USS Ronald Reagan

It must be of great comfort to the Japanese people to see the mightiest war ship on the planet docked in their harbor, knowing that the ship is there to use its awesome power of death to bring about the power of life. What they don't see is the strike group that always accompanies the carrier a short distance offshore. This group constitutes the most deadly arsenal afloat or beneath any ocean and stands ready to be of assistance to Japan in their time of need, and to let other countries know it is unwise to think of any aggression while Japan is on its knees.

I liken the deployment of the USS Ronald Reagan to the starship USS Enterprise orbiting around a Federation planet preparing to help them in their time of need. It may be an unrealistic comparison, but it does illustrate the dual purpose of every branch of our military. They (the military) are not warmongers always looking for an excuse to wage war, but instead, they are men and women who understand what a fragile world we live on and the horror of leaders who would try to rule our world through fear, torture, and death.

As I sit here pondering the fate of the Japanese people, reactor meltdowns, global health and financial repercussions, the picture of the USS Ronald Reagan in Japan’s port gives me reassurance and comfort also. I have had the honor of being a guest aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vincent while my daughter served in the Navy. I came away from that “Tiger Cruise” amazed at the dedication of our young men and women who serve our country. They are ready and willing to serve not only in war, but in a humanitarian role as well, just like they are now doing in Japan.

Would you and I volunteer to go to Japan right now considering the dangers from radiation and disease? I freely admit I would rather just send money. The men and women aboard the ships of the strike force understand very well the risks they are now facing, as do the many volunteers from other countries that are there to help find survivors. A risky business indeed…and that is an understatement!

While I dare not think of the global impact this disaster could have on the rest of the world, I must admit the spirit of the Japanese people is inspirational. While I sit here worrying about my future, the people of Japan are digging in and starting to repair their country. Even though they know that thousands of their countrymen have perished, the one and only goal is to rebuild. Let us all pray that nuclear radiation does not prevent that from happening. If the unthinkable should happen, our home is open to as many of our Japanese friends as will fit….

I’m just saying,

Mittster

From There to Here

The newest hobby my ex-Navy daughter has taken up is cooking from scratch while trying to juggle a full-time job and full-time studies at Northern Arizona University.

After a twelve-year stint in the Navy, which included a tour in Iraq, she is close to a college degree. When she left the service and joined her stepmother and me here in Camp Verde, Arizona, she had enough credits for most degrees, but unfortunately they were not the specific ones necessary. It is hard to take the proper classes when you are traveling around the world in a nuclear submarine tender and then on a nuclear aircraft carrier.


The positive side from my perspective is all the homemade food my wife and I get to enjoy because we have a ready- made chef less than a block away. There have been some disasters, but they are rare indeed. We discreetly dispose of failures while praising the triumphs.

I really don't know what we are going to do once she graduates and moves away into her future. We are really quite spoiled, you know. Perhaps a diet to start? Oh well, in the meantime; yum, can you bring more Cornish game hens, or how about some more biscuits? "Don't forget the mac and cheese," my wife calls out over my shoulder. And, I get the last word with; "cream cheese filled tarts would be nice."















After leaving for the walk back to her house, she is probably thinking, "Good grief, chief, what kind of food monsters have I created?"

I'm just saying,

Mittster

Words from a Warrior

An e-mail from Fred fighting in Afghanistan:

Hi Mitt!

Thank you very much for the book "Evil in the Mirror". I read it cover to cover the day I received it and I'm sure I will read it several times while I'm here! You did a fantastic job, great story line, well written, and it kept my attention the whole time! I couldn't put it down! Chris said you have finished writing a second book. Let me know when it comes out on Amazon and I will gladly purchase a copy of it. You're very talented so keep it up! I am on a very small base near the border with Pakistan, crazy country this place is. We were ambushed on my first convoy around 9pm, a large group of Taliban fighters hit us with RPGs and small arms fire. We fought them off and made it safe and sound! I am hoping things quiet down a bit now that the elections are over with. Well, I have to run for now but thanks again for the great book and I look forward to reading your second novel! Feel free to e-mail me now that you have my address and I will keep in touch as well! Thanks again, Mitt!

Fred

My comments back to Fred:

Hi, Fred,

Thanks for the book comments and you can bet I will send you a signed copy of Day Stalker just as soon as it's published. You cannot buy a book of mine. The least I can do is send you free books. You and your comrades are doing what it takes to keep America safe!

I want everyone who heeds the call of battle to come home safe and sound soon!

Sincerely,

Mitt

What is Memorial Day?

While paying tribute to my daughter, who is a veteran, for her sacrifices and service, I am also so very thankful for her safe return from harm's way in Iraq.

Today is the day we honor the fallen heroes who made the supreme sacrifice for their country. I also honor the families and loved ones of those heroes. Their grief is unimaginable and I could only guess at what my grief would be had one of the fallen been my daughter.

I also think today should be a celebration of the spirit and determination of all our returning veterans who are struggling daily to put their lives back in order after witnessing the horrors of war. It is not an easy journey for those who were wounded physically, emotionally or both. I salute each and every one of you for your courage, fortitude, strength and integrity.

No one can ever know how proud I am as a father, but more importantly as a fellow American who owes a huge debt of gratitude to our men and women in the military. I love each and every one of you!

Write on,

Mittster

Gunnery Sergeant, R. Lee Ermey

No, I am not a veteran and the guilt of that statement has been riding up my kazoo for decades. I started watching Mail Call on the History Channel and immediately gained respect for Gunney. I know war is awful, but watching him operate equipment, shoot weapons and blow stuff up is exciting and educational.

My daughter joined the Navy right out of high school and it was such a proud moment when she graduated boot camp at the Great Lakes Navel Training Center. She went on to complete a twelve year stint that included a tour in Iraq as a Military Police Officer. After that tour, she left the Navy to continue her education at Northern Arizona University. I am so proud of her and all the men and women who protect our freedoms in America.

I love America and our flag. I believe in God and think we should NOT remove his name from any part of our culture for any reason. "In God We Trust" means just that!

Gunney has a Web site that let's men and women who may not have served in the Armed Forces, but believe strongly in our country and way of life, participate along side our military heroes. You get to rub shoulders with the best of the best.

If you get a chance, visit Gunney on line and for sure check out Mail Call on TV. Both are outstanding!

Mittster