Monday Heroes and In-laws.

 ABOUT yesterday...Note push mower: For high grass there was some adjustment for high grass but very little.  Most of us cutting 6" grass had to push forward 3' then pull it back and go again, many time it took 3 times to get it down, BUT it was done no matter how high the weeds....And then goats, like Victor, we used goats in GITMO around where ammo was stored. Less dangerous!

Picture of the day:

Actual picture of USMC landing on Iwo Jima, WWII

Today’s stuff:  Now....

There have been a lot of mother-in-law jokes, I even used some. Friend Victor stays in trouble over in the UK about where his MIL parks her broom. BUT ME? I had the best, Susie Hawes Harris, she was one sweet woman. However, Sherry embarrassed me once while we were parked in front of their house. She was smooching me so heavily that her mother came out in her night gown to tell SHERRY to ‘Sit up in that car!’

That is my version of the TRUTH!

Many of us men migrate to the family of our wives. I certainly did. Sherry’s family was very dear to me. I have many heroes, most military. Sherry and I grew up during WWII and our brothers served in that war. Both were in the Pacific. My brother, Junior, was a ‘decorated’ gunner on a Destroyer Escort ship.

Junior,  101 yr old this year... Wish he was still here... Picture is Just before leaving Shelby NC to serve on the Ship below, the USS Baron

Sherry’s Brother Lefty Harris (100 yrs old ) was a decorated US Marine. He was wounded during the USMC landing on Iwo Jima.

Sherry, Lefty and Johnny, just after the war.

I have mentioned Sherry’s brother (Passed but 93 yrs this yr), Vernon Gomez; he too was a hero of mine, serving at least two tours in Vietnam.

                Above is Vernon and his wife Janet.

I am reluctant to list friends, cousins, nephews, uncles who served, I might miss one. They too, are my heroes.

I brought that up mainly because in the last few days

Becky, one of Lefty’s daughters, called Sherry to verify that had lefty lived, he would be 100 yrs old now? Sherry who knows every birthday of everyone in our families, living or dead. Yes, Sherry said Lefty was born March 1926 making him a 100 this month.

WE all trained, simulated being ordered ashore or dropped in a combat zone. Some, reading here, actually were there, I was fortunate and never saw combat.

With their background, veterans, think of those military standing ready near Iran today. Most are on ships awaiting orders. WE, out of harm’s way, feel for the anxiety of WAITING! I admire every man and woman in uniform now. There was a time seeing a uniform brought automatic, RESPECT.

During my time, a man in uniform could stand on the road with a thumb out and be picked up immediately. Most of us did that at one time or the other in 50s & 60s.

Nite Shipslog

PS: When I visit VA hospitals and see the VETS who lost sight, limbs and many with shattered nerves. I am thankful for their service and realize how blessed to have served in three branches and still be walking around.