Posts

Coins Left on Tombstones

Fred Childs Posts

Have you ever been in a cemetery and saw coins laying on a tombstone? There is actually a reason behind it.

While visiting some cemeteries you may notice that headstones marking certain graves have coins on them, left by previous visitors to the grave. These coins have distinct meanings when left on the headstones of those who gave their life while serving in America’s military, and these meanings vary depending on the denomination of coin.

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A coin left on a headstone or at the grave site is meant as a message to the deceased soldier’s family that someone else has visited the grave to pay respect. Continue reading →

Fallen Soldier Comes Home

Fred Childs Posts

Bud Roach writes:

The big city of Whitewright, Texas has a population of about 1,750.  Saturday the community will lay to rest a 20 year old soldier killed in Afghanistan.  

I did not know him but I taught/coached/was principal for his dad and uncle.  

It causes me to have a lonesome feeling as I think back to 67-68.  We didn’t know what happened at home when we lost a friend.  

Saturday the streets will be lined with flag waving residents from the entire area.  He will be honored with full military rites.  Army brass in their dress blues will be here.  I’m afraid we have forgotten that we still have soldiers  in harms way until it hits close to home like it has this week for Whitewright, Texas.

Today, May 7, 2014,  at about 1:00 p.m.  Whitewright’s fallen soldier returned home.  

Just before the procession arrived it began to rain a driving downpour.  There were people lining the highway waving flags.  

School was dismissed for the occasion so his classmates barely a year ago were there.  People were getting drenched but they did not leave.  

The procession was led by state troopers and police cars from all over the area.  They were followed by the Patriot Guard on their motorcycles (in the rain).  The hollow feeling is still there.  The young man was 20 years old.  He looked like he was 15.  

Then I think we were soldiers once and young.  He looked like me in 1966/67/68.

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Order of Battle – Vietnam

Fred Childs Posts ,

What is the Order of Battle?

The organization or hierarchy of military forces in preparation for a battle.

The planned sequence in which military units arrive and are deployed on a battlefield,

usually based on estimates of their combat effectiveness.

Let’s take a look at the organization or hierarchy of the 4th Infantry Division during Vietnam. Continue reading →

Tim Dineen Crypt Restoration Dedication

Fast Freddy Posts

Tim Dineen Crypt Restoration Dedication

Tom Minero writes:

I have set the date for the restoration of Tim Dineen’s resting place for Friday, May 16th at 1:00 pm at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, 550 Glen Cove Road, Vallejo, CA. Many of you have stated that you would like to be in attendance. Through your generous donations, I have accumulated a wreath, an engraved memorial stone, plants, and small flags in addition to the iron panel that will be installed. A veteran who served alongside Tim will be present, and a bugler courtesy of VFW Post 1123 will play Taps. Those who plan to attend may bring mementos to lay at the site.

There will be a gathering after the event at the Vets Memorial Hall in Benicia, 1150 First Street (corner of First & Military East) which is less than a 5 minute drive from the cemetery. Note: Tim’s crypt is to the far right fence line upon entrance and the road next to it is very narrow. I advise people to park their cars on Benicia Road on either side of the entrance gate, or across the street in the entrance of the old Auto Movies Drive-in. 
I look forward to meeting some of you there.

The Army’s Spectacular Hidden Treasure Room

Sniper Ghost Posts

Remember that ending scene out of Indiana Jones where the Ark of the Covenant is boxed up and wheeled through an endless government warehouse?

Did you know that that place actually exists?

It is located 30 minutes outside Washington, D.C., at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. The building itself is very nondescript.

Arrow right  Click to view The Army’s Spectacular Hidden Treasure Room

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Thanks to Ron for the link. HooRah

Walking Point: Vietnam Scout Dogs

Sniper Ghost Posts, Videos ,

“Walking Point” is a proposed one-hour documentary that tells the emotional story of six Vietnam War veterans as they relive their dramatic and dangerous tour of duty leading infantry troops on special missions. 

Over 4000 dogs served in the Vietnam War — the largest concentrated effort toward the use of canine teams in U.S. combat history. These highly trained German Shepherds served as the eyes and ears of the infantry. The scout dogs and their handlers had one of the most dangerous jobs in Vietnam. They walked point — ahead of infantry troops. Their job was to detect dangers such as trip wires, mines, snipers and enemy troops.

Nearly 40 years after the Vietnam War, six veterans who served in the 42nd Infantry Platoon Scout Dog with the 101st Airborne Division have reunited to talk about their experiences and the extraordinary bonds held with their K9s — some of them are sharing these stories for the first time.

Arlington Flyover

Sniper Ghost Posts, Videos

Two Air Force Pilots, Major Howard V. Andre Jr. and Major James E. Sizemore, were recently buried at Arlington National Cemetery and were honored with a flyover by civilian pilots. The Air Force pilots were Killed In Action over Laos during the Vietnam War and their remains were only recently discovered and returned for proper burial at Arlington. This Flight of Honor was truly awesome for the other pilots to plan and conduct it.

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NOTE: Due to military budget cuts. the Air Force no longer does flyovers

Thanks to JS for the link. Hoorah