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#19/52: Buffalo on the Prairie

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Buffalo on the Nebraska Prairie
Buffalo on the Nebraska Prairie (SOOC)

A lone buffalo stands guard between Omaha and Lincoln Nebraska at the Lee Simmons Wildlife park. While he may not be wild, or even real, the buffalo inside the park are real. It is ironic this buffalo stands next to a fence, which to me symbolizes how barbed wire and man civilized the prairie to the point where the only buffalo can only be seen in captivity.

The above shot is straight out of camera shot, a little over exposed. When I adjusted the exposure the scene was just too contrasted for the texture of the bronze buffalo. So I turned him to black and white in Lightroom 4.  This is a reach for me as I LOVE the blue of the sky and high contrast.

I adjusted the clarity in the clouds and reduced the shadows in the grass.

Buffalo in Nebraska
Buffalo in Nebraska

What version do you like best?

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Honoring My Dad, an 82nd Airborne Paratrooper

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My Dad was a two time veteran, first on a destroyer in World War Two and then later when he served in the 508th Airborne Infantry as part of the 82nd Airborne Division.

82nd Airborne Paratrooper Division Training 1951, Ft Benning

On this Memorial Day weekend I find myself going through my Dad’s military photos and paperwork. Unfortunately his World War II records and All I remember him telling me about his World War II days is he was at Normandy on a Destroyer and served in the Pacific and was there on VJ Day.

US Army 82nd Airborne Veteran desktop flag. American Monster Projects (AMP) is veteran owned and operated. The AMP family has served for generations and uses this tradition to make products geared to fellow veterans and people who are proud to be American!
ORDER US Army 82nd Airborne Veteran Desk Flag HERE

However, I do have his records and articles from his second enlistment in the Army Airborne during the 1950’s including paratrooper training photos from the 1951  508th Airborne Infantry division.

I found the family photo albums when my Mom died in 2011, many I have never before, nor any of the articles. I’m in the process of scanning and restoring the photos I inherited.

I also found his original Airborne Creed, I should frame it like this one.

The Army Airborne creed is near and dear to all 82nd Airborne veterans. Find Army Airborne gifts and remember Airborne All The Way
ORDER an Army Airborne Creed framed print

I hope with this post maybe someone will remember, have memorabilia, or even the WW II personal items of Leo Thomas Tyrrell. His nickname was “Tiny Terry the Terrible” during his time on a destroyer in the European and Pacific theatre.

According to his discharge papers, Leo T. Tyrrell attended training at TIC Fort Benning, GA and QM School Fort Lee, VA between May 1951-Jan 1952.

He completed the Basic Airborne and Parachute Packer and repairman courses as well as Basic Military Training.

Along with the photos were clippings of many training airborne maneuvers between 1951 and 1953 including the biggest maneuver in U.S. history  Operation Longhorn.

This military exercise at Fort Hood Texas involved The 508th Regimental Combat Team. Over 3,089 troops dropped as part of an Army exercise also included the 82nd Airborne in a make-believe war involving over 100,000 military personnel over a 17 day period. 

Order a Vintage Army Airborne print

Over 20,000 civilians either participated as their towns were invaded or watched maneuvers, unfortunately just like in real war there were two fatalities and 221 were injured.

Below is a photo of my Dad, he’s inside the glider so it doesn’t do much good but I love the glider, someone told me they were left over from WWII

Cargo Glider at Fort Hood 1952
Cargo Glider at Fort Hood 1952

Dad was also stationed at Fort Bragg and Camp Drum NY, where he participated in Exercise Snowstorm at Snow Ridge ski resort near Turin New York.

He was honorably discharged as a Private First Class on August 17th, 1954. It appears he was attached to the 623rd Quartermaster Company as his most significant duty assignment.

PFC Leo T. Tyrrell 1952

Leo Thomas (Terry)  Tyrrell born 1925, died 1995

Miss you Dad, wish you had been around to see my kids grow and your grandsons become U.S. Marines. You would have loved the US Army Airborne Christmas ornament I created below.

UPDATE: 4/14/2014

I was recently contacted by a fellow Blogger who is documenting her family history and genealogy. Her Dad John G Hopkins was in the 508th with my Dad and there is a photo of the plane with the all the men sitting in front of it. My Dad is in the photo!! I think I have it narrowed down, he is either 4th from right on top row, or 4th from right on the bottom row.

82nd Airborne 508th before leaving for Operation Longhorn, much like Jade Helm
82nd Airborne 508th before leaving for Operation Longhorn

Related 82nd Airborne articles

Books About the 82nd and 508th Airborne

The Sword of St. Michael: The 82nd82nd Airborne (Military Power)Boots on the Ground: A Month withJUMP: INTO THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW:History of the 508th Parachute RegimentPut Us Down In Hell: The Combat

Model A Ford, It’s For Sale

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1931 Model A Ford Coupe
1931 Model A Ford  Deluxe Coupe

One of my favorite customers at work drives a 1931 Model A Ford Coupe and every time I get a little thrill when he pulls it up to the front door. Bill just turned 90 this past week and he sold used Fords in the 1930’s. At the time you could buy a used Ford for $15.00, can’t even fill the gas tank for that amount now. His goal, to own every model built between 1929 and 1937, not all at once, but before he dies.

This one he purchased about a year ago in Chicago, he’s done a little work to it, and is now ready to move on to the next. So, if you’re in the market for a true American classic  and a piece of living history, this automobile is for you. Even comes with a rumble seat, which is so cool, next time Bill comes in he said he would give me a ride around the parking lot.

I told Bill I would spread the word, so if anyone is interested please send me your email address and I will forward the information and connect the two of you together. The car is located in Omaha, Nebraska and is being sold by owner.

#18/52: Cows in the Sunset

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The grass is belly high, the cow have calves by their side and the sun is setting on the horizon. How I love the Midwest!  Angus and “black baldy” cows are the norm around this part of the country and after “talking” to them a little I got their attention.

Evening in the country
Evening in the country with the cows

Editing notes: Used Lightroom 4 to increase the exposure and increase clarity in the grass and the brush to decrease the exposure in the sky. The last thing I did was use the masking brush and open up the the highlights in the cows, their black coloring was hard to separate individuals.

Information about Raising Cattle

A Field Guide to Cows: How to Identify and Appreciate America’s 52Cattle: A Handbook to the Breeds of the WorldRaising Beef Cattle For DummiesKnow Your CowsThe Backyard Homestead Guide to Raising Farm Animals: Choose the Best BreedsSmall Cattle for Small Farms (Landlinks Press)

Marine Corps Dress Cover

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I’ve loved this photo ever since I took when my youngest son graduated from Marine Boot Camp. A Marine in his dress blues is the epitome of pride, honor and commitment. They also look very handsome.

United States Marine Dress Cover
United States Marine Dress Cover

Every part of the Marine Corps uniform is thought out to the smallest detail. The cover issued to boots have a cloth crown (shown above) , some Marines later opt to purchase a white vinyl crown which is more durable. Military uniforms have a lot of history, yet the United States Marine Corps seems to be the one that everyone recognizes as being the best design and the most iconic.

Little brothers of Marines enjoy dressing like their big brothers, pint size dress blues costume to school on veterans day, Halloween, dress like your hero day. I think it’s really really cute and a great way for them to show their support for the military.

Don’t get the idea that an adult could wear it though, that would be called stolen valor and is greatly frowned upon. Don’t do it, EVER!

Dress Blues Costume for Kids

Kids 3 Pc U.S. Marine Corps Dress Blues Replica Uniform MediumYoung Heroes Marine Dress Blues Costume, SmallStuffed 10″ Dress Blues BearTalking Sgt R. Lee Ermey 12″ Action Figure

 Information on Marine Corps Uniforms

Marines To Wear Service Uniforms Every Friday

MARINE CORPS SUPPORT FACILITY NEW ORLEANS — Beginning Jan. 4, 2013, all non-deployed Marines and sailors assigned to Marine units, regardless of component, active or Reserve, will be required to wear the appropriate seasonal service uniform …
Marine Corps Electronic LIbrary | Writer’s Guide to …

… does the Marine Corps manage operational stress? What did Marine Corps uniforms look like in the early 1980s? How would a Marine disarm a mine? Description: The US Marine Corps is pretty open with their publications, …
SUNROTC_Marine Corps Uniforms – ProProfs Quiz

This quiz will test the student’s comprehension of the correspondence material covering the U.S. Marine Corps Uniform Regulations.
Appropriate times to wear uniforms? – Leatherneck.com

I was wondering when the appropriate times/occasions/places/etc you are allowed or most common to wear certain uniforms upon graduation from Recruit Training. I believe these are all the Marine Corps uniforms, but I may …