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military

Marine Mom Challenge Coin

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Look what I just found! A Marine Mom Challenge Coin, I didn’t even know they made them. If my Marine Corps sons ever read my blog this is a big hint for my birthday, Mothers Day, or Christmas. (no more need for a hint) Both my sons have received Challenge coins from their superiors while in the Marines. They have also purchased commemorative coins to recognize their service. I love the meaning behind them and how they chronicle events in a Marines life.

Proud Marine Mom Challenge Coin in the military tradition of the United States Marine Corps

I recently took did a photography shoot of all of their coins when they were home on leave. Some I have transformed them into cards and other gifts, but many I just took photos of for posterity. But, I didn’t know there was a challenge coin for Marine Mothers.

 I’ve since had inquiries on Twitter whether the company makes Proud Army Mom or Proud Navy Mom challenge coins, and they certainly do. So if you have a soldier for a son or daughter, or a sailor you too can have a challenge coin to keep in your pocket, purse, or on your desk as a talisman or sorts. As military Moms, we have our challenges of our own, we have to know what to say, what not to say, all in supporting our sons and daughters.

UPDATE: I’m not sure if my son read my blog or not, but he was home shortly after Mothers Day and after handing me a “fake” Mothers Day gift he then handed me a small packet, then put his hand over his mouth as he was hiding a smile and a smirk. I did get my Marine Mom Challenge coin. I keep it with me in my purse and love it. My son’s are so thoughtful.

Marine Mom and her son

Yes you can say I’m a pretty proud Marine Mom. I have my coin, I have my shirt and I have my bumper stickers on my car. I also have a necklace and a few USMC blankets. I don’t get to see my boys very often, but whenever I see or use one of my US Marine gifts I think of them and get a little teary eyed.

If you’re looking for a Marine Mom gift you can’t go wrong with any of the below items.

Marine Mom Gifts

Marine Mom Dog Tag NecklaceMarine Mom Hooded Sweatshirt in Dark Heather GrayCafePress One Proud Marine Mom T-Shirt Women’s DarkWhite 6in X 6.5in — Proud Marine MomMarine Mom Mother’s Day Dog Tag MMFNecklace: USMC Strong Pendant Necklace by The Bradford

 

The Title Marine is Earned During Boot Camp and the Crucible

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The Marine Corps Crucible

The title U.S. Marine is not given, it is earned. A young boy or girl, upon entry into Marine boot camp at MCRD, is called a recruit, not a Marine. Thus the name Marine Corps Recruit Depot. They must earn the title during 13 weeks of rigorous training during boot camp. It is not until the completion of the Crucible the recruits are finally called Marines.

Marien Corps Recruit training ends with the Crucible

The Crucible is the last test of Marine recruit training and held during Phase Three of training. It is 54-hour test over 45 miles of marching teamwork and leadership. It epitomizes endurance, a brotherhood, and a no man left behind mentality among the warrior.

USMC Keepsake Box - Made a Difference - Ronald Reagan Marine Corps Quote Keepsake Box - Boot camp graduation giftUSMC Keepsake Box – Made a Difference – Ronald Reagan Marine Corps Quote Keepsake Box – Boot camp graduation giftUnited States Marine Corps Crucible Candle for the final boot camp challenge.United States Marine Corps Crucible Candle for the final boot camp challenge.Marine Corps Christmas Ornament | Military Christmas Ornament | Boot Camp Graduation Gift | Retirement Gift | Keepsake Ornament | Military GiftMarine Corps Christmas Ornament | Military Christmas Ornament | Boot Camp Graduation Gift | Retirement Gift | Keepsake Ornament | Military Gift

Recruits use problem-solving skills to maneuver and accomplish tasks at challenging stations which replicate real-world situations, named after famous Marines and battles. They survive on only a few hours of sleep during the Crucible, eating a few MRE’s to sustain themselves and if lucky they get tossed an apple or orange, which they devour.

If you would like to try an authentic MRE meal and get an idea of what the military eats in the field you can actually buy them for yourself. Your Marine may think your nuts, ok I guarantee it, but I know younger brothers and sisters of Marines would get a kick out of eating like their big brother on deployment.

Boot Camp: The Making of a United States MarineBoot Camp: The Making of a United States MarineMarine Boot- by Daniel Da Cruz a Drill InstructorMarine Boot- by Daniel Da Cruz a Drill InstructorTHE YELLOW FOOTPRINTS TO HELL AND BACK: The starting point for every Marine: a drill instructors' story of life in Marine Corps boot camp during the Vietnam War.THE YELLOW FOOTPRINTS TO HELL AND BACK: The starting point for every Marine: a drill instructors’ story of life in Marine Corps boot camp during the Vietnam War.

At the end is the last 12-mile march ending with “The Reaper*”, a hill so intimidating it is a legend among Marines. Up they hike, with 60 lb packs, trying not to be last in line and helping their buddies along the way who falter. It’s a right of passage to climb the top, onto the parade deck, see the flags waving, music playing and to have placed in your hand, the Eagle, Globe and Anchor which indicates they have finally earned the right to be called a United States Marine.

*The Reaper a hill unique to the San Diego MCRD boot camp experience

Related Marine Recruit Training Articles

If you have experience as a Marine Corps recruit I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment below or follow me on Twitter by clicking on the right. Thank you for visiting and Semper Fi!

Colonel Tom Brewer: Warrier to Congressman

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I am honored to know Tom Brewer, and his family. I don’t normally venture into politics on my blog, photography is my gig, but have made a few exceptions, Colonel Tom Brewer is reason to make that exception.  The more I learn about politics the more I’m fed up and tired of politics as usual and the career politicians who place their own interest first. We need more people in Washington that love America, understand what freedoms we truly have, and are willing to fight to keep that freedom.

Colonel Tom Brewer for Congress 2014
Click to go to the official Tom Brewer for Congress website

We have a commander in chief who has never served in the military, who doesn’t understand international politics and policies and has made decisions that have not only hurt our country but put thousands of our men and women in the military in harms way and placed them in danger.

This is where my endorsement (for what it’s worth) and political stance is front and center. I totally believe, trust and stand behind Colonel Tom Brewer for Congress for the third district in Nebraska. I have been fortunate to know him and his family for many years as they have lived in Eastern Nebraska and his kids have gone to the same high school as mine. His daughter is a good friend of my sons and I think the world of her.Click to the Colonel Tom Brewer for Congress 2014

Tom has not only served his country with honor and commitment, stood in the line of fire to protect his men, but also been placed in diplomatic leadership positions with international leaders and advisers. He was critical in helping build the Afghan National Army in the years after 9/11. There is much I can say about the man and his values, but I have decided to link to the media stories and interviews to let him tell it himself.

People in the third district don’t have “bad” things to say about Adrian Smith, but they really can’t say something positive he’s done either. Although it has come to light that Rep Adrian Smith In a recent poll in the Grand Island Independent  more than 70% think the 3rd District needs a military man to represent them in Congress.

Since then Colonel Brewer has taken Congressman Smith to task for not supporting the families of the men killed at Benghazi and has urged him to support HR 36 which would would support Congressional action to investigate the terrorist attack on Benghazi on September 11, 2012.

Tom Brewer speaks about Benghazi
CLICK to hear the radio interview

I have been following the events of Benghazi from the beginning as my oldest son was at Camp Bastion just a few months before the attack and it really hit close when men he knew and worked with died and were injured in the attack. Colonel Brewer knew and served with Navy SEAL Glen Doherty and in a radio interview this week stated the following:

“The mortars used to kill Americans on September 11, 2012 in Benghazi had American tail fin numbers. They were killed with our own weapons. And for the life of me, I don’t understand why Congressman Adrian Smith will not support an investigation that would allow the truth to come out.”

What is going on in Washington? Why are some state representatives hiding their head in the sand? The sitting Republican Congressman Adrian has time and time again turned down Tom Brewers request to debate before the primary. What is he afraid of, I say let’s get Tom Brewer elected, send him to Washington and let him take names and kick butt.

 

I encourage you to visit his website, contribute what you can, pass his information along to anyone in the country. It’s not just Nebraska he represents but all veterans, patriots and Americans. If you have contacts in the media or in the press get them in contact with Colonel Brewer and his campaign office. He not only has a story to tell, but is a leader who will get things done in Washington.

Colonel Tom Brewer Official Links

Video Stories

Nebraska Soldier retires After 36 years

  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAEYYxFoC8w

Watch the Brewer vs Smith Debate

Watch the Republican primary debate between Tom Brewer and Adrian Smith at UStream.com decide for yourself who won the political debate. I have watched many political debates over the years and Tom Brewer did a fantastic job in my opinion, you would never know he hasn’t debated before, or been in the political area. I didn’t know he had such a public speaking presence.


Video streaming by Ustream
 Political Interviews

Learn where Tom Brewer stands on abortion (Pro-Life), the second Amendment (life time NRA member), Benghazi, immigration, the national budget, national defense, the Keystone Pipeline, the Tea Party, immigration, leadership, and more important issues facing our country today. He has a vast amount of knowledge and experience in domestic and international affairs.

Articles About Colonel Tom Brewer

Tom Brewers Military Career

Books

Chronicles the attack near Kabul Afghanistan where Tom Brewer and his men were outnumbered 10 to one, yet they held off the enemy for more than an hour before support arrived. Tom Brewer was shot six times yet still continued to fight and received his first Purple Heart.

If you know Colonel Tom Brewer you understand what he stands for, if you don’t get to know this man, he will tackle Washington like he has him military life, with honor and commitment.

 

12 Interesting Facts About Flag Day

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Flag Day is rarely observed by a large population of the United States, but it is one of the oldest American Holidays dating back to 1861, in all places, my birth place, Hartford Connecticut. Today take time to celebrate Flag Day with a little flag history, a little patriotic music, and show your pride by waving or displaying an American flag not only today but everyday.

Interesting Facts About Flag Day

Facts About Flag Day

  1. George Morris held the first unofficial Flag Day in 1861, but the idea didn’t catch on. (source)
  2. In 1885 Bernard J Cigrand from Waubeka, Wisconson held the first recognized Flag Day
  3. The Flag Day Association was founded in 1888 in Western Pennsylvania.
  4. June 14 was proclaimed as the first Flag Day by President Woodrow Wilson.
  5. School teacher Bernard Cigrand is credited by the National Flag Day Foundation for leading the charge, resulting in a Congressional declaration in 1949 by President Harry Truman
  6. Pennsylvania is the only state to have Flag Day as a state holiday.
  7. Fairfield Washington has the longest running Flag Day Parade and has held it every year (but one) since 1909.
  8. Flag Day is also the birthday of the United States Army, founded on June 14, 1775.
  9. Only the president and governors of a state can order flags on government buildings to be flown at half staff (23 Facts About the Flag)
  10. The original American flag had 13 stars; there have been 27 additions between 1777 and 1960.
  11. According to the History Channel., the date was picked according to the date the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
  12. According to PBS: Red symbolizes hardiness and valor; white symbolizes purity and innocence; blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.

Flag Day (Holiday Histories)Flag Day (First Step Nonfiction – American Holidays)

While not necessarily a fact on the American flag I though it interesting that the study of flags is called vexillogy

There shouldn’t be a perfect day, or week, to fly the American flag and show patriotism in the United States. It should be a feeling of every American to show their pride in the country in which they live every day. I am proud to live in this great country of ours. We have freedom and opportunity around every corner if people would just take advantage of their own skills and talent.

The below video includes my photography of average Americans celebrating their pride and patriotism in America. The song was written by my friend Steve Raybine, a jazz musician from Omaha Nebraska.

“America, how I love you, long may our flag ever wave..”

Americans are a gracious and generous people. We are proud of our country and the ideals for which we were founded. Religious freedom, freedom of speech, freedom to bear arms, freedom to congregate, and freedom of free press. The internet and technology has given millions of people a vehicle to exercise that freedom and this is my platform.

Where to Buy American Made Flags

American Flag 3×5 ft. Nylon SolarGuard Nyl-Glo by Annin Flagmakers, 100% Made in USA with Sewn Stripes,Flag Pole Kit: Includes Tangle Free pole – Bracket and American Flag Made in USAHEAVY-DUTY American Flag 4×6′ – 100% Made in the USA – Durable, Long Lasting, Rich Polyester MaterialValley Forge Flag 3-Feet by 5-Feet Nylon Kit with 20-Foot Aluminum In-Ground Pole and Hardware

History of Flag Day

Flag Day: What it means

WASHINGTON — What’s Flag Day? It’s the American celebration of the birthday of the Stars and Stripes. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed a resolution “that the flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes of alternate …

A brief history of Flag Day

In the late 19th century, schoolteachers all over the United States began conducting patriotic ceremonies commemorating Flag Day as a way to teach children about history. One such schoolteacher, Bernard J. Cigrand, is often referred to as the “Father …

Flag Day 2015: Top 3 Historical Facts to Help You Understand Why This is a Thing

It is Flag Day 2015, folks! How excited are you?! Or, are you just discovering that it’s Flag Day because we just told you? Well, don’t worry – you’re in the same boat as so many people across this great land. Therefore, MStars News has grabbed a few …

Flag Day, commemorating the adoption of the U.S. flag …

WAUBEKA — Flag Day is celebrated on June 14th — and it commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened on June 14th, 1777. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that …

American Flag Day – Tis the Star Spangled Banner | www …

Did you ever see the Movie “Not without my Daughter”? It is based on a true story about an American woman who marries an Iranian who convinces her and their daughter to visit his family in Iran. Once there, he refuses to let …

Patriotic Video: America, I Love You

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This patriotic video might just make you forget the recent government scandals so prevalent right now. Although it seems patriotism and confidence in the United States is waning or lacking. I don’t think it’s true. Yes, if you listen to talk radio, or watch CNN or other news channels you might be depressed and discouraged. But I tell you, there are good people all across this country doing good things, helping out neighbors, serving in the military because they love where they live.

Keep Us Safe because Freedome is Not Free
Korean War Memorial: Washington DC on Memorial Day

When American citizens are left alone, without government intervention we help each other out and stand side by side during tragedies such as the recent Oklahoma tornadoes.

In this week leading up to Memorial Day, I want to remind people the greatness of the American people outside the Washington Beltway. Memorial Day is not only a day to remember our veterans and those who died serving our country but to gather together as families worship and celebrate life, and remember those who have died and left an impact on our lives.

America I love YouMarine Corps Graduation, San Diego CA I’ve wanted to create a patriotic video that includes the many photographs I’ve taken over the years that have a military theme, or veterans theme, but didn’t have the appropriate music. This song “America, I Love You” was written by my friend Steve Raybine, a jazz musician in Omaha, Nebraska. I first heard it last fall and fell in love with it and he graciously allowed me to use it for the video.

Veterans of all our wars deserve our thanks for making the sacrifice and serving their country. This includes not only the modern wars in Afghanistan and Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom, Desert Shield, and Storm but the often forgotten Vietnam and Korean Veterans, along with those veterans from WWII and WWI.

It is the men and women of the Marine Corps, the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and our National Guard that spend days away from family and friends, whether abroad or stationed in the United States, that serve to protect our freedom. We owe them our thanks for volunteering for a job many would never consider.The Flag Still Stands For Freedom

As you participate in Memorial Day celebrations, parades and picnics, stop by a cemetery and read the inscriptions on the War Memorials of soldiers from the French Indian War and even the Civil War. If you are lucky enough to live in New England search out the Revolutionary War cemeteries. Those soldiers truly fought for our freedom and Independence. They are the reason we celebrate the 4th of July.

If you recognize some of the photos it’s because they are some of my favorites from my Washington DC trip when my kids marched in the Memorial Day Parade and include the World War II Memorial, United States Marine Corps Memorial, Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial and other images of freedom and sacrifice.

I was really quite surprised I had so many photographs of the American Flag and color guards taken at various parades. It never fails to give me a chill when the American Legion leads a parade with the flags and people stand to applaud, salute or put their hand over their heart.
My goal is to create a national sensation with this song. Patriotic pride needs to once again resonate through the land. So reblog this post, tweet it, post it to your Facebook page and PIN it on PINTEREST, let’s see how far this video and song can spread.

So post this for Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th of July, Veterans Day and all other patriotic holidays.

Thank you and God Bless.