Bastogne

Julia and I had the amazing opportunity to see one of the famed European battlefields of World War II this last Monday. As a daytrip, we decided to go and visit the Belgian town of Bastogne. Most everyone knows the story of the Battle of the Bulge and the 101st Airborne Divisions bold defense of the town. I had read the book by Stephen Ambrose Band of Brothers, so was reasonably familiar with the story of the battle. I know where most of the more known locations are and where the more popular site from the battle around the city, but a tour sounded nice and there happened to be a unique one ready for us.


This is Robert. He drove us around in an authentic 1943 Willies. Most people would call it a Jeep. He took us around to 6 of the most notable sites to included the Bastogne Historical Center and monument, the Peace Woods, the Bois Jacques, Foy, Noville, Recogne, Boggess Pillbox and Bastogne city center. We were able to see a lot of great sites with a nostalgic feel from riding in the Jeep. Here are some of the great pictures we took on that trip.


A Sherman Tank used by the 4th Armored Division during the assault to relieve Bastogne.

The monument is dedicated to the units involved in the fight during the Battle of the Bulge. Below the monument is a crypt dedicated to all soldiers of the Protestant, Catholic and Jewish faiths.


Foxholes in the Bois Jacques overlooking the town of Foy. I don't know if they were E Companies or not, but it is in the general area.


Two original buildings in Foy that stood during the battles. If you look close, you can still see bullet holes.



This is the Borggess Pillbox. This is where 1LT Charles Boggess' tank, the lead tank of C Company, 37th Tank Battaion, made the initial break of the ring around the town of Bastogne.

What Competative Sports are REALLY About

I think that it is sad that over the last several decades, the people of the US have become antagonistic toward the winning attitude Americans have historically been known for. We strive to be the best at everything that we do and if we fail, we always get back up and try harder until, sometimes after numerous failures, we finally succeed. I think that Gen. George S. Patton said it best in a speech he made to his Soldier's of the Third Army before the Invasion of Europe in World War II.

"Men, this stuff that some sources sling around about America wanting out of this war, not wanting to fight, is a crock of bull****. Americans love to fight, traditionally. All real Americans love the sting and clash of battle. You are here today for three reasons. First, because you are here to defend your homes and your loved ones. Second, you are here for your own self respect, because you would not want to be anywhere else. Third, you are here because you are real men and all real men like to fight. When you, here, everyone of you, were kids, you all admired the champion marble player, the fastest runner, the toughest boxer, the big league ball players, and the All-American football players. Americans love a winner. Americans will not tolerate a loser. Americans despise cowards. Americans play to win all of the time. I wouldn't give a hoot in hell for a man who lost and laughed. That's why Americans have never lost nor will ever lose a war; for the very idea of losing is hateful to an American."

This is the true spirit of America. That is why I was so glad to see this article about the Dodger's starting catcher Russell Martin. His attitude makes him popular with the fans as much as his performance. Just read the article and you will see what I mean.


Russell Martin Achieves Stardom in Second Big-league Season

The whole reason that we get so much satisfaction from watching sports is we love to see the Spurs sweep the Cavs or the Colts win their first Superbowl since they were in Baltimore. We like to see them win and when our team loses, we get a sinking, churning feeling in our guts, that accompanies our sadness and regret. This competition is what drives us, makes us better, and keeps us from settling with mediocrity.

COMPETITION IS AMERICAN.

Paris Hilton

OH SO FUNNY!!!

Fallen Friend

Last week my wife and I found out that a friend of ours from church was killed in Iraq.

Fallen Soldier is Remembered as a Selfless Friend

Just after I got back from Iraq last October, and I started going back to the church that I had been going to before the deployment. While there we met a new couple from the States new to Baumholder. His name was Bruce Horner and his wife’s name is Erin. We had actually met them through other friends the Beaulieus; Michael Beaulieu was my Fire Support NCO in Iraq. They met when Mike had a flat tire and Bruce stopped to help. They changed the tire and then Mike invited him and his wife to church on Sunday. Once they came to church, they quickly made many friends including us. We went out to dinner and hung out with them on several occasions and really clicked.

Bruce had been in the Active Army for several years 18 years ago as an MP and then decided to get out. During his break in service he served as a Reserve MP and Police Officer in Virginia. Then he ended up going back on Active Duty in 2006 and came to Baumholder. Unfortunately as soon as we got back, his unit was getting ready to deploy the next week.

Julia and I did have the opportunity to go out for dinner again when he was home on R&R in February. That was the last time that we were able to see him.

Bruce and his wife were several years older then us but we got along like we went to College together. He was a great inspiration to everyone he met and was a devoted husband a Christian.
Julia and I will miss him.

Respect

The life as a soldier is hard not because we fight our nations wars, but because those that do not fight, grate on our nerves. I am sure that everyone has heard the quote by Voltaire, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." Well the same goes with what people do, and in the case of this article, with what people don’t do.

A Soldier’s Final Flight

I have been a soldier for going on three years now. I have been deployed once and preparing for my second. During that time, I have see soldiers killed and actually lost a couple friends as some of them. I paid them all of the respect that they deserved and would expect even those not in the military, even if they do not know the specific acts of respect, at least be respectful.

Please take this article to heart and do not do what these people did.

From a grateful Soldier