prayer for the thousands of Soldiers that will not be home. Pray that they will come home safe. I believe that they deserve a prayer sent their way, don't you? There have only been two people that have died for you...one was Jesus Christ and the other is The American Soldier!

I Want To Play - Again

2006-11-12T16:27:00.000-08:00

Do you remember when you were little and you would get on your bike, leave home and not come back until sunset? What happened to those days? What happened to kids playing in the neighborhood without fear? Will we ever be able to play like there is not a care in the world again?

Something horrible happened between the time that I was a kid and now that I am a parent. Something has taken away the freedom of playing, the joy of imagination. What has changed? Children are still children, neighborhoods are still neighborhoods. What has caused this dramatic change in our once known culture?

The stripping away of this freedom came at a price of being politically correct. When I was a child, if any person sexually assaulted or kidnapped a child then that person would never see the light of day. Now those very people live in our neighborhoods. They watch our children playing at school. They surf the internet pretending to be their buddy. These horrible beasts have more rights than you or I. Why have we allowed this political correctness take away our freedom, our rights?

Unfortunately, we have pedophiles sitting in government seats passing the very laws that protect these beasts. Now for the more appalling news, there are more. Because our government is so corrupt this information only comes out for elections. Why do we tolerate such abuse?

If you believe that the majority of government actually cares about the general public, then I have some green gold that I want to sell you (in the shape of grass). What person would not enforce life in prison or the death sentence for these guys? Well, look and see how your congressman and senator voted and you will see.

We need a change! We need to get men and women in office that care about the general public and our children. We do NOT need politically correct leaders. We need people that are not scared to call a "dog" a "dog". We need to get involved and do what is right. We must give back the joy of imagination to our children. After all, I want to play again.

Stop Blowing My Money!

2006-10-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

It's not YOUR money - so stop spending it!

If you haven't heard, our government has approved 1.2 billion dollars down payment to build a 700 mile fence along the US-Mexican boarder. Sounds good doesn't it? Before you say "Yes," please finish reading.

If you have ever read my blog entitled "Do You Want the Problem Solved?" then you will see that I am all about securing our boarders. However, if I am going to be spending somebody else's money (tax dollars), then I want the job done right. A "fence" will not do much, we need a WALL! Now, let's go into this insane cost.

Do we not have ANYBODY in our government that can do simple math? I am sure that you can figure this out, but I am going to spell it out just incase some government person actually does a little research.....

$1,200,000,000 for 700 miles comes out to $1,714,285.71 per mile. Now, there are 5,280 feet in a mile. This comes to $324.67 per foot. Now, I am no rocket scientist, but we just put a custom made fence up for $27.86 per foot. Don't get me wrong - I want a boarder. But, I don't want it made out of GOLD! Plus, I want something that is going to work (read other blog) and I don't want my grandchildren to have to pay for it.

My Space

2006-10-24T12:47:00.000-07:00

Check out my new My Space account...

I'm Home!

2006-10-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

If you have read all of my blogs, then you may recall one in which I speak about one of the most wonderful sounds in the world - a child's laugh. Well, coming in a very close second is the wonderful, deafening sound of silence. That is what I woke up to this morning around 0430 in my very own bed (with wife, child and dogs in there with me). No helicopters buzzing my room, no mortars exploding outside my window, no machinegun firing and no body yelling "We have 15 coming in to EMT!!" NOTHING - just silence.

On deployments, people may share the same situation but have a very different experience. There are things that I can't talk about. There are things that I won't talk about. And then there are things that you just won't understand if I did talk about it. But something that I take with me is a little pride, a few stories, and a lot of memories that I wish I could forget. However, something that I don't have much of is regrets. I don't regret the hard, endless work that we did to save the life of a Soldier. I don't regret seeing Soldiers giving their own blood to save another. The gallant acts that I have witness can not be expressed with modern words. I do take pride with being a US Soldier. There is something that can be said about the dedication, allegiance, loyalty and love that a US Soldier has for another. There is something exceptional about a Soldier that makes him/her risk his own life for a complete stranger - just because of the uniform that is worn. What other business can say that?

I am home!! When my plane first landed on US soil (East Coast), I could hardly hold back the tears. The Captain of the plane got on the speaker and said, "Let me be the first to say welcome back home!" WOW! What powerful and yet simple words "Welcome back home." When I stepped off of the plane the sweet, cool, clean smell of the air was amazing. When I took the last step off the latter onto the ground I fell to my knees thanked God and then kissed it.

When my plane landed in El Paso, Texas I knew that I had a wife and two babies waiting on the other side. I was the second Soldier to be off the plane. There at the end of the stair case was a US band, US Soldiers and THE UNITED STATES FLAG!!! What a magnificent and glorious site. But, this is not what I wanted to see. I asked one of the greeters "Where is my family?" He pointed way over in the distant (about 1/4 to 1/2 a mile away) to a group of people and said, "They are over there." If you have ever been in the Military you will know that they are not big on family - but they are very big on formations, speeches, etc. However, I have to give it to our new commander - he chose NOT to do any of that. He actually understands that family comes first. He said "Go over there and see them." I quickly past the one person that was in front of me and then I heard "You can double time if you want." That was all I needed to know. I took off running. I ran like the wind. All I wanted to see was my wife and babies - and nothing was going to stop me.

As I was running all kinds of thoughts were going through my head. Like "What if my babies don't recognize me?" "What if I am running all this way and something came up and they are not here?" "What if...? What if...?" But then, I see my little baby girl standing out in front with a sign, Jenny standing right behind her with a sign in one hand and Baby Benji in the other. Now, this was what I NEEDED to see - my family. Seeing this caused me to run even faster. I felt like I was in one of those movies that the couple is running toward each other in slow motion. I felt like I couldn't get there fast enough. One of the family members there started video taping me running. As soon as I embraced Ariel - she started crying and turned it off. However, I hope to be getting a copy of this moment and share it with you.

WOW! What a reunion!! Life is GREAT now! I am really excited to be home. Ariel asked me, "Can you take me to Chucky Cheese?" So, guess where we will be going today! We will also be going to Disneyland here real soon. But, I am home - The Most Wonderful Place on Earth.

Global Warming - pros/cons/solution

2006-08-13T02:48:00.000-07:00

Everyone in the modern world has heard about global warming. You can hardly turn the TV on without it coming up, especially during this extremely hot summer. Almost everybody has an opinion about it. Well, I want to discuss with you some of the pros and cons and a solution that you heard first, right here. ("A" solution - not "THE" solution. There will be many, many solutions along the way. But it is time to stop talking and start working.)

I want to give my opinion before I go into the pros/cons/solution section. I will say that when I first heard about global warming I didn't put much weight into it. I mean, after all, meteorologists are more wrong than right about the weather. Which brings up a sore point from my childhood that I would like to share with you.

There I was a poor red-headed step-child in grade school and our local weather man said, "Kids don't worry about going to school in the morning. When you wake up the ground will be covered in snow." I was so excited that I stayed up that night looking out the window waiting for the precious, white flakes to fall so freely from the sky. After many hours I eventually gave into the enemy of sleep. When I was awakened the next morning to get ready for school - I was shocked (and forever scarred) to see that not only was there no snow, but the temperature was in the 60's. So the ability to predict the weather 300 years from now seems to be a little out of their league.

PROS

There are hundreds of scientists that have dedicated their wakening hours to prove that global warming exists. According to their research, the carbon dioxide levels are higher now than they were 100 years ago. They have pictures that show the snow capped mountains in 1920, but today's picture shows that the snow has melted away. They have measured the ocean level and concluded that the ocean is deeper now than it was 100 years ago. They have heat sensors that show the city's temperature can be 10 to 15 degrees higher than the suburbs. (There are many other discoveries that if I mentioned them all - this blog would never end)

CONS

There are hundreds of scientists that have dedicated their wakening hours to prove that global warming does NOT exist. One of the arguments is that the ability to measure carbon dioxide levels 100 years ago is not as accurate as the measurement of today. Therefore, we don't know the exact level of carbon dioxide then versus now. The picture of the snow capped mountains that was taken in 1920 raises the question, "Was that picture taken in the summer or winter?" The same argument exists about the measurement of the ocean. The question is, "Was the ocean level really measured 100 years ago?" Now you can't argue with the increase of temperature in the city - but is that really causing the world's temperature to increase? One of the big arguments against global warming is that we have not been tracking the cycle of temperature long enough to know what the cycle even is.

The Starting Point of the Solution

We all know that politics in the United States are driven strongly by the media (sad, but true). Since global warming is such a hot topic (pardon the pun), the United States Government is going to respond by writing a blank check to "fix" the problem. The only problem with this is that the United States Government can't cross the street without costing the American tax payers billions of dollars, delaying the process, creating a new committee, discussing it for years and then after all of this - they end up on the same side in which they started, widening the street and thus making the process to cross even more difficult. The facts are the FACTS - our government is NOT the best at "fixing" problems (they do seem to be pretty good at creating them).

I am a factual, realistic person. I know that our government is going to spend billions and billions of tax dollars on a solution that won't work. I know that the media is not going to stop on the subject until something is done. Therefore, this creates an atrocious cycle of bad media and senseless wasting of tax dollars. While the theory of global warming is still being debated (whether it exists or not), our country is becoming more and more polluted. I don't want to wait for three or four decades before we start to see a change. I want my children to grow up with cleaner air - don't you?

SOLUTION

We need more trees. Think back to when you were in seventh grade science class learning that trees "inhale" carbon dioxide and "exhale" oxygen. We also learned that trees are the earth's natural air filters. The more trees you have the less pollution there is. We all know that trees provide shade and thus decreases the temperature of the ground around it (thus possibly decreasing the earth's temperature).

So, how can we get more trees? The solution is easy. However, when I send this solution to my congressmen and senators they will want to put their two cents in and thus cause the plan to fail. For some reason, they always want to put a little coin (gold coin) in their pocket before they take care of the people. But that is different topic all together.

Our government needs to pass the law that will allow 100% tax deductions for all plants and trees that are purchased. You simply turn in your receipts and deduct it from your taxes. With trees that cost more than $250, you get an additional $100 deduction (for labor). For trees that cost more than $100, you get an additional $50 deducted.

To increase the beauty of cities (and decrease the temperature), have a "green weekend" in which mayors will mark off locations in the city that trees can be planted by the people. The people will register for certain locations to plant his/her tree on the city's property (at NO cost to the people – except for the tree). This should be done in the "tree hugging" cities first to work out the kinks.

For this solution to work, it is kind of like learning how to swim. If you just keep talking and asking questions, you will never learn. The only way to learn is to JUMP IN!

So, when you hear about this plan in the near future just remember that you saw it here first! Now, for the skeptical people out there saying that this will never work, my response to you is - if it doesn't (which it will) imagine how much more beautiful our country will be with more trees. Also, for all of you out there saying, "We must do more than that! We must get better technology, spend more money, create cars that float, etc." We have this saying in anesthesia, "Keep it simple, stupid!" Sometimes the best solution is the easiest and cheapest. If we do this, maybe other countries will follow our example and together we can make a change that will have a positive effect on my children.

Can there be World Peace??

2006-08-10T07:10:00.000-07:00

I must apologize for not blogging in some time, but I have been extremely busy. We have been three anesthesia providers short for the last month. Plus, the violence has increased considerably so we have been going non-stop.

Nearly all my life I have been hearing that we must strive for world peace. You can't turn the TV on without hearing something about world peace. After all, this is the goal for every Miss America contestant, "To have World Peace!" For as long as I can remember we have been going to war killing people to have peace. Think about that just for a moment.

Have you ever wondered what "world peace" is and if there really can be world peace? Just imagine what kind of place this world would be if there was peace?

One of our greatest historical documents is the Bible. According to Genesis it can be argued that Adam and Eve may have experienced world peace (at least before eating of the forbidden fruit). Without a doubt, once they had children - world peace ended. To refresh some of your memories, Adam and Eve had two sons named Cain and Able. Cain became jealous of Able, so he murdered him. In one small move one-quarter of the earth's population had just been murdered. (Yes, I know that Adam and Eve had other children)

Therefore, since the second generation of mankind on this earth until present day - there has never been world peace. So, why do people continue to protest and scream for world peace? (Have you ever noticed that the protesters that protest to have world peace are not very peaceful- just an observation?)

Maybe we are trying to cross the finish line before we start the race. What I mean by this is that people want world peace, but they are not willing to be peaceful. (Please read the next few sentences carefully) Before you can have world peace, you must have a peaceful country. Before you can have a peaceful country, you must have a peaceful state. Before you can have a peaceful state, you must have peaceful county. Before you can have a peaceful county, you must have a peaceful HOME. That's right, world peace starts with YOU!

Do you have a peaceful home? Are you behaving in a way that you would want your children to behave? Or is there yelling and disenchantment? Unfortunately, not everybody has the same definition of a "peaceful home." My idea of a peaceful home will be different from others. I know people (as you do) that think that they are nice and pleasant, but in reality they are so confrontational and malicious that people don't want to be around them.

So, until we are willing to take that extra step and promote a peaceful home (with a global definition), then we will never have world peace. Since, that will never happen - can we just stop with this "world peace" stuff and focus on just being nice to each other?

The Significance of a Love Letter

2006-06-30T10:59:00.000-07:00

I was sitting at the barber shop in the middle of Baghdad waiting for my time to get in the chair and have my hair groomed to meet the military standards. As I was sitting there I noticed a Newsweek magazine with Katie Couric on the front cover. As I was thumbing through it, I came across an article written by William Shaw. I would like to share this article and my thoughts with you.

William Shaw had been married to Marion for a wonderful 46 years. Not one time during their marriage was he ever away from her more than five days with the exception of two 12-day trips to the West Coast. The love that they had for each other is something that we hardly hear about these days. They had nicknames that lasted throughout the years. The laughter that they shared still remained fresh in his mind. He would still play love tunes on the piano that reminds him of the days that he would play while she prepared dinner.

William said, "I have pictures - photos, slides, even a couple of collections of slides on videocassettes. What I don't have, in black or blue on white, are her thoughts." He goes on to say, "There is not much that is more personal than a letter, particularly a love letter. No card, no poem, no gift is as intimate as a letter. I'm sorry now that I never wrote to her, even if it would have been in my nearly indecipherable handwriting. I probably shouldn't feel this way - there never really was a need, and who thinks ahead to what might happen?.......I regret she never had one from me and I wonder if she ever wanted one, or ever missed having a little bit of the real me to hold on to.....Now I wish I had her words to read and reread."

As I read this I thought that maybe I could learn something from this gentleman. I love my wife more than anything on this earth. I don't ever want to do anything to hurt or displease her in any way. She is my most prized possession. I would kill or die for her. I often daydream about what our life will be like 50 years from now. I often imagine us sitting in our front porch swing, watching the grandchildren playing in the front yard. I picture this life that is beyond modern words. Many people will wait a life time to get just one glimpse of this kind of fulfillment, and yet I already have it all.

William Shaw has taught me that you don't want to grow old and regret something that you could prevent. When I die, I want my wife and family to be able to read and reread just how much I loved them and cared for them. Life is too short NOT to take the time and invest in the future. So, stop what you are doing and write your spouse (children) a love letter that will last forever.

Maybe it's Not the "white man"

2006-06-02T04:43:00.000-07:00

What is leadership?

Is leadership defined by a race, sex, religion, or position? I tend to view this question from a different perspective. Allow me to express something that many people are afraid to say. Anybody that knows me, knows that I am not a prejudice guy. So, please do not take this entry as a racial division. I'm not politically correct either, because I believe that political correctness is one of the many down falls of our country. I believe you should call a "duck" a "duck."

The people of New Orleans just amaze me. Not in a "Wow! They are really heroic," but more in a "Are you kidding me!?" The warning of Katrina's arrival was given five days in advance. Two days before the hurricane did its destruction, the people of New Orleans were ordered by the Governor of Louisiana to evacuate. This was not a suggestion. This was the law.

The Mayor, Ray Nagin, had over 1000 buses at his disposal. He had the ability to have food, water and shelter readily available. And yet, he did nothing. He did not arrange, anticipate or enforce the evacuation of his people of New Orleans. In fact, the doors of the arena were still locked when the first group of people arrived for shelter.

So what did this incompetent leader do when imminent disaster occurs? He did the same thing that other poor leaders do - he blamed somebody else. In fact, he blamed the President of the United States for the hurricane. He tried to make it a racial platform by saying if they were white that the President would have done things differently.

There's so much corruption and bad leadership that the right solutions were being overlooked. Allow me to put a few things into perspective. People refused to leave because they knew that they would be victims of looting (Why? High crime already existed). When rescue boats were brought in, they were ordered to take the children first. We know the nightmare that created. These parents gave their children up, which is a totally different mindset all together. So many things went wrong that it would be easier to count what went right.

We have all heard about the outrageous amount of money that it will cost the tax paying citizens to rebuild New Orleans. The lowest amount that I have heard was $25 billion dollars. Do you realize how far $25 billion dollars can go if placed in the right hands? For an example, with $25 billion you can build 277,700 homes for the price of $90,000 dollar per home and still have $7 million dollars left over. You do the math - this is not rocket science.

(Here's the point of this entry) Last month, the people of New Orleans had the opportunity and responsibility to change their leadership and start a new future for their children. But what did the people of New Orleans do? They re-elected the same leader that failed them before. I have been told that he was elected because of his race. Since the people of New Orleans are predominately "chocolate"(Ray Nagin's words,I guess they wanted to have the same type of Mayor.

As a white man living in a very diverse world, I feel that much of the blame is passed on to me. I have heard (more times than I would like) that "It's the white man keeping us down." Well, as a caring white man I have tried to see the other side of the coin. However, when I see the representation of the black race, I can't help but think that maybe it's not me. People like Jesse Jackson and Ray Nagin are not the kind of people that should make you feel proud to be black. People that preach hatred and division are not the type of leaders that you need.

It has been said many times by the black race that "We must not forget our heritage." A true leader that I highly respect, the late Dr. King, never forgot his heritage, but he did look beyond to see a Dream!......Now, that's leadership!

To find "Do you want the problem solved"

2006-06-01T09:19:00.001-07:00

Go to the "Archives" on the righthand side and click April 2006

Will you be able to sleep?

2006-05-27T04:54:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had moments in your life that you wish you could forget? I have been told by many people that I should keep a journal of the events that take place here. I have come to realize that there are many occasions that I wish could be removed from my memory, but unfortunately they are branded in my brain forever.

I must request forgiveness for the story that I am about to write. In no way am I trying to promote despair. There is no way that I will be able to express the intensity of my feelings or thoughts. So, please forgive me for the weakness this entry may carry.

For the readers that don't know me personally, I feel that I must entitle you to a little personal information about me. There are many things in my life that just make me extremely happy. My wife and children are most important on that list, but I also enjoy other people's children. I enjoy watching children play. I believe a child's laugh is the sweetest sound on earth. I wish there was a way to bottle up a child's laugh, and when we (as adults) are troubled, simply release the joyfulness it brings. On the other hand, a child's cry is very distressing to me.

Without going into detail about a horrible tragedy, this morning we had a six year old child die from a gun shot wound to the back. This is wrong on so many levels. Children are not collateral damage - they are innocent bystanders.

Allow me to paint a picture for you. I don't know the story behind this calamity; I can only envision the situation. The incident occurred about 2:30 in the morning. I can only assume that this little girl was sleeping soundly in her bed. Her piercing green eyes resting, as she dreamed about playing with her friends and eating candy. Her beautiful, long, black hair placed in a pony tail to keep it from touching her soft, innocent face.

Without warning, a shot is fired and enters her body as she lies in her bed. The little girl is ripped from her sleep with excruciating pain that only too many adults here can understand. I can't even imagine the thoughts that must have been running through her head as she tried to comprehend what was going on.

As I watched this little girl die right before my eyes I could only say, "This is such a senseless death," because when the sun raises in the morning there will not be one change in the outcome of this war. There won't be one politician or military leader from either side of the fence that will stand before this little girl's mother and attempt to justify the loss of her child.

I often question "Why?" Why should such a precious, innocent child pay the ultimate price? Why should children die for the sins of their father's? There are so many things in this life that I don't understand. I can only hope and pray that at the end of the day that we will be able to sleep with the decisions that have been made.

Step of Faith

2006-05-19T03:46:00.000-07:00

I was looking through some pictures and I came across this one. It reminded me of a story that I would like to share with you.

We had just bought a new house in San Antonio. These birds chose our front porch to build their home, which made me very excited. Anybody that knows me, knows that I love animals. I watched these birds build their home out of mud and straw. Periodically, I would climb up the support beam and look into their nest. One day, I looked up there and saw four eggs lying there. I was so excited that we were going to have babies. A few days later when I looked up there, I saw another egg, making a total of five. Of course, my thought was "How are they going fit all of their babies in that nest?"

Once the babies hatched from their eggs, I continued to watch them mature. After a few weeks, it was now time to take flight. I stood there looking through the window of the front door watching this miracle of nature take place. The Mother bird flew to the front porch light and started chirping really loud. It was as if she was saying, "Come on! You can do it! I know you can! Just do it!" The Daddy bird was perched on the ledge a few feet away. After a couple of minutes, the first little bird was on the edge of the nest appearing to want to take that first step, but was just too afraid. So, the Mother bird intensified her cheering for her little baby.

After a few minutes, the Daddy bird flew over to the nest and nestled himself beside the baby that was getting ready to take flight. The Daddy bird then started chirping with the Mother in harmony. The baby appeared to be gaining more courage, but not enough to take that first step. With extreme love and compassion the Daddy bird worked himself behind the baby and gently nudged the baby out of the nest while the Mommy started chirping a different tone. It was if the Mother bird was saying, "Over here baby, you can do it! Come here." The baby was now out of the nest and was destine to take flight or fall to his death. Out of desperation, the baby spread his delicate wings and very spastically flew the five or six feet to the porch light by his Mother. I could see that the baby was breathing extremely fast from the fear of taking his first flight. The Mother and Daddy bird then changed their song again as if they were saying, "Way to go! We knew that you could do it!"

This event happened three more times. Each bird learning that they could take flight just like their sibling. Now, there was a fifth baby there that was a little slow in hatching. I was wondering how they could tell the babies apart since they all looked exactly alike, but the parents knew which one was a little delayed. After the fourth bird left the nest, the fifth bird (the slow one) stepped up to the edge. At that moment the Mommy bird flew to the nest and started chirping this very sweet sound. It was like she was saying, "Not yet! Your time to blossom will happen soon, but not right now." So, the baby bird stepped back into the nest.

There are times in our life when we need to sit back and wait. Then there are times that we need to take that step of faith. Even though the flight may be sporadic, we learn that we can fly.

Makes you think!

2006-05-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

Sometimes there are just no words...........................

Just one more night together.................................

Psalm 19:14

2006-05-14T17:13:00.000-07:00

May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Fellow bloggers,

This blog was created for and intented to be a source of communication for Captain C and all who love and support him. A place where we the readers can get a glimpse into the life of a soldier and experience the struggles they face every day. We also have the privilage to share in the thoughts and concerns of captain C, who is becoming a very good writer in the process.

This blog is not a soapbox for anyone to start calling names & being disrespectful. There is a reasonable and courteous way of sharing your own thoughts - views - political opinions. I will not tolerate dogmatic language and outright condemnation of anyone. This is war and opinions are strong, but this is not the place for harse accusations and disrespectful language. If you have the urge or need to start calling names and laying the 'apocalypse' on someone's lap do it on your own blog. If your only intent is to pic a fight...just contact me and we can go at it till we're blue in the face, but keep it clean on my bro's blog.

We can respectfully disagree, but when your speech becomes dogmatic I will remove your comment. Let's all remember that we all have different opinions on the war, but we must be as one voice when supporting our troops.

Thank you for your courtesy.

Stuck in my mind

2006-05-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

For this entry, I want everybody to understand that I am in no way demeaning the life that was given for this cause. I have the highest respect and honor for my fellow Soldier. I want to share with you some of the responsibility that we are faced with every day.

Have you ever been in a car accident and the only thing that you remember is the expression on somebody's face? Or have you had some near death experience and the one thing that stuck out most in your mind was probably the least important? Well, I want to share one of my experiences with you.

I remember back in the States when a recently deployed Soldier was trying to explain the types of trauma and care that I would be administering. Even as a CRNA, I was unable to comprehend the magnitude of the situation. So, if you have not experienced this type of care, there is no way that you will be able to appreciate the work that is given to save a life. So, please bear with me.

The other day I was treating a trauma, and unfortunately, it was an American Soldier. The story goes that this Soldier, along with his team, was driving down a road when an IED took out their vehicle. This Soldier had extensive injuries to include the following: internal abdominal bleeding, internal chest bleeding, extensive lacerations on three extremities, head laceration, and burns over 80% of his body.

The surgeon came running up the stairs and said, "I have to bring him right now! His abdomen is getting bigger as we speak." Usually, we have a few minutes to get everything set up, but I could tell that my little ways of doing things would have to be done some other time. So, as I was running to the OR I said, "Bring him on!"

Within minutes this Soldier was lying on the operating table and time was ticking away. The Soldier already had a tube in his lungs to help him breathe. However, we quickly secured an arterial line and central line. I called out for blood. I told them to bring me all the blood products that they had on this Soldier. Within seconds we had coolers full of packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets, factor VII, etc.

As fast as we could get the blood products into this Soldier, the faster the Soldier bled out. Without going into detail (out of respect), I will tell you what stuck out in my mind. I looked under the bed to check the Foley catheter that had been placed. When I went to empty it, I reached for a bottle that was lying there on the floor. I noticed something really different that caused me to stop and do a little tilt of the head. Then it hit me - the bottle was floating away from me. I reached out again and the bottle moved further from me. Then I realized that the bottle was floating in blood.

There is so much more to this story, but the internet is not the place to share it. However, I do want to say that this Soldier flew to Germany about 36 hours later. The last I heard he was still alive and improving (much to everyone's amazement)...............This morning I received the sad news that this Soldier did not make it. My heart and prayers will go out to his family and friends.

What if there's no tomorrow?

2006-05-03T09:35:00.000-07:00

Time has a magical way of healing the hurt, the pain, and the suffering. Time gives us a gift that allows people to forgive all that has happened. For an example, August 6th, 1945 the United States of America dropped the first atomic bomb on Japan killing over 70,000 people. If that wasn't bad enough, August 9th, 1945 the US dropped the second atomic bomb on Japan killing another 40,000 people. Today, Japan is our ally.

Now, we are fighting a war that is different from any other war that we have ever fought. There is no country or government - just people. Whether you agree or disagree with this war is irrelevant. Regrettably, we are not able to change or decide what should or should not happen. I think we have learned many things from this war. Something that we all should learn is that hind-site is not wisdom.

I believe for the first time in our life we have defiled the law of history. The law that states, "History will repeat itself." I do not believe that United States and Islamic extremist will ever be allies. So, what does this mean? We have no guidelines or experience in this kind of war. We can all hypothesize at what the future may hold. Unfortunately, no matter how smart you think you are, it will be purely speculation.

So, maybe we should rethink the prices that are being paid. Maybe in today civilization, the way that we used to do things is not the way that we should do things. Maybe we should view life as it is - a gift not to be taken for granted.

I have often wondered how the world would respond if we were informed that there will be no tomorrow. There would be no more sunsets or walking on the beach. There would be no more picnics or catching fire flies. There would be no more dreams and no more stories. There would be no more jumping on the bed or having paper parties.

Would the fighting stop so that we can reevaluate what is important? Or would the fighting intensify to promote the cause? I wonder if given this news that the true things that mattered in life would over ride all of those that are not.

I believe that we have no guarantee of tomorrow. Therefore, we should work like we are going to live forever and live like there is no tomorrow.

Meeting Rumsfield

2006-04-30T23:33:00.000-07:00

My initial plan for this blog site was to inform the public about the truth that is happening in Iraq. What I have found is that the truth is not pleasant. The stories that have been told to me by the Iraqi people are unbelievable - until they show me their scars. Last week, a suicide bomber walks into an elementary school and detonates his explosives, injuring 16 children. There was not one mention of this on the news. Why? Why is the truth not being told? Maybe because the truth hurts. Or maybe because the truth doesn't support the media's agenda. Either way, this has become very difficult for me.

So, my blog has evolved into my thoughts and concerns. However, this entry is to show that I am meeting people. Maybe this will help my political career - or maybe it will hurt. Either way - this was pretty neat.

Letters From C Wallpaper

2006-04-30T13:29:00.000-07:00

"If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?" -James 2:16

Greetings all letter readers,

I really hope that you have been enjoy the letters from Captain C as much as I have. From your many comments I know that C continues to touch the lives of many people even while across the seas. As you know one of his request is that we all make an effort to continue to support our brave men & women in uniform. One way to do that is by Anysoldier.com. Please visit this site and do what you can.

In an effort to help motivate readers of Captain C's blog I've designed a wallpaper to help you remember to not only pray for your troops but help them too.

I hope you enjoy it and please pass it along.

--to Download, click on image. Then right click & "Set as Desktop" or "Save As".

Thank you very much for you continued support of "Letters From C" and our fine men & women of the U.S. Armed Forces.

God Bless

-G (future running mate of Captain C)

Little Handprints

2006-04-27T20:34:00.000-07:00

Anybody that is married or has ever been married can understand that marriage may not always be a fairytale. When you combined marriage with being in the military, it can be down right devastating. But, there is hope. There is hope for anybody that wants to make your marriage work. We have all been told at some point in our life to "Change our attitude." Well, with the change in attitude, comes hope.....

You won't be around me very long before I will start telling you about my wife and kids. I love my family more than anything, second to God. I talk more about my family and how much I love them more than any other subject. I especially talk about my wife. I tell everybody how wonderful my wife is, not only as a wife but as a mother as well.

So, I know you are wondering, "What makes your wife so special?" Well, I am so glad you asked. She has taught me so much about appreciating the "job" of being a spouse and parent. My wife has the right attitude. Well, what does this all entail? I think I can tell it best through a story....

It is very common to see my wife cleaning up after Ariel, Baby Benji, Angel (dog), Jasmine (dog) and even myself. I try not to be messy or inconsiderate, but there are more times that I want to remember that I have not washed my own clothes or dishes or even cleaned the mud off my shoes when I walked in the door. Am I hitting home to a few guys out there?

Here is something that makes my wife unique. I have never (and I mean never) heard her complain. In fact, I have often heard her given praise for the chores that she is carrying out. A few months ago, my wife was busy cleaning handprints off the windows in the playroom. I notice tears rolling down her cheeks. I walked up to her and asked if everything was alright. She looked up at me and then back at the dirty glass. As she started cleaning the class again she said, "I thank God for little handprints. Every time I clean, it makes me realize just how truly blessed I am."

WOW!!! The Bible tells us "In all things, give praise." How can anybody give praise "in all things"? Well, it's all about attitude.

Now, if there is anybody out there that is struggling with your marriage. There is hope. There is hope beyond your wildest dreams. Due to the fact that my wife and I have such a great marriage, I feel obligated to help others. I encourage you to seek counseling. You are always more than welcome to email me. Life is too short, not to enjoy it.

Make a soldier smile campaign

2006-04-15T02:42:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered if you were doing enough? Have you ever thought that maybe, just maybe, you could do more? Well, guess what? Today is your lucky day! That's right! You have the chance to do more. Why do more? Because it will make you feel good.

I am not writing this on my behalf. So, please do not send me anything. I have everything that I need. However, there are thousands and thousands of soldiers that are not as lucky. If you are praying for our troops, great! BUT, there's more that you can do.

The troops are tired, but yet they continue to complete their missions. They hear the media and they grow weary. It doesn't matter if you agree or disagree with the politics of this war. What matters is that there are young men and women that are willing to die for it.

Go to www.anysoldier.com and see what YOU can do. Anything is better when you have nothing. So, the next time that you go to the store pick up one of the following: a bag of M&M's, toothpaste, a pair of long socks, baby wipes, a package of trail mix, etc. More importantly, pick up a phone card. (Keep in mind that a 100 unit phone card is not 100 minutes. From Iraq, that is only about 30 minutes of talk time.)

I encourage you to pass this information on. After all, I am not asking you save the world. I am asking for a bag of M&M's. Can you make a soldier smile today?

Do you believe in miracles?

2006-04-15T01:59:00.000-07:00

I have worked in the medical field since 1991. I have seen a lot of amazing things during my time. However, nothing can compare to what I have seen in the third busiest trauma hospital in the world, located right here in Baghdad, Iraq. The trauma that we see here is nothing like in the States. There are no words or pictures that can allow you to appreciate the work that we do to save a life. I have never seen such devastation. Oh, by the way, I have only been here a week.

Even in the midst of the horror, I find moments that have to be from above. I was working the day shift, and we had case after case rolling through the doors. I was beginning to wonder if it was ever going to end. But, my next case was a U.S. Soldier. No matter how tired you are, when a U.S. Soldier comes through the door something inside gives you pride and strength.

This Soldier had been hit by an IED (improvised explosive device). I encourage you to look up IED's and see just how horrible those things are. As the Soldier is lying on the operating table, we get word that the Soldier's commander and friends are outside and would like to come and see him. Now, keep in mind, we are in the middle of surgery. The surgeon said that they need to put on the proper attire and then come in a few at a time.

As I watched the eyes of the young Soldiers walk through the operating doors and see their "brother" lying there on the table, my heart sank. I was wondering what was going through their mind. I was wondering if these brave and amazing Soldiers would be able to stand the site. As tears started to form in their eyes, one of the Soldiers reached in his back pocket and handed me a picture. This is what happened next....

The Soldier said, "Sir, can you give this picture to him when he wakes up? It is a picture of his family. He had it taped to the door of the Humvee. When the IED exploded, the fragments went through the door and hit him. However, if you look at the picture it was untouched."

I took the picture from the Soldier. I looked at the picture through my teary eyes and saw four young children standing by an American flag. I was thinking, "How could this picture (which was 5X7 photo) not be touched when an IED exploded a few feet from it?"

I know that some of you are thinking, "It's just a picture." But, until you wear the boots of Soldier and walk in their foot steps, you can't understand just how important a picture can be. When a Soldier says "Good-bye" to his/her family as he is getting ready to board the plane and leave for "X" amount of time, the picture becomes his family. That picture is all that he has for that time.

When the Soldier woke up, I handed him the untouched picture of his four children. When the Soldier looked at it, a transformation occurred on his face and with a soft, gentle voice he simply said, "Uhhhhh!" The look on his face stopped every person in the recovery room. For that moment, we all experienced the power of a picture. The miracle of family.

Do you want the problem solved?

2006-04-13T23:46:00.000-07:00

Forgive me - I am on my political kick again. Our government has been debating about border security for years. Our government act like this is a difficult solution. They debate about activating the National Guard to secure the border. That's a bad idea. That would endure a never ending double cost to the tax payer. Why do I say double? Because not only will you have to pay for the National Guard person themselves, but also retirement after we have been paying for 20 years. (remember activating the National Guard means "Active Duty")

The government is also debating about using high tech electronics to watch the border and arrest those that they catch. This is also a bad idea because of the endless and high cost to the tax payer.

As you know, I am not one that keeps talking about something. I am all about solving the problem. If my solution doesn't work, no problem - try something else. But, stop spending billions of tax paying dollars on talking. Sure, my solution would cost more initially. But, it is a one time cost and we know it works.

How do we know that it works? Because it is already being used in a small city in California. Using the double wall, their crime rate has dropped to zero. That's right, zero. The Wall has been in place now for about two years. What other city can say that they have had a zero crime rate since they started something?

I don't know if you can tell, but The Wall is about 18 feet high. The fence part is another 10 feet. There is a small electrical current running through it to help decrease attempts. The distance between the fences needs to be about 10-15 feet. This will allow for the killer dogs and border patrol to secure a given area. The Wall should run from the Pacific Ocean in California to the Gulf of Mexico in Texas.

Now, I know there are people out there saying that illegal aliens are good for economy. I would challenge you to look into the cost of the free health care, free housing, free welfare, free schooling, free college, etc. that is NOT FREE, because we (The American Tax Payer) is having to pay for it. We are being raped of tax dollars. So, maybe we will have to pay a little more for fruit - big deal. Am I being politically correct? Probably not. But, do you want the problem solved?

P.S. Our government knows these walls work. The military uses them in Iraq.

Interesting or Heroic

2006-04-05T18:28:00.000-07:00

Everybody has a story to tell. Some are interesting and some are heroic. I want to share with you a story about PFC Alfonzo Bernal. PFC Bernal has been drawing ever since he was seven years old. He loves to draw. As you can see he is very good at what he does. I asked him if he had ever taken art lessons. He told me that he was kicked out of the class. I'm sure that is a story of itself.

PFC Bernal's art work has been published four times in an art magazine. He has drawings in tattoo shops that people can buy and place on them. In 2003, PFC Bernal was finally offered a full scholarship to an Art School. His dreams of being an artist were coming true.

However, PFC Bernal, turning of age, decided that joining the Army was a better choice. I asked PFC Bernal if he regretted that decision as we sat at a table in the middle of Iraq with machine gun fire in the background. PFC Bernal looked me dead in the eye and said, "Not at all, Sir." I asked him "Why?" He said, "Because I am making a difference." So you tell me - interesting or heroic?

Where's the Media???

2006-04-04T05:47:00.000-07:00

For security reasons I won't be able to give dates, times or locations. I have some pictures but I am unable to down load right now. So, I will update this later. But, I had some thoughts and I wanted to share them with you.

I left from Ft Bliss (no secret) heading to Iraq (no secret). I was placed in the first class seating area because I helped load the bags (about 1000 bags). The flight took off and I was wondering if we would get to eat or if I would have to eat some snacks that I packed. Well, to make a long story short - the plane folks feed us every 2-3 hours it seemed like. So, the service was wonderful.

Now, to the eye opening experience. Our first stop was in the North East Area of America. If you know anything about the military, you know that they have no sense of time. Meaning they can't fly during normal hours. So, we landed at this little airport in the middle of the night (actually real, real early morning). As I am getting off the plane and walking down the terminal I start to hear laughing, clapping and cheering. I thought "Those guys are just a little too noisey." Then, as I got closer to the corner I started to hear what sounded like a "celebration" type of excitement. When I turned the corner much to my surprise was a fairly large group of people that I have never seen in my life clapping and cheering for me!!! That's right - for me!!! They had lined up along side of the wall shaking every soilders' hand and saying "Thank you!" There was this little old lady, she must have been close to 90 years old, hugged each and every one of us. My eyes started to tear up. I thought "My goodness, it is in the middle of the night. Why are they here?" So, I asked one of the guys that was there with his wife and 2 kids. I was told the following.."We are here because of you!!!" Talk about making a grown man cry.

Well, it didn't stop there. As soon as I got in the area where the shops were, there was a man standing at a "Troops Stop Here" type of place. He was handing out FREE cell phones. He told me that two companies pay for all the minutes. So, a soldier could call home and not worry about the cost. Once a soldier was finished calling he would hand the phone to another soldier. The companies that paid for this was Unicell and ....(I will have to get back on the other name- I wrote it down, but it is not on me right now). There was also free food (cake, cookies, etc) that was supplied by Sam's. I stopped and watch the interaction that was taking place with the soldiers and the phones. Something that I didn't mention was that another plane full of soldiers also landed there right after us. They had been in Iraq for a year and were on their way home. Naturally, most of us didn't take the phones, we allowed the other group of soldiers to use them. Well, it didn't take long before all the phones were in use. There were still some soldiers waiting to call home. What I saw next just about made me cry, again. Total strangers would walk up to the soldiers and ask "Do you want to call home?" The soldier would respond with "Yes Sir/Ma'am, I am waiting for a phone." Then, these people took out their own personal phone and said, "Here, call home Son. Oh, by the way, welcome home!"

I set there and watch this unfold before me. I was amazed at how much support there was for the troops. As I watched this very touching moment that I can hardly explain, I thought why haven't I seen this on the news. This is a good story and it is news worthy. So, my next question is......Where's the media???

"Good Ole Boys"

2006-03-31T06:07:00.000-08:00

This week has been a very interesting week. I have been getting up around 0330 (that's 3:30 a.m.) and not getting to bed until 2230 (that's 10:30 p.m.). The days have been really long. It is a little disappointing when you look at your watch and it reads 3:30 p.m. and you realize that you have already put in a 12 hour day and you are not even close to being finished. That is the life of a Soldier that is getting ready to be deployed. The US Government has found it to be an essential part of training to re-train all the Soldiers prior to leaving.

Now, I know many of you are wondering "What is re-training?" Well, I'll tell you. It is a refresher on things such as weapons, first-aid, life saving skills, etc. Now, there are some new things that have been added to our training that I am not for sure that I agree with. Things such as "Media Awarenes", "Law Stuff", etc.

This is what I pulled away from the training. "If you break one of the rules, then the US Government will have the right to put you in prison or to death. Because you have now been informed of all the do's and do not's." I find it very disturbing that we have men and women wearing $6,000 dollar suits, $1,000 dollar shoes, living in $10 million dollar homes sitting behind a desk and making up rules of war. Men and women that have never held a "real" job - much less served their country in war (with the exception of two or three). What do I mean by a real job? A job that holds you accountable if you don't show up for work. Having your pay deducted because you spent 5 minutes too long at lunch. A job that if you don't do your job, then you are fired. You know, things that we do every day.

I found it very disturbing that this war is bascially being ran by the media. If a soldier does something to save his life or the life of another soldier (because he was being attacked), but the media portrays it as a "culture offense" then that soldier can have charges placed against him. Even if the soldier was in the right.

You know, this takes me back to my "Good ole boys" in office concept. We need people in our public office that will take a stand for what is right. Even if the media says that they're wrong and it appears that they're standing alone. We need people in office that knows right from wrong. We need people in office that do not live in $10 million dollar homes or wear $6000 dollar suits. We need people in office that understand and have done an HONEST day of work (and not just working one day so the media can show the public how "understanding" they are of the working man/woman).

But, you know, even with all of this corruption we have thousands of people in our country (including me) that will put their life on the line to fight and save what is left of our country. I ask that you keep our soldiers and their families in your thoughts and prayers (even if you don't agree with the war - don't take it out on the soldiers).

I know this wasn't an outstanding blog post. But, I have so many thoughts going through my head it is hard to express each one completely. But, I think that my main point to all of this is that we have the power and responsiblity to put honest men and women in our public offices. The power is ours through voting (and just to clarify - I am not talking about our President. I am talking about the congress and senate). Also, don't believe everything that you see on TV. Most of it is just not true.

86,400 Seconds

2006-03-20T13:43:00.000-08:00

Imagine that everyday you were given $86,400 dollars. At the end of the day, what you didn't spend was gone. You could not borrow from the next day and you couldn't keep anything from the day before. What would you do?

In life, we are given 86,400 seconds per day. There is nothing that we can do to add to that day (no borrowing, no holding on from the day before) - nothing. All that you have is that 86,400 seconds. What you do with that time can be life changing or life wasting.

It wasn't until I started counting down my days before my deployment that made me realize just how precious each and every second really is. The value of time is invaluable. If you want to understand the value of a month - ask a mother that had a premature baby. If you want to understand the value of a week - ask a journalist. If you want to understand the value of a second - ask a person that has cheated death. If you want to understand the value of a millisecond - ask an Olympic runner that came in second. All of these are examples of invaluable time.

What is worth your time?

My wife and I have the best marriage I have ever seen. I love her with everything that I have. There is nothing in this world that I would not do for my wife. I love spending time with her more than anything. I never get tired of being with her (she may get tired of me).

Do you love spending time with your family? Do you fight? Complain? Have bad feelings toward them? If so, think about the 86,400 seconds that you were given today. Once this day is over, you may or may NOT get another 86,400 seconds. Don't waste your time on foolish things. Be nice and love each other - even if it means that you don't get your way.

I leave in a few days to go to a country that has no value for life. I will not be able to hold, touch, feel or be with my wife and children. There is a chance that I may not come back. I have often wondered if I have spent my 86,400 seconds loving my family the best way that I can. What about you?

The Extended Family

2006-03-16T17:03:00.000-08:00

This is my extended family. It seems like every time I turn around there is another one in the group. This is what life and family is all about. Friendships that last generations!

The Gang

2006-03-09T12:18:00.000-08:00

The Gang is back together again! To view more click on "My Webshot Album" under the link section.

GOOD TIMES!!!

2006-03-09T05:52:00.000-08:00

My family and I just spent six wonderful days in Arkansas visiting friends and family. We have not been to Arkansas in over 2 years (way too long). If you don't count the 1 week that we spent there 2 years ago, then it has been over 3 years. The purpose of our visit was multifold 1) We wanted to do Baby Benji's Baby Dedication 2) See all my wonderful friends 3) See family 4) Tell everybody that I am being deployed in about 2 weeks (you know to get everything in order).

This was the first time that my friends and most of my family ever laid eyes on Benji. Benji just ate up all the attention. That child just loves attention (what child doesn't, right?)

Ariel got to play with here "new friend" Haven (Paul's daughter). You know it is amazing that G and I live 1500 miles away but both of our children act nearly the same way. They have many of the same toys and same clothes. This is a little scary! ha!

As everybody knows Paul (aka G), Brandon (aka B), Rocky (aka Rock) and I have been best friends for over 2 decades. This type of friendship doens't come along often. In fact, I don't know anybody that has the closeness that we have for such a long time. The four of us spent nearly the entire time together. Life if good. It was really fun. Now, we also have some other best friends that were not there (David, Tommy, Will, etc). Of course, anybody that knows me knows exactly who I am talking about. Wish we could have seen each other.

I must say that this was one of the most exciting times that I have had. Life is good. Spending time with friends and family - GOOD TIMES! (There will be pictures on the photo album that is linked on the side).

Time is getting close

2006-02-18T17:22:00.000-08:00

Currently, I am scheduled to start my deployment March 24, 2006. It is amazing how things change when you realize that your time is short. What I mean by that is I wanted to do a lot of moonlighting before I deployed (because the money is so good). But, after I learned that my time to deploy was so early, all I want to do is spend time with my family. When my little girl (Ariel) comes up to me and puts her little arms around me and says, "Daddy, I always love you!" - I would give anything to hear those words everyday - I would take nothing to go a day without hearing those words. Those little words coming from that little girl is priceless. There is nothing is this world that is so sweet and precious as those words.

Every morning I have the awesome priveledge to wake up beside the most beautiful and wonderful lady that has ever graced this earth. I have truly been blessed. I do not deserve such a wonderful, precious gift such as Jenny. Life is good.

Then, there is the terror of our house, Benji! The smartest and bravest little boy that has ever been born. The child has no fear. He also has the greatest drive to learn everything. He is truly an amazing child. He will do and be so much more than I have ever done or become. Once again, truly blessed.

Well, the count down is upon me. Time is running short. Soon I will have to leave this wonderful family and do things that I never would have dreamed that I would do. Keep me in your prayers that I will remain safe and not go crazy being away from my wonderful and most amazing family ever. For those of you wondering if I believe that my job is worth me leaving my family - the answer is "NO!" I understand that we are in a war - a war to protect Americans. However, I also believe with my heart of hearts that this could and should be done differently.

How it all got started

2006-02-06T14:34:00.000-08:00

First, I would like to thank one of my best friends of all time - Paul E. Gulledge for setting up this site. Anybody that knows me, knows that I couldn't ever do this on my own.

Now, I would like to tell you "how it all got started"

After graduating from high school - it was time to face the real world. What would I do? What would I become? I didn't have much money, but I knew that I wanted to go to college. I knew that I wanted to something in the medical field. I joined the National Guard to help pay for college. In the National Guard I trained to be a combat medic. That was my first exposure to the medical arena. However, I wanted more.

I went to the University of Arkansas at Monticello. I first started with a pre-med major (but got distracted) and switched to Nursing. I graduated from Nursing School in 1996. It did not take long before I realized that is was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. The work was hard, hours were long and the pay was horrible.

I started to look around at other options - to see where I could go with my life. I took a few more classes throughout the years, but really didn't know what to do. Well, as time moved on - I met the most wonderful person in the world (Jenny Mitcha). After a few years of asking her out and flirting with her, she finally said "Yes" to going out with me and eventually we got married.

Jenny was in the Air Force (pilot) and I was working as a nurse. Together we made a good living. Jenny wanted to be a mommy (a stay at home mommy) and I knew that I could never make enough as a nurse to raise a family. So, that is when I found out about the US Army program for Anesthesia. I knew it would be hard, I knew it would be challenging. But, it was something that I had to do.

To make a long story short - I graduated from the school. We had close to a 50% attrition rate, so I felt really blessed to be graduating at all. Now, I love doing anesthesia. It pays enough to raise a family. But, because I went through the military school, I am now being deployed....... This is the beginning of "Letters from C"