INSPIRATIONAL

     These documents will consist of both video and published articles that will be uplifting and may contain some humor.  They are design to make us think most of all.  There will be no political satire or snide remarks.  If you desire that medium, there are the comics, newspaper columns, and political  punditry to satisfy your thrist.

      This page may not change every day but the intent is that it will change often.  Good inspiration is hard to find.  If you run across it, send it my way and we will share it with the world.

Chapter 49: Webmaster

1.

INSPIRATIONAL TRIBUTES:

      HERO:  By Michael Israel

     For some stories, there is no rhythm or reason why they should or should not be included.  This is one of them.  This is included just for the pure joy of it.

    Click here: for enjoyment.

Story updated:  11 October 2011: 15:30

 2.

 SUNNY JONES GOES ON 2nd ANNUAL PICNIC IN BALBOA PARK, SAN DIEGO

     It was another bright, blue-sky day in San Diego, CA, even though the early morning was cloudy and overcast.  No matter, the members of Chapter 0049 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) was intent upon having a good time come rain or shine.  So arriving at the park by 08:30 for set-up was a little disconcerting when our chosen area was taken by a group associated with the Heart association.  So it meant we would have to move to another area (unfamiliar to our chapter) approximately 100 yards across the park.

      Working hard, the set-up crew had everything complete and ready to go by 10:00.  The crew had purple table clothes cut-to-measure, a table-setting for each picnic table and the food-serving areas were set up for the 11:00 a.m. arrival of members and their guest.  This effort was headed by Patriot Nick Pylypowycz (Nick) who, for the second year in a row, has performed admirably in preparing the "great spread" but also in organizing the total effort.  Patriot "Bo" Boyd performed exceptionally as Chef in manning the grill and helping with culinary duties. 

     Additionally,  a hearty thanks to Mrs. Charlotte Miller of the Ladies Auxiliary and Patriot Robert Quimby for showing up early to stake-out the area and tables.  These members were the "crew" that deserve an extra pat on the back for a job well done.

 Nick scurrying to check on last minutes preparations while Chef Bo (in the background) fires up and works the grill.  This was our food serving area.

 Chef "Bo" Boyd begins the magic.    Nick grabs a breather.

     "Hurry up, guys, it won't be long before the "thundering herd" arrives and... then the fun begins." Speaking of arrivals, here comes a few now.

      Patriot Allen Wissinger, Chapter 49 Service Officer. Allen is the backbone of our chapter and has served in many roles, including Sr. Advisor to the prior Commander.

 Chapter Guests R-L: Ranicka Stone; Racari Stone; Mrs. Dorene LeCault; and Summer Stone.

    Chapter 49's Ladies Auxiliary with Chapter Banner.         Auxiliary L-R: Mrs. Charlotte Miller; Mrs. Julin Boyd; Mrs. Dorene LeCault; Mrs. Cora Adams; Mrs. Barbara Waller; Mrs. Laura Merrill; Mrs. Alice Barrett; and Mrs. J. Hernandez.

 Patriot Nick P. received a Certificate from Chapter 0049.

 Combining pleasure with business, Sr. Vice Commander Jack Harkins and Dept. Commander Gary Rutledge convene an abbreviate business meeting during the picnic.

 Torin is being presented with a Cert. of Recognition for his participation in the Poway Patriotic Parade which was con- ducted last weekend.

 A presentation to Patriot Andre LeCault for his participation in the Poway Patriotic Parade.

   Racari Stone and Patriot Ernest Collier of Chapter 0049

     So, in conclusion, I think everyone at the picnic had a wonderful time.  The weather was cooperative and, in fact, could not have been better.  The children were well behaved and the adults ... well, they were adults.

     Chapter 0049 will look forward to seeing you again at the 3rd Annual Sunny Jones Picnic.  This time, bring along a few more friends.  The more --  the merrier.

Ulysses Miller, Jr.

Adjutant/Webmaster                                                                 MOPH Chapter 0049

Story updated: 23 September 2011: 18:00

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3.

MARINES LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND

     Through the years, the Marines have developed their own unique warrior ethic, and they adhere to it religiously.  Individual Marine units have often been outnumbered -- they have never been outfought.  When a battle starts the Marines run to the sound of the gun, not away from it.  They always take care of their own.  From the first day of boot camp, a Marine recruit learns that Marines never leave their dead or their wounded behind.

     Last Thursday morning I was one of more than 300 runners in the NSA Armed Forces Week 5K run (Ft. Meade, MD). It was pretty crowded at the start, but things thinned out after about five minutes or so, and I took my bearings. Perhaps 200 yards ahead of me was a group of maybe 8 Marines or so who were obviously running together. I decided that a good goal would be to beat them, which seemed reasonable as I am a macho Air Force Chaplain and they were only a bunch of United States Marines. I kept them in sight for the next couple of miles, but the longer the race went on, the younger those guys got. It became apparent to me in the last half mile that I was not going to catch them, and I resigned myself to finishing well behind them.

      Then I noticed that one of their number was struggling and was gradually dropping off the pace. I panted out a word of encouragement as I caught him and realized that he was not about to give up. Within 100 yards of the finish line I saw a strange sight. The entire group of Marines made a U-turn in the road and were running back towards me. As they ran past me I noted their well-chiseled muscles and the determined set of their jaws. I glanced over my shoulder in time to see them rally around their buddy to provide the emotional support of the team so that they could all finish together.

      I was impressed. No way would they leave a struggling comrade behind. As I entered the finishing chute I murmured a prayer. "God, I'm glad those guys are on our side." And so it was that I learned a theological truth from the U.S. Marines that is as vivid as any my seminary professors ever taught. "If anyone... sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."
1 John 3:17,18

      Last Thursday I witnessed "a few good men" in action. They reminded me of the strength of being a team, and that words without actions are pretty much useless.

Thanks, Marines.  

Story updated: Oct. 10, 2011: 21:30

 3A.

THE "GREATEST UNTOLD STORY OF 9/11/2001" (To Date)

     Out of all the information coming out of the 9/11/2001 event, here is information about the rescue of nearly 900,000 people off the island of Manhattan, exclusively by water.

     This rescue would be the largest sea evacuation in history.  Even the evacuation of Dunkirk during WWII only involved 339,000 British and French soldiers and that took 9 days.  The 9/11 evacuation of Manhattan Island involved nearly 500,000 civilians and was completed in less than 9 hours.

     Where has this story been??  It is the "greatest example" of Americans seeing a need and acting to help in the fulfillment of a mission.

Click here to view.

Story updated: 11 Oct. 2011: 15:00

SUNNY JONES' 2ND ANNUAL PICNIC IN BALBOA PARK, SD - 

    Photos to accompany story.

L-R: Patriot Andre LeCault and Department of California Commander, Gary Rutledge introduces themselves at the picnic.  A note of introduction:  Andre LeCault is new to Chapter 49, yet, last weekend he accompanied and participated in the Poway Patriotic Parade.  This weekend he is present at the Chapter Picnic.  Kudos, sir.

Gary Rutledge is the California Dept. Commander for 2011-2012.  Having taken office in April 2011, Commander Rutledge came to visit one of 23 chapters in his Department. Welcome, Commander.

Patriot Rodney Barrett with Cmdr. Rutledge and wife.

          Another view.

 Charlotte and Julin Boyd enjoy a moment away from kitchen duty.

 Patriots Joseph Guerra and Robert Hernandez and wife arrives at picnic.

Patriot (Emeritus) Ernest Collier. Patriot Collier,affectionately known as "Sarge," is the oldest member of the Chapter.  Sarge was a member of the 9th Division of the group called the Buffalo Soldier.

 Patriot Joe Guerra receives his State Senate Cert. of Recognition for the Poway Patriotic Parade.

 Associate Member, Torin Merrill is the grandson of Cmdr. J. Petrini.

 A presentation of a Cert. of Recognition for Poway Patriotic Parade.

 Sr. Vice Commander Jack Harkins following the business meeting.

 Ladies Auxiliary members: L-R, Mrs. Laura Merrill and Mrs. Alice Barrett.

Summer Stone and Patriot Collier.

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