First known as Fort Whipple when it was part of the Defenses of Washington DC during the US Civil War, Fort Myer, Virginia is key in the US Air Force’s history. A significant milestone, actually the cornerstone, as the first military aviation flights occurred on Post in September 1908 when the Wright Flyer ascended the skies above the drill field. In response to the US Army’s Signal Corps request, the fledgling craft would spend the days of the next week that September circling the acres where the US Army’s cavalry and field artillery trained and General Philip Sheridan deemed a showcase for the Cavalry.
Continue Reading…
GHTime Code(s):
Posted 4 months, 2 weeks ago at 12:46 pm. Add a comment
In a few days, we’ll honor our military on Veterans’s Day -
the 11th Month, the 11th Day at the 11th Hour…
The sacrifices that they and their families have and continue to make to defend the freedoms and foundation of the United States of America.
I am fortunate to have a fantastic group of friends and they are always giving me ideas or sending me great insights and items. This is a special one from Larry who served in the US Marine Corps and I’d like to share it with you. And please share it with your family and friends as a rememberance of what you have to be thankful.
And
Thank you for your service Larrry!
Continue Reading…
Posted 1 year, 2 months ago at 11:56 am. 3 comments
On 25 APR 1967 we lost another pioneer of the US Army Air Corps…
MG Benjamin Foulois
Major General Benjamin Delahauf Foulois, the first chief of the Army Air Corps to be a military aviator, had a number of “firsts” in his long and illustrious career. His accomplishments spanned 56 years during active-duty and retired military aviation service.
He was a contemporary of LtThomas Selfridge, who was the first military aviation fatality when the Wright Flyer he and Orville Wright were flying over Fort Myer, VA in 1908 crashed.
General Hap Arnold, the only 5 star General in two service branches was also contemporary of both MG Foulois and LT Selfridge
Posted 1 year, 9 months ago at 10:39 pm. Add a comment
Here’s a more in-depth look at the making and background of the calendar – “The Old Guard on Mission – 2010″ – some history and little known facts…
Continue Reading…
GHTime Code(s): 63669 d6ba5 dd8cb ef98f 4b57b 11258 nc nc nc Posted 2 years ago at 5:50 am. Add a comment
Today 11 NOV is Veterans’ Day – I thank all who have given of themselves for their service.
There are nearly 125,000 Americans who are buried on foreign soil among 24 cemeteries in places such as Tunisia in North Africa, Flanders Field in Belgium… Continue Reading…
GHTime Code(s): 33f4b Posted 2 years, 2 months ago at 6:47 am. Add a comment
In August of 1949, it was Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson who proclaimed 3rd Saturday in May – A day to honor those who are serving in the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard & Marines!
It was 20 MAY 1950, when President Harry S. Truman declared the first Armed Forces Day to thank those who serve to protect the freedoms of our United States of America.
Some 44 million Americans have served in the Armed Forces of the United States according to the Veterans’ Administration. It’s because of them and the ones who now serve that I can sit here and write these words without any cause of concern.
Thank someone in the military today…
Posted 2 years, 8 months ago at 9:20 am. 1 comment
Last night was a bit of a challenge, and I continued to wake and finally out of something to distract the active mind, I turned on the laptop and resumed my synopsis of Tuesday… I didn’t finish yet. I must admit I checked email and found that my network of friends & fans continued to grow.
I also saw that a soldier on their 3d deployment was on – it was morning there. but no reason for me to be on. I reached out and we had a nice chat. Nice, but rather disturbing. I learned from him that he had to reach into his own funds and buy ‘necessities’ for his soldiers. I was shocked and dismayed that we send our soldiers into harm’s way and we can’t provide “basic coverage” to do their jobs.
I alerted him to a website that I’ve used repeatedly to surprise the troops with “STUFF” that I have assembled (paperback books, treats, batteries, even my notecards with plenty of pens). I urged him to sign up and see what ‘donations’ he could attract.
I know that it’s tight for a lot of us these days (me included) but if you can, go out to the website http://www.anysoldier.com/ and pick a soldier and find out what they want/need and if you can send it off. You’ll feel better. I know I do when I head to the post office with that package.
They’re fighting for you… won’t you help them?
Posted 3 years ago at 12:47 pm. Add a comment
To all of those who have served and continue to serve to protect the freedoms of democracy in the United States and the world….
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
Posted 3 years, 2 months ago at 12:00 pm. Add a comment
After the SEP 1908 trial flights at Fort Myer, the Wright Brothers once again returned in 1909 to show the US Army what improvements that were made and a longer flight from Fort Myer, VA to where the George Washington Masonic Monument stands in Alexandria, VA and back convinced the US Army that there was merit in this new way of travel.
In 1910, the first air group was established, located at College Park, MD — the success of this group leading to the US Army Air Corps. Finally after WW II, when the War Department was disbanded ( the US Army with its Air Corps were under the War Department until then) – and in 1947, when the Department of Defense was created, the US Army & then new US Air Force became separate services.
Posted 3 years, 5 months ago at 11:33 pm. Add a comment
As many of you who read my posts know, I’ve realized very well the importance of the US military to the United States. Many people take our freedom for granted and don’t realize the role that over time they have played to allow the citizens of the US to enjoy things that the rest of the world is very envious.. Envious enough that they violate our borders either by land or by air to come here ILLEGALLY! (send them home!)
You may not agree with the “wars” we are waging, I don’t either, but I support our men and women in uniform for what they are doing.
Any way, on this eve of Thanksgiving. as we go into the holiday season, I’d ask you to check out the website http://www.anysoldier.com/ to find a request that you can make someone a bit more comfortable away from home. Over the past several months, I’ve sent several packages of books, cards, writing items, music CDs or whatever else they’ve asked for.
Open up your heart and SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!
Posted 4 years, 2 months ago at 8:45 pm. Add a comment
