Veterans Day.

I wanted to post this earlier in the weekend but my trusty laptop finally called it quits. This is basically a Thank You to all of my Brothers and Sisters in Arms. To a lot of people- Civilians mostly, Veterans Day weekend is just another long weekend to go out and drink, party and have fun. To be honest it was like that for me for a long time. It stopped being that for me when I started losing Friends of mine to the War. The old saying "It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt" That's exactly what it was. Suddenly it became crystal clear- Friends of mine that I had deployed with, partied with and been close to were gone. I would never share a laugh or a beer with them ever again. Ever.


It was also around this time I stopped watching War Movies. Anyone who knows me knows that I used to LOVE war movies. Now not so much. I cant pinpoint an exact point or specific moment..I just stopped  watching them. This isn't some 'woe is me' moment. It's just the truth.


I brought up a subject on FB which I'd like to clarify. Some people think I am against VETS getting discounted or free meals at reataurants over the weekend. I'm not. I have no problem with it. My problem is that there are an over abundance of Veterans who are Homeless, Jobless and Healthcare-less and to me that is absolutely unacceptable. I would rather there be a push to get Vets the help they need and get them jobs rather than free coupons to Denny's or Chili's. This is simply my opinion, I'm not asking anyone to start a movement or whatnot. I simply choose NOT to accept any discounts or Free Meals.

Thanking a Veteran shouldn't be a one weekend a year thing. If you see a Man or a Woman wearing a Black Ball cap that says WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Afghanistan or Iraq Veteran. Shake their hand or say Thank you. It's not hard..

Some of these Gentleman pictured are personal heroes of mine. Without bragging, I read about the 101'st and Band of Brothers before it was cool. I read Black Hawk Down my Senior year in High School, it was and is to this day one of my favorite Books. Master Sergeant Gary Gordon and SFC Randy Shugart are both unwavering symbols of Bravery. For their Bravery in Somalia they were the first Medal of Honor recipients since the Vietnam war.

                                                                   Operation Red wing

.                                                                Lt. Michael Murphy.


Above pictured is Lt Mike Murphy. A Navy SEAL who who gave the ultimate sacrifice to make sure his men were taken care of. Already shot multiple times Lt Murphy scrambled to he top of an exposed ridge to call in Air support for his men knowing he would be killed. For his actions he also was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

The recurring theme amongst the Soldiers and SEAL's I pictured is not that they're Badasses (Which they are) or that they squatted a thousand pounds, ran marathons etc. In face of danger they all DID WHAT HAD TO BE DONE. In both cases both Lt Murphy and Sergeants Shugart and Gordon knew that they were putting themselves at grave risk, but they did it for the man next to them. Their Battle buddy/Swim buddy respectively. They put their comrades BEFORE themselves. Selfless Service.

In closing I wanted to say Thank you to all those with whom Iv'e had the pleasure of serving with. Those Iv'e learned from and the lessons learned. To those who are no longer with us and standing he eternal watch.

                                                                   SGT Kenny Bostic RIP

                                                             SGT Chris Gaffney RIP

I miss both of you everyday of my life and I would give anything just to tell both you I love you. Rest easy guys.



For my Boy MR D. if he reads ;

                                                 "MR D."  "Poolster" and Yours truly many moons ago.....



The things that make wearing the Uniform worth it;

                                                                         Me and Lil bit.

                                                                   The Misses and I

                                                                        Homecoming.



Yours Truly, doin what I do.-

                                        YES my sleeves are rolled up and my shades are indeed Unauthorized.




Some of the incidents I cited above are only a small examples of some of the heroic deeds of Soldiers Sailors and Marines over the last 50 years. There is not enough time in the day to recount all of them so I wont even try. Bottom Line is whenever you think you've had a hard day please remember that there is someone who is far away from home putting their ass on the line for you and I. It could always be much worse. This time last year I was freezing my ass off in the Arghandab valley in Afghanistan. There are still Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Air Force deployed in Harms way. If you should get the chance to do so. Please thank them. In Closing...

                                                                         Thank you.


Thank you to my Two dearest Friends Chris and Kenny. Drinks on me today Fellas I love you. My Wife Nadia and My Daughter Shae for putting up with the Metric ton of BS that comes from being an Army Family. Almost there guys I promise....

Thank you to the Following  U.S Navy Chief Petty Officers who "mentored" me as a kid. MCPO Scott Ely, CPO Mike Camodeo. The stories you guys told couldn't be beat.

My Grandfather CW4, Paul Hurtt II. I love you Grandpa. I miss you everyday.

And to My Father CPO Paul V Hurtt III. I love you Pop. Between you and Grandpa I couldn't ask for two better male role models in my life You are an influence on me more than you'll ever know. Thank you.