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James - Army Vet of 10 Years~

"My father was in WWII, and I always looked up to him and respected him. I had a great father. I was raised very well. So, naturally, I wanted to carry on that tradition of serving my country. It helped that I also had a brother and a sister who served in the Army as well", James explained.

His family tradition started him off in Ft. Stewart, Georgia, back in 1976. This carried him through until 1986, and took him as far away as Germany, where he served 2 tours there. James went on to become a squad leader, as a SSgt., in charge of 11 people.

"What I loved about the military, was that it taught me honor and respect. They taught me to be a man, and I loved the challenge of all of it", James said.

While stationed in Germany, James met a fellow soldier, who would go on to become his wife. "They didn't allow us to marry in Germany, so we both decided to go to Copenhagen, Denmark to marry. It was a nice, quiet place. It was a beautiful place for a honeymoon. That's my favorite memory of being in the military. Although the marriage didn't last, had I not gone into the military, had I not married, I wouldn't have the two great boys that I have today", James exclaimed.

"What I miss the most is the great travel. In 10 years, I almost went around the world. My only regret is that I didn't stay in a full 20 years. I would advise anyone who is thinking of going in, to go. It makes you grow up. You stop being self centered. You can also get an education and travel. It's a totally great lifestyle!", James said.

James, we appreciate your service to our great country and for that, we salute you!!

FROM THE ARMY TO ELVIS IMPERSONATOR

When John started his Army career back in 1977, he never dreamed that it would eventually lead him to become an Elvis impersonator. He found himself in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia enrolled in the Army's electronics training. Soon after his training, John ended up in Texas, where he met a buddy who shaped his musical career. His buddy just happened to be an Army Chaplain, who had a passion for music, and particularly the guitar. John became hooked! He and his buddy would drive to places all over Texas playing and entertaining people. John eventually changed jobs and became the Chaplain's assistant for the 3rd ACR.

John's active duty Army career lasted until 1980. "My favorite place that the Army lead me to was in San Luis Obispo county, Ca. It's absolutely beautiful with rolling hills. In fact, to this day, that is what I miss the most. Being able to be in those Southwestern areas that the Army afforded me to be, with the breath taking sunsets and mountains", John said. "What the Army did for me as a person is it gave me the chance to meet people from all over. Really great people. People from different cultures and I formed great friendships", John added.

John loved his Army life so much so, that he continued to serve his country by going into the Army reserves from 1980 to 1986. Giving him a total service career of just under 10 years!

But, it was his daughter who made him a true Elvis fan. "She loved Elvis and she got me hooked on him and the music", John tells us.

Today, John can be found traveling the entire gulf coast region as an Elvis impersonator. He has spent the last 11 years entertaining people from all walks of life doing his "Elvis" thing! "We started doing this in rest homes, just entertaining senior citizens. Now, we do large shows", added John.

To see more of what John is doing, or if you'd like to consider booking him for an entertainment gig, his website is www.thememoriesofelvisshow.com

John, thank you for serving your country, and enjoying what you did for America! We salute you!

THE INJURED AND FALLEN AT FORT HOOD, TEXAS

Our hearts, sympathies, and prayers go out to the injured, fallen and their families at Fort Hood Army Base in Texas. We love you for your courage and bravery in this time of pain and suffering.....

WWII VET, MALCOLM

Malcolm is 93 years young and is one of our national treasures. You see, he is one of the men from the "great generation". Malcolm's life began on May 10, 1916 in South Alabama. He served in the Army Infantry as a 1st Sgt during world war 2. He began his boot camp training at Sheppard field in Texas.  

Once Malcolm was assigned to the Pacific, he worked in supplies, serving the men on the front line. "I was afraid from the day I got in, until the day that I got out. But, I did what I was called to do", Malcolm told us.

Prior to serving in WWII, Malcolm married in 1929. That union lasted until just 3 years ago, when, "God called her home", Malcolm said. Today, Malcolm is very active in his church, traveling still to this day to meet young people and spread the good news. Having recently returned from a youth event in Tallahassee, Florida.

Malcolm was also a recent honor recipient of the famous "honor flights". This is a free trip provided for WWII vets to see the National World War Two Memorial in Washington, DC. Malcolm told us he was very moved at the memorial....

Words to say "thanks" Malcolm are just not enough....We absolutely salute you!

SHE CAN HANG WITH THE BEST OF THEM!

Renee knows her way around engines. Having grown up in a mechanical family (her father was a mechanic) it was only natural that she do the same in her military career. So, for 10 years now, Renee has been doing just that. She has enjoyed a career as a C-130 Mechanic in the USAF since the age of 28.
"Growing up in New York, I had worked a variety of jobs. I had been interested in the military since a recruiter had come to visit our high school. From an economic stand point, it became necessary to join. I had experienced a divorce at the time" Renee recalls.
"While I still had life experiences behind me, at 28, what the military gave me was so much more. Prior to joining, I only had "me" to be concerned with. Becoming a part of the military forced me to become more structured. I honed, to an even better degree, the life skills I had already achieved. I had to mature, to take care of things and to buckle down. Plus, had I not joined the military, I would have never gotten to meet the wonderful man that I am now married to", she tells us.
Never being sent over seas for even a short TDY, Renee can't say what exotic places she has been to or seen. However, she did get to go TDY to Las Vegas once. That was her favorite memory. She got to ride down the strip. She had the chance to take in all of the interesting and fun things there. All of the things that just jump out at you as you try to digest it all.
Renee, we are honored to have you serving our country. Making sure those guys are safe when they are up there flying those skies and protecting this great country! Thanks for a job well done!

Ben 27, U.S. Army

Ben 27, Kentucky

The enthusiasm with which he has embraced his new career is contagious, to say the least. This E-1 Private is beginning his new life in Ft. Campbell Ky as a health care specialist- and he fully intends to make a career out of it. Military life is no stranger to this young man. He has a father who proudly served in the US Air force and retired from that branch.
"I was working two jobs, trying to cover gas, insurance, and all the expenses that go along with everyday life. I decided that going into the military was a great option. I can cover all of the above and get my education, both at the same time", Ben explained.
"Before boot camp, I wondered if I could handle it. I totally expected a version of 'full metal jacket'. Often times, I thought- 'what the heck am I doing here'? My life consisted of surviving to make it to chow time and bed, ha ha. Very little food and sleep. I surprised myself by my undiscovered ability to handle a greater challenge than I had encountered in my life previously. I also have to credit my father for instilling self discipline. A no-quit attitude", Ben explains.
"My boot camp training is something I will undoubtedly take with me the rest of my life. I became great friends with a buddy there and we teamed up on the live-fire training. We were the most successful team and came through with flying colors. That gave me a real boost and confidence. It taught me leadership and team effort", Ben said.
Ben concludes, "One of my most exciting experiences was when we were camping out in the cold. I got to witness a tank brigade training exercise that turned into an impressive fireworks display. I called out my entire company to witness this dynamic event with me. It make me in awe of my country....."

Ben, we would like to salute you and welcome you to your new career. Thank you for loving your country enough to honor it and protect it!

COMING SOON- A WWII VETS FASCINATING STORY!

  Stay tuned for the coming feature of a hero of the great generation......

CALVIN SERVED 3 BRANCHES! MARINES, ARMY AND AIR FORCE!

 

Pouring over his family's encyclopedia set as a youngster ignited a fire in young Calvin. As he studied different branches of the military he became fascinated by it. He was especially intrigued by the Marines at this time. He loved the toughness and the polished images staring back at him.

As a "hippie" teenager during the Vietnam era, Calvin was growing up in a town outside Boston. During one particularly hot, muggy and miserable summer, a parade was held in honor of our country's 250th anniversary. During the march, Calvin saw "them" coming. It was the Marine band, as part of the parade celebrations. Here they were, right in front of him, smooth, polished, and clean. The music was powerful and the band was awesome! This only served to reinforce the accurate image of them he held.

Fast forward to around ages 18 and 19. Still living in "hippie" mode, Calvin was playing in small bands. Sharing his part in the 70's music and disco craze. But, his mind, with those earlier seeds planted, had never drifted far from that calling to serve his country and to polish his act and his look.

In 1977, he enlisted in the Marines, living out his dream, training to be in Recon. By May of 1978, he found himself being sworn in at Camp Pendleton. While it took a few years to build the impressive skills aquired by the best, that was just the beginning of Calvin's equally impressive career. This life in the Marines carried him through 13 years, until 1990. During a brief stint in a Real Estate career in California, his true calling began to scream at him once again- so he entered the Army Reserves Active Duty, as a Green Beret, with the 12th Special Forces in San Diego. This next exciting phase of his life unfolded during the years of 1992-1996. Still wanting more, and carrying an ambition that is nothing short of inspirational, Calvin signed up with the Air Force later in 1996. It had to be no less exciting and intriguing. Combat Control was a career field he excelled in as well. The stories this man could tell would be nothing short of a classic, epic movie! One story that did become true is Calvin began to feel his body's physical limitations. So, in the year of 2003, after serving 7 years in the Air Force, Calvin retired from a life that he loved so well.

When asked what he loved about serving in the military, Calvin replied, "The military gave me a chance to grow. It got me out of the environment of my youth and peer group and gave me an opportunity for a new start. I could establish who I was and what I was capable of, independent of the influence that home towns can have". Calvin goes on, "I have a lot of great memories from the military. I had the chance to see many different places and work with a lot of outstanding people. Our military is truly amazing. We are an all voluntary force made up of Americans from all socio-economic, racial and ethnic backgrounds working together to create the most professional and capable military in the world. I believe that comes from a patriotic spirit inspired by the real belief that we represent and are willing to defend a freedom that doesn't exist anywhere else in the world."

Calvin further adds, "I enjoyed my career. I had the opportunity to serve in special operations career fields in three different services. I was looking for excitement and found it! When I was in Force Recon we used to jokingly refer to ourselves as the run-jump-dive club. we got paid to work out, get in great shape, sky dive and scuba dive! Does it get any better than that? Yeah, actually it does. We also got to shoot a lot, practice mountaineering, rock climbing, skiing. Lots of other cool stuff and travel to a lot of great places".

Calvin, we don't know how to thank you for a job well done and a career well served.... Because of you and men like you, we have so much in this country that is taken for granted. If everyone of us could personally shake your hand or hug your neck- we would! We salute you!

Calvin now shares with others, his impressive skills, in his own Martial Arts Studio, as he has now mastered six (yep, count them, six) various forms of martial arts. He co-owns his own studio, [with his "rock-solid" wife of 20 years, Janet], in Navarre, Florida.

To read more about Calvin and what he is doing these days, as an owner of his own marital arts studio,  go to-

www.Onebodyus.com

 

CALVIN- WE SALUTE YOU!

GO SEALS!

WAY TO GO NAVY SEALS! WE THANK YOU FOR A GREAT JOB, WELL DONE FOR THE RESCUE OF CAPTAIN PHILLIPS! THANK YOU FOR A FLAWLESS MISSION. WE APPRECIATE YOU BEYOND WORDS!

COMING SOON- MILITARY AND MARTIAL ARTS COMBINED!

 

Check back very soon, as we are putting together a fascinating story! From a career in Special Forces to a career in Martial Arts!

MIKE, IN VIRGINIA

 "I cannot begin to count all of the ways really [the military] changed me. It was a transforming and empowering experience for me. It changed me in all of the right ways, in my opinion. I got to serve between 1983-1987 under the finest Commander-in-Chief ever, in my humble opinion, President Ronald W. Reagan", says Mike.

"One day, I was watching an NFL football game with my dad and a commercial came on that was calling for young men and women to join. Before that commercial aired, I had no interest in joining, but by the time it was over? I was ready to find a recruiter! When I got out of high school, I considered a variety of paths to take for my future, but had no intentions of joining the military. My dad served in the US Army, so the idea of joining the military was familiar to me", Mike tells us.

So began Mike's path as a Security Specialist in the United States Air Force, trained in Air Base Ground Defense. His primary duty assignment was to provide security for nuclear weapons, particularly Minuteman III missiles and silos. He attended basic and technical training at Lackland Air Force Base, attended Air Base Ground Defense Training at Camp Bullis, Tx and served the remainder of his enlistment at Minot AFB, North Dakota.

"My best memories of my time spent in the Air Force come from various personalities I encountered in there. Being from a small city in Virginia, it was very interesting to me to meet people from other parts of the nation and discover how differently we all viewed the world- and one another. But, during my military career, I didn't get to see a lot of interesting places, although, I did get an opportunity to see something few people ever get to. I would tell you what that was, but then, I'd have to kill you. You understand, right?", said Mike. (Well, at least through the years, he hasn't lost that sense of humor!)

Mike adds, "I learned a lot about myself, our nation, and our people. I also learned how much my family meant to me. Nothing will make you appreciate your parents more than leaving them for the very first time, particularly when there is no turning back. To those who feel led to serve their country, my advice is to do it! Of course, the sooner, the better. Whether you serve one enlistment or make a career of it, you will grow as a person, become more patriotic, learn to appreciate our Constitution and realize for the rest of your life that freedom isn't free!"

Since his military career, Mike spent a very rewarding career in law enforcement, and retired in 2007. He's also been running a Christian website he started in 2003. This site is utterly facinating! It deals with bible prophecy and current events/news. The site is located at: www.Rapturealert.com

Thank You, Mike! For your service and love of country!

JERRY, ALABAMA- WE SALUTE YOU!

 

Loveourmilitary: What did you do in the military and from what years did you serve?

Jerry: I served from 1989 to 1999. My job was as a medical logistics jouneyman.

Loveourmilitary: What made you want to enlist in the Air Force?

Jerry: Probably, the best two reasons, are that I knew it would be a great career move. Second, both my father and brother had served in the military. Both of them in the Army.

Loveourmilitary: Where were you stationed that you really enjoyed and why?

Jerry: I was stationed in Panama. That's where my best memories are. I loved the entire culture, and the beaches were beautiful. I even fished in the Panama Canal for Peacock Bass. I was there when we liberated Panama. I got to be a part of history. That will be forever locked in my mind!

Loveourmilitary: What did serving in the military do for you personally?

Jerry: It taught me discipline, organization, cleanliness. It taught me to appreciate what our military stands for. A beacon of light for freedom.

Loveourmilitary: What do you miss the most about being in?

Jerry: I miss being involved in the whole experience. I miss all that it offers: excitement, adventure, and brotherhood. I would love the opportunity to reconnect with a few of my Air Force buddies that I knew from back then.

Jerry, thanks for your 10 years of service! We salute you!

Men and women in uniform- those who serve and who have served- you are not taken for granted! We appreciate you with all of our hearts......

DAVE ROEVER SPEAKS AT HURLBURT AIR FORCE BASE

  Being in the room that day, on January 8, would have awe inspired anyone. All rank, achievements, social and economic barriers were insignificant when it came to the message. Of course, it made you feel proud to be in the room with people who had given you so much. As a civilian, you wanted to hug everyone. To cry to everyone in there how much they meant to you and what they had given to you. But, that honor was left to Dave Roever. He got the point across.

He thanked them for his grandchildren's sake. He reminded them that being wounded, like himself, makes you love this great country so much more. The room resounded with side splitting laughter and at times moved you to tears. The love that ran to and fro between this amazing man and the amazing people in the room was contagious.

Troops, we really do love and thank you. More than your minds can imagine. We are so much more because of you. Thanks for the gifts of freedom you have given us all. Weak and powerful, Rich or poor, big or small.

To learn more about Dave Roever and his life, read below and visit his website to donate or order products! Pay particuliar attention to the ranch he has founded for wounded veterans- Eagles Summit Ranch.

DAVE ROEVER- VIETNAM VET WITH A MESSAGE AND PURPOSE!

 

Disfigured in the vietnam war when a phosphorous grenade exploded in his hand, Dave Roever has made it his mission in the years since making others lives better. He travels all over the world meeting with active duty service men and women. Still unafraid to venture into the world's hotspots, he just wants to meet them and tell them how very appreciated they really are. Tirelessly going to the nations veterans hospitals, he brings love and hope.

When you meet Dave Roever, it doesn't take very long to forget about his disfigurement. His personality is one that is as large as his love of his fellow vets. And, that's saying a lot! His patriotism is worn like a huge, blinking neon sign. He is tender hearted and compassionate. You laugh until you feel like you've had the greatest ab work-out by a top personal trainer!

If you don't make it a point to go wherever his next speaking engagement is, or you don't book him yourself- you will kick yourself into eternity.

Speaking of eternity- that's what Dave Roever is all about. After his own ordeal left him with a fourteen month hospital stay and fifteen major surgeries, the recovery was not easy physically or emotionally as one can imagine. Raised as the son of a preacher, Dave had the one thing to fall back on that had never forsaken him. His faith and relationship with the Lord. Of course, Dave questioned why this had to happen to him. Who wouldn't? That's when Dave decided to spend his life reaching out to others.

He is in demand by just about every group you can think of. Churches, schools, military installations, and more. He travels worldwide delivering a message of whether you have scars on the inside or the outside as he does, God loves you and has a purpose for your life.

Vowing not to allow the veterans of today be treated like the veterans of vietnam, Dave established "Eagles Summit Ranch" in Westcliffe, Colorado. With his huge heart and ever the goal seeker, Dave has plans for four more of these amazing places across this great country. This place and the others planned help the wounded to put their lives back together. We understandably do not want to take away your pleasure of reading more about Dave Roever and his Eagles Summit Ranch, so visit - www.Daveroever.net to learn more about the man and the mission. If it is in your heart to do so, please consider a donation to this great vision to help the wounded know you care and that they are not forgotten! You may also purchase cd's and dvd's about Dave Roever's amazing life and journey.

WE SALUTE ROB!

FORMER NAVY OFFICER, ROB

Upon achieving a degree in Sports Medicine, Rob felt a real call of duty to his country. That lead to joining the Navy in 1988. Rob received his commission in Rhode Island, and began a rewarding journey.

" I admire countries who have their citizens serve for a period of time. It matures and develops you. It instilled Patriotism in me. Also, I felt like I just had to give back to a country that had provided me with a lifestyle unknown to other countries", Rob mentioned.

Serving as a Communications Officer took him to places like the Philippines. " I saw the people who lived there doing their laundry in streams and realized how much we take for granted in this great country", Rob said.

"One of my favorite memories is of the Australian people. We pulled into port in Perth. We received a reception that I will never forget. The Australians hadn't seen a Navy ship there in a while. We were greeted by their warmth, hospitality and fun-loving culture! I asked my Superior Officer if he would just forget me and leave me there when it was time for us to take off", laughs Rob. "Australia is definately my favorite place that I was fortunate enough to see. The country is breathtakingly gorgeous and the people are hospitable and warm", he said.

"If I had to say what it felt like serving my country and what the Navy did for me, I'd have to say, I had duty and discipline instilled in me. Spending 16-20 hour working days in combat zones, you learn to do whatever the situation requires. It isn't about who is who anymore. It's about team work. You adapt and you do what it takes to get the job done!", Rob tells us.

For love of country and such patriotism, we'd like to extend a salute to Rob and say "thanks for giving to this country"!

 

Steve, Florida

, 

His father and both grandfathers were his inspiration. His father's 25 year Navy career offered him such opportunities as being the executive officer on 2 or 3 ships, being in charge of 20-30 ships in the Philippines, and Captain of a ship.

Then, considering both his paternal and maternal grandfathers also served in the Navy and Marines, it's no wonder Steve followed in their footsteps. "The lifestyle gets in your blood and you just want to be a part of it all", Steve said.

So, Steve joined the US Navy in 1980. His job was in Electronics and computer repair. Until retirement in 2000, he enjoyed a life  of seeing the world. Memories and experiences he wouldn't trade for anything. "What the Navy did for me was to teach me how to get along with various types of personalities. In this world, you are going to have differences of opinion and conflict. The Navy experience taught me how to handle situations better", Steve tells us.

Steve remembers being on a ship tour for 3 months, at one point,  during the course of his career. "When you are on a self contained city, in the middle of the ocean  for long periods of time, you lose the everyday stresses that daily life has to offer. For me, anyway, it was a great time of tranquility and reflection".

During his career he has two memories that stand out the most. The first being one of his last duty stations. "It was in the Indian Ocean. Being an avid fisherman, it offered some of the most awesome fishing in the world. Second, I had the privilege of being stationed with my own father at the same time in the Phillipines. For us, this was a time of bonding. It was a time of shared interests and experiencing our love of the US Navy together", Steve confides.

Well said, Steve. Thank You for your service and for a captivating story! We salute you!

ROY IN NAVARRE, FLORIDA

A salute to Roy, in Navarre, Florida!!

BIO: When you first meet this man, your first impression of him is how polite, kind and respectfully you are treated. When you learn of his amazing career in the United States Air Force, it leaves you little wonder as to why.

"As a young boy growing up in Texas, I was always facinated by jets flying overhead. I guess that's where I developed my love of airplanes. At the tender age of 17, I traveled to Dyess Air force base, to visit a brother in law. From that time forward, I caught the "bug", Roy tells us.

He must have! He spent the next 22 years doing something that helped change his life for the better. "When I first got in, I began as a jet engine mechanic. I attended an air show in which some of the guys from combat control participated. After meeting them and asking questions, I knew this was what I had to get into", said Roy.

During Ronald Reagan's Presidency, Roy jumped into Panama to aid in securing that country. He also participated in Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

The day he retired, he tells us was like, "saying goodbye to a friend". But wait: that's not the end! During the five years Roy has been retired, he spent 1 1/2 years in the reserves. He currently works in range support for a military contracting company. Obviously, Roy's love of country and love of serving has not left him!

Roy, we just want to say, Thank You for your great service and dedication to a great country!

WE WANT TO HONOR ALL BRANCHES

 We want to honor all branches of the military, so if you know of a current service member or one who has served any time in the past, please email us at: Loveourmiliatry@ymail.com

Kristin, stationed in Ohio

"I was 25 years old and living in Charleston, S.C. I was working two jobs to try to make ends meet. I had nothing to show for it, except my car. So, everyday, I drive past this recruiters office and one day, I just decided to go in and talk to one of the recruiters, just to see what the Air Force had to offer. I took the ASVAB and passed it the first time! I then went to MEPS and then off to basic, after enlisting in July of 1994. I patiently waited until December of 1994 for a guaranteed job, which turned out to be dental assisting", Kristin tells us.

So began her now, nearly 14 year career with the United States Air Force. The Air Force has made me a more stronger and confident person. When she joined she had several goals in mind. One- getting an education. Two, the ability to see the world and travel. Both of which she has been able to accomplish. With a planned 6 years left to go before retirement, she still has new goals she intends to achieve.

"I love the fact that no matter who you are: man, woman, rich, poor that you can make something of yourself. You are in total control of your destiny and there is nobody to hold you back, but yourself. Also, everytime I go to a new base, I get to meet new and interesting people. As a result of this, I now have friends all over the world", adds Kristin.

Kristin has been stationed in North Dakota two times. Germany, Texas, and Ohio. While in Texas, she actually was a dental assistant instructor. She has managed to do this while raising a son, Mathew, and a daughter, Clair. But had it not been for the strong support of a loving and dedicated husband, Rob, this would have been more difficult. (She met husband Rob, while on her first assignment, stationed in North Dakota. Where Rob also was listed in the Air Force) This loving support from her husband aided her in getting through a 4 months assignment to Iraq. Her assignment in Iraq was as an Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Tech. She was able to travel with her Oral Surgeon, the same one she is assigned with in Ohio. They did facial trauma cases on anyone who had trauma to the face, head, or neck.

What Kristin has learned the most is, "I have learned how to depend on myself. That I am a strong person. I know that I am dedicated to my career, job, self, and family."

For being a strong woman, patriot and serving your country, Kristin, we salute you and Thank You........