Photography by John Michael

PART ONE: TOG on a Mission – 2010

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…

D DAY – 6 JUN 1944 = A remembrance…

Photos Courtesy American Battle Monuments Commission

“Count your blessings

that they were willing to give, so you can be.”

- John Michael

Nearly 60 Years ago – Armed Forces Day

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…

Before there was a MARINE ONE…

There was …

President John F. Kennedy, his wife Jacqueline and son John Jr.

preparing to board helicopter ARMY ONE for a vacation.

And it was the US Army that provided the foundation of military aviation in the United States… there was a commemoration of the 100 years of military aviation held at Ft Myer VA in SEP 2008 marking the Wright Flyer’s first flights on Summerall Field.

I couldn’t sleep …

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?

11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month…

Happy 233rd Birthday US MARINE CORPS!

Why are U.S. Marines considered the world’s premier warriors? What puts the Marine Corps above the rest? Other military services have rigorous training and weapons of equal or greater lethality. So, why do U.S. Marines stand head and shoulders above the crowd?
The truth lies in the individual Marine. He (or she) did not join the Marines. Roughly 40,000 try each year. Those who survive the crucible of Marine basic training have been sculpted in mind and body. They have become Marines.
Once he has earned the title and entered the Brotherhood of Marines, a new warrior must draw upon the legacy of his Corps. Therein lies his strength. In return, the strength of the Corps lies in the individual Marine. The character (often defined as “what you are in the dark”) of these warriors is defined by the three constant Corps Values: honor, courage, and commitment.

Honor: Honor requires each Marine to exemplify the ultimate standard in ethical and moral conduct. Honor is many things; honor requires many things. A U.S. Marine must never lie, never cheat, never steal, but that is not enough. Much more is required. Each Marine must cling to an uncompromising code of personal integrity, accountable for his actions and holding others accountable for theirs. And, above all, honor mandates that a Marine never sully the reputation of his Corps.

Courage: Simply stated, courage is honor in action — and more. Courage is moral strength, the will to heed the inner voice of conscience, the will to do what is right regardless of the conduct of others. It is mental discipline, an adherence to a higher standard. Courage means willingness to take a stand for what is right in spite of adverse consequences. This courage, throughout the history of the Corps, has sustained Marines during the chaos, perils, and hardships of combat. And each day, it enables each Marine to look in the mirror — and smile.

Commitment: Total dedication to Corps and Country. Gung-ho Marine teamwork. All for one, one for all. By whatever name or cliche, commitment is a combination of (1) selfless determination and (2) a relentless dedication to excellence. Marines never give up, never give in, never willingly accept second best. Excellence is always the goal. And, when their active duty days are over, Marines remain reserve Marines, retired Marines, or Marine veterans. There is no such thing as an ex-Marine or former-Marine. Once a Marine, always a Marine. Commitment never dies.

The three Corps Values: honor, courage, commitment. They make up the bedrock of the character of each individual Marine. They are the foundation of his Corps. These three values, handed down from generation to generation, have made U.S. Marines the Warrior Elite.
The U.S. Marine Corps: the most respected and revered fighting force on earth.

Semper Fidelis“

Support Our Troops… www.AnySoldier.com

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!

Walking among history…

Since 2000, when I was first called upon to photograph my first military funeral – final honors, I’ve been very fortunate and blessed to see and learn more about the US military than most of the average civilians. From that exposure, I’ve gained a better appreciation for just how valuable and the many significant contributions that the US Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy and Marines have and continue to make to the US.

US Marines Museum – The First Trip

A Dear Friend of mine and I finally made the “pilgrimage” that we have spoken about for months. The US Marine museum in the area of Quantico, VA is really something to see. Even after spending over 4 hours exploring the exhibits, I had not seen and absorbed the entire offering and it begs to go back to take a second, third or more trips to this place honoring another dedicated people who are and have put their lives on the line for the freedoms that those who live in the United States enjoy.

Among the hundreds of photos I captured that day, I’ve shown only two that appear on my website (available for purchase with prints upto 20″ x 30″) at http://www.john-michael.net/